Peter Billard photo

A good crowd of people from Hebron and beyond were treated to beautiful weather, as well as the opportunity to learn about Hebron's Heritage, on Saturday, September 20, 2014. Many folks took the self-directed tour and visited all five locations.

At each site, visitors were met by costumed docents who presented the history of the property and answered questions. After seeing all sites, which included Old Town Hall (1838), Burrows Hill School (mid-1700's), Old Town Pound (1821), Gull School (1815), and the World War II Civilian Aircraft Observation Post (1942), visitors were sure to feel the strength of Hebron's Past
Displayed at each site were collages created by The Historical Society's friend, photographer Peter Billard. These collages represented the history of each property in picture and word. They added a special touch to each site.

A map leading visitors to the Society's sites was drawn by Freddy Brehant, who has been the driving force behind "Colonial Day" for five years. The success of Country Carpenter's "Colonial Day" is what led The Historical Society to bring visitors to Hebron's own sites on the same day.

Found at Hebron's newest "historic property", the Civilian Aircraft Observation Post, were enthusiastic Scouts from BS Troop #28. Many Scouts (and their families) have worked on the restoration of the Observation Post so it was most appropriate that they were the guides there. Scouts and parents guiding people through the Post were: John Lukowski, Luke Slater, Eric Slater, Alex Lemay, Nathan Wheeler, Jerry Lukowski and Paul Kuper. As a much appreciated bonus, several of the leaders removed the Spotting Post's door, ran home for tools, returned, and fixed it all within the hours of the open house. It now opens and closes easily, thanks to Jeff Lemay, Winston Averill and Scoutmaster Scott Boutin.

Keeping close track of their "stray" donkeys and pony at The Old Town Pound were Jennifer and Regina Molnar. Nick Aubin and Bob Gonci made sure no animals got out.

Those who got to Burrows Hill School, Hebron's oldest one-room school and possibly the town's oldest building, found a most knowledgeable and enthusiastic Grace MacLachlan assisting schoolmarm Jean Cyr. Craig Cyr, who had been in charge of moving the schoolhouse, was also answering questions.

At Old Town Hall visitors had the opportunity to view our new exhibits which include the recently donated Rathbun Tool Collection and John Graves workbench (with display constructed by Ron Churney), some historic wedding dresses and other textiles, and a "General Store and Post Office". Although guests couldn't buy stamps or mail letters at the P.O., they could purchase "penny candy" for a nickel to a quarter, and could buy maple syrup, soap, roasted peanuts, cookies and winter squash. The storekeepers were Louise and Peter Casarella, and Mary-Ellen Gonci and Helen Reardon guided visitors through the exhibits.

The Gull School had several schoolmarms. Carolyn Aubin, who oversaw the Historic Hebron Day's organization, was at the Gull with Sue Heise and Karen Bogue. They took turns teaching reading, ciphering, and penmanship as well as practicing with their quill pens.

If you missed this first Historic Hebron celebration, be sure to plan on attending it next year. It's sure to be even bigger and better.

Civilian Aircraft Observation Post

Old Town Hall

Old Town Pound

Gull Schoolhouse

Burrows Hill School

Historic Hebron Day