Hearthside - The House That Love Built

Fall Heritage Festival Set for Sunday, October 2nd

Lovers of history are in for a real treat on Sunday, October 2nd when Friends of Hearthside sponsors its annual Fall Festival of Heritage Crafts at Hearthside. The event features traditional crafts and trades of long ago, with the goal of educating and preserving some of these lost arts.  Among the several artisans who will demonstrate and display their early American crafts throughout the historic mansion and grounds are: spinning, embroidery, basketry, stained glass, tin punching, rug hooking, chair caning, stenciling, quilting, crocheting, and weaving on an antique loom. A historic preservationist will display various artifacts and discuss how the dating of historic structures is done through paint analysis, examination of nails and other materials used in the construction. The traditions of American Indians will be presented by Joyce Eagle Cries, Speaker of the Circle of Wisdom, including their crafts, use of herbs, and a drumming demonstration. At the neighboring Hannaway Blacksmith Shop, a blacksmith will fire up the forge for an up-close look at hand forging metal, which was used to make everything from tools to household items.

Nothing completes a fall day in the country than hot apple crisp and cider. These tasty treats and other fresh baked goods await visitors to Hearthside. The Hearthside Gift Shop will be open as well, with all proceeds from sales and admissions to the event going to support the ongoing work to restore and preserve this historic landmark. The Festival runs from 12 noon till 4:00 p.m.

Admission for the event is $3.00 for adults and $1.00 for children ages 6-12; under 6 are free.

Also opening for visitors that day will be the oldest house in Lincoln, the Eleazer Arnold House (1693), considered to be the best example of a stone-ender house in the state. Its most distinctive feature is the great stone chimney which makes up one whole end of the house. The house is located at 487 Great Road, at the entrance to Gateway Park, and is owned by Historic New England.

Another featured site is the Friends Meeting House at 374 Great Road, which is one of the earliest Quaker meeting houses in the Blackstone Valley. The adjoining cemetery contains the graves of many of the meeting houses’ former members, including Stephen Hopkins Smith, the builder of Hearthside.

For a step back to life in the 18 th century, visitors are invited to tour the Valentine Whitman House, a classic stone-ender dating to 1694 at 1147 Great Road at the corner of Whalen Drive. The Whitman’s were some of the first settlers in northern Rhode Island. This fully furnished house was the site of the first town meeting in Smithfield.

“This is a wonderful opportunity for a family outing,” states Kathy Hartley, President of Friends of Hearthside. “Not only will it be an educational experience, but also a celebration of our rich heritage and appreciation for the fine craftsmanship and trades of years gone by.” It is also another opportunity to enjoy the treasured historic resources and scenery along Great Road on a beautiful fall day.”

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