By Madison Butkus
Hometown Weekly Reporter
This past weekend, the town of Medfield celebrated a history weekend in which locals were able to discover and experience Medfield heritage. This event was sponsored by Needham Bank and held at an array of historical sites located around town including Medfield Historical Society Museum (MHSM), Kingsbury Grist Mill, Dwight-Derby House, Lowell Mason House, and more.
A kickoff event for this fun-filled weekend was held at the Zullo Gallery on the night of Friday, April 26th. All were welcomed in to learn about Zullo history, view the 29th annual Zullo Student-Faculty Exhibit, get a sneak preview of a special Medfield TV production about the Red Gate Farm gristmill, and learn about the upcoming augmented reality exhibit, “Evolution of a Small Town."
On Saturday, April 27th, there were eight different sites/activities for locals to explore and enjoy. These included open-houses/guided tours at the Dwight-Derby House (which also included spinning and weaving demonstrations and special tours of the second-floor), the Kingsbury Grist Mill, the MHSM, the Peak House Heritage Center, Vine Lake Cemetery Walking Tours with Richard DeSorgher, Town Clock & Steeple Tours, the Hannah Adams Exhibit, and a Children’s Scavenger Hunt at the Medfield Public Library (MPL).
On Sunday, April 28th, Medfield residents could partake in open-houses/guided tours at the Dwight-Derby House, the Kingsbury Grist Mill, the Lowell Mason House, the MHSM, the Peak House Heritage Center, Medfield State Hospital Walking Tour, Narrated Old Town Trolley Tours, and a continuation of the Children’s Scavenger Hunt at the MPL.
Each site offered a unique and personal insight into the rich history of the town of Medfield. At the MHSM, the exhibit showcased a collection of works about John Austin Sands Monks (J.A.S. Monks). President of the Medfield Historical Society, PeggySue Werthessen, explained the different pieces that were highlighted in this showcase, along with answered any questions attendees might have. She further discussed how back in 1886, Monks did a series of engravings for William S. Tilden's “History of Medfield” and, in 1897, designed/created the town seal for Medfield. His artwork was displayed around the room and featured his deep love for sheep.
At the MPL, the Head of Children’s Services Librarian Andrea McCoy was in charge of the Children’s Scavenger Hunt. She had printed out pictures of different historical sites located around Medfield and placed them around the library. Upon starting the hunt, little one’s would grab a sheet of paper that named each site they needed to find, and even a hint about where they could find each picture. Once they had finished the hunt, the kiddo’s names were placed on the “Winner’s Wall” and they each received a prize. McCoy stated how much she loved doing these types of scavenger hunts for the children and was happy to incorporate Medfield’s history into this specific one. It was important for her to also include the town’s indigenous history, so she had little one’s find the high-bush blueberries.
At the Lowell Mason House, Tom Scotti and his wife Karen Scotti were leading tours through this birthplace of Mason. Known as the “father of music education,” as well as a composer and music director, Mason was born back in 1972 in this same house in Medfield. This home was saved from demolition in 2011 and moved to its current location on Green Street. Scotti explained that their goal is to transform the home into a cultural hub for music education, advocacy, performance, and foster appreciation of Mason’s contributions to music and history. As an added special attraction, Medfield High School Chamber Strings member, Abby O’Neil, played her violin for a performance on Sunday.
At the Kingsbury Grist Mill, Jerry Potts and Dick Judge, Kingsbury Pond Gristmill Committee members, were giving tours around the mill. They highlighted the 300-year-old, water-driven mill that was once used to ground corn and wheat to help sustain Medfield residents. They additionally showcased an indoor waterfall, old turbine and crusher, and a variety of assorted tools. For many residents, it is most likely that they drive by this spot all the time without knowing the history about it or enjoying all it has to offer. Judge excitedly expressed that he hopes this changes and residents take the time to come and check out this breath-taking spot. “I would say that about 95% of people who have grown up in Medfield,” Judge stated, “have never been in here. And probably about 85% of Medfield have never stopped by. Of the percentages who stop in and see this, they all can’t believe they haven’t stopped by before, just saying how amazing it is here. We like to refer to it as a little slice of paradise.”
Medfield History Weekend was a major success for all those participating in and attending each event. Medfielders were able to learn some rich and meaningful history about their beloved town, and the town was able to showcase the preservation that has occurred of its history over the years.
