careswell ChronicleS

Vol. 8 • No. 1 The Voice of the Historic Winslow House Association Winter 2003 UMass excavation dispels legend, unearths archaeological insight by Karin Goldstein egy. It is expensive and time-con- Curatorial Consultant suming to excavate an entire yard, In 2002, the Historic Winslow and there are many techniques of House Association was delighted surveying what is underground to receive a generous grant from without actually digging. One way the Sylvester Trust to search for an to see what is below the surface is underground tunnel thought to lead to measure the electrical conductiv- from the House. Many historic ity of the soil using an instrument homes on the South Shore har- known as the GEM-300. Different bor stories about tunnels built by types of soil, as well as rocks, water, colonists to escape possible Indian etc., conduct electricity differently. attack and by Tories for fleeing By reading the slight differences during the Revolution. Accounts of in conductivity, an archaeologist slaves escaping on the Underground can look for specific places to dig. Railroad and even smuggling by Starting with a non-destructive bootleggers during Prohibition remote sensing survey, test pits were via similar tunnels add to the sev- dug at ten-meter intervals across the eral different oral history accounts site. describing a tunnel in various loca- Surveying the entire property tions on the Winslow property. served two purposes: (1) to find pos- Two repairs to the Winslow House sible evidence of any tunnels leading cellar wall have long been thought away from the cellar, and (2) to find evidence of old entrances to such a other evidence of how the rest of the structure. property had been used over time. The Center for Cultural and The initial results of the remote Discovery of this old bulkhead was made in the same place a Environmental Studies of the (continued on page 4) tunnel entrance was thought to have been located. University of Massachusetts at was hired to conduct the dig. The UMass archaeologists, led by Katherine Howlett, designed a strategy to look for the tunnel as President offers final message well as survey the entire property. by Steven Aucella challenge, but we manage fun and historically infor- As the Historic Winslow House is President to put together a winning mative programs. on the National Register of Historic Another busy season at the program year after year. One thing we advocate Places, committed to preserving and Historic Winslow House The 2003 program prom- at the Winslow House is protecting America’s treasures, a ended in October. ises to be just as exciting that something new should permit to dig was required from the Not only did we host for us. be learned with every Massachusetts State Archaeologist. four coffee series lectures, Additionally, our chil- visit. In my case, I picked we also saw two “Evening dren’s workshops gained up my copy of Edward Digging the Site With...” conversations. in popularity, with more Winslow’s “The Good The archaeological team approached Finding diverse and inter- children and young parents News from ,” the excavation with a two-part strat- esting speakers is always a participating in a range of (continued on page 2) Page 2 Careswell Chronicles Winter 2003 Winter 2003 Careswell Chronicles Page 3

A president’s final message (continued from page 1) not operate in the manner befitting careswell and discovered a host of interest- a mansion of our historical stature ing tidbits that helped me gain a without it. If you can’t give us your ChronicleS unique perspective on what it meant time, please consider a gift for this The Historic Winslow House Association to live and survive in a sometimes critical fund. P.O. Box 531 hostile alien environment. Highly This is my last message to you as Marshfield, MA 02050-0531 recommended, it is available from president of the Historic Winslow ❦ Applewood Books in Bedford, House Association. Holding this Massachusetts. position for two years has been Board of Governors Elsewhere in this issue, you will a privilege, and I relinquish it President ...... Steven Aucella find a call for volunteers. Pitch in to reluctantly. Cynthia Krusell takes help keep our House operating! You my place as of January 1, 2003. 1st Vice President . . . . . Cynthia Hagar Krusell can also help sponsor a particular Cynthia, whom most of you know (781) 834-7329 event or program. There are plenty well, is more than qualified to steer [email protected] of ways to help us prosper and grow. the House past the shoals of modern By now, you have received my times, so to speak. Please welcome 2nd Vice President . . . . Arthur Beane letter asking for help building and assist her. our endowment. This is criti- Secretary ...... Joan Scolponeti cally important to our future at the Treasurer ...... Richard Hoehn Historic Winslow House. We can- Directors ...... Betty Magoun Bates Mary Elizabeth Beane Eileen Biagini A biographical sketch: Jeanne Horan Peter Krusell Winslow father and son Richard Martinez by Cynthia Krusell Council 1703–1724 and 1226–1736, Audrey McKeever 1st Vice President was a Plymouth County Court of David A. Mittell Jonathan Ralton Did you know that Isaac Winslow, Common Pleas Judge 1712–1729, William Riegel builder of the Historic Winslow and became Chief Justice in 1729, House, was born in 1671 in serving until his death. President Emeritus . . . . Richard Martinez Marshfield and died here in 1738? Isaac married Sarah Wensley in ❦ He served in the Massachusetts 1700 and had seven children. He House of Representatives 1701– was an important officeholder as Resident Director 1702, was on the Massachusetts well as a farmer, “in every way a gentleman, easy of access, facetious, Regina Porter generous, of good natural powers, 644 Careswell Street and universally beloved ... tall and Marshfield, MA 02050-5623 gross.” (781) 837-5753 His son, General John Winslow, ❦ was born in 1703 in Marshfield, liv- Careswell Chronicles is published semi-annually. ing until 1774, just prior to the start © 2002 The Winslow House Association of the American Revolutionary War. John also served in the state’s House Editor ...... Jonathan Ralton of Representatives almost continu- (617) 782-4143 ously between 1739 and 1765, was [email protected] elected a Marshfield selectman in 1739 and held the position again Contributors ...... Steven Aucella 1752–1754, frequently acting as tow Phyllis Burns Karin Goldstein moderator as well through 1770. A Cynthia Krusell career in the military earned him the Regina Porter rank of colonel in 1753 and briga- Joan Scolponeti Isaac Winslow dier general in 1756. Robert Feke, approx. 1748 Oil on canvas Continuing to follow in his http://www.winslowhouse.org Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (continued on page 7) Page 2 Careswell Chronicles Winter 2003 Winter 2003 Careswell Chronicles Page 3 Remembering the “Toy Maker” by Jonathan Ralton Marshfield with their four few toys were available, so he toy. The “Toy Table” was a Editor children: Warren, Barbara, made them himself. When popular fixture at the Daniel We regretfully report that Betsey, and Tally, building a he retired, it was only natural Webster Farm Day for many Aaron Loomis, a longtime home overlooking the South that Aaron turned to his love years. Natalie, a Marshfield volunteer at the House, River. Both of their families of woodworking. He started Public Schools first grade passed away this summer. had summered in Marshfield ANAHLCO, a toy business, teacher, would often have Aaron was born in Boston during the 1930s and 40s, and and became known as “The Aaron visit her class and make in 1913, and after moving to this is how they met. Toy Maker of Marshfield.” toys with the children. Needham at an early age, Aaron had been working as He sold his toys in about 50 Aaron was a very active graduated from Needham an engineer at Simplex Wire stores across New England. member of his community. High School in 1931. A and Cable Company since His greatest joy, besides He was one of the found- year later, he graduated he graduated, and would keeping his own and his ing members of the North Roxbury Latin School and continue to work there for neighbors’ families supplied and South River Watershed went on to graduate from almost 40 years. However, with wonderful toys, was Association, and a frequent the Massachusetts Institute of his work at home is what donating them to libraries, volunteer at the Winslow Technology in 1934. brought him local fame. All hospitals, schools, and groups House. We thank him for his House volunteer Natalie his life, Aaron loved working such as the Winslow House enduring support and extend Loomis was Natalie High with wood and always kept a Association and the Audubon our condolences to his family when she and Aaron mar- workshop in his basement. Society. Aaron always loved and friends. ried in 1938. In 1969, she His children were born dur- to have children come to Natalie Loomis contributed to and her husband moved to ing World War II when very his workshop and make a this article.

Another piece of the past The Historic Winslow House is one of many well-preserved historic residences open to the public on the South Shore. Our association frequently joins with other organizations that care for these homes in devel- oping programs and sharing knowledge. In addition to a tour of Marshfield’s famous 1699 Careswell mansion, this combi- nation ticket shown here from the mid-1900s also admits the bearer to two other homes of well-known colonial families, the 1653 John Alden House in Duxbury and the 1674 John Bradford House in Kingston. Although admission prices have increased above the face value of this old ticket, the Historic Winslow House still often partners with our friends in Duxbury for joint tours and educational events. Keep an eye on future Calendar of Events for these special offerings! Page 4 Careswell Chronicles Winter 2003 Winter 2003 Careswell Chronicles Page 5 First search for tunnel fails, but yields (continued from page 1) the root zone through sensing survey were the dark soil, down to not conclusive, how- the sterile glacial sandy ever. While the soil, at least 20 inches electric line on the deep. All of the soil Careswell Street side was sifted through a of the House showed quarter-inch screen to up as a dark trench, no find even the smallest other obvious trenches artifacts (this was not or tunnels appeared. as easy as it sounds, The final report will considering all the suggest places to dig in rain we had during the the future. month of September.) In the meantime, Resident Director Kat, myself, archae- Regina Porter helped ology students, and dig. Her first find was Historic Winslow an early plastic Dairy House volunteers Queen spoon! Other (including Susan finds included window Archaeologist Kat Howlett finishes examining a test pit dug in the cellar under the Hall. A repaired Ramsdell, Noreen glass and nails from the section of foundation previously believed to have been a tunnel entrance is visible behind her. Wenger, and Cathy building itself, as well Whalen, among oth- as ceramics from the ers) started digging early 1700s through test pits across the the mid-1800s, animal site. We dug through bones, clam shells, and

Volunteer Cathy Whalen starts to dig a trench Kat Howlett (front) digs a test pit while student outside the cellar. Shannon Ryan carefully sifts through dirt. even buttons and shoe repair line on the east fall resolved into two buckles. It was exciting side of the cellar sug- parallel walls. What to uncover a piece of gested an old entrance, was it? The entrance plate that might have possibly to a tunnel. of a tunnel, or some- been used by General When the volunteers thing else? John Winslow himself! excavated the 20-inch By the end of the by six-foot trench, dig, it became apparent Looking for the Tunnel they found a rock fall that the east entrance Between test pits, Kat from the foundation. was probably not a tun- set up trenches outside Expanding the trench nel. The two parallel of the two areas of the further a couple of feet, stone footings stopped

A late 19th century glass bottle was found while digging outside cellar that had been however, proved more about two meters the cellar. Many artifacts were recovered and will be catalogued. patched. The even interesting. The rock from the foundation. Page 4 Careswell Chronicles Winter 2003 Winter 2003 Careswell Chronicles Page 5 valuable evidence hidden from view

Shannon Ryan screens excavated soil in search of tiny artifacts. Much of the dirt was extremely damp due to frequent rain during the month of September and made this task more difficult than usual.

The three tunnel theories—tradition or truth? There are three theories as to the location of a tunnel at the Isaac Winslow House. One story claims that it ran from the rear north corner of the house to the swamp area just behind where the Ford house is now located, an area that would have been tidal at the time the

Kat Howlett uses a soil core auger in front of the House. Winslow family lived in the House. Another theory claims a tunnel ran from the front of the House easterly toward the foot of Gotham’s The footings were 50 the tunnel, the final Hill where another Winslow family residence once stood. The final inches apart—the same report on the remote theory describes a tunnel running from the House to the edge of the distance as the existing sensing may sug- Duxbury marsh near the site of the original house. bulkhead walls on the gest places to dig in This site has been excavated twice. opposite side of the the future. The dig, House. We theorize however, did uncover that the patch on the all sorts of other his- east wall of the cellar torical evidence. The was once the opening tiny fragments that are to an old bulkhead. now being washed and Finds from the trench processed by experts dug outside the wall at Plimoth Plantation suggest that it was represent nearly 200 filled in during the years of occupation by second half of the 19th the Winslow family century—about the and their successors. same time a Victorian A small exhibi- porch was added to the tion of finds from the House’s facade. The excavation could be old bulkhead was pos- seen on display at the sibly removed to make Marshfield Town Hall room for this porch. through November 2002. Look for more Future Plans on the artifacts from While the 2002 exca- the dig in future issues Professor Steve Sillman surveys the site’s electrical conductivity with the GEM-300. vation did not find of this newsletter. Page 6 Careswell Chronicles Winter 2003 Winter 2003 Careswell Chronicles Page 7 The flowering touch by Phyllis Burns reflect days gone by Burns. Special thanks to Volunteer and add to a visitor’s Pat Kelso for her gen- Flowers have always overall experience of erosity in sharing her played a silent but the House. skills and plant materi- important part of the The Association als for the Candlelight Historic Winslow would like thank the fol- Tour and the Turkey House interpretation. lowing people who have Dinner, and to the Plants and people go shared their time, plant Seaside Gardeners who together. The Pilgrims materials, expertise, continue to care for the could not have survived and creativity to bring herb garden and sup- without their plants for the House alive with port the flower arrang- healing, cooking, and fabulous flower arrange- ing activities during the household uses. ments: Ann McAleer, tour season. Half of Even though our Nancy Karpovich, our flower arrangers are 21st century lives don’t Regina Porter, Nancy active members of the necessitate the grow- Patterson, Beverly Seaside Gardeners! ing of herbs, an appre- Rinehart, Barbara If you have plant ciation of the qual- Moriarty, Paula Buckley, materials from your gar- ity of life that flowers Anne Zulak, Karen den you’d like to share and plants gave our Baker, Pat Kelso, Beryl during the summer forebears is reflected Jackson, Polly Washa, months, or wish to get in the flowers that a Lynda Leonard, involved and share your visitor to the House Nancy Pappas, Ginny talents, please contact sees today. The use of Glickman, Carol Phyllis Burns at (781) wildflowers, herbs, and Kuburis, and Phyllis 834-6259. Volunteer Lynda Leonard poses next to one of her arrangements in garden flowers in small the Tea Room. or mass arrangements

Gifts to the Winslow House by Joan Scolponeti and Bert have been long-time sup- Secretary porters and volunteers at the House. The Historic Winslow House Many will recall that for over thirty Association has been the fortunate years, Shirley was the overseer of the recipient of gifts given in memory kitchen as the food for the turkey of friends who maintained strong dinners was prepared and served by relationships with the House: an army of volunteers, all under her able direction. Edith Hagar The gifts in memory of Bill and Aaron Loomis Beverley Thomas, late resident Helen Peterson directors of the House, were ear- Gerald Shepherd marked for assisting in the estab- Charles “Chuck” Taylor lishment of the Thomas Memorial Bill and Beverley Thomas Farm Museum, their much talked Eva and John Winslow about dream. The museum is cur- Marguerite Winslow rently being planned by the Board of Governors and will become a An additional gift came from permanent addition to the House Shirley and Bert O’Donnell who tour when complete, thanks to these celebrated their 50th wedding funds. anniversary at the House this year. To date, these gifts have totaled They asked their friends to make $5,725.00 and have been gratefully Volunteer Ginny Glickman completes a fall flower arrangement for display in the House. Most of the flowers and plant materials a donation to the House in lieu of received by the Association for the used in House arrangements originate from our volunteers’ own giving them personal gifts. Shirley continuing upkeep of the House. home gardens. Page 6 Careswell Chronicles Winter 2003 Winter 2003 Careswell Chronicles Page 7 A call to service A biographical by Steven Aucella iron whatsis. Most importantly, sketch President you will tap into the history of Looking for an outlet for your Marshfield and Plymouth Colony, historical curiosity? Do you want and America. to do some great community ser- We also need volunteers to work vice? The Historic Winslow House in the gift shop, to help organize our Association needs YOU! Docents lecture series and workshops, and to (tour guides) and volunteers help assist with the maintenance of one make the House hum along in sea- of the most important mansions in son, and we need plenty. southeastern Massachusetts. We will train you in the ways of For more information, please the 18th century. You will learn call our Resident Director Regina how the kitchen staff used that cast Porter at (781) 837-5753. Isaac Winslow and His Family Joseph Blackburn, 1755, Oil on canvas Museum of Fine Arts, Boston (continued from page 2) From the Hearth father’s footsteps, John became Plymouth County Court of Common Pleas Chief Justice in 1762 by Regina Porter course dishes follow... and held office until his death. Three of his 11 Resident Director years as a representative, he ranked among the The kitchens in the 18th century Buttered Parsnips most active members of the legislature. During were a bevy of activity. The fire “Scrape or peel the parsnips, and any given year, he held an average of 18 commit- would be started early in the morn- boil them in hot water till they are tee seats. Records at the Massachusetts Historical ing by carefully removing the top quite tender, then drain off all of Society reveal that Paul Revere served in the layer of fire ash and uncovering the water, add a bit of butter, some House of Representatives at the time General hot embers buried from the night chopped parsley, pepper, salt, shake Winslow did. They were personal friends and before, then with small bits of tender them together on the fire until all is went together to northern Maine to assist in wood get a small flame going, add- well mixed.” establishing the Canadian border. He married ing larger pieces of wood until it was Mary Little in 1725 and they had three children a good blaze. The trammels which Source: A Plain Cookery Book for the together. A second marriage to Behiah (Barker) hang in the hearth would hold pots Working Class, Johnson was made about 1773. for boiling water and facilitate the Charles Elmé Francatelli Here were men who not only ran their sort of cooking one might do today farms and defended their homefronts, but on top of the stove. Rice Blancmange also held civic positions on town, county, The hot bed of coals would take “Simmer a tea-cupful of whole rice and state levels. John was also a soldier and hours to build up so that one might in the least water possible, till it almost achieved high ranks. And we believe we are grill or roast fish, flesh, or fowl. The bursts, then add half pint of good milk too stressed and too busy in today’s world! main meal of the day—dinner— or thin cream, and boil it till it is quite would be served about two o’clock a mash, stirring it the whole time it is Source: Legislators of the Massachusetts General in the afternoon. An autumn menu on the fire, that it may not burn. Dip Court 1691–1780, A Biographical Dictionary, might include: a mould tin in cold water, and pour John A. Schutz the hot rice in and let it stand till cold, First Course when it comes easily out.” • Roasted duck with an egg sauce tion assists very much in rendering the meat more • Apple pudding Source: Early American Cookery: The palatable and tender, as it is by this frequent turn- • Furmenty (wheat boiled with sugar Good Housekeeper, 1841, ing over of the meat while broiling, that the juices and spices with fresh cream) Sarah Josepha Hale are not allowed to run off in waste, but are reab- sorbed by the meat. When the steaks are cooked, Second Course Grilled Beefsteaks rub them with a bit of butter, season with pepper • Buttered parsnips “When you happen to have a and salt. A little chopped shallot, sprinkled over • Rice Blancmange clear fire, the steaks may be cooked the steaks, imparts an extra relish.” • Grilled beefsteaks on a gridiron over the fire; the steaks must be turned on the gridiron every Source: A Plain Cookery Book for the Working Class, Recipes for each of the second two or three minutes. This precau- Charles Elmé Francatelli Page 8 Careswell Chronicles Winter 2003 General Information

The Winslow House Association Gift Shop P.O. Box 531, Marshfield, MA 02050-0531 Visit our gift shop to find books, colonial childrens toys, notepaper, mugs, pins, and other items related to the House, Daniel Webster, and [email protected] the Town of Marshfield. http://www.winslowhouse.org

Regina Porter Resident Director, Isaac Winslow House 644 Careswell Street, Marshfield, MA 02050-5623 (781) 837-5753

Guided Tours June 16–October 27, 2002 Wednesday–Sunday 11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m. Free (Members); $5/adult, $3/senior, $1/child (Non-Members) Guided tours last approximately one hour. Inquire with the Resident Director to arrange special appointments, group tours, and group rates.

Rentals During the season, the Winslow House’s Barn Room, Tea Room, and Directions grounds are available for weddings, receptions, rehearsal dinners, par- From Route 3 North or South, take Exit 11 onto Route 14 East. After ties, showers, and business meetings. Our extensive kitchen facilities, the Police Station, bear left at the fork onto Route 139 East. Continue historic setting, and ample parking make the House an ideal location for through the intersection of Route 3A. The House is 1.4 miles on the

your function. Please direct inquiries to the Resident Director. left at the intersection of Webster and Careswell Streets.

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P.O. Box 531 Box P.O. The Historic Winslow House Association House Winslow Historic The