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The Life From The Roots blog topics have changed several times since I began this blog in 2009. I initially wrote only about the family history I had been working on for 20 years. Years later, I was into visiting gardens, historical homes, churches, libraries that had genealogical collections, historical societies, war memorials, and travel/tourism places. I also enjoy posting autographs and photos of famous people I've met or have seen.

Along with my New England roots, other areas include New York, New Jersey, Michigan, Illinois, Wisconsin, and the Eastern Townships of Quebec, Canada.

Please check out the labels on the right side for topics (please note, they need work). Below the labels and pageviews is a listing of my top nine posts, according to Google. Four of them pertain to Lowell, MA. These posts change often because they are based on what people are reading.

Monday, April 1, 2024

Stevens Memorial Library, Ashburnham, Massachusetts (See Resources for Genealogists)

 20 Memorial Drive, Ashburnham, MA 01430
Phone: 978-827-4115

I was glad I made the decision to visit the Ashburnham Library on March 30, 2024, a nice sunny, windy cold day. It took about an hour from home and I had to pass through Fitchburg, a major city I've never been in. Ashburnham is a small town with a population of about 6,000 and I found it to be extremely hilly with a lot of woods. Because I was so excited to see the converted school, now the library, I missed taking some pictures. That means a return trip. (I'd like a full photo of the library, but it was 11:49 and the sun was blinding me, so I hope it will be less sunny next time.)

The front doors I entered into, and faced the front counter and office area.

These steps take you to the 2nd floor as well as the elevator.

The librarian, Holden, took me upstairs to the closed The Preservation Room. This is where their books dealing with History and Geneanology are kept under lock and key. He mentioned that they were working on putting materian online. If you have ancestors from Ashburnham, you must see their collection here.

The cabinets and map draws are on both sides of the room. The clock is a Silas Hoadley Clock, circa 1800-1810. I never looked at the holding above because I went to the unit shown below.


This cabinet was open because somebody was doing research. With permission, I took pictures and am very glad to see what they have. Binders inclluded:
Businesses
Cemeteries
Churches
Fire Department
Funeral Records
House Places
Local History
History
Houses and Places

Below are five photos of the first floor. I love the original woodwork and wooden blinds.





The children's area is on the lowest floor. I took this shot to show the hooks for children to hang their belongings. I've never seen this at a library.
The back of the library has a large playground and the name of the school, Dolly Whitney Adams School. This rather confused me, until I drove around to the front and saw the library name.

From Wikipedia, "
  • Bette Davis, a legendary actress of film, television, and theater. She lived in Ashburnham while attending Cushing Academy, graduating in 1927." I'm sharing this because, Bette was born in Lowell, MA, the city I live in.

Ashburnham is bordered by Rindge, New Hampshire, and New Ipswich, New Hampshire to the north.


























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