Life From The Roots

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.

Thursday, May 29, 2014

Harvard Public Library, Harvard, Massachusetts (History / Genealogy Room)

Although I have often been through the small town of Harvard, Massachusetts, I had never seen the Library. We found it recently, and I'm so glad to say, it has one of the best genealogy and local history sections I've seen. The Harvard Public Library isn't old but looks it because it is attached to an old school (I believe) as you can see from the two following photos.

I introduced myself to the librarian, and she was happy to show us the locked room where the local history and genealogy books were held. There were great resources, and I only wished I had more than 32 people in my tree with Harvard roots, so I could make use of this room.

While looking at the holdings, my husband brought me a book, see below. I was thrilled, since I wrote a post about Brook Farm in Roxbury, Massachusetts last year. The interesting thing is, I'd never seen this book, and the library at NEHGS doesn't have a copy.

When I asked the librarian where the original library was, she pointed to the photo above. Yes, it was still standing, and after we got directions, off we went to find it, in the center of town. It is now used for an art center, I believe.

Sargent Memorial Library, Boxboro, Massachusetts (Genealogy Section)

Although Boxboro, Massachusetts is an old town (settled in 1680, incorporated in 1835*), the library, Sargent Memorial Library was brand new. I'm thinking they replaced the old building, and I wished I had asked where it was.

I spoke with a librarian, who wasn't sure about letting me see the Local History Room, but I told her about her blog, and she was the first person not wanting me to take photos. Finally, she agreed I could from the door, lights weren't turned on, so the photos (3 below) aren't the best.

Local History room from the main reading room.

One thing about this library on a hill, there is a lot of land on all four sides, including a garden.

* Prior to incorporation in 1835, the area that is now Boxborough was part of Stow, Harvard, and Littleton.

The Stevens Coolidge Estate and Gardens Revisited for 2014

Within the past few days, I've noticed a lot of people are finding my past post on the historic Stevens-Coolidge Place in No. Andover, Massachusetts. See that post HERE. I believe the word has finally gotten out about this beautiful estate (house is not open for touring) and fabulous grounds with the most cared for plants.

The house and gardens are 35 minutes from me, and I frequently go by it, on my way to other places or make it a special trip. For those trying to find more information, I suggest you see their website. Please enjoy the flowers, and photos taken last weekend. I'll be going again very soon to see the iris, peony, and orange poppy plants bursting with color. Later in the season, their very popular cutting garden will be open, and I'll make my own bouquets there.

NOTE: The entire garden layout has changed, Because of COVID, I now need to make a reservation. So, I have two late May reservations and look forward to what they have done. Because I love orange poppies, I hope to see a field of them. I don't know about the house, but since this was originally posted, the house has been opened for tours, I've been inside several times and posted about it with photos.

Below are photos taken on May 30, 2014.

The first and only one, taken almost a week before the others.

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Memorial Hall Library, Andover, Massachusetts -- History and Genealogy Room

I was very anxious to get back to this library, the Memorial Hall Library in Andover, since it's been about 15 years, and I was curious about their genealogy collection now. The library has a large addition but managed to keep very little of the original library structure, which I was sad to see.

The main reference desk, with the original clock.

This is the genealogy room for the public. (Above and two photos below.)

I learned that the special collection is now in a closed-off area, but because I was able to explain to the Librarian what I was doing, he was very happy to show me the room and explain what they had.

Jay Leno is from Andover, Massachusetts. If I remember correctly, this is a signed the book.

A little bit of old.

Parking meters are in the rear of the thebuilding, and even with the lot, finding a space could be difficult. The Library is on a main street at a major intersection.

From the Library site is the Abbott Genealogies collection.
"Andover genealogist Charlotte Helen Abbott wrote these unpublished genealogies. Earlier versions of some genealogies were published in the Andover Townsman, the local newspaper. They generally cover older Andover families through the late 19th century. Miss Abbott's genealogies are subjective and rich with anecdotes, but list few sources. Kay O’Neil, with the cooperation of the Andover Historical Society, worked to digitize the typescript manuscript. Originals are also held at Memorial Hall Library."

UPDATE: 1/24/18 I found a few webpages for this library with plenty of information about Andover. Check them out!

Historical Newspaper Collection

Digital Collections and Links