Program: Found at the Conway Dump

David Vining’s account book for the years 1838-1843

We’re back, Thursday, August 12, with an engaging program by Sarah Hollister, "Found at the Conway Dump,” based on an early account book kept by David Vining at the Griswold Manufacturing Co. from 1838-1843. The book has names of many workers and contractors at the mill, including Shippee, McCloud, Temple and Denison. It’s a fascinating slice of Colrain history rescued from the dump.

The evening wlll begin with a potluck picnic supper behind the Pitt House on Main Road, Colrain, at 6 p.m., followed at 7 by a CHS meeting, which will include a progress report on work completed on the Pitt House property and work yet to be done. Sarah’s program will begin at 7:30. 

For the potluck, bring a salad, main course, or dessert to share, plus your place setting. Beverage will be provided, or bring your own. 

Griswold Manufacturing

“Upper Mill” in Lyonsville

Historical Notes 2021

The Spring 2021 edition of Historical Notes, the newsletter of the Colrain Historical Society, was mailed to members in late April. Click here for a PDF version. Click on the photos of the pages below to view a larger image.

November 2020 Update and Membership Drive

Click on the photos below to enlarge and read. 

 

Heath Road Covered Bridges

Colrain once had more than nine covered bridges, including these two off Adamsville Road at the beginning of the Heath Road. This 1921 photo is from the collection of the Colrain Historical Society. Both bridges were destroyed in the flood of March 18, 1936.

Calvin P. Call (1910-2007), in notes about Colrain’s covered bridges wrote “Near the Frank Herzig Barrel Shop were 2 bridges. The largest bridge was on the main part of the river. The smaller and shorter covered bridge was over the canal that ran a waterwheel for power for the mill.” Calvin’s notes are in the collection of his great-niece Carol Purington.

This 1871 F. W. Beers & Co. map has the location of the two bridges circled in red.

The recently  reopened Arthur A. Smith bridge in Lyonsville is a replica of the last of the town’s historic bridges, retaining its original rare Burr trusses.