In 2010, the four Brookfields, New Braintree and Warren, all part of the original plantation, “Quaboag,” will celebrate the 350th anniversary of its settlement.

Member Towns of the Quaboag Plantation

Quaboag Plantation
Settled 1660
BrookfieldIncorporated in 1673
Warren (Originally the town of Western)
Incorporated in 1741
New Braintree
Incorporated in 1751
North Brookfield
Incorporated in 1812
West Brookfield
Incorporated in 1848
East Brookfield
Incorporated in 1920

News

May 8th, 2008

Added new content for New Braintree here.

Added new content for West Brookfield here.

February 24th, 2008

The new line of clothing for the 350th is now available here (size and pricing subject to change).  Proceeds from the sale of the 350th clothing go directly to the Celebration Fund.

A photo gallery of the October 27th, 2007 Dinner and Music Party to benefit the Quaboag 350th Celebration Fund are here.

February 23rd, 2008

A Note from the Quaboag Historical Society

On a cold Saturday between two typical New England snow storms, I sit reflecting on our recent year at Q.H.S. By all accounts, we certainly must acknowledge it as a success, thanks to the many volunteers who worked at the Museum, the dedicated Officers, and the many who are continuing the planning efforts for our 350th Anniversary of the Quaboag Plantation in 2010.

A very important piece of local history is s currently on display at the Worcester Art Museum until April 6, 2008. Courtesy of the Winterthur Museum, more than 300 masterpieces from the Henry Francis du Pont country estate are on view. Most important for our area is the only-known-to-exist set of six sterling made-to-match Tankards. They were fashioned by Paul Revere in 1772 (Mary Bartlett, widow of Ephraim Bartlett, had commissioned them as a gift to the Third Church in Brookfield). They are engraved with Ephraim and Mary's names as well as the Brookfield Church. Jedediah Foster was the Administrator of Mary's last will and testament a great display, and very important to our historic past. Please put this on your "must do" list. We look forward to 2008 at the Museum, and also a continuation of our efforts to plan the most festive celebration at the Plantation. Amy and I and all the Officers and Directors wish you all a very Happy, Healthy and Prosperous 2008.  --Bill

Notices for the Annual Business Meeting and Luncheon will be mailed out soon. We will meet again this year at Salem Cross in on Sunday April 27, 2007. There will be elections for officers and changes to the by-laws. Please return 'your menu selection and membership renewal as soon as possible. Membership is $10 individual and $15 family. On renewal form this year there will be a space to include your Email address if you would prefer to have your newsletters sent to you electronically. The speaker this year will be Larry Lowenthal who will give a presentation about Henry Knox and the Henry Knox Trail.

There will be a proposal to add a new 'membership secretary' position to the board. At this time we are hoping to appoint a pro-tem secretary to help the board manage the membership list. The duties center aroun4 keeping the membership list updated. Attendance at the monthly Executive Board Meeting is not required. If you are interested in helping the Society please contact Bill or Amy. At the next election that position have a candidate to be voted on.

2010 Celebration -350th Anniversary plans are progressing well. There are still many opportunities to participate on a number planning committees. Please contact any one of the board members for more information. This is going to be a historic event not to be missed.

March 9th, 2007

A Note from the Quaboag Historical Society

It has been nearly two months since we all met in West Brookfield. Please excuse the delay in getting these important suggestions mailed.

First, I would like to express my deepest “thanks” to Sandy Couture for running such an excellent program and for documenting all the information enclosed with this note.

Secondly and equally important, I would like to express our thanks to the sixty-six people who attended and the more than forty people who volunteered and signed up for the many proposed committees and programs. It is indeed gratifying to see such interest and enthusiasm for this future celebration.

We will be sorting out the many excellent ideas and suggestions, and reviewing them with the intent to formulate committees that can go forward and make these “dreams” become realities.

This Spring and Summer we will be contacting those who expressed interest in specific committees and will begin our work to make this celebration and homecoming the “Greatest Ever.”

Your suggestions and ideas are always welcomed and encouraged. Drop us a line or give us a call.

Newsletters will be sent out to keep everyone informed of our progress.

Again, our thanks to all.

Bill Jankins
For All the Committee Members
March 5, 2007


Notes From The Quaboag 350th Anniversary Public Meeting: Jan 10, 2007

Following introductions of the Steering Committee members, Bill Jankins gave a brief outline of what the group has been discussing for the past year.

This public meeting was planned to help community residents hear more about the Quaboag 350th celebration, to share ideas and enlist volunteers.

It was explained that this will be a year-long celebration, with the hope that each of the six communities would have events locally, as well as regional participation

Community Input On Events Suggested By Steering Committee Parade

  • There was a question about the parade as a kick-off or culminating event.

  • Suggestion: start with a ball, end with parade.

  • A large parade will require a larger budget. Marching bands can cost $800 -$2,000 each.

  • Trophies (which attract participant) can run to $500

  • Letters need to be sent out at least 18 months ahead to groups that might be interested.

  • Armed services groups often ask for transportation costs, staging areas.

  • Parades divided into divisions: marching bands, floats, dignitaries, etc.

  • Police costs, staging, port-o-potties, a reviewing stand add to costs.

  • Steering Committee has earmarked $30,000 so far for a parade.

  • Businesses could sponsor a band, banners could identify sponsorship.


Grand Ball

  • Location? How many might come? How big a place would be needed?

  • New Braintree had such a great time with first ball, they decided to end their anniversary with an additional ball..

  • Brookfield had over 300 at an anniversary ball. Tickets were $10 and they made money.

  • Ticket sales could be limited.

  • Suggested that it be a costume ball. Perhaps beginning in the afternoon.

  • A progressive ball that begins in one place, goes to another.

  • Perhaps a Colonial theme for music, food, clothes.

  • Cost of entertainment must be considered.

  • Timing for the booking of band?

  • Should there be a “princess” from each town as in the past? Interested young women applied, names were put into a hat. “Queen” chosen in same manner, rides on float in parade.

  • To be more modern, should there be something for young men?

  • Should the term “princess” be used since its not part of our history?

Encampment

  • The 100th anniversary of Boy Scouts the same year. A leader has shown interest in tying the two celebrations together.

  • Schools, scouts, other civic groups could work with Native American groups on a project with an educational component (perhaps a long house?) Also demonstrations, pow-wow, etc. Dennis LeBeau of East Brookfield has spoken with Native American group that has shown interest.

  • Has thought been given to re-enactors from other eras? There are groups from 1600’s on.

Anniversary Booklet

  • While there is a website (Quaboag350 or Quaboag20l0) for Quaboag 3 50th, it’s still nice to have something written.

  • Folks working on website would like someone from each town to help with website content.  Go to site to e-mail interest.

  • Would booklet be free? The 1960 book had 96 pages; sponsorship financed.

  • The 1910 book was hard cover, contained speeches, too.

  • Would authors be selected to write? Quality of writing?

  • Could print some of the booklet info out from the website.

  • People need to come forward soon. Took New Braintree 6 years to complete commemorative book.

  • There is a volunteer for Brookfield to work on book.

  • Suggested that there be two publications; one as a program during the event; another after the anniversary as a commemorative piece.

  • How much of the 300th anniversary info needs updating?

Additional Ideas, Input & Comments From Community Meeting

  • Events going on in communities annually can be held in conjunction with anniversary.

  • Steering committee would like to work with events already in place, investing to make them even bigger for anniversary (ex. fireworks).

  • An oratorical event.

  • A commemorative coin to be sold as fundraiser.

  • Nationally known personalities are from the area (ex. Connie Mack) Have a day honoring each person.

  • Writing contest.

  • Self guided tours of communities.

  • Open house at historical homes, buildings, gardens.

  • Guided tours in conjunction with Quinneboag-Shetucket (Foster Hill, etc.).

  • A Wheeler’s Surprise run from site to site; or around West Brookfield Common, up Foster Hill, etc.

  • Canoe race from East Brookfield to West Brookfield or Warren.

  • Homecoming dinner for families from area who return for event. Work is being done on this — over 800 descendants from the original 10 Quaboag families have been located.

  • Lecture series.

  • Archeological dig at an historic site (mills, etc.).

  • Genealogical service; tables set up at events to help people locate info on ancestors.

  • 19th century baseball game.

Fundraising Ideas

  • Sponsorships for booklet and parade.

  • Commemorative coin.

  • Cats Meow.

  • Tee shirts.

  • Canvas bags with logo; sell locally — everyone who uses it advertises event.

  • Could give merchants small amount of sale price with majority of proceeds to fundraiser.

  • Big Y has printed event info on their bags in the past. (for Lucy Stone) Could check with them.

  • Cookbook: there are companies that help with this. Send everything you need in a kit.

  • Embroidered shirts, bags, hats, etc. (Participant with business left her card. Bill Jankins has this).

  • Quilt raffle.

  • Carnival (could be held before 2010).

  • Bumper stickers.

  • Town-wide yard sales; participants pay for a space only. Could be held every year through 2010.

If you would like to volunteer or have additional information or ideas, please contact a member of the steering committee listed below. Committees for the various events are being formed, so its best to volunteer early and get the work done so we can all enjoy the celebration.

Steering Committee Members

Brookfield, Ron Couture, 508-867-4464, Pauline Merrick, 508-867-5038
East Brookfield, Dennis LeBeau, 508-867-8924
New Braintree, Debbie Morrison, 508-867-7318, Connie Small, 508-867-2350
North Brookfield, Clarence Burley, 508-867-5814
Warren, Cliff Fountain, 413-436-5516
West Brookfield, Dick Rossman, 508-867-5934

Quaboag Historical Society, Bill Jankins, 508-867-3673

February 10th, 2007

We have created a new photo gallery with photos from the 300th Anniversary Celebration in 1960 with 165 photos in total!

Also, there are new links for "Meet Lucy Stone", a dramatic presentation by prizewinning storyteller and performer, Judith Black and the Quaboag Historical Society Museum hours of operation.

January 16th, 2007

We have added a registration form for a (soon-to-be) quarterly electronic newsletter.

January 15th, 2007

We have added a form for living descendants of the original Quaboag Plantation settlers to fill out.  Click here if you would like to register.  (This means you Chuck!).

December 27th, 2006

In 2010, the four Brookfields, New Braintree and Warren, all part of the original plantation, “Quaboag,” will celebrate the 350th anniversary of its settlement.

“It’s Time to Plan the Party,” is the theme for a Wednesday, January 10, 2007 public meeting sponsored by The Quaboag Historical Society to discuss plans for this historic Anniversary and Homecoming.

The last time an anniversary occurred, there were 136 people on 30 committees. The inspirational event lasted three days and brought thousands to the area towns. But, that was almost 50 years ago.

Now, the Society needs today’s volunteers with their ideas and thoughts on how to celebrate this historic event. Come learn what’s been planned so far and how you can help your town be a part of this grand, five town event. Among the suggested ideas are a parade, a river race, a Native American encampment, a Grand Ball, picnics, pageants, sporting events and more. This is a chance for all local organizations and citizens of these original plantation towns to put all their talents together.

Plan to be at the West Brookfield Town Hall, January 10, 2007, at 7pm to share ideas and hear more. Refreshments will be served. (Snow date January 17.)