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UPCOMING EVENTS
MARCH IS MEMBERSHIP MONTH
RENEW TODAY!!
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
All events open to both Society members and the general public.
Updated event information will be posted here, on Facebook, and emailed to members
Upcoming meetings/events are listed in the Millbury-Sutton Chronicle, The Uxbridge Times, and the Blackstone Valley Xpress.
Updated event information will be posted here, on Facebook, and emailed to members
Upcoming meetings/events are listed in the Millbury-Sutton Chronicle, The Uxbridge Times, and the Blackstone Valley Xpress.
April 23 1:00 pm The Family Nurse-Early American Home Medical Care Sutton Senior Center
Thursday Christie Higginbottom 19 Hough Road
Past Historic Horticulture Program Coordinator
Learn about the role played by home-grown, wild-gathered, and
purchased herbal remedies to treat common health problems in
New England households, 1790 to 1840
June 27 10:00 am Fourth of July Parade 383 Boston Road
Saturday 4:00 pm Event begins at Common and ends at School Complex
History At Large – Deborah Sampson Interpretation
July 4 -July 12 24-hours Can/Bottle Redemption Drive M. M. Sherman Blacksmith Shop
Drop off your returnable cans/bottles at the trailer parked at 6 Singletary Avenue
the Blacksmith shop 24 hours a day.
August 7 6:30 pm Annual Potluck Supper Eight Lots School House
Friday 54 Eight Lots Road
September TBD Manchaug Memories/History Gathering TBD
Wagon Cart Show
Or Speaker Presentation
October 8 7:00 pm Annual Meeting First Congregational Church
Thursday Officer Election 307 Boston Road
October 17-18 10:00 am- Waters Farm Days 53 Waters Road
Saturday/Sunday 4:00 pm Visit the Darling Barn to learn the history of the Barn,
the genealogy of the Waters and Darling families, and view the
exhibit of items “found in the ground" by Ed Chrostowksi, our
own metal detecting aficionado, and play “Guess the Artifact.”
October 24 4:00 pm- Halloween – Oh My Gourd TBD
Saturday 7:00 pm TBD
November 5 7:00 pm History is Literally and Figuratively a Work in Process First Congregational Church
Thursday Richie Kohler – Former Deep Sea Detective Co-Host 307 Boston Road
Technical Wreck Diver and Shipwreck Historian
December 1 6:30 pm Christmas Potluck First Congregational Church
Tuesday 307 Boston Road
December 5 Various Chain of Lights Eight Lots School House
Saturday Annual Town-wide Christmas Event General Rufus Putnam Museum
M. M. Sherman Blacksmith Shop
December 31 Midnight Last Night Cannon Firing M. M. Sherman Blacksmith Shop
Thursday Cannon Club 6 Singletary Avenue
Thursday Christie Higginbottom 19 Hough Road
Past Historic Horticulture Program Coordinator
Learn about the role played by home-grown, wild-gathered, and
purchased herbal remedies to treat common health problems in
New England households, 1790 to 1840
June 27 10:00 am Fourth of July Parade 383 Boston Road
Saturday 4:00 pm Event begins at Common and ends at School Complex
History At Large – Deborah Sampson Interpretation
July 4 -July 12 24-hours Can/Bottle Redemption Drive M. M. Sherman Blacksmith Shop
Drop off your returnable cans/bottles at the trailer parked at 6 Singletary Avenue
the Blacksmith shop 24 hours a day.
August 7 6:30 pm Annual Potluck Supper Eight Lots School House
Friday 54 Eight Lots Road
September TBD Manchaug Memories/History Gathering TBD
Wagon Cart Show
Or Speaker Presentation
October 8 7:00 pm Annual Meeting First Congregational Church
Thursday Officer Election 307 Boston Road
October 17-18 10:00 am- Waters Farm Days 53 Waters Road
Saturday/Sunday 4:00 pm Visit the Darling Barn to learn the history of the Barn,
the genealogy of the Waters and Darling families, and view the
exhibit of items “found in the ground" by Ed Chrostowksi, our
own metal detecting aficionado, and play “Guess the Artifact.”
October 24 4:00 pm- Halloween – Oh My Gourd TBD
Saturday 7:00 pm TBD
November 5 7:00 pm History is Literally and Figuratively a Work in Process First Congregational Church
Thursday Richie Kohler – Former Deep Sea Detective Co-Host 307 Boston Road
Technical Wreck Diver and Shipwreck Historian
December 1 6:30 pm Christmas Potluck First Congregational Church
Tuesday 307 Boston Road
December 5 Various Chain of Lights Eight Lots School House
Saturday Annual Town-wide Christmas Event General Rufus Putnam Museum
M. M. Sherman Blacksmith Shop
December 31 Midnight Last Night Cannon Firing M. M. Sherman Blacksmith Shop
Thursday Cannon Club 6 Singletary Avenue
1920 Manchaug Village Parade
In 1920, the Village of Manchaug, a company-owned town of approximately 1,600 residents of mostly French-Canadian descent, owned by the B. B. & R Knight Manufacturing Company producing muslin cloth under the Fruit of the Loom trademark, had a large parade.
The following photos are from an incomplete postcard series obtained from a variety of sources.
Each photo has a small number in the bottom corner.
The parade appears to be in celebration of the 4th of July.
Several floats are hosted by a mill department, ie Machine Shop and Weaving.
The Society is interested in obtaining copies of any of the missing postcards from the series, photos of the event, newspaper clippings, or diary accounts of the event.
Reach us at [email protected] or through the above contact page
Identification of any individuals in the photos would be appreciated
The following photos are from an incomplete postcard series obtained from a variety of sources.
Each photo has a small number in the bottom corner.
The parade appears to be in celebration of the 4th of July.
Several floats are hosted by a mill department, ie Machine Shop and Weaving.
The Society is interested in obtaining copies of any of the missing postcards from the series, photos of the event, newspaper clippings, or diary accounts of the event.
Reach us at [email protected] or through the above contact page
Identification of any individuals in the photos would be appreciated
update
Parade Date IdentifiedClick on the button above
to read the Woonsocket Call from July 6, 1920. The article gives extensive details of the events in Manchaug on July 5,1920 for the Fourth of July which included a 5:00 am Horribles Parade, a 9:30 am parade, field day events, baseball games, and dancing and refreshments in the Tucker Grove from 2 pm - 8 pm. Parade float winners, field event winners, organizers, and more are detailed in the article. The Society is still seeking more photos or memorabilia from this event which was touted as the "Biggest Affair in the Town for 25 Years" |
Postcard 21 Location has been identified thanks to Marian King. Marian and her father, Don King, resided at 5 Whitins Road which is the home pictured below of the fire department. Don was a founding member of the Sutton Historical Society. Thanks, Marian!!
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RECENT HAPPENINGS
Sutton's Revolutionary War Contribution
On Tuesday, November 11, 2025,
Society Member and Assistant Museum Curator,
Charlie Wilson,
presented her research about the
diversified contributions made by
Sutton's militia, patriots and citizens
during the
Revolutionary War.
This presentation was attended by over 80 guests
and was filmed by the Town of Sutton Cable Department.
To view the presentation click button below.
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Joel Bohy
PBS Antiques Roadshow Appraiser and co-author of Bullet Strikes From the First Day of the American Revolution On Thursday, September 4, Joel shared his extensive knowledge about Revolutionary War munitions developed over decades of research including how modern police and forensic techniques can be used in an historical context, such as where a shooter was standing and whether a Patriot or British weapon was fired. His presentation included visuals, such as records, photographs and videos, which help the audience understand what happened during Revolutionary War battles. Approximately 45 attendees enjoyed this presentation. The Society thanks the Sutton Cultural Council, a local agency, supported by the Mass Cultural Council, a State agency, for their generous grant to support this presentation. |
Farm Girl on the Front Lines:
Deborah Sampson’s Secret!
Thursday, May 15 from 1 pm - 2 pm
Sutton Senior Center, 19 Hough Road, Sutton
This event was held on Thursday, May 15 from 1 pm - 2 pm Sutton Senior Center, 19 Hough Road, Sutton. Janet Parnes, Historical Portrayals by Lady J, Millis, MA, enthralled the audience with her reenactment. The Society was grateful to partner with the Senior Center as the host of this wonderful event.
Mapping the Past
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On Thursday, November 7, Sutton Historical Society members,
Peter Michelson and Ross Weaver, shared their knowledge of locating bounds from historic deeds and records and overlaying those points onto current maps. This process allows current landowners to visualize how their properties fit into the historic character of Sutton. The Freegrace Marble Farm was used to demonstrate this process. Located at the intersection of Sibley and Burbank Roads, this historic property is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, and has a preservation restriction agreement with the Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities. This property was one of the first 30 parcels deeded when Sutton was settled. |
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Thank you, Jonathan Lane, for an outstanding presentation
on Thursday, September 5, about the important events of 1774.
82 attendees
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Photo courtesy of John Collins Photography
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The Worcester Rebellion
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THANK YOU
A Great Presentation!!
Sutton's Hidden Treasures
Metal Detecting
Ed Chrostowski, Sutton Historical Society Member, shared his extensive metal detecting knowledge and amazing "Sutton Treasure" finds to a crowd of 50 people at the Sutton Senior Center on May 7, 2024.
If you are interested in having him detect on your property, please reach out to us at [email protected]
Metal Detecting
Ed Chrostowski, Sutton Historical Society Member, shared his extensive metal detecting knowledge and amazing "Sutton Treasure" finds to a crowd of 50 people at the Sutton Senior Center on May 7, 2024.
If you are interested in having him detect on your property, please reach out to us at [email protected]
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Thank you to Christine Watkins
for her presentation on the
April 16, 1924 Manchaug Fire
Thank you to Pam Nichols, Sutton Cable Access, for filming the presentation.
If you were unable to attend, watch below.
for her presentation on the
April 16, 1924 Manchaug Fire
Thank you to Pam Nichols, Sutton Cable Access, for filming the presentation.
If you were unable to attend, watch below.
Thank you, MARK SAVOLIS
Thompson Historical Society, for an outstanding presentation on November 7, 2023 about the Mass 15th and 36th Regiments of the Civil War and
Sutton Solider - Wilder Holbrook
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In 1861, just shy of 21 years of age, Wilder Holbrook, a Sutton farmer, mustered into service with the 15th Massachusetts Volunteer Infantry. He was wounded in the shoulder at the Battle of Ball's Bluff, Leesburg, Virginia. Wilder was promoted several times serving in both the 15th Massachusetts and the 36th Massachusetts regiments.
Mr. Savolis shared his research on both the Massachusetts 15th and 36th sharing many Civil War artifacts with attendees. Sutton Historical Society Museum Curator, Joyce Smith, provided an introduction about Wilder, his family, his life prior to service, and after his return to Sutton. This event was well-attended. |
Senior Center Presentation
The Sutton Senior Center hosted Society Member and Eight Lots School House Caretaker, David Pizzi, on Wednesday, November 1, to their Lunch and Learn presentation series. Dave's presentation focused on the Sutton Historical Society, it's holdings, mission and current projects. The presentation was well-attended. The Society hopes to collaborate with the Senior Center again in the future.
Any suggestions for future presentations can be shared via the Contact page above.
Any suggestions for future presentations can be shared via the Contact page above.
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CEMETERY TOUR
Thank you!!!
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Saturday, October 28, 2023
5 pm - 8 pm Sutton Center Cemetery 4 Uxbridge Road 
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Our 3rd Annual Historic Cemetery tour as part of the community Oh My Gourd event
was well-attended. If anyone has any comments about this year's event or suggestions for next year,
please reach out to us through the Contact page above.
Thanks to all of our amazing volunteers - interpreters, guides, set up and breakdown, and our greeters.
was well-attended. If anyone has any comments about this year's event or suggestions for next year,
please reach out to us through the Contact page above.
Thanks to all of our amazing volunteers - interpreters, guides, set up and breakdown, and our greeters.
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THANK YOU TO ALL WHO ATTENDED
200th Anniversary Celebration
General Rufus Putnam Building
Saturday, September 30, 2023
4 Uxbridge Road, Sutton
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The General Rufus Putnam Building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places
Built as a joint effort between the Olive Branch Lodge of Master Masons and Sutton School District in 1823.
The first lodge meeting was held on January 1, 1824. The building cost $714.92.
"The hall in Sutton Centre became a bone of contention between the two owners - The Olive Branch of Master Masons and the Sutton School District - culminating in the sale of the Lodge's interest in January 1851."
Between 1851-1910, the building functioned partially as a school.
In 1872 the upper floor became the High School and lower floor was used for grades 1-8.
The first graduating High School class of 5 students was in 1876.
Daughters of American Revolution Lease
On December 15, 1909, a group of 21 eligible women formally organized the General Rufus Putnam Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution (D.A.R.).
At town meeting, March 1910, the old school building in Sutton Center was leased to the Chapter for the
period of 10 years at the sum of $1 per year.
In 1934, the growth of the town necessitated the use of the building as a school and the
D.A.R. vacated the premises.
The D.A.R. returned in 1954 and was responsible for setting up a wonderful display to commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the Town.
The Sutton Library was housed in this building from 1957 -1982.
The Sutton Historical Society has occupied the building since 1986.
Ownership of the building remains in the possession of the Town of Sutton.
Built as a joint effort between the Olive Branch Lodge of Master Masons and Sutton School District in 1823.
The first lodge meeting was held on January 1, 1824. The building cost $714.92.
"The hall in Sutton Centre became a bone of contention between the two owners - The Olive Branch of Master Masons and the Sutton School District - culminating in the sale of the Lodge's interest in January 1851."
Between 1851-1910, the building functioned partially as a school.
In 1872 the upper floor became the High School and lower floor was used for grades 1-8.
The first graduating High School class of 5 students was in 1876.
Daughters of American Revolution Lease
On December 15, 1909, a group of 21 eligible women formally organized the General Rufus Putnam Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution (D.A.R.).
At town meeting, March 1910, the old school building in Sutton Center was leased to the Chapter for the
period of 10 years at the sum of $1 per year.
In 1934, the growth of the town necessitated the use of the building as a school and the
D.A.R. vacated the premises.
The D.A.R. returned in 1954 and was responsible for setting up a wonderful display to commemorate the 250th Anniversary of the Town.
The Sutton Library was housed in this building from 1957 -1982.
The Sutton Historical Society has occupied the building since 1986.
Ownership of the building remains in the possession of the Town of Sutton.
Sutton 3rd Graders Tour Common
June 12, 2023
Sutton 3rd graders walked from the school to the Town Common on Monday, June 12.
The students toured the General Rufus Putnam Museum, The M. M. Sherman Blacksmith Shop, The First Congregational Church,
and the Town Hall.
Their visit included a picnic lunch on the Historic Common.
Thanks to Society members who provided the tours, the school department for arranging the event, and the Sutton Police Department for ensuring everyone safely travelled up the Common!!
The students toured the General Rufus Putnam Museum, The M. M. Sherman Blacksmith Shop, The First Congregational Church,
and the Town Hall.
Their visit included a picnic lunch on the Historic Common.
Thanks to Society members who provided the tours, the school department for arranging the event, and the Sutton Police Department for ensuring everyone safely travelled up the Common!!
Brown Bag Picnic Reunion
June 9, 2023
On Friday, June 9, 2023, the Society hosted alumni of the General Rufus Putnam School from the 1950s to a brown bag picnic and tour of the General Rufus Putnam Building, which is celebrating its 200th anniversary this year.
The attendees had a wonderful time reminiscing about their days at this little school.
A special thank you to the Seaver Family for their donation of two beautiful art pieces drawn by their sister, Gwen Marchese.
Thank you to David Tela for his donation of a display of items about John Henn's military service.
A big, special thanks to Museum Curator, Joyce Smith, for organizing this special event!!!
The attendees had a wonderful time reminiscing about their days at this little school.
A special thank you to the Seaver Family for their donation of two beautiful art pieces drawn by their sister, Gwen Marchese.
Thank you to David Tela for his donation of a display of items about John Henn's military service.
A big, special thanks to Museum Curator, Joyce Smith, for organizing this special event!!!
THANK YOU
Carol Crossed, Founder
Susan B. Anthony Birthplace Museum
for an outstanding presentation entitled
Vintage Tweets
held on
Tuesday, May 9, 2023
WAGON & CARRIAGE SHOW
Saturday, October 1, 2022
Noon - 4 pm
M. M. Sherman Blacksmith Shop
6 Singletary Avenue
The rain held off! We had a few visitors! It was a SUCCESS!!!!
Noon - 4 pm
M. M. Sherman Blacksmith Shop
6 Singletary Avenue
The rain held off! We had a few visitors! It was a SUCCESS!!!!
Photos below courtesy of Joyce Smith
Photos below courtesy of April Eaton Brown
Saturday, September 10, 2022
Finished!!!!
Bottle/Can Drive Sorting and Redemption
It took two days, combined 20 volunteers, for a total of 80 volunteer hours. Now we wait for the tally!
Thanks to Jim Stevenson for this awesome time lapse of the tenacity of these volunteers!!
Finished!!!!
Bottle/Can Drive Sorting and Redemption
It took two days, combined 20 volunteers, for a total of 80 volunteer hours. Now we wait for the tally!
Thanks to Jim Stevenson for this awesome time lapse of the tenacity of these volunteers!!
August 2022
General Rufus Putnam Museum Building gets a new paint job
General Rufus Putnam Museum Building gets a new paint job
Ahead of the 200th anniversary of this historical building in Sutton Center in May of 2023, the General Rufus Putnam Museum received a much-needed paint job. A great job for an historic gem!
Saturday, August 6, 2022 - Bottle and Can Drive Sorting Day
HOT! HOT! HOT!
It was one of the hottest days of the summer, but 9 hearty souls worked from 8-1 to sort and bag a small portion of the donated cans and bottles!!
Several more days of sorting ahead, but we will wait for cooler days! We could use more VOLUNTEERS!!!!
THANKS
to all who donated to this important fundraiser for the Society.
It was one of the hottest days of the summer, but 9 hearty souls worked from 8-1 to sort and bag a small portion of the donated cans and bottles!!
Several more days of sorting ahead, but we will wait for cooler days! We could use more VOLUNTEERS!!!!
THANKS
to all who donated to this important fundraiser for the Society.
FRIDAY, AUGUST 5, 2022 - Eight Lots School House Potluck
It was a beautiful evening for a get together. The rains held off. The food and friendship were wonderful.
Several toured the historic school house including new Sutton School Superintendent, Kimberly Roberts-Morandi.
Hope to see everyone again next August!
Several toured the historic school house including new Sutton School Superintendent, Kimberly Roberts-Morandi.
Hope to see everyone again next August!
SUTTON TOWN CENTER CEMETERY RESTORATION COMPLETED!!
July 15, 2022 - Last stones reset
Commencing in the summer of 2019 and continuing through the pandemic, the Cemetery Conservation crew has completed work on the oldest cemetery in Sutton located behind the Town Hall, 4 Uxbridge Road. The last gravestone reset was for Private Jonas Sibley. It measured 96" top-to-bottom. John Jay Sibley's stone reset the previous week measured 99" top-to-bottom.
This cemetery will be highlighted on Saturday, October 29 at 7 pm with a costumed, guided tour in conjunction with the Sutton School's PTO's Trunk or Treat and the Fourth of July Committee's "Oh My Gourd - The Great Pumpkin Extravaganza" on the Common.
A special THANK YOU to members of the Dudley Gendron Post 414 American Legion for their generous financial support of this important community project.
The Conservation Crew has moved on to the Dodge Cemetery located on Leland Hill Road. The stones in the Dodge Cemetery were cleaned in the midst of the pandemic by John and Marion Belculfine. Now it is time for the crew to reset the stones. Volunteers are always needed.
A special thank you to Ross Weaver who presented this project to the Society's Board of Directors and led a crew of dedicated volunteers and boy scouts for three years who have been working on several cemeteries throughout town.
Consistently by Ross's side, a special shout out to Dave Pizzi, Brian Stevenson, John Belculfine (l-r below image).
If not now, then when.....if not us, then who!!
This cemetery will be highlighted on Saturday, October 29 at 7 pm with a costumed, guided tour in conjunction with the Sutton School's PTO's Trunk or Treat and the Fourth of July Committee's "Oh My Gourd - The Great Pumpkin Extravaganza" on the Common.
A special THANK YOU to members of the Dudley Gendron Post 414 American Legion for their generous financial support of this important community project.
The Conservation Crew has moved on to the Dodge Cemetery located on Leland Hill Road. The stones in the Dodge Cemetery were cleaned in the midst of the pandemic by John and Marion Belculfine. Now it is time for the crew to reset the stones. Volunteers are always needed.
A special thank you to Ross Weaver who presented this project to the Society's Board of Directors and led a crew of dedicated volunteers and boy scouts for three years who have been working on several cemeteries throughout town.
Consistently by Ross's side, a special shout out to Dave Pizzi, Brian Stevenson, John Belculfine (l-r below image).
If not now, then when.....if not us, then who!!
Thanks to Ed Chrostowski for the below photographs.
3rd Graders Tour Sutton Center
June 6, 2022
Thank you to Steve Colonies; The Sutton Cannon Club; Museum Curator - Joyce Smith; Board members - Keith Downer, Rochelle Forsythe, and Christine Watkins for hosting the Sutton 3rd Graders!!
Thank you to Steve Colonies; The Sutton Cannon Club; Museum Curator - Joyce Smith; Board members - Keith Downer, Rochelle Forsythe, and Christine Watkins for hosting the Sutton 3rd Graders!!
samuelslaterexperience.org
Thank you to the Samuel Slater Experience staff for hosting
the Sutton Historical Society!!!
For those who missed it, the museum is open
Friday 10-4
Saturday 10-4
Sunday 12-4
the Sutton Historical Society!!!
For those who missed it, the museum is open
Friday 10-4
Saturday 10-4
Sunday 12-4
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Cemetery Tour - Enjoyed by over 100 visitors!!
Rescheduling and weather that did not cooperate did not hamper the spirits of the visitors who toured Sutton's oldest Cemetery on
Sunday, October 31.
Interpreters shared their stories about some of those interred in this historically-significant cemetery.
The Society hopes to make this an annual event!!!
Sunday, October 31.
Interpreters shared their stories about some of those interred in this historically-significant cemetery.
The Society hopes to make this an annual event!!!
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THANK YOU!!!
ROBERT ERNEST HUBBARD, Author Presentation about General Rufus Putnam Robert Ernest Hubbard, a retired professor and author from New Haven, Connecticut, recently presented his book General Rufus Putnam, George Washington’s Chief Military Engineer and the “Father of Ohio.” to our Society. It was a well-received presentation. Go to israelputnam.org to order a copy of this book in addition to one about Israel Putnam. Prior to his presentation, Robert and his wife, Kathy, discussed how to become an author with a group of home-schooled children. This, too, was greatly appreciated. 
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