Go back in time to Christmas 1900 on the Common with the Harvard Historical Society Saturday, Dec. 2, 4 to 8 p.m. Walk around the Common to learn about the 1900 homes and businesses, stop in to visit three former residents, and end up in upper Town Hall for food, music, and caroling.
What was different around the Common 117 years ago? Perhaps most notable was the Queen Anne–style Unitarian Church at the top of the Common. On the south side were three impressive buildings, where today there are empty spaces. Much excitement had accompanied the recent opening of the brand-new, three-story General Store on the corner of Still River Road. With a few exceptions, the east and west sides of the Common were as they are today.
A 20th-century winter scene on Harvard Common as sketched by Charles Overly.
And inside the homes? Many residents had live-in help, often a man for farm work and a woman for the household. People were much more inclined than now to take in an elderly parent or other relation, and someone in one house was often related to someone up the street or across the Common. Tour-goers will have a chance to step into the office of Dr. Herbert Royal and hear about some of his calls in the dark of night and to meet his wife, Alma. Across the Common, they will hear about the patents and shop of a nationally known inventor, and Emily Hildreth has been gracious enough to open her summer home and be there to tell about her cultural salon.
The evening will begin inside the old library at 4 p.m. From there, groups will head out for the tour. Anyone wishing to bring wine or beer may leave it—labeled—at the old library and it will appear for dinner up at Town Hall. Homeowners have been asked to put on outside lights, but it might be a good idea to bring a flashlight. People may be asked to remove or cover their shoes when going into the homes.
Supper at upper Town Hall, decorated for the occasion, will begin around 6 p.m. A delicious vegetarian stew, with meat option, will be accompanied by cornbread, and there will be a variety of holiday sweets. Water and cider will be available. A cello ensemble will perform, and after dinner, the Harvard singers will lead those assembled in carols.
Most of the programming at the Historical Society is free of charge, but this event is a fundraiser. The society needs revenue in addition to membership dues and donations to help it continue to offer programs, maintain its historical meetinghouse, and manage its extensive collections.
To help the committee plan food and tour-group size, tour-goers are asked to reserve their spots early. Tickets are $30 for members and $40 for a nonmember or $70 per couple. Tickets may be reserved by contacting curator@harvardhistory.org.
