Seniors bid Hildreth House adieu as move to new facility nears

Built in 1900 as a private home for one of Harvard’s most influential families, Hildreth House has been a gathering place for older adults for more than four decades. It has seen Harvard’s programs and services for residents over the age of 60 expand to include fitness classes, congregate meals, computer classes, trips, entertainment, and educational programs of all kinds. In recent years, its success has been limited by a lack of space to accommodate all these activities, so its tenure as the town senior center is coming to an end. The Council on Aging will soon move its offices and programs to its new home at 16 Lancaster County Road.

—Connie Larrabee

Photos by Jen Manell

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Tom Rowe gets his lunch from servers Meredyth Long and Dee Lee.

Bruce Dolimount, Fran Maiore, Rick Maiore, and Barbara Hilton talk after eating their lunch.

Dee Lee arrives with dessert.

Denis Cormier of Gardner belts out a Willie Nelson tune as part of the afternoon’s entertainment.

Mabel Sawyer chats with Virginia Hildreth.

Virginia Hildreth, a descendent of the home’s original owner, set up this display of photographs of the family.

Audrey Ball and Mary Allan await cookies as Dick and Phyllis Clawson (back of heads) take their pick.

From left: Barbara Cerva and Martha Guptill are served by Meredyth Long and Dee Lee.

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