Waterford Foundation

Waterford Foundation

Women For Waterford Giving Circle Supports the Waterford Foundation’s Mission

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Women For Waterford members gather cookies at their December 2021 cookie exchange and annual meeting

In January 2020, Development Committee members Liz Hohm and Kathleen Hughes launched a new initiative called Women For Waterford. Bringing women with a passion for Waterford together in a giving circle, Women For Waterford supports the Waterford Foundation’s preservation and education mission through direct donations from giving circle members. Once per year and as a group, they provide input to the Waterford Foundation Board on how to allocate the funds they have raised. Throughout the year, members of the group volunteer to plan and host gatherings that feature local businesses, Waterford history, and other topics while providing opportunities for networking and outreach to new members.

While the Covid-19 pandemic initially put a damper on gatherings shortly after the launch of Women For Waterford, regular gatherings resumed when it was safe to do so and the group has held many gatherings since. In 2021, the group grew to 29 members, raising a total of $12,889.16! The group recommended allocating the funds towards the donation of a new preservation easement on the Foundation’s Bond Street Tanyard property.  The Waterford Foundation Board of Director’s happily approved funding for this important preservation project in the organization’s 2022 budget. 

Our staff and volunteers are now beginning to take steps to donate a preservation easement on the Bond Street property in 2022, which will protect its historic resources and prevent any inappropriate development of the property in perpetuity. Many thanks to the Women For Waterford for their commitment to the preservation of the Waterford National Historic Landmark! 

Since the group’s inception, the Women For Waterford have also been strong supporters of the Waterford Foundation during the annual Give Choose online giving campaign operated by the Community Foundation for Loudoun and Northern Fauquier Counties. In 2022, Give Choose will be held on March 29th. Learn more about this local day for online giving at www.givechoose.org.

Learn more about the Women For Waterford giving circle at www.womenforwaterford.com

Women For Waterford members gather under the branches of Old John during a hike on the Phillips Farm trail in February 2022

 

 

Building the John Wesley Church

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The church has long been an important institution in Black communities. Following Emancipation, establishing a church of their own was a priority for Black Waterfordians. Initially, this was achieved with the construction of the school building on Second Street (now the site of the Second Street School Living History Program), which from its inception was intended to serve dual use as a school during the week and a house of worship on Sundays. Most of Waterford’s African American community were Methodists, and they soon outgrew the small space in the one room schoolhouse. 

Learn about the effort to build a proper church for Waterford’s Black Methodist-Episcopal congregation in this excerpt from A Rock In A Weary Land, A Shelter In a Time of Storm:

“They dreamed and planned for a proper church of their own. In March 1885 they enlisted the help of the white community.

The members of the Methodist Episcopal Church (Colored) of Waterford, Loudoun County, Virginia, desire to make an appeal to the generous public, to aid them in the purchase of a lot and building of a house of worship. As we have no place now that we can call a house of worship, and the building we usually occupy [the one-room schoolhouse on Second Street] does not accommodate the congregation. We therefore ask the good people of Waterford and Loudoun County to help us in this good cause. Our membership being small and for the most part poor, they therefore rely chiefly upon the liberality of the friends of Christianity among the people of the town and county. We promise that if the money thus raised be not appropriated for the above purpose, it shall be returned to those who contribute it. Dr. G.E. Connell, of Waterford, has kindly consented to act as Treasurer for us and will hold all money collected and comply with the above made promise. The object we have in view should commend itself to the Christian charity and liberality of the people through their gratitude to God. It is not a question of how many friends the colored race can find among them, but how many can be found who are the real friends of Him who said: ‘Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these, my brethren, ye have done it unto me.’

We pray that God may touch the hearts and lips of our citizens that they may speak in our behalf and to cause the sympathy and aid of our white friends to flow toward this object which we know to be one of divine concern. He that giveth to the poor lendeth to the Lord.

Respectfully submitted to the public.
J.T. Moten,
Pastor in charge of the Waterford circuit.

“A year later, as Pastor Moten concluded his assignment with the circuit, he was able to report good progress ($127.10) toward the goal of a new church–and good relations with all the local white churches.

As the time for my departure from this vicinity is at hand, I desire to express to the people of Waterford, Hamilton, Hillsboro, and Lovettsville in particular and the community in general my appreciation of their kindness and thanks for their hospitality shown me during the past three years. I have found warm friends among all classes and denominations, both white and colored. The Baptists have shown their respect, regardless of color or class. The Presbyterians are kind to the poor everywhere. The Lutherans are quick to do good and help the needy. The Quakers were strange to me at first, but after living in a town among them, I found them to be “Friends” indeed to the poor colored people and thus worthy of their name.

“By 1888 the Black community was finally able to select a site for their building. They bought a fifth of an acre at the corner of Bond and Liggett Streets from Mary Jane Hough, a Quaker widow. Her son Edgar had managed a livery stable on the premises, but he had died of typhoid fever in the early 1880s and she no longer had any need for the property. In February 1889 the Loudoun Telephone reported that “the colored people have bought a lot in the west end of town near the mill and have dug out a foundation preparatory to building a new church.” A returning resident noted the next month that “… a new [structure] is now being erected on the site of Hough’s old stable.”

“Edward Collins, a stonemason skilled at “blind ditching”–building stone culverts–laid the foundation for the church with help from fellow war veteran James Lewis. Descendants recall that the women held lanterns for the men late into the night as they worked on the church after their regular day jobs. The long-awaited Gothic-revival building was dedicated at last in 1891 as the John Wesley Methodist-Episcopal Church. “For years!” thereafter the congregants held ice cream socials and other events to pay off the debt.”

The John Wesley Methodist-Episcopal church had a thriving congregation until Waterford’s Black population began to decline in the first half of the 20th century. By the 1960s the church had closed its doors due to dwindling numbers. The Waterford Foundation purchased the building in 1999 to ensure its preservation. The Foundation donated a preservation easement to the Virginia Department of Historic Resources in 2000 that protects the interior and exterior from inappropriate change.

Congregation of John Wesley M.E. Church, 1910
Back row, L-R: Rev. Dockett, George Dean, Charles Mallory, Will Boyd, Charles Coates, Linsey Williams, ? Ferrell, Julia Weams (in window), Birdy Birdens, Laomi Birdens, Malinda Rucker (on steps), Henry Dean, James Louis, Ed Gaskins (three men standing at right.)
Row of women standing: Sadie Coates, Lillie Simms, Mary Parmes, Molly Lewis, Lizzie Dean, Liddy Boyd, Alice Willams, Sadie Robinson, Catherine Farrell, Mildred Butler
Women sitting: Annie Grigsby, Mary Mallory, Laura Page, Sara Weams, Ella Jackson, Marietta Collins, Martha Parmes, Ginny Boyd, Amanda Veney
Children: Nellie Curtis, Mary Lee, Amy Lee, Eugene Jones, Anna Mallory, (?), Ruth Jones, Lucy Coates, Eva Boyd
Four men kneeling: Tom Dean, Austin Pollard, Wade Bentley, Gus Grigsby

Read more about Waterford’s Black community in A Rock in a Weary Land, A Shelter in a Time of Storm by Bronwen C. and John M. Souders, available online here.

Find more Waterford Black history resources online here.

Possessions of a Waterford Founder

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The small stone cottage at the easternmost end of the Hague-Hough house may be the earliest surviving dwelling in Waterford. The one-room stone dwelling was constructed by Francis Hague circa 1744.

Much can be learned by observing the things a person owns. Long ago, when people owned many fewer things than is now the case, lists of possessions were recorded in will books at the settling of someone’s estate. As you might imagine, such lists are valuable to historians, as they paint a picture of a life at its conclusion. They reflect daily life at a point in history, when our country and culture were very different than they are today. Wills enable historians to track transfers of significant property such as land and home sales, and they are important sources for genealogical information, especially for persons whose ancestors were enslaved and may have been transferred from one owner to another in the settlement of an estate.

Consider the personal estate of Francis Hague, one of Waterford’s founders. His personal effects are transcribed from the Loudoun County Will Book in this excerpt from When Waterford and I Were Young:

“Personal Estate of Francis Hague

“The things a man leaves behind provide insight into his life and times. These few animals, simple tools, and utilitarian furnishings are the material legacy of one of Waterford’s founders and leading citizens:

Sundry wearing apparel

1 Riding mare Saddle & Bridle

1 Bed Bedstead & Furniture

1 Bedstead of furniture

1 Warming Pan

1 Woman’s Saddle

1 Old Desk

4 Old Tubs

1 Old Chest

1 Armed Chair

Small bundle toe [tow]

21 Large Spools

1 Pr Scales and Weights

1 Hone & Whetstone

1 Side soal [sic] leather

1 Calf Skin

1 Pair Upper Leather

1 Razor

1 pr. Stillyards [steelyards]

1 Flax Heckle [hackle]

1 Old Box Iron

1 Brass Heckle

2 Pair Sheep Shears

1 Lanthorn [sic]

1 Looking Glass

1 Smooth bore Gun

7 Old Chairs

4 Old Water Pails

2 Tables

1 Sieve

1 Hair Sifter

Sundry Books

Sundry Pewter

Old Earthen Ware

4 Tin Cups

5 Trenchers

11 Still Tubs

4 Gheggs [sic]

Two Saddles

1 broken Iron Pott

1 pair Iron Tongs

1 Bake Iron

1 old Shovel

2 Pott Racks

1 Wheel/2pr. Cards

1 Iron Skillit

1 Frying Pan

1 Sow and 8 Piggs

6 large Hogs

18 Head Sheep

1 Bay Colt

1 Grey Horse

1 Iron Kettle

2 Old Scythes

1 Old Bedstead

1 Old Tubb

1 Dough Trough

1 Bowl

1 Pair Hand [sic] Irons

1 Crow Bar

3 Axes

1 Piece of Steel

1 Pr. Hinges & Hammer

3 Augurs

Sundry Old Iron

1 Pr. Candlemoulds

1 Plough Clevices

2 Collars & Swingletree

1 Plow & Ditto

1 Iron Tooth’d Harrow

1 Old Barrel

1 Old Waggon

2 Rye Stacks

2 Iron Spaids

1 Pewter Funnel

1 Hoe & Harrow

1 Stack Hay

1 Hogshead

Sundry Horse gears

1 Ox Chain

2 Bells

Rings & Wedges

1 Tea Kettle

1 Steer

1 Heifer

1 Brindle Cow

2 Spring Calfs

1 Red Steer

1 Brindle Steer

1 Swarm Bees, 3 Bee Gums

1 Cross Cut Saw

2 Baggs

1 Fox Trap

Old gears

2 Pitch Forks & Rakes

2 Broad Hoes

2 Barrells

2 Old Hogshead

1 Ghegg

Sundry Old Tubbs

1 Brass Cock

1 Raw Hide

1 Old Hogshead

Broke Hemp

Cart Iron

1 Cutting Box & Knife

1 Half Bushel

1 Mattock

1 Still & Worm

1 Dutch Fan

1 Mow Hay

1 Brindle Cow

2 Tubbs

3 Pails 1 Tub”

This excerpt and other interesting bits of Waterford history can be found in When Waterford and I Were Young, by John Divine with Bronwen and John Souders, available online here: https://www.waterfordfoundation.org/shop/store/when-waterford-and-i-were-young-2/

 

 

Early Fair Memories

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From time to time we hear from former Waterford residents or Waterford descendants who have memories to share. Enjoy this memory from a very early Waterford Fair, then known as the Homes Tour and Crafts Exhibit.

I remember the first “Fair” quite well.  I was nine years old, my parents were two of the original Board and was so excited to go to the school auditorium and see all the things our friends and neighbors had created.

There was a tiny elderly lady sitting in the auditorium and she was a lace maker.  I was absolutely fascinated and asked my mother if she knew how and would teach me.  She explained that one of the reasons we were having the “Fair” was to let people share their talents so others could learn from them.

Fast forward to when I was teaching fifth grade and brought my classes to Waterford on Fridays.  I designed a treasure hunt listing all the demonstrations I felt fit with our curriculum. The class was divided into groups of five and with a parent volunteer who had maps of the town marked with the demos on it. The groups went off to hunt learning treasures. Parents and children had so much fun and I was able to move around, find the different groups and check on their progress.  Good memories.

– Lois Myers Jennings Dodd, via email to Executive Director Stephanie Thompson, November 2021

students observing woodworker
Elementary school students watch as a Waterford Fair demonstrating artist shows off his woodworking skills

Mrs. Dodd’s parents were Douglas and Winifrede “Freda” Myers, two of the thirteen founding directors of the Waterford Foundation in 1943. The first exhibit was held in October 1944, entirely housed in the Fairfax Meetinghouse on Loyalty Road. Following the success of the first exhibit, in subsequent years the event expanded to other locations in the village to feature additional artisans and demonstrations, including the school auditorium and several private homes. Local artists participated as demonstrating artists, such as Anna Hutchison from nearby Hamilton, who demonstrated spinning for several years.

Featuring the work of talented artists has always been a central feature of the Waterford Fair, with the goal of inspiring others to learn traditional crafts and skills. And the tradition of Waterford Elementary students attending the Fair on Friday has continued, with over 200 Waterford students attending the 77th Waterford Fair on October 1, 2021. Similar to Mrs. Dodd’s fifth grade treasure hunt, many children who attended the Fair in 2021 participated in the Waterford Explorers scavenger hunt, leading them all over the village to find all six stops for a stamp in their Explorers passport.

Find more information on the next Waterford Fair at the Fair website: www.waterfordfairva.org. Read about the first Waterford Fair in 1944 here. And if you have Waterford memories to share, please reach out to us at oldschool@waterfordfoundation.org.

 

 

A Dixie Sleigh Ride

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An excerpt from the Waterford News, Vol. I, No. 7, Seventh Day, 1st Month, 28th, 1865

Bond Street Barn in winter

I wonder if our friends in the United States have enjoyed their numerous sleigh-rides this winter more than we did our one, taken under the seraphic influence of a clouded moon. ‘Twas not one of your couplet rides, never to be spoken of save by you and he, but a real jolly, funny, enjoyable ride; there were five of us.

We started after tea, and also after repeated injunctions from our several parents to be careful, not stay too long, don’t let any accident happen, remember Fanny stumbles sometimes, and Blindy can’t see. They were our horses. Fanny was not as young as she was twenty years ago, but we didn’t want any better horses, no indeed.

We took the best road to the river, and some of our party seemed to have a strong notion of going on to Frederick. You know what most every body goes there for. Our driver thought it would be just the thing, and let his imagination run on to the time when they should be old, and he would have the honor of saying, when that distinguished gentleman’s name was mentioned as a candidate for the Presidency, why I took him to Frederick on his wedding trip; but it could not be accomplished. He said he could not choose-one without making the others feel badly, such vanity is man’s, but we knew She was not there.

Emma Eliza Dutton, aka Lida, one of three young women authors of the Waterford News. Pictured at age 18, about a year before publishing the Waterford News.

On we sped, meeting with no accident, save losing our whip lash, and which we concluded was providential, as it would afford an item for our next paper. We laughed and talked, and chatted on every subject, interspersing each interim with an exclamation, And isn’t this elegant! Did you ever enjoy any thing more? Then one of our party, of the genus homo, who flourished in the last generation–may his shadow never grow less for many generations to come–would tell us of the winter of 1857, when they had sleighing parties every night for four or five successive weeks. I believe he did except First-day night, but from the way he spoke, one would think they went thirty-five nights in one month. There was no war then, and consequently no rebels to be afraid of.

He remembered the time very well when our big Brothers and Sisters used to wake us up out of our good sleeps, and tell us what a splendid time they had been having, how Lew’s sleigh ‘most upset, and Frank’s horses like to have run away, and what they had for supper, and the way we asked if they brought us any thing good, and how we went to sleep again, wishing we were big too, and now we were, but this cruel war came, and there were no such good times.

But happy in the present, we envied not the enjoyments of the past, and when we reached our homes, we spoke in rapturous terms of the most delightful time ever was. Then those parents of ours said “Oh yes, the last time’s always the best,” to which we agreed, and went to bed dreaming of sleigh-bells, blind horses, warm bricks, and wishing for another sleigh-ride soon. -A

Copies of the full 8 issues of the Waterford News are available online here.

 

 

Ghosts at the Fairfax Meeting Cemetery

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An excerpt from When Waterford and I Were Young, by John E. Divine, with Bronwen and John Souders

Of course every churchyard has its stories, and one of these involves Fairfax Meeting. During World War I, people reported seeing a spectral “woman in black”, wandering around the grounds, always in or near the shed used to shelter horses during services. Neighbors finally decided that the woman, whom they recognized as one living just beyond the village, was extremely anxious about the absence of her husband in the army and somehow felt reassured being in that place. But forever etched on my mind was the morning that I heard an old Civil War veteran say, “The woman in black was seen again last night.” It sure made a little boy stay in after dark.

c1940 photo of Fairfax Meeting House and Cemetery
Fairfax Meeting House and cemetery, pictured circa 1940

In addition to the Meeting grounds, the Quakers owned several acres of pasture immediately behind their cemetery. At one period this pasture was rented to the man who carried the mail from Waterford to Point of Rocks. During the summer, this renter had a routine of taking his horse to the pasture each evening at dusk. To shorten his walk back to town, he would cut across the burying ground.

On one occasion there was an open grave, prepared for a burial the next day. Some of the boys from town thought it was a good idea to scare this man as he came through the cemetery. One of them got into the grave with a white sheet draped over him. As the man approached, the boy rose up from the ground, making a weird sound. The postman happened to be carrying the bridle, which had a heavy steel bit. When the apparition suddenly appeared before him, the postman instinctively swung his bridle and yelled, “Get back in your hole you s—b—-!!” The bit made contact with the would-be ghost’s head, opening a bloody laceration. Never again did anyone try to scare this man.

Find this and other stories in When Waterford and I Were Young by John E. Divine, with Bronwen and John Souders, available online here.

 

The First Waterford Fair

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The Waterford Fair has come a long way since the first exhibit held in 1944. Nevertheless, the exhibition of handmade crafts has always been a central and driving feature of the event. The first Fair was simply an exhibit of the products of local crafts persons. Those who entered items in the exhibit were encouraged but not required to attend the exhibit. There was no entrance fee the first year, and the proceeds from sales of exhibit items went back to the craftspeople. In addition to the crafts, a handout was created on the history of Waterford, to be distributed to all attendees. Read below to learn the story of the first Waterford Fair, in excerpts from the minutes of the Waterford Foundation, April through November, 1944.

April 7, 1944, at the Meeting House, home of Mr. and Mrs. McDaniel:

“The promotion of crafts was then discussed and a motion made by Mrs. Stabler seconded by Mrs. Rogers that an exhibition of handicrafts be held to demonstrate the aim of the Foundation to foster and promote the practice and learning of these arts. The motion was passed. Mr. Stabler made a motion that [a] committee be appointed by the Chairman to examine the whole subject of local crafts, their learning and subsequent sale and to plan for the exhibit. The Chairman appointed Mrs. Stabler, Mrs. Rogers, Mrs. Myers and Mrs. McDaniel.”

May 12, 1944, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Rogers:

“The Committee appointed at the April Board Meeting to examine the subject of crafts, their promotion exhibit of sale, reported that they felt it possible to hold a display in the fall which would be of interest to the community. Some contacts had been made with the persons w[h]o do handwork and many others were to be interviewed. The committee subjected that the first anniversary of the founding of the corporation be selected for this project. The date of September 15th was approved by the Board. Mr. Chamberlain spoke of his feeling that it was important to assemble all the historical data concerning Waterford and interesting fold lore and anecdotes about the early days of the village and the people who used to live there. The Directors heartily approved this suggestion as being one of our basic responsibilities and requested Mr. Chamberlain to serve as chairman of that project and to secure what help he needed.”

August 11, 1944, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Stabler:

“A discussion of the Secretary’s seven-point recommendation pertinent to the holding of the Foundation’s proposed exhibit of handicraft resulted in the adoption of all seven items presented by her.

(The chairman of the committee of the Handicraft Exhibit submits the following suggestions,.)

  1. The exhibit is to be held from Friday through Monday on October 13, 14, and 15th.
  2. Announcement cards of the exhibit to be printed and mailed to a list of interested persons and a general invitation be printed in the county papers. Also a statement of the purpose of the Foundation.
  3. A printed or mineographed [sic] short history of Waterford, and its past industries should be prepared for those attending the craft exhibit to take with them when leaving.
  4. Insurance to be carried on the exhibits while in our custody.
  5. Members of the Foundation to alternate as recepturistics [and] as tea servers during the display making it a social occasion.
  6. All effort possible should be made to have those entering exhibits attend the display.
  7. All displays must be listed and (if desired) priced and a record of who are interested in certain work kept.
  8. Where is this to be held.

A motion to change the July meeting’s decision to hold the exhibit on September 15 was made and carried; the dates of October 13, 14, and 15 were definitely agreed upon as final dates.

Mr. and Mrs. A. B. McDaniel offered their home, The Meeting House, as a place for holding the exhibit. Their offer was gratefully accepted.”

September 16, 1944, at the home of Mrs. Ellen H. Fadeley and Mr. Fenton Fadeley:

‘Mrs. Stabler, chairman of the committee on exhibits reported that the committee had met twice and steps were being taken to maintain constant publicity in the county papers prior to the exhibit; that numerous cards had been sent to exhibitors; that Mrs. Myers was making noteworthy progress on the historical pamphlet[sic] and that further meetings of the committee are planned for the near future. After discussion of the frontispiece to be used on the pamphlet[sic] it was moved and seconded that all details of this matter be left to the committee. The motion carried.

Mr. Rogers moved that the treasurer be authorized to take out insurance with Mr. Armfield to cover the exhibits put in our charge, Mrs. Beans seconded the motion and the motion carried.

Mr. Fadeley made the motion that within two weeks after the exhibit a meeting of the directors of the foundation be called at which a comprehensive report of the attendance, interest, and all facts complied[sic] concerning the exhibit be reported. The motion was seconded and passed.”

November 4, 1944, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Edward M. Chamberlin, Jr:

“Mr. McDaniel requested a report of the exhibit committee and after the report was made Mr. Rogers moved that said report be incorporated into the minutes. Mr. Chamberlin seconded the motion. The report in condensed form is as follows: Approximately 100 persons entered 300 exhibits of handwork. Great interest was shown by nearly 600 guests who attended and the fact that many returned again and again to further enjoy certain exhibits of particular interest to themselves.

All exhibits were listed by the committee and identifying tags were placed on the exhibits. All sales and orders were recorded and cash was received and turned over to the craftsmen in the amount of about $99.00 and orders for future delivery amounted to ___. The popular selling price range was from .75 to $15 and many more articles could have been sold on the spot if duplicates had been available. 

Two questions were repeatedly asked by both exhibitors and guests “Will this be held annually.” “What is the purpose of this exhibit.” The committee was impressed with the number of persons attending from out of the county and state. The total amount of expense for printing and advertising as shown by bills presented and paid was ___.

The committee also suggested that in the future some entrance fee or a percentage on sales could easily be charged which would defray any expenses entailed. Another suggestion by the committee was that those who have exhibited this year be written to and urged to continue the development of their line of work in order to have new and interesting entries for another year.”

The success of the first exhibit at promoting handmade crafts was soon apparent. The May 18 minutes of the following year noted the following:

“It was called to the attention of the group that an art class has been started by Mrs. Pickens which is a direct result of the inspiration of the Waterford Foundation’s exhibit of last fall. Mrs. Marshal also started work in weaving by hand”

And the rest, as they say, is history!

 

Lampshaders

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Excerpt from 1951 Waterford Homes Tour and Crafts Exhibit (aka Waterford Fair) booklet, pages 16,17

historic image of ladies creating lampshades
“Senior Lampshaders”, image by Marion Post Wolcott

In 1946 the Waterford Foundation launched an experimental class in lamp shade making, under the direction of Mrs. Paul V. Rogers. Membership in this class was open to anyone from Loudoun or adjacent counties who wished to join, and a small group of aspiring artists displayed and sold their lamp shades at the October Exhibit with great success.

Encouraged by the results of this first attempt, the class met once a week in work-rooms provided by the Mutual Fire Insurance Company until the building was sold in 1950. During these four years, the Lampshaders have grown from six to twenty-five members, varying in age from nine to sixty years. The 4-H Club last year took up the making of Lamp shades as one of their projects, and at the County-wide 4-H Fair their work won several ribbons. Janet Edwards won second prize in the senior state 4-H craft contest held in Blacksburg, Va. Stock and equipment has increased to such an extent that the group has outgrown its old shop, and the Foundation has recently reconditioned the second floor of the mill to accommodate this rapidly growing industry.

historic image of children building lampshades
“Junior Lampshaders”, image by Marion Post Wolcott

At the classes, members receive instruction, materials and suggestions in planning and design, which they may profitably develop at home, a system particularly appealing to mothers of young children. Materials are furnished at wholesale prices.

In the last three years the group has collected lamp bases to combine with its shades. The artists specialize in making bases from antique glassware, bottles, oil lamps pitchers, tea pots, candle moulds, tea kettles, children’s toys, coffee grinders, old sad irons and even decoy ducks. The bases and shades they make for children’s rooms are original and designed to appeal to youngsters. Many customers bring their own treasures to be converted into lamps.

The Lampshaders are always on the lookout for unusual materials. Dyed feed sacks, spun rubber papers, spun glass and the popular new plastics have all been adapted to lamp shades with interesting results. Tinted or antiqued parchments, chintz and watercolors distinguish some, while others are appliqued with hunting scenes, birds or floral prints.

The Lamp Shade Shop is open every Thursday afternoon at the mill from one-thirty to four o’clock.