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Tree Three: All Work and No Play
Decorated by Angela McBrien
Inspired by a child’s patchwork pocket
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One of the many sweet clothespin dolls handmade for the tree
My name is Sarah. That is my pocket you see there. I made it from pieces of my mother’s old worn out dresses. My mother also let me have some scraps to make some dolls, but before I can play I must first do my chores.
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Today I must feed the chickens and the pigs. After collecting the eggs I must take some of them down to Kidder and Swift’s store. When I return my mother will need help to make our noon day meal, there will be fourteen of us for that. In the afternoon I will help my mother with the sewing and the mending. I have six brothers and their shirts always need so much mending.
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Isn't the miniature broom adorable?
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Last year, under the direction of Office Manager Carrie Midura, the Society launched a “history-inspired” tree exhibit. Carrie invited volunteers, members, and interested individuals and companies to be inspired by objects from the Historical Society’s collection and decorate a Christmas tree to accompany the objects. With the amazing trees as a backdrop, we hosted a month of holiday programs that included children’s teas, theatrical performances, open houses, dinners, and more. Over 1,000 people enjoyed our holiday programs in 2008.
sometimes humorously….decorated trees installed throughout the Blanchard House. The trees provide a colorful, entertaining, and, yes, educational backdrop for a month of special holiday programs. Click 
And we have a special members’ tours and craft activities scheduled for Fridays and Saturdays. Learn more at our 
Have you walked or driven past CVS in downtown Andover lately? Were you wondering why the items in the storefront window don’t look like items you could typical purchase inside? Well, thanks to generosity of CVS, the Historical Society has been able to take over the community window display through the holiday season.
You’ll find an oversized banner with our new 
Sleigh bells, childrens’ costumes, feathered hats, clocks and watches, antique mouse traps, old-fashioned spectacles and decoratively embroidered textiles are just a few of the inspirational pieces that are available for interpretation. Would you, your family, or group like to decorate a tree inspired by one of these special objects? 
