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Miss Stanley Kindergarden, Mrs. Stanley first grade, Mrs. Minzner second grade, Mrs. Cronin third grade, Mrs. Walsh 4th grade ( this is when the new second wing of six moe classrooms were added), Miss Puzio (now Angelonie and she taught two of my children) 5th grade then to Stow School for 6th grade with Mrs. Donaldson. I think I can name most all of my Junior and Senior High teahers also. All were great teachers and I thank them for a great primary education. Could not have ben the person I am today without them! Don't forget "Chief" Hendricksen the head janitor and Mrs. West the cafeteria head.

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Sep 11, 2023Liked by Elaine Clements

This is an interesting article on the painting of carriages and wagons. I am writing about the Underground Railroad and the Poor Carriage shop and found what you wrote a great connection. Thank you. JHead

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Thank you! We posted a number of stories about the Poor Wagon Shop and the Underground Railroad on History Buzz, along with a downloadable PDF about researching the UGRR on our website, https://andoverhistoryandculture.org/research-highlights. Best of luck with your project! ~Elaine

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Apr 17, 2023Liked by Elaine Clements

Wow Elaine, what a great story. Absolutely love the revised 1911 charter! Our founders would be pleased.

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Thanks, Tom!

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Apr 14, 2023Liked by Elaine Clements

Another fascinating article, Elaine. I especially liked the information about the collection items.

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Thanks, Barbara!

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A fascinating subject. The concept of carriage pInting is carried forward today with "detailing," or decorative markings on contemporary cars - but without the many coats of paint.

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Actually that is the building I think I recall - it was on Bartlet Street (not School as I previously mentioned) the Central Elementary school I attended in the 50's was later built next door (I think!) - that's why I remember that building as a child - it had so much character....

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Apr 4, 2023Liked by Elaine Clements

Just curious - is ACHC #2019.02.21 in front of the original Punchard School on School Street?

Just wondering - I remember that building (beautiful) and I remember as a child being very sad when it was torn down. People think kids don't have an appreciation for older buildings but they do!

The building so much personality and charm!

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Hi Alicia, the building in the background is the John Dove School on Bartlet Street, which was in use between 1878 and 1952. It was originally called the Center District School. I love those old school buildings.

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The Elm Square fire involved a carriage business. Highly flammable materials. And all that lead. I'm thinking about the changes in paint and painting that have occured over the centuries. These days one can put ceramic coating on to help protect the paint work.

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Good point, Doug. I wonder how many coats of finish go on a car body today, compared to the dozens of layers of paint, led, fill, and varnish.

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Apr 3, 2023Liked by Elaine Clements

To do 4 wheels the cost must have been more than the cost of a wagon.

Tony

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Apr 3, 2023Liked by Doug Cooper, Elaine Clements

My mother told me once that her dad had said that painting the thin stripes on a buggy took a "steady hand, a keen eye, and a tiny mind."

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That's funny! Today the stripes could be adhesive tape.

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Apr 3, 2023Liked by Elaine Clements

More a question: Any idea what the frequency was to repaint the wheels? With the process that was explained, I would hope once every 100 years 😀

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I don't know. Looks like another research rabbit hole!

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Apr 3, 2023Liked by Elaine Clements

Lead-based paint, plus ground with pumice. Must have made a lot of lead dust! Obviously not a healthy profession.

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No, artisans and artists were exposed to a lot of toxic materials. Lead filler is still used to fill the canvas of some kinds of canoes. (My dad restored canvas-covered canoes.)

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I just this week wrote about how 1850s Independence, MO covered-wagon manufacturer Hiram Young put his name and logo on every vehicle, most bound for Oregon or California! A fascinating example of a Black-owned business, too. 😀

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So cool! I loved reading your posts!

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Thank you! 😍

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