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Community Corner

Historical Society Raises Funds To Preserve The Past

The local group held a fundraiser and open house at the Elijah Angell House and Belknap School House on Sept 17.

On Sept. 17, the held an open house and fundraiser to assist the group in preserving Johnston's rich past. Both the Elijah Angell House and Museum Barn on Putnam Pike were open, along with the Belknap School House on Greenville Ave.

In addition to the buildings themselves, and the objects inside, there was also plenty to see outside — including presentations on the group's preservation efforts.

Steve Merolla, one of the volunteers who helps maintain the nearly 100 historic cemeteries in the town, described what goes into repairing old grave stones.

"We've been cleaning cemeteries for 10 or 15 years," said Merolla, and stone repairs began a few years ago.

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Blacksmith Rolf Johnson brought along wooden wheels like the ones on horse-drawn wagons, along with the parts needed to build the wheels. Johnson also explained how the wheels were constructed, and gave a demonstration of the tools used to fashion the wheels.

Representatives from the Neutaconkanut Hill Conservancy were also on hand to encourage people to visit the the park's hiking trails and attend their event planned for Oct. 22.

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While part of the park — located at the end of Killingly Street — is now in Johnston, it was once part of the town before Olneyville was annexed to Providence in 1898.

Over at the Belknap School House, Warren Lanford answered questions and discussed the work on the building, which originally opened in 1893 and was remodeled in 2010.

Lanford, who specializes in older properties joked that the schoolhouse, at 118 years old, was one of the "newer" building he's worked on.

The Society is scheduled to hold its monthly Executive Board Meeting tonight at 6:30 at the Elijah Angell House. All are welcome to attend.

To confirm the meeting time, or for more information on the Society's hours and continued work to preserve Johnston's history, call (401) 231-3380.

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