In the Mather attic is a scrapbook simply titled “175 Reunion Data.” Within the scrapbook, a wealth of materials offer us a glimpse at the planning, preparation, and celebration of the Homestead at its dodransbicentennial—o.k.at its 175th birthday.
Invited to this event were “…You who are descendants of Deacon Joseph Mather and Sarah Scott, his wife…” Hosted by Bertha and Ed McPherson, the event drew more than 100 guests to the Homestead for the celebration.
At the ceremony that afternoon a letter from Charles Selleck, a grandson of Deacon Joseph Mather was read. The letter had previously been read at both the 100th and 150th anniversary
of the Homestead (Centennial and Sesquicentennial for those keeping score.) He wrote…
“We, at the close of a hundred years, are gathered here around the hearth stone and the old family homestead where everything awakens memories of the past – we have come here today to honor your memory – to drink in afresh the spirit of olden time…”
That perhaps captures the Homestead’s mission now and the opportunity it offers visitors—“to drink in afresh the spirit of olden time…” All of this which should put us on notice for 2028—the Homestead’s Sestercentennial---250 years!
Images below:
2. L-R. Ed McPherson, Bertha McPherson, Mrs. A Gillette, William Seeley, Rev. George Tuttle
3. 175th Anniversary Attendees by the Well
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