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09/08/2015 01:00 PMA 60-year anniversary is something to celebrate, wouldn’t you say? In honor of this special occasion, on Sunday, Sept. 13, from 4 to 7 p.m. the Essex Historical Society invites you to come and take, “An Afternoon Stroll Through Dickinson History,” a self-guided tour through five private properties formerly owned by members of the Dickinson family, founders and manufacturer’s of E.E. Dickinson Witch Hazel. All proceeds will benefit the Essex Historical Society.
This unique benefit event will provide a peek into the storied past of Dickinson and will take place along the North Main and Prospect Street section of the Essex Village.
Guests will have the exclusive opportunity to view the iconic Dickinson family home; the stately, columned White House located at 21 North Main Street; the Dickinson office building at 31 North Main Street, which is now home to Wells Fargo Advisors; the adjacent Dickinson carriage house; the 1750s Samuel Lay homestead, located at 17 North Main Street, the former home of the top sales executive for Dickinson Witch Hazel; and the once cow barn, now private home just a few steps south.
“This is a house tour like no other, so steeped in history and one family’s impact on a community,” said event chairperson Pat Thompson. “We are very grateful for the current owners’ willingness to open up their homes and for the Dickinson family members who have graciously shared their memories to help us celebrate Essex’s rich heritage.”
In addition to getting the chance to peek into the past, visitors will also get the chance to ask questions and speak with Dickinson family members, who will be onsite to lend a personal perspective to this special homes tour.
“The Dickinson family’s impact on our community holds personal importance to me as I am the mother of the great granddaughters of the last owner of the company, E.E. Dickinson, Jr.,’ said Selectman Stacia Libby. “It is my belief that this tour will provide all who join us with an education and insight into the very fabric of what makes Essex such a unique and exceptional community.”
Stroll guests can enjoy drinks and hors d’oeuvres and a quiet respite for a moment or two in Dickinson Park, a small swath of grassy green across from the main home.
An added attraction to the stroll is the display of period cars, which will be ready for viewing for automobile lovers of all ages. In addition, each stroll attendee will receive a commemorative book documenting the fascinating story of the Dickinson legacy.
“The stroll, highlighting the contributions of the Dickinson family, is one that I am very excited to be involved with,” said Libby. “One of the aspects that I love about our town is the dedication to preserving and honoring its rich history. We see this commitment to the past all around us, from the homes that line our streets, the inns which host visitors, and an operating steam train and historic playhouse. I have always been fascinated by history and I believe it is vital to future generations that we do all that we can today to ensure our past is not lost with the passage of time.”
Tickets for An Afternoon Stroll Through Dickinson History are $60 per person. Children under 18 are free. Parking for the event will be available along North Main Street and Prospect Street, at Hills Academy and Our Lady of Sorrows located at 21 Prospect Street, and at Essex Town Hall. Handicap parking can be found at the Welcome Tent to be located at Wells Fargo Advisors, 31 North Main Street.
Tickets can be purchased in advance, online at essexhistory.org, by calling 860-767-0681, or at the Welcome Tent on the day of the event.