The Blandford Historical Society

05/31/2026

From the 1951 diary of Sadie (Herrick) Knittel
May 31, 1951
Beautiful day. Doris came at 8-45 and papered Gretchen’s dining room. I made potato salad, boiled custard, graham muffins, graham bread, beefsteak gravy, blueberry filled cookies, brought in and folded clothes. Gretchen washed a little by hand. Doris staid to supper and left after 7. In a.m. Fred to L Hawley’s for bicycle. Horace Coash brought it home for him. Bargerons down after supper. I put Scott to bed in p.m. Doris came at 8-30.

05/31/2026

Bonus news story, May 31, 1951. I found this one while searching for old Blandford news.

05/31/2026

Blandford News, May 31, 1951. 75 years ago in the Springfield Republican and Springfield Union.

05/31/2026

Blandford News, May 31, 1926. 100 years ago in the Springfield Union.

05/31/2026

From the 1872 Diary of Mary Knox Herrick
May 31, 1872
Sarah made the new curtains and Abbie helped her put them up. Then they went up and got their lounge table chairs. Abbie trimmed the new hat for Jennie then went down to Mr. O’s. He is a great deal worse.

05/30/2026

Honor your Blandford Ancestors.
DEADLINE FOR FAMILY SIGN UP IS JUNE 10!
Contact Gary Hart today. [email protected]
Blandford Seeks ‘Historical Families’ for June 27 America 250 Parade
*You do not have to be carrying on the family name, you just need to be a descendant.
The Blandford Historical Society is inviting ‘Historical Families’ to take part in the town parade on Saturday, June 27. The parade is part of Blandford’s “Happy Birthday America 250 Celebration,” which kicks off Independence Day a full week early.
The parade theme, “Then & Now,” celebrates Blandford’s history, heritage, and community spirit.. If your family has lived in Blandford continuously for at least 100 years (since 1926 or earlier), consider honoring your ancestors by joining the march. The Town, which is sponsoring the day’s activities, will provide a banner recognizing your family name. The parade route is approximately a half mile, beginning at the Town Offices and ending at the Blandford Fairgrounds. For those who prefer not to walk, riding in a vehicle is welcome.
If you’re unsure how long your family has been in town, the BHS can assist with research. To participate or learn more, contact Board member Gary Hart through the BHS website or by email at [email protected]

05/30/2026

05/30/2026

From the 1951 diary of Sadie (Herrick) Knittel
May 30, 1951
There 52. Beautiful morning. Fred worked in garden in a.m. He and Gretchen and children went up in pasture and got swamp pinks. Then Gretchen and children went to cemetery and put lilacs and pinks on graves. Gretchen vac’d upstairs. I made pea soup and bread pudding. My stomach felt mean. I dust mopped our room, swept all the other rooms and back steps. Mrs. Bargeron and children down at 10. At 11 Bob and children came and took Gretchen and children and they over to Chesterfield Gorge for a picnic. Home at 3 and the Bargerons staid until 4. At 7-15 Gretchen and children took me up to chapel to the Weed’s Golden Wedding and came for me at 9, then Gretchen and Fred up to Balins. I put children to bed. Gretchen washed her hair and mine.

05/30/2026

Blandford News, May 30, 1926. 100 years ago in the Springfield Republican.

05/30/2026

From the 1872 Diary of Mary Knox Herrick
May 30, 1872
Rained in the afternoon. Curt went to Colebrook River. Henry and I put down the carpet in the south room. Children did not come home.