Around Town

Historical Society Hosting Talk on 19th Century China Trade, Has Old Family Photos

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The Watertown Historical Society announced two upcoming events, one about the history of the China Trade and the second seeks to find homes for family photos from the 1940s and 1950s. Massachusetts and the 19th Century China Trade
A Slide-show and lecture will be presented by Doug Stewart on Wednesday, Nov. 9, 2016 at 7 p.m. at the Watertown Savings Bank Meeting Room in the Watertown Free Public Library, 123 Main Street, Watertown, MA 02472.  

Two hundred years ago, greater Boston was the richest corner of the nation, thanks to the tea, spices, porcelain, silk, and other luxury goods that daring local shipmasters brought back from East Asia. The early nineteenth-century China Trade merchants of Massachusetts included the new nation’s first millionaires. Many Boston-area institutions, from MacLean Hospital and the Museum of Fine Arts to Theodore Lyman’s Waltham estate, were built in part with China Trade wealth.

Around Town

Senior Center Wins Annual Watertown Mall Scarecrow Contest

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The Watertown Senior Center won first place in the 25th Annual Scarecrow Contest sponsored by the Watertown Mall. Mall officials announced that the winning entry was the pumpkin-headed scarecrow is dressed in a tuxedo with his cane resting on his chair and reading a copy of the Watertown Senior News. The scarecrows were on display during the later half of October, and mall visitors could vote for their favorite.

Around Town

Plenty Going On at the Watertown Senior Center in November

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The Watertown Senior Center is chock full of activities in November. Here is the Senior Center Newsletter submitted by the staff. Some of our NOVEMBER 2016 events include:

With Thanks from the Director

I could not be more grateful for all those who support the Senior Center by attending an event or class, calling or visiting for assistance or information, volunteering to run a program, facilitating an activity, working at the Food Pantry, organizing a special event, donating to our efforts, or serving on the Board or a committee. You all help to make the Center a vibrant place and the staff and I thank you. We hope to see you at the Center this month.

Around Town

Old Family Photos Donated to Watertown Historical Society, Owners Sought

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The Historical Society invites you to the Fowle House at 28 Marshall Street on Saturday, November 12, 2016 between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. to discover whether they have old photos of your family or friends. Drtad and Harry Boyajian of Oxford Studios in Cambridge preserved the history of many Watertown families in classic style studio portraiture. When the brothers left the business, the proofs were given to the Boyajian family. There were photos of people from many towns in the greater Boston area. Harry’s son David has donated photos of Watertown residents to the Historical Society of Watertown.

Around Town

Watertown Library Offers Intro to Computer Class for Seniors

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The Watertown Free Public Library announced it will offer a three hour introductory computer class specifically for seniors who wish to learn the basics of using a computer. There will be plenty of time for questions. The class will be held Saturday, Nov. 12 from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Space is limited, so please visit the Adult Reference Desk at the library or call 617-972-6436 to register.

Around Town

Support Group for Family, Caregivers of Those with Mental Illness

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Watertown residents are invited to take part in a support group for family and caregivers of people with mental illness. NAMI Family Support Group is a free, structured, confidential peer-led support group for family members, caregivers and loved ones of individuals living with mental illness.  The next one will be held on Tuesday, Nov. 8, 7:30-9 p.m. at Newton Wellesley Hospital, second floor, Bowles Conference Center, Board Room 2, organized by the National Alliance for Mental Illness (NAMI).