Swansea Historical Society
UPDATE ON THE LUTHER STORE REPAIRS
4/3/24 - The concrete slab has been poured in the crawl space. This will help combat humidity and bugs. Once the concrete floor is dry,
the mason will be coming back to build the support wall for the hearth floor.
3/27/24 - Phase I of the floor framing is completed and Phase II of the floor framing repairs for the termite damage is underway. We ran into a problem with existing fireplace hearth. The hearth floor is supported by the floor framing. Because the hearth floor does not have its own support system, our mason will build a support structure for the hearth floor. Jon will also be pouring the concrete slab over a vapor barrier to seal the dirt floor in the crawl space; this will help keep humidity down. We will also be installing dehumidifies in the crawl space and basement areas. Dehumidification will also be throughout the 1st and 2nd floors.
We have a HVAC companies coming to accesses the existing furnace and give estimates for heating, cooling and also dehumidification systems for the 1st and 2nd floors.
There are several other issues that we need to deal with before the store can be opened to the public. Such as the 2nd floor framing, the chimneys are leaking, one needs to be rebuilt and the 2nd we may get away with just repointing and both chimneys will need to be properly capped. Because the chimneys have been leaking for so long we have a black mold issue that needs to be addressed. There are several other issues that will need to be addressed in the near future.
In order for the Luther Store to be considered a museum the building must meet museum standards. The building has to be climate controlled and weather tight as possible. The artifacts that are within the museum walls need to be protected from humidification, powder post beetles, silver fish, termites and the weather.
We still need your assistance in 2024. Any financial help would be greatly appreciated. Your donations will be used for
restoration and repairs only; not for operating funds.
Thank you from The Swansea Historical Society Executive Board
Donations to fund the ongoing repairs can be sent to:
The Swansea Historical Society
P.O. Box 723
Swansea Massachusetts 02777
or contact Cheryl Bogle at 508-496-9564 or @ integracrete2@gmail.com
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Topic of the Month
Hayloft Youth Hostel at the Walkden Farm
A slideshow account of the Hayloft Youth Hostel at the Walkden's Farm, Swansea, MA
History of the SHS
Still photo presentation on the history of the SHS and the acquisition of the Luther Store
Tour the Store
While the Luther Store is closed for maintenance and repairs, the SHS is presenting this small
tour of some interesting artifacts inside the store.
Please click here to view the tour.
(updated 9-27-22)
HISTORIC PRESERVATION
Visitor number:
Welcome to the Swansea Historical Society!
The Swansea Historical Society is a non profit organization dedicated to preserving, collecting and researching historical information and items. The society also takes pride in creating ways to help future generations understand their heritage and the history of Swansea.
Founded January 23rd, 1941 the Swansea Historical Society celebrated its 80th anniversary in 2021!
Swansea Historical Society 2022 Family Recipe Cookbook is still available!
Please contact Cheryl Bogle (508-496-9564) or
Sandy Clark to purchase a Swansea Historical Society Family Recipe Cookbook
or fill out and order form (see link on the right) and mail to the SHS with your payment.
Luther Store Issues & Repairs
Swansea Luther Store from Swansea Community Network on Vimeo.
WBZ Radio Interview:
"For centuries, Swansea residents have patronized and loved the J.G. Luther Store on Old Warren Road. Time takes its toll on buildings like this, but the Swansea Historical Society has been able to keep up - until COVID hit. Now, they're scrambling to try and fix massive structural and pest problems in hopes of saving this beloved historical landmark. Cheryl Bogle from the Swansea Historical Society has details on what happened, and how you can help them get the store back to good."
NOTE: The SHS interview is the second half of the podcast."
Upcoming Events
SHS Family Recipe Cookbook
On sale now!
Cookbook Info
Cookbooks can also be purchased at Riverside Art (1600 G.A.R. Hwy, Somerset) or the Swansea Public Library
Tours
The Luther Store is currently closed for renovations
Research
By appointment only
Anyone wishing to do research (e.g. viewing family files or something in the Swansea Historical Society's collections) please contact Carl Becker at 508-379-0972 or Cheryl Bogle at 508-496-9564 to schedule an appointment.
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Swansea Historical Society!