Chairmen
Lynne Stader 978-692-2069 Lynne@Stader.org	Laurie LeBrecque 508-393-8631 LJLab@AOL.com

Historic Clough House
Ending a Legacy, Beginning a New Chapter
Lynne Stader, Chairman
Since 1971 GFWC of MA has enlisted its membership to support the restoration and preservation of the Clough House and its gardens sitting behind the Old North Church in Boston.  Built by Ebenezer Clough, it was one of six row houses built in 1715 -  next door was an identical house owned by Benjamin Franklin and occupied by his two sisters. In the years our federation has sponsored summer tours and held Christmas teas at Clough, many of you have greeted the thousands of visitors from around the world who have passed through its doors, and you have felt a personal  connection to its past.

 In April, however, we were informed by Old North Church that new plans were in place for the use of space at Clough, and that the services of our federation members were no longer needed.  Old North was given the opportunity to house a colonial era print shop exhibit in Clough, with its owner giving demonstrations. In a summer when we could have been celebrating nearly 40 years of service to Clough, we found ourselves instead clearing out federation artifacts, and boxing up memories of a long-term relationship with a lovely piece of Boston history, Clough House.

This past summer a committee was formed to oversee the appraisal and removal of our furnishings long on display in the Heritage Room on the second floor at Clough.  Careful itemization and description of each item was logged to insure a complete and accurate inventory. Plans were put in place to have the furnishings moved from Boston to our Sudbury headquarters. The intent of having a committee was to then be able to make recommendations as a group to the Executive Board as to how to proceed with the inventory.  Many of the items, such as the 1760 maple slant front desk and pewter inkwell, can perhaps grace our headquarters itself, while other items may be auctioned or sold, and a federation event, allowing members to share in an auction is also being considered.

While at Clough this summer I observed Clough as it is now, in its new chapter. Several pieces of colonial printing equipment fill the lower level on one side, with the opposite two rooms (where we once served lemonade) now set up as a gift shop, with merchandise displays amid the rustic fireplaces and modern cash registers. According to Bob Damon, Historic Site Manager at ONC, they are recording 500-1,000 visitors a day with the new exhibit, with donations making Clough more financially sound.

This building- once a colonial home, then a butcher shop, variety store, and even a bookie joint at one point, is living a new chapter that fits in nicely with its surroundings on the Paul Revere Mall. But I’m certain that even as it goes forward,  Clough knows our legacy there, and its walls are whispering appreciation to our club members for their donations over the years, and especially for telling its story to the 20,000+ visitors whose names are recorded in our 18th century leather journal. Thank you, federation friends, for your loyal service and support of Clough House.