Miss Madeline Thurston Obituary
Lived in "Clover Patch"
Died May 8, 1939
NEW IPSWICH
Correspondent: Mrs. Bessie Cushing
Death of Miss Madeline Thurston.
Miss Madeline Thurston, who has been in failing health for some time, died at her home Monday morning. Although ill for some time, the end came suddenly. Miss Thurston taught in the Bigelow School in Newton, Mass., for many years, during which time she purchased a little place in New Ipswich which she named "Clover Patch," and all her weekends, holidays and summer vacations were spent here. Upon her retirement from teaching she made it her permanent home. Miss Thurston took a part in all the social affairs of the town and church and was interested in all public affairs.
The funeral was held Wednesday at 10 a. m. in the Congregational church, burial in Bristol, R. I.
Ethel McKown living room
James Roger diary entry
3rd July 1913
Fair and warm; wind variable. David cutting Frank Hardy’s hay. Alice cleaning up some drawers, etc. I've picked four fowls for Brown Bros. John Cummings came to town this afternoon and called to pay his pew rent. Got letter from Hamish.
Seems as though people used straight-backed rocking chairs then perhaps to ease back pain as did JFK by mid-century.
So people rented certain pews at the church;? Is that what James Roger was referring to?
And of the prominence of wooden chairs in the living room depicted. Was that a thing back then rather than having lots of upholstery as seating? Have we all gone soft in modern times?