By Mary Wenzel, Marlborough Columnist
“When one door closes, another door opens” is a phrase I’ve heard many times.
Although I have been hesitant to believe, it became a reality for me in the summer of ’21. After 45 years at a local 132-year-old newspaper, the presses were stopped. I was incredibly sad, as I enjoyed writing about birthdays, anniversaries, charity events, ribbon cuttings, service organizations and much more including taking photos.
However, when I was contacted by the Community Advocate, I was offered an opportunity to continue writing bi-weekly in this weekly publication. I’m very excited for this new challenge and I am excited that this is my first column. Join with me in reading “Marlborough…at a Glance.”
Historical Society to showcase vintage wedding attire
Oh, those Bette Davis eyes, the signature feature of the star and stage actress who was born in Lowell. Bette once brought those deep blue eyes to Marlborough to visit her aunt, who lived on Farm Road.
In 1880, Mildred Favor married Myron Davis, Davis’s uncle. Now, the gown Mildred wore on that very special day is one of those set to be on display as the Marlborough Historical Society presents “A Celebration of Vintage Wedding Attire,” to be held on Aug. 28, 4-8 p.m., and SundaySept. 5, 2-5 p.m., at the Peter Rice Homestead at 377 Elm St.
On exhibit will be gowns from the 1800s to 1984, including the wedding gowns of Ella Bigelow, author of “Historical Reminiscences of the Early Times in Marlborough, Massachusetts.”
Karen Gaucher Widener has offered the 1940 wedding gown of her mother, “Lee,” to be on display. In addition, Marian (Carr) Hopkins of Marlborough has donated the wedding gown worn by her mother, Marian Lamson, when she married Lieutenant Ernest W. Carr. This 1934 wedding was described as a brilliant military wedding of two prominent Marlborough families, complete with a West Point military escort.
Also on display is my wedding gown, hand-made by my mother, and worn by me when I married my husband Larry on Oct. 7, 1961, nearly 60 years ago.
The exhibit will also feature a gown donated by Betty Evangelous that she wore at her wedding to Achilles Evangelous in 1951.
Wedding gowns, bridesmaids’ dresses, men’s wedding attire and more will be included in this presentation.
The Historical Society has been preserving fashions donated by local families, and the enormous task of collecting the wedding attire and organizing the fashions was handled by Linda Rennie and Trish Holt. The effort has taken the duo nearly two years to complete. The fee to attend is $5.
Senior Center to host pickling event
Many local seniors may find themselves “in a pickle” next week, or at least in a pickling workshop, as the Marlborough Senior Center is offering a class in the basics of pickling by making pickles that seniors can enjoy at home.
Pickling has been a tradition in many cultures. But it has been a lost art in recent times. The good news is that the cucumbers that will be harvested for the class have been growing all season in the greenhouse at the Senior Center at 40 New St.
All materials will be provided on Tuesday, Aug. 24. The fee is $3. Reservations are required. Sign up at the reception desk. The date is subject to change as the workshop is at the “mercy of the crop.”
Friends of the Poor Walk to take place next month
The 4th Marlborough St. Vincent de Paul Friends of the Poor Walk is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 25, 2021. So, get your walking shoes laced and join them.
The purpose of the walk is to collect joint pledges, allowing the two Marlborough St. Vincent de Paul conferences of St. Matthias and Immaculate Conception to perform outreach work and special projects to help friends in need in the Marlborough community.
The St. Vincent de Paul Society’s mission is to build a more just world through personal relationships.
The three-mile roundtrip walk on the scenic Assabet River Rail Trail will begin with registration at 9:30 a.m. and the walk at 10 a.m. at Meehan Hall, Immaculate Conception School, 119 Washington St., Marlborough.
Registration or donations may also be made in advance at www.MarlboroughFOPWalk.org. Small business and corporate team donations are greatly encouraged. If you need more information, please contact a Friends of the Poor Coordinator:
Peter Militello from Immaculate Conception at 978-763-0578 or Sue Dolesh from St. Matthias at 248-794-3734.
Marlborough … at a Glimpse
Sully’s Golf Tournament 2021 will be held Aug. 23 at the Marlborough Country Club, followed by dinner and prizes inside the club.
The 2021 Greek Festival is on Sept. 4, 5, and 6, beginning at noon each day at the Sts. Anargyroi Greek Orthodox Church, Central Street.
The Marlborough High School Class of 1955 is having a 66th Class Reunion on Saturday, Aug. 28, at noon at Double T’s on Weed Street.
Mayor Arthur Vigeant announced “Marlborough Community Health Heroes” as this year’s Labor Day Parade Grand Marshals of the 69th Labor Day Parade. The parade will take place on Monday Sept. 6,beginning at noon.
An International Overdose Awareness Day Candlelight Vigil will be held Tuesday, Aug. 31, at the front lawn of the Frank D. Walker Building, 255 Main St., Marlborough.
Happy Birthday
Aug. 8
Wishes for a happy year go to Marlborough City Councilor Don Landers.
Aug. 25
Birthday greetings go to Rick Lombardi, owner of The Vin Bin.
August
Birthday greetings go out to Bob Kays, Grand Marshal of the 2013 Labor Day Parade, Audrey Sullivan, Katie Bryant, Todd Emich, Tammy Ducey, Amelia Kinney and Helen Downey
Happy Anniversary
Best wishes go to Dr. Mary and Dr. Dan O’Brien who celebrate their wedding anniversary on Aug. 25.
