COLRAIN — When someone dies in this modern world, there may be many photos to remember them by; but in the pre-photography days, a lock of hair may have been the most personal keepsake by which they were remembered.
The hair may have been put into a locket, woven into jewelry, or fashioned into flowers, with the hair wound around a wire form. A “mourning wreath” or brooch might be made out of a deceased person’s hair. Hair fashioned like ribbons into small shapes might be sent to a family member who lived far away, or a three-dimensional sculpture might be made and displayed under a glass dome.
On Thursday, the Colrain Historical Society will discuss memorial hair art from the Donelson family, which is part of the Colrain Historical Society’s collection.
This will be the first in a series of “Show and Tell” items planned for this season’s Historical Society meetings. A different object will be the subject of subsequent meetings, according to Historical Society President Belden Merims. This meeting will be held at the home of Joan McQuade, 7 Main Road, at 7 p.m. It will be preceded by a potluck supper at 6 p.m. The status of the Pitt House property and plans for the coming season will be among the topics to be discussed at this meeting.
For the potluck, bring a main course, vegetable or dessert to share. Cider will be provided, along with place settings. Those wishing to skip the supper can come just for the meeting at 7 p.m. For further information, call Merims at 625-2003.