Shrewsbury Historical Society President Don Burden welcomed the more than 100 guests who braved the stormy and threatening weather of last weekend to enjoy the charm and history of the home of Betsy and Tim Shaheen who hosted a fundraising annual event to help the Historical Society continue to provide its pride and dedication to what has made Shrewsbury the community it is.
Burden also expressed thanks to the Shrewsbury Garden Club, always great friends of the Historical Society, his wife, Mary Leigh, also an active member of the Society, and all those who have attended the neighborhood parties that help raise funds.
He noted the Shaheen’s gracious opening of their home and hosting the gala marks the 50th anniversary of a fundraising event that also highlights the history of the borough as well as the friendliness of its residents.
The first Neighborhood Gala similar to the Shaheens was a half century ago, 1976, when the Swebens of the Shadowbrook hosted the afternoon cocktail party. The $50 contribution for that first event has not changed over the years, Burden pointed out, again thanking the Shadowbrook for their continued presence and their gift towards the success of this year’s event
The society president also highlighted some of the Society’s events, noting the success and outstanding reception its most recent exhibit received. Burden noted the Quilt Display, which included 109 quilts from several different centuries, families and stories, and which is closing now, received more than 700 visitors.
The next exhibit of vintage tea pots, dinnerware, crocheted and embroidered tableware is currently in the planning stages. Ensuring that each exhibit at the Shrewsbury Society is unique and memorable, Burden said that “for the heck of it” this exhibit will also include a collection of vintage oil cans, along with the embroidered tableware and vintage items. The opening date has not yet been announced, the chairman said, inviting those in attendance to contribute items if they desire.
Burden also noted that “next year will be a challenge “ for the Society as funds are needed to replace the unreliable and aging 1984 heating and AC system “that is living on borrowed time.” All of the Society’s operating costs for their museum are the responsibility of the Society, he pointed out, “not at the expense of the borough.”
Burden’s history of the Buttonwood Park area of Shrewsbury where the Shaheens live, captivate the crowd.
He noted that this year marks the centennial of the construction of the first homes built in Buttonwood. He continued that “ while many of the homes have been expanded over the years, the charm of the Buttonwood Park remains.” He noted with thanks how generosity such as the Shaheens opening the event is a boon to “to raising the necessary funds to keep the doors open at the Shrewsbury Historical Society.”
Their generosity, he said, is similar to their neighbors, since “over the years, residents of Buttonwood have long contributed to Shrewsbury’s identity. Two mayors at one time lived here, several members of the Shrewsbury’s Board of Education, a Shrewsbury judge, noted business owners, Realtors, and lawyers all called Buttonwood Park home.”
One family, the Ace Godwins, he said, “were in the forefront of moving on with the times to integrate minorities in the community. The Francis Eck family went on to expand businesses that enabled them to gift more than $55 million to the University of Notre Dame. Speaking of Notre Dame,” he continued, “ Current Buttonwood resident, Mike Jones, and his brother Ed, our bartender, are grandsons Elmer Layden, one of the Four Horsemen of ND and the first commissioner of the NFL. “
