Published in the August 5, 2016 edition.
By GAIL LOWE
WAKEFIELD — Members of the Board of Directors of the Hartshorne House are hoping for warm summer weather Tuesday evening, Aug. 9.
As they did last year, members are holding an ice cream social for the public from 6-8 p.m. featuring ingredients for a delicious “make your own” sundae — three ice cream flavors, hot fudge, strawberries, whipped cream and nuts. A bargain at $3 per person.
The first ice cream social, held in 2015, brought out more than 200 people and members hope to top that figure this year.
Director Lisa Tecce said she hopes people will come to enjoy the grounds and relax while in the company of family and friends — all while enjoying one of summer’s favorite treats.
The highlight of the event, also sponsored by Market Basket, will be a brief visit by West Side resident Tom Maguire (arrive early to meet him!), who will unveil a water color painting of Wakefield’s historic home. The framed work, commissioned by members last year, is double matted and measures 19 ½ x 20 inches. Though the painting will not be for sale, prints and all-occasion cards featuring the painting and Maguire’s other works such as the Lower Common, Rockery and Floral Way will be. Maguire will sign unframed prints of the Hartshorne House, as requested.
“The painting depicts the antiquity and beauty of the home and captures not only the House but the flagpole, stone wall and chimney,” said Tecce. “It’s really beautiful.”
Maguire spent the bulk of his career at Gillette Co., but for the past three years he has been plant manager at Paul K. Guillow, Inc. of Wakefield. The company is currently celebrating its 90th anniversary.
Wakefield’s resident artist has been drawing all of his life and has been painting water colors for about 20 years.
“Art work is currently a hobby, though my wife MaryAnn and I added an art studio to our Prospect Street home 10 or 12 years ago,” he said. When he retires, he plans to make painting a part-time vocation.
Maguire also commented that he feels fortunate to have been born with natural drawing ability. Over the past 20 years, he has added life to his drawings by way of water color. Though mostly self-taught, he has gained insight from local professionals such as Judythe Evans Meagher of Gloucester and Carolyn Latanision of Winchester.
Though he has been commissioned to paint other scenes, the Hartshorne House is the first historical home he has been asked to paint.
“In the future, especially in eventual retirement and as I develop my ability, I’d enjoy doing a variety of commission works as a vocation,” he said.
Maguire paints in the realist style, which often results in absorption in drawing and painting the minute details of the scenes. He said his paintings can get “pretty time consuming.” In fact, he spent well over 120 hours painting the Hartshorne House.
Wakefield is an inspiration to Maguire, who loves the town’s scenic landscape and topography features like Lake Quannapowitt and Crystal Lake, the Lower Common, its churches, historical aspects and small-town traditions such as the Independence Day celebration and parade.
“I have so many friends and acquaintances — some I’ve known since grade school — who chose to settle in Wakefield,” he said. “There are so many people here who are eager to support other people. As an example, for 11 years my family and I have conducted a charity event for the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund. Local merchants and friends are always very generous year after year.”
The six containers of ice cream that will be served Tuesday evening have been donated by Meletharb Homemade Ice Cream on Lowell Street.
“Meletharb’s has been very generous to the Hartshorne House,” said Tecce, adding that the ice cream parlor also donated the cups.
The money raised at the ice cream social will be used for the home’s upkeep and repairs.
For more information, call 781-245-3935.
