Exeter holds annual Christmas tree lighting, Hall school open house
On November 30th the town of Exeter held their annual tree lighting at the town hall on scenic route 102. In conjunction with the event the Exeter Historical Association led by Sheilia Reynolds held an open house at Hall School which shares a parking lot.
Attendees began arriving promptly at 6 awaiting not only the lighting of the tree, but also the singing of Christmas Carols by the local girl scout troop, and the arrival of Santa Claus in an Exeter Fire Truck.
Prior to the tree lighting, those present mingled by the refreshment table drinking hot chocolate catered by Meal Works and eating delicious cookies provided by the Exeter Job Corp. A large crowd could be seen, and its size continued to grow throughout the evening. Cars parked along route 102 and filled the parking lot as families gathered to celebrate the coming holiday season with neighbors. Children ran and laughed, exemplifying the merriment that makes the season so special.
To add to the festivities, Santa’s mailbox was also placed in the town hall parking lot. Chris Bacon and Jessica DeMartino, the director of Social Services in Exeter, manned the station, providing pens and stationery to those who came to write letters. Some members of town arrived with their letters already penned and dropped them into the box before dashing away to spend time with friends. As Santa’s arrival was announced by the blaring of the fire horns, children quickened their writing, eager to see Santa but also excited to communicate via letters wishing him a Merry Christmas and requesting gifts.
The children who provided Santa with their mailing addresses will be receiving letters in return from Santa himself! The mailbox will be available at the town hall until Thursday the 7th.
The Exeter Historical Association had 161 visitors to the Hall School where Sheila Reynolds was dressed in attire reminiscent of the 1800s. Children flocked to the building, as did adults curious to see the school their ancestors attended. Town Council member, Calvin Ellis, attending school here as well and sat on a stool in the back corner of the room telling stories of his early years there. Children came in asking questions and he was happy to answer, providing memories and history lessons. He discussed his experience sitting beside the wood stove which once stood in the middle of the classroom so it would conduct heat to the entire room. When asked where the cafeteria was by a young girl scout, he said, “it was right here” and continued to point out the other modern conveniences that were missing from the one room school, such as lavatories and running water.
Children and their parents looked through the binders of images and interviews of the thirteen one room schoolhouses that once existed in the town, many commenting upon glimpses of family members or comparing them to the modern classes. One teacher took images to show her students on Monday.
The original school bell was rung throughout the night, capturing the attention of those present and transporting them back to the days when the Hall School still functioned. Hall School closed its doors in 1952 and has continued to stand by the Town Hall, which is now nearly one hundred years old.
The annual Christmas Tree Lighting was an event for the entire town to enjoy, bringing the usually solitary neighbors together in celebration.