"OUR WOMEN OF SANDWICH"
(2020 Summer Exhibit)
EDNA BURROWS BICKFORD
1909-2015
In October 2009 the Sandwich Historical Society was honored to highlight Sandwich’s lifelong resident and (then) town centenarian, Edna B. Bickford, in the Sandwich Fair Grand Street Parade. She graced our float, which Edna’s family generously and enthusiastically designed and decorated as part of their 100th birthday celebration.
Edna passed away in 2015 at the Masonic Homes of Kentucky-Shelbyville; she was 105! Edna was born in Sandwich, NH, the only daughter of Adelaide S. (Hull) and Harry L. Burrows. She was a member of the Federated Church of Sandwich and the Sandwich Ladies Aid Society. Edna was also a member of the Mt. Israel Grange, having served the organization for over 70 years filling the office master and several other positions over the years. She was a member and past matron of Bearcamp Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star (O.E.S), having joined the Ellacoya Chapter O.E.S. of Meredith, NH, after Bearcamp Chapter closed its doors; a total of over 87 years in the O.E.S. She was a member of Belknap Button Club, including state and national clubs (she served as secretary for Belknap for 10 years). She maintained a home in Center Sandwich as long as her health permitted and moved to Anderson County, KY in 2008 to be with her son, Roy Bickford
Edna passed away in 2015 at the Masonic Homes of Kentucky-Shelbyville; she was 105! Edna was born in Sandwich, NH, the only daughter of Adelaide S. (Hull) and Harry L. Burrows. She was a member of the Federated Church of Sandwich and the Sandwich Ladies Aid Society. Edna was also a member of the Mt. Israel Grange, having served the organization for over 70 years filling the office master and several other positions over the years. She was a member and past matron of Bearcamp Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star (O.E.S), having joined the Ellacoya Chapter O.E.S. of Meredith, NH, after Bearcamp Chapter closed its doors; a total of over 87 years in the O.E.S. She was a member of Belknap Button Club, including state and national clubs (she served as secretary for Belknap for 10 years). She maintained a home in Center Sandwich as long as her health permitted and moved to Anderson County, KY in 2008 to be with her son, Roy Bickford
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Edna attended the Chicks Corner School (still beautifully maintained today) along with her two brothers Lester and Luther. Edna wasn’t technically old enough to attend school but she followed her brothers everywhere and was allowed to stay at school as long as she behaved.
Edna married Charles Roy Bickford Sr. in 1932 and had one son, Charles Roy Bickford Jr. She has three grandchildren and eight great grandchildren. An avid sewer, she made a lot of the clothing for her grandchildren when they were small. She hiked many of the local mountain ranges always carrying her rifle. Edna had a wonderful sense of adventure and loved to travel in her later years with her companions Edwin Elliott and Dora Martin. Her favorite locations were Hawaii, Alaska and of course Washington, DC where she could visit family. If someone was going somewhere, she was going with them whether it be a trip across the country or to the next town. She was recipient of the Sandwich Post Cane, an honor bestowed upon the oldest town resident. Fun fact: her mother, Addie and her grandfather, James Burrows, also held the status of the Town's oldest resident. Well into her late 90’s and early 100’s, she split her time between NH, VA and KY. She is greatly missed. Trecia McEvoy June 2020 |
