"OUR WOMEN OF SANDWICH"
(2020 Summer Exhibit)
MARY HAMILTON COOLIDGE
1862-1952
Mary Hamilton Hill was born 1862 in Boston, where she was raised. She married J. Randolph Coolidge in 1886. By 1893, the Coolidge family had begun their connection to Sandwich. The purchase of the Smith Farm on Squam Lake by her father-in-law, allowed the large family, Mary had eight children, to spend their summers in the tranquility of Sandwich. Upon J. Randolph’s retirement in 1924, the couple made Sandwich their permanent home. The pair became actively involved in numerous organizations in town including the Sandwich Historical Society and the Samuel H. Wentworth Library.
If one were to choose a single word to describe Mary, perhaps one would say that she was an enthusiast. Whatever she did, she seemed to enjoy doing it. When she conceived a plan that would help others, she carried her enthusiasm like a banner. Spending time with her Sandwich neighbors, especially the women, she became aware of two things. First, some were making, in their spare time, excellent rugs. Others were making textile articles; both were marketable, if a market could be found.
Mary concocted a plan to reawaken the arts and skills that had once been necessities for Sandwich households in earlier generations. Though not necessities any longer, Mary thought she could find a market for these crafts in the folks who visited Sandwich every summer. Collaborating with the Sandwich Historical Society, as chair of a committee to try to recreate the old handicrafts in town, the first gathering and demonstration of textile crafts was held in 1926. The demonstration, being such a success, brought about the establishment of the Sandwich Home Industries, and for that first summer, Mary kept a shop in a store in the upper square of town, now the Tappan Chair shop.
In 1931, Mary created the J. Randolph Coolidge Memorial Foundation; her husband had died three years earlier. The foundation gift included land and a building on the south side of Main Street, where the tennis court now sits, and a principle fund of $10,000, administered by three trustees. This building became the home of the Sandwich Home Industries and tearoom. Unfortunately, the Great Fire of 1934 destroyed everything. However, plans were soon drawn up for a new building, and in 1936, across the street from its original location, the Sandwich Home Industries reopened in a brand new building, where they still are today.
Because of her early success, Mary helped establish a statewide crafts organization in 1932, and the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen was born. That same year Mary received an honorary degree of Master of Arts from the University of New Hampshire. In 1946, she was awarded the Charles Holmes Pettee Medal for service to the state. Mary was president of the League, and then as an honorary president, until her death in 1952.
Mary was a beloved member of the Sandwich community and her legacy is living evidence of what town and state owe to her. They are also her monument, one which may well last as long as town and state endure.
If one were to choose a single word to describe Mary, perhaps one would say that she was an enthusiast. Whatever she did, she seemed to enjoy doing it. When she conceived a plan that would help others, she carried her enthusiasm like a banner. Spending time with her Sandwich neighbors, especially the women, she became aware of two things. First, some were making, in their spare time, excellent rugs. Others were making textile articles; both were marketable, if a market could be found.
Mary concocted a plan to reawaken the arts and skills that had once been necessities for Sandwich households in earlier generations. Though not necessities any longer, Mary thought she could find a market for these crafts in the folks who visited Sandwich every summer. Collaborating with the Sandwich Historical Society, as chair of a committee to try to recreate the old handicrafts in town, the first gathering and demonstration of textile crafts was held in 1926. The demonstration, being such a success, brought about the establishment of the Sandwich Home Industries, and for that first summer, Mary kept a shop in a store in the upper square of town, now the Tappan Chair shop.
In 1931, Mary created the J. Randolph Coolidge Memorial Foundation; her husband had died three years earlier. The foundation gift included land and a building on the south side of Main Street, where the tennis court now sits, and a principle fund of $10,000, administered by three trustees. This building became the home of the Sandwich Home Industries and tearoom. Unfortunately, the Great Fire of 1934 destroyed everything. However, plans were soon drawn up for a new building, and in 1936, across the street from its original location, the Sandwich Home Industries reopened in a brand new building, where they still are today.
Because of her early success, Mary helped establish a statewide crafts organization in 1932, and the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen was born. That same year Mary received an honorary degree of Master of Arts from the University of New Hampshire. In 1946, she was awarded the Charles Holmes Pettee Medal for service to the state. Mary was president of the League, and then as an honorary president, until her death in 1952.
Mary was a beloved member of the Sandwich community and her legacy is living evidence of what town and state owe to her. They are also her monument, one which may well last as long as town and state endure.
Mary ~ artist unknown
This painting was presented to the Sandwich Home Industries in 1984
