Most locals are familiar with Old Sturbridge
Village and the Wells
family that started it all.
Brothers Channing M, Albert B ("AB"), and
J Cheney Wells were operating their family business American Optical Company
located in Southbridge, MA. With a great love of history, antiques,
and collecting each had amassed quite an array of artifacts. Some adorned the
American Optical offices and A.B.'s collection grew to fill 45 rooms.
A dream of arranging these important historical items in a
way to share with the community took hold of the brothers in the early 1930's.
Influenced by European open air 'live' museums they determined to create one in
Sturbridge. In the years that followed the building of a museum became an
obsession. But age and illness started to take their toll, and with no end to
the work in site, what would happen to their dream?
A.B. wrote to his daughter-in-law Ruth Wells, "I
realize today what a tremendous amount of work is ahead for somebody. If you
will head up that job I have no question but what your Uncle Cheney will be
glad to say 'Amen'." Uncle Cheney did agree and in his letter expressed; "I
don't see myself how in the world you can do it with all of your home, family
and civic activities, but your letter shows you have a wonderful grasp of the
situation"
They were pleased to learn just how much Ruth was suited to
the job. Never one to claim credit or seek attention, Ruth quietly took over
the position of Acting Director and went about moving the construction work
forward with renewed energy. Her 'tenacity and the drive and the administrative
sense to get the Village rolling' propelled the Village to its opening in 1946.
Much of what we love about Old Sturbridge
Village today was the
result of Ruth Wells drive. She negotiated with Fiskdale for the postcard
perfect Center Meetinghouse, advocated for a farming exhibit that resulted in the
addition of the Freeman Farm, and found the long envisioned mansion, the Salem
Towne House which became the anchor of the town common. In just four short
years this 'Town That Wants to be Out of Date' welcomed its 1 millionth
visitor!
For many today there still exist the memory and fluttering heartbeat that went through the village on the days 'Mrs. Wells is here' was whispered from one person to the next. Her personal attention to detail, long after she relinquished the Acting Director title, still resonates in today's exhibits.
