North Orlando – Whatz-it?

Dear friends just gave me this little guy – Any idea what he is? Well, he is a coffee creamer holder. Not sure I’ll use this for Thurston House guests. I don’t want to scare them before having their first cup. He is kinda cute though… porch-then-o-room-for-wedding-couple-010

Where are you from?

We have enjoyed guests from all over the world – 50 states, 21 countries and 3 territories! Of course they always want to know where we are from and how we got here. This is where I grew up – Holden, Massachusetts. It was a small town just north of Worcester, in the center of the state. It is now a bustling community of approx 20,000 residents! Quite a change from its’ incorporation in 1741. When I lived there it was a quiet and wonderful place to grow up. In doing Thurston Family research I learned that a Thurston cousin is buried in the antique cemetery that is located right in the town square area that is depicted in these prints…..small world!

Still Another Whatz-It!

In my “other” life I worked at a Fortune 500 Company in Massachusetts – Norton Company. I was actually the 4th generation to work at this abrasives company. Their original products were ceramic jugs, crocks and that type of thing. This is one from my great-Grandfather, who also was employed by them. Ironically, this company started in 1885, the same year this house was completed! Come visit this Orlando area bed & breakfast – Thurston House – and check it our for yourselves!

Another Whatz-It!

Visitors to Thurston House love to look around at our interesting “stuff”. We have been married almost 30 years so have quite a bit. This is an interesting item given to us by our contractor. He knows we like old things…historic…so thought this appropriate to give to us. This is “Grave Art”, made from a rubbing of an antique cemetery stone.

Whatz-it?

We are from Massachusetts originally and moved over 10,000 pounds of “stuff” from there to here at Thurston House in Central Florida, by way of a year in Southern California. Our guests enjoy living with our things, if only for a short time. One of the favorite things to ask about is the rack by the front door that holds brochures and items for sale. It works great for that use, but it started life in the early 1900’s as a shoe rack. This would have been in a New England shoe factory. The shoes would roll from station to station on this rack as they were being made. INTERESTING… no? Have you ever seen one anywhere else?

History For Everyone!!

On the shores of Lake Lily are the offices of one of the premier historical society’s, The Maitland Historical Society. This very active group has done wonders since we have been here, and there are many exciting future plans. Right now the society has a history museum on Packwood Avenue that houses various exhibits, a telephone museum and a reference library. This is several blocks from Lake Lily. On Lake Lily is their office building, Carpenter’s Shop Museum and the Waterhouse Residence Museum. Exciting plans to bring all of the facilities together came about when a development company, The Morgan Group, pledged $1 million dollars towards a future vision that includes a learning center that will allow visitors to explore the human experience through the stories of one Central Florida town. To read the full press release click here. We are proud members of The Maitland Historical Society and have enjoyed watching them grow and become the premier association that they are. Guests at Thurston House have enjoyed both museums, just a short walk away.