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Friends of Topsmead Annual Scholarship Program Our 2026 winner will be announced on May 15! The Board of Directors of Friends of Topsmead State Forest has established an annual scholarship program for high school seniors. We offer one $1,000.00 scholarship to a student pursuing a career in environmental/ecological studies, resource management, conservation, or historic preservation.
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May musingsWhat is your favorite place at Topsmead is to "Just Be"? Margaret Hunt shares her reflections below.
A place to reflect on the beauty of Topsmead. Photo by Margaret Hunt
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ASK BOB
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Bob Orintas, the son of John Orintas, Miss Edith Chase's chauffeur, has been sharing his wonderful essays recounting his memories of Topsmead on our website for years! Thank you Bob!
We have begun to offer the opportunity for everyone to ask him direct questions about life at Topsmead. Please send your questions via the button below. Your question may be one that Bob responds to in our newsletter and on the website! |
Question #6: Can you tell us about Miss Edith attire?
- How did she dressed for daily life at Topsmead?
- Did she change clothes for dinner?
- How would she dress for a garden party, a barbecue or going to town?
- Did she travel to New York City for social occasions? She must’ve had separate outfits for those things.
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Growing up at Topsmead, we were not allowed up to the main house very often, so I can't offer details about everyday occurrences, but from an overall perspective, Miss Edith, Miss Mary and Miss Lucy dressed very simply and conservatively. When Miss Edith came to visit the farm, she was usually in a simple housedress.
Dressing for dinner was common, but I don't know if it was done daily. There were no fancy outfits that I can ever remember. The ladies would go to New York city, I estimate, about 6 to 8 times per year. Sometimes Miss Edith would drive, other times my dad would drive and then have to find a hotel and a place to park the car. In NYC they would stay at the Cosmopolitan Club, where Miss Edith was a member. Trips were made mostly for shopping, as well as visiting her sister Kate and other friends. They would also see some Broadway shows. They would usually stay for two to three days at a time. While I can't provide more information regarding dressing, I would emphasize that it would have been on the conservative side. |
Miss Edith entertains friends by the outdoor grill.
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by Margaret Hunt
Topsmead pond under construction 1937
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Just being
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