Town’s Historical Society hosts Christmas Party

The weather outside may have been frightful, but the goings-on inside were indeed delightful.

The Johnston Historical Society held a Christmas party extraordinaire last Friday evening inside two of its prize properties located at 101 Putnam Pike.

For starters, president Lou McGowan – a.k.a. Santa Claus, with a real-life white beard and plaid shirt that replaced the traditional red and white – greeted a host of members and friends inside the Museum Barn.

Meanwhile, other folks like society vice president Dan Brown and member Jim Lombari served as co-hosts inside the ageless and adjacent Elijah Angell House.

But it was the Museum Barn where traffic was heaviest. That’s because many of the loyal and active society members put together what board member Anthony Ursillo called a “fantastic food fest,” which ranged from mini frittatas to calzones and a variety of sweet stuff.

“What an enjoyable evening,” Ursillo said. “This society is made up a great group of volunteers who have shared interests in history, and they obviously enjoy fine food, as well.”

For example, it took an eight-foot-long banquet table to hold all the homemade items people brought to this year’s party.

“Look at all this food,” McGowan mused while slicing some cheese to go along with a few crackers that were part of a unique creation donated for the evening by society members Erin and Ed Cornwell.

The night also featured an extensive selection of Italian calzones, some which came from Palermo’s of Johnston and were donated by Ursillo and Timothy Kee, and others from The Bread Boss that were donated for the night by society treasurer Joe Jamroz and secretary Elise Carlson.

Society member Ida Silva brought along some chocolate macaroons, and Bel McGowan made ham and cheese finger sandwiches.

No holiday party would be complete without eggnog, which was donated for the night by society members Phil and Laurie Lemoi.

“We even had a special appetizer of chicken salad,” Ursillo said. “Thank you to Ellen Lamphear for her delicious donation.”

Meanwhile, people walked around and through the recently renovated and re-organized Museum Barn, talking with one another about the timeless treasures that now adorn just about every nook and cranny.

“We’re pretty proud of everything you see,” Brown said. “This place is special, for sure.”