The next 250th event will be a parade in September.
BELCHERTOWN – The town of Belchertown celebrated its 250th birthday on Saturday under perfect skies with an anniversary picnic on the town common featuring a little something for everyone – music, classic cars, antique carriages, tractors, face-painting, wagon rides and even a “Bushy Boys” beard growing contest.
“I think it’s great. This is wonderful weather for it,” Lois A. Smith said as she walked to Town Hall to view the quilt exhibit.
Selectman and Town Clerk William R. Barnett explained some of the town’s history, noting it was originally known as Cold Spring for the spring that attracted travelers from Worcester, Springfield and Northampton. It was named after Jonathan Belcher (Belchers Town), a prominent politician at the time who had served as governor of Massachusetts, New Hampshire and New Jersey. The town was incorporated on June 30, 1761 by the Colonial legislature.
There were a dozen carriages and sleighs from the 1800s, most from the collection of 67-year-old James W. Chevalier, who brought 10 for the event but has more than 80 at his Summer Street home. He specializes in restoring horse-drawn vehicles for a living.
“I started collecting them 40 years ago. They’re all original,” Chevalier said.
It was fitting that antique carriages were on display. According to information on the town website, Belchertown enjoyed an active carriage trade up until the Civil War.
Chevalier’s carriages ranged from a few ornately painted with flowers, to one with a canopy and little trunk attached to the back. Another one carried the advertising message “Use Bowman’s Cough Syrup” from Dutchess Co. with the address of Pine Plains, N.Y.
“I’m sure it was snake oil,” Chevalier said.
Leon P. Demers of Demers & Sons, another carriage and sleigh restoration business in town, had an 1890 carriage with a parasol attached on display. Demers has 70 of the carriages and sleighs, and called Chevalier “his mentor.”
There were numerous vendors selling toys, perennials, clothing and food. The Belchertown Equine Organization was offering rides on Char-lee, a miniature horse; Bob, a “gentle giant;” and Jenna, an Appaloosa pony.
Enjoying the sounds of the Belchertown Community Band was Cheryl Theureau of France, who was visiting family in the area.
“This is very nice. It’s a village celebration,” Theureau said.
Cliff McCarthy, who chaired the anniversary picnic committee, said they brought back some of the events that marked the 200th anniversary, such as the “Bushy Beard” contest. They also planned to honor the queen from the 1961 ball, Martha Mathras Berger.
Face-painting was popular with the children. Katherine South, 17, was doing the face-painting for Belchertown Community Aid Network (CAN) to benefit Red Cross tornado relief efforts. She painted a tiger face on Maelin Pearl Manning, 6 ½, of Greenfield.
“This is great for the kids,’ said Maelin’s grandmother, Darcy A. Jurczyk, of Belchertown.
State Representatives Thomas M. Petrolati and Stephen Kulik, along with Senators Gale D. Candaras and Stanley C. Rosenberg, presented the town with a framed replica of its Articles of Incorporation. They, along with Congressman John W. Olver, gave a rousing rendition of “Happy Birthday” to Belchertown from the stage.
The next 250th event will be a parade in September.