New Historical Exhibit Traces Footsteps of Old Dedham Businesses

The unveiled a new exhibit recently entitled "Take a Walk through Dedham's Historical Squares" that will tell the story of the town heading into its 375th birthday next year.

"Part of the goal of this project is to get members of the Dedham community [to come out]. We want to tell everyone's story, not just the people on the wall that have been here 375 years. Average residents are just as much a part if history as everyone else," said Vicky Kruckeberg, executive director and curator for the historical society.   

Three glass casings on the right side of the main floor acknowledge notable businesses from each of the three squares, containing both original artifacts as well as reproductions of old photographs depicting proud shop owners.

The first casing features the once-standing Geishecker's department store and Oakdale Shoe Service, and contains actual shoes emblematic for those wanting to "see what it is like to walk in [them]."

Advancing to the second window, tribute is paid to such localized, commodity-oriented businesses as Boyden and Bailey's Grocery, Finn's Market, Wendell's Drug Store, and Herman and Daniel Mann's marbleized paper-producing business where light-sensitive samples are displayed.

Kruckeberg, who intermittently alternates the samples for preservation's sake, said, "[Making the marbleized paper involves] a complicated procedure. It's a fascinating story. For us to have samples is quite remarkable." 

While much of the collection is derived from an intrinsic collection, much is the product of recruitment and generous lenders.

"When people found out [about the exhibit], they were interested and willing to give us items," Kruckeberg said.

The Reaves family, for instance, who started the Oakdale Spa, gave a clock.

Clocks, beyond playing an underlying theme, are actually a common contribution: Guild's Jewelry offered a two-sided clock-modeled storefront sign – Kruckeberg's favorite – and she moved the nonfunctioning clock from her own office for the benefit of the exhibit. 

Beyond the wall display cases are more modest, countertop displays that seem to lack the archeological depth or as much careful implementation.

Kruckeberg said, "There are a lot of missing artifacts and info." 

P&J Pastry, featured at the farthest corner of the exhibit, came along just as she finished putting everything together, offering hey-day photos, cookie cutters and recipes.

"I don't think anyone is going to steal the recipes, [which call for] six pounds of sugar and two pounds of egg," said Kruckeberg. 

There are also photos of old buildings and town structures paired with projections for new development plans.

"What you lost are some of the mom-and-pop stores, bars/taverns, what you gained were chain stores. The rickety batten houses are gone. [It's about] what appeals to the eye. We show before and after [pictures], so you can make your own judgment."

As an experienced curator, Kruckeberg has a certain familiarity with public trends and the kinds of typical reactions to the featured items, saying "It's what's known in the museum business as the 'ah-ha moment': 'ah-ha, I remember…' or 'ah-ha, I used to have one of those.' I know what's been successful in the past."

Kruckeberg, however, wants to broaden the audience and hopes this exhibit will get a whole new generation.

"An exhibit like this will appeal to older and middle generations, baby boomers, and they will bring their kids to look at it."