5 Medfield Women Join "Medfield Horse Thief Detecting Society"

5 Medfield Women Join Horse Thief Detecting Society!

The Medfield Horse Thief Detecting Society established on April 15, 1858, met at the Kingsbury Club for their annual meeting on May 14, 2019.

Back in 1858, when the Medfield chapter was founded, the group consisted on more than 167 members, but only three of the members were Medfield women, they were Mary Morse, Lucy Morse and Mary Derby.

In 2019, after more than 150 years of an all male Society, 5 female members were invited and joined this group; they are Brandie Erb, Nancy Kelly-Lavin, Lucille Fisher, Marge Vasaturo and yours truly, Colleen Sullivan.

The history of the Horse Thief Detecting Society explained by former Town Historian, Richard DeSorgher wrote, "In 1796 Medfield members of the Wrentham Horse-thief Detecting Society first met within the borders of Medfield. By 1802 the Norfolk and Bristol Thief Detecting Society was founded made up of Medfield and neighboring towns. In 1858, the new society was founded, made up of 167 new residents, including 3 females. The horse-thief detecting societies, not taking the law into their own hands...restricted themselves to the detection and pursuit of culprits whom, after capture, were turned over to local law enforcement officers."

Although this Medfield Society was established 161 years ago, it became dormant during the 1960's - 1980's, but Society member, Richard DeSorgher states, "...under the leadership of Tracy Mitchell in 2006, it was rejuvenated and has continued its once-a-year social meeting since."

I was honored to be invited to become one of the 5 women inducted into this Society, and pleased to inform Medfield's new Police Chief that she will have no competition from any of us in regard to the legal aspects of horse thievery .

In addition to the 5 female members, 7 Medfield men became members; they are Tom Erb, Peter Vasaturo, Mark Fisher, Russ Hallisey, Bob Black, Andrew Kelleher and Tony Centore. The Society now boasts a membership of approximately 60 members.

With another annual meeting in the books and with no horse thieves detected, retired Police Chief and Medfield Horse Thief Society Member, Bob Meaney concluded the meeting by giving his report, clearly stating, "There were no reported horse thefts last year. All known horses are fine and contented, safe in their stalls, and happy!"

An up to date photo of the 2019 Society Members was a must, as it was noted that the last group photo was taken in the 1950's.