On Sunday, Sept. 29, the Lynnfield Historical Society, in partnership with Trails and Sails, offered an encore presentation of their successful “Discover Lynnfield” walk along Partridge Island Trail, a visit to the site of Rombult’s Grove, and the story of the tragedy at the Henfield House.
More than 30 participants gathered for the event. Ron Sarro, president of the Society, and fellow member Linda Gillon led historical talks at three locations. At Partridge Island Trail, attendees walked down the boardwalk to the island, enjoying the sights and sounds of nature while Sarro shared the intriguing history of the marsh. The property was originally used as an encampment and hunting ground by Native Americans and later as a meadow for haying by local Lynnfield farmers.
At Village Row, Gillon recounted the story of hardworking Polish immigrants Julius and Alice Rombult, who, in 1922, transformed a 25-acre parcel of land into a family-owned farm known as Rombult Farm, Dairy, and Grove. With the support of the Rombult family and extensive research, Gillon shared the farm’s history and showed photos of the property, which operated for 47 years before closing in 1969. The farm buildings were demolished, and 20 houses were built on what is now Village Row.
Across the street at the Henfield House, at 300 Main St., Gillon gave a brief talk about the home’s 17th-century history and architecture. She then read a stirring tale, written by former homeowner Barbara Spear, about a man who was killed on the property in 1907 when the limb of a giant elm tree crushed him during a tornado.
In celebration of the 70th anniversary of the 1954 founding of the Lynnfield Historical Society, 70 signs honoring some of Lynnfield’s most prominent people and landmarks from over the centuries were on display. If you missed them, they will be exhibited again on Saturday, Oct. 19, at the Lynnfield Library Book Sale on the common.
For those interested in joining the mailing list for upcoming “Discover Lynnfield” walks and talks, please contact the Lynnfield Historical Society at thelynnfieldhistoricalsociety@gmail.com.
