Noble P. Swift (Source: Geni.com) In April 1866, Emily Harrison of Sandwich brought suit against Noble P. Swift of West Sandwich (presently Sagamore) for Breach of Promise to Marry. Now this may seem like a quaint and curious situation, but in centuries past it was a serious matter and courts granted a woman the legal right to sue when she felt that a gentleman grievously wronged her. From the early beginnings of the United States, women were second class citizens who could

In July, we’ll celebrate the 250th anniversary of some bold talk. The representatives of the United States of America assembled to declare “That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States.” Several weeks earlier, the people of Sandwich had assembled to declare that they were ready. Sandwich’s declaration is inscribed on page 71 of “Records: 1768-1796,” a commonplace title that hides revolutionary sentiments. Town Meeting Resolution The han

This year, the Friends of the Sandwich Town Archives (FOSTA) awarded two scholarships to graduating Sandwich High School seniors. One of the application criteria was to write an essay on “What Sandwich Has Meant to Me.” We would like to share the two heartfelt essays written by this year’s scholarship recipients, Lauren Frazel and Megan Jakubicka. Congratulations to Lauren and Megan, and we wish the very best to all of Sandwich High School’s 2026 graduates. FOSTA's scholarshi

If you’ve walked through Sandwich village, you’ve likely noticed the white storefront with the big windows at the corner of Jarves and Main Streets. When the owner expressed interest in obtaining a historic marker, I dove into the records in search of the build date and original owner. I’m dating myself, but what began as routine research turned into a fun ride in Mr. Peabody’s Wayback Machine. The more I found the more I wanted to know.

This notice, placed in a time capsule destined to be opened on July 4, 1976, in Sandwich, advertises the "Greate Concerte" held at Town Hall in March 1876. The two-day concert, featuring Auld Lang Syne and The Star Spangled Banner, was part of the town's year-long Centennial celebration. The notice and most of the other items packed into the Centennial Box capsule are in the Town Archives. COURTESY OF THE SANDWICH TOWN ARCHIVES When history buffs plan our share of a big natio

From the junction of Water and Main streets in Sandwich Village, you can see five centuries. But for the 250th birthday of the United States this year, let's put on spectacles that filter out all those centuries but the revolutionary 18th. Across town, we have spaces, homes, taverns, historic cemeteries and historical institutions that show us how lucky we are to live right here right now for this national party. Most of the United States has no such physical legacy of the Re

NEW! Sandwich Stories : View a narrated photo essay of this article c reated by Sandwich Community Television. The 1950s in Sandwich. Our family lived on Jarves Street and our town’s population was a bit over 2,000 residents. As I look back, I remember that time in my life fondly. I admit it seems to me to have been an idyllic time to grow up in our town. First of all, you knew everyone. When someone drove by, you waved. You stopped to chat on the street. Even as a young

Sandwich has celebrated historic birthdays so often you’d think we’d be short on candles. For at least a century and a half, big civic parties have marked the births of the town, the county and the nation. But like an Olympic torch passed from runner to runner till it reaches the cauldron, each generation picks up the flame where the last one left off. We’re about to take on that collective challenge again as the town participates in the 250th birthday party of the United Sta