It is with much sadness that I report that Frances Hebert, passed away on Thursday, December 18th at the age of 101. Frances was the oldest child of Royden Barber, who was instrumental in selling the first Hulett hotel to William H. Wyatt. Royden Barber had three children; Frances, Agnes Peterson, and Stanley Barber, who I interviewed in 2012. Frances was a delightful person who passed along many recollections of life in Dresden to me during the early part of the 1900’s.
Her father’s sister, Cora Barber, was married to Henry Buckell making Frances the niece of Henry and Cora Buckell, who owned the first Hulett hotel. She was an invaluable link to the history of the town of Dresden, experiencing first hand, life in Dresden and Huletts Landing during the first part of the last century.
For many years, she helped her father deliver milk, vegetables and meat to the families in Huletts Landing on horse drawn sleds. She also helped mow the fields, including Bluff Head. She loved horses and was even riding one when I last saw her at age 99!
Frances was always very kind to me, sharing not only her knowledge of local events but most importantly, sharing her experiences about what life was like in Huletts from the early 1900’s.
In another unique fact, she was also featured on the billboard advertising the Whitehall Health Center for many years, as you entered Whitehall.
She will be dearly missed. Our condolences to the Hebert, Peterson, Barber and Foster families.
Update:
Here is her obituary in the Post Star.
“May God support us all the day long, till the shades lengthen and the evening comes, and the busy world is hushed, and the fever of life is over, and our work is done. Then in His mercy may He give us a safe lodging, and a holy rest and peace at the last.”
