Historic mirror to reflect anew at the public ibrary

By Johanna Seltz, Town Correspondent

A mirror that once hung on the walls of Royal Governor Thomas Hutchinson’s Adams Street estate will be back soon on a wall of the Milton Public Library.

The historic piece, which measures more than 6 feet by almost 4 feet, including its elaborate gilt frame, has been restored and will be re-hung in honor of the late Jeannette Peverly, a longtime volunteer for both the library and historical society.

The Milton Historical Society invites the public to celebrate the re-hanging of the Governor Hutchinson mirror at a reception at the library on Sept. 14 at 7 p.m.

Mary Rivers, whose family had bought the Hutchinson estate, “Unquety,” in the early 19th century, donated the 18th-century mirror to the Milton Historical Society in 1918.

The mirror hung for many years in the reading room at the Milton Public Library, but was crated and stored during the library’s recent construction project. The Milton Historical Society then contracted with the art restoration company Harvard Art to repair and conserve the mirror.

The society voted to do the work in memory of Peverly, who died in 2009.

“She was generous with her time, helpful, energetic, and truly seemed interested in everyone’s special research project. The conservation of the Governor Hutchinson Mirror is, we believe, a wonderful way to honor Jeannette,” said the society’s board.

Johanna Seltz can be reached at seelenfam@verizon.net.