The Tea House at Whitin Park, Whitinsville (Northbridge)

From the plaque at the site " Sarah, or Tannie as she was affectionately called, was a graduate of Wellesley College where she became a trustee after her husband's death. Mrs. Whitin had a keen interest in the world around her, and she participated in a variety of philanthropic programs.

 In 1898, her interest in astronomy led her to fund the  construction of an observatory for Wellesley College. She oversaw every aspect of the design and the purchase of  the equipment.  The Whitin Observatory is still very active today.

Mrs. Whitin died in 1917.

In 1938, the Tea House was spared by the devastating hurricane that damaged much of the surrounding landscape. In 1943, the Whitin mansion was razed, and the Whitin family deeded the upper property of the estate to the George Marston Whitin Memorial Association."

The Gerry Gaudette Pavilion was built in 2006 near the location of the Tea House on the John C. Whitin estate. Gerry Gaudette had been a strong advocate of the Blackstone Valley throughout his lifetime.

"The design of the new Tea House by Manitou Architects of Boston recalls several design elements of the original tea house.

In 1875, John C. Whitin married his second wife, Sarah Elizabeth (Pratt). The little tea house, nestled in a grove of evergreens, served as a retreat where Mrs. Whitin would entertain her guests." The tea house became structurally unsafe and was torn down in the 1970s but the new tea house now stands.

Tea House not fully completed 8.20.06