Historical Society's "Queenie" back for another year
Eryn DionNews Staff Writer
PHILLIPSTON — The Historical Society of Phillipston’s famed “Queenie” cardboard cutout will be on thin ice again this year, as the society’s annual Queen Lake Ice-Out fundraiser is set to begin.
The premise is simple – “Queenie”, tied to a clock, is left out on the ice covering Queen Lake and residents place bets on when she’ll fall through. Once the ice thaws, she plunges into the freezing water below, stopping the clock. She is then pulled out, and the official time checked and verified by Tim Haley, who lives on the lake and watches during her stay on the ice.
First prize for guessing the closest time is $1000, and there are plenty of other prizes given out. Tickets will go on sale after February 1, and will cost $5 for one or $20 for five. Guesses are exact, coming down to the day, hour, minute, and second “Queenie” takes the dive. All proceeds benefit the Historical Society and their museum.
Began in 2010 by Don Wilson, this is the statue’s fourth year on the lake, although she did take last year off. Historically she makes it into March before falling through, although one year she lasted all the way into April. The last time the fundraiser took place, “Queenie” fell unseasonably early, on Feb. 23 at 8:24 p.m. With this year’s already below average temperatures, she might be out on the ice a while before warm weather comes.
The Historical Society’s Museum recently changed locations last November. This year’s fundraiser will help raise money for the building’s final renovations after it was moved, via truck, to a new foundation dug in next to the fire station.
“Not only are we proud of all the improvements,” said President Linda Langevin. “But the museum also houses hundreds of Phillipston’s artifacts, which are on display for the public to view.”
A grand opening date for the museum has yet to be announced, although it will be open from at least June 1 through September.
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