Outfitted in her handmade vintage dress and bonnet, Roberta Histed adds a special ambiance to the ballroom at Macdonnell-Williamson House.

by Eva Tollis, Member and Volunteer, Macdonell-Williamson House

Over the next several months, The Review will be presenting profiles of local volunteers who are making a difference. This week’s article on Roberta Histed was featured in the December 2021 issue of the Communiqué newsletter put out by Les Amis de la Maison Macdonnell-Williamson Inc.

Roberta Histed and her late husband, Jack, started volunteering at the Macdonell-Williamson House in 2001. They helped weed the perennial gardens and serve in the tearoom.

Then in 2005, Elizabeth Muir Savard proposed the creation of a large-scale Macdonell-Williamson House quilt, designed with close attention to historical detail by Violet Shields, of Vankleek Hill. Elizabeth enlisted Roberta’s expertise – known for her fine needlepoint among other things – and in doing so, Roberta became the ‘proprietor’ of the quilt. She was asked to supervise this project on weekends when the site was open. Visitors were encouraged to add stitches and sign a guest book. This project is ongoing, but Roberta is reducing her hours next summer to be there only on Saturdays.

Outfitted in her handmade vintage dress and bonnet, Roberta adds a special ambiance in the ballroom. She has become knowledgeable in the history of the House and its former inhabitants, and she shares this information with interested individuals. The two patriarchs, John Macdonell and William Williamson, treated their wives well – facts dear to her and a contributing factor to her commitment.

Every summer, Roberta donates jars upon jars of organic jam and grape jelly, made from homegrown berries and rhubarb. One year, a total of 90 jams and jellies were sold! Her organic raspberry vinegar is another favourite.

Crocheted handicrafts, cotton aprons and granny gowns, embroidered tea towels, teapot cozies, and exquisitely smocked children’s dresses and rompers are some examples of her handmade donated items. Roberta also spear-headed the creation of the MWH cookbook, with Olde Tyme recipes. A Children’s Corner where children can do crafts, colour, or read was moved close to her as she requested. Over the years we looked forward to the Histed’s delicious biodynamic corn on the final weekend in August!

Near the end of my interview, Roberta summed up her volunteer experience by saying “I got so involved because of the people. It is a wonderful environment to work in and with others.”

A pink weigelia was planted near the headstones at MWH on July 31, 2021, in dedication to Roberta’s 20 years of exemplary volunteerism. From all of us, we thank you, Roberta, and we look forward to your continued involvement.