Calantha Ruth Wilson Doane (now Sears) came into the world on October 17, 1921. She was delivered at home at 11 Highland Road by Dr. Lawrence Cusick. Bob, the family Collie, was under the bed as a silent witness to this great event.
Calantha was born to be Nahant’s historian. She will tell you she ‘has Nahant in her bones’, often referring to it as ‘Nahantitis’. Where did this interest in Nahant history spring from? When Calantha’s grandfather passed in 1927, she and her family went to live with her grandmother. Calantha slept in a ‘little corner’ of her grandmother’s room and, in the evenings, she told Calantha many stories - not of Snow White and such, but about Nahant. She told stories about the people and happenings as she and Calantha’s grandfather had witnessed them. Thus, the spark of interest in all things Nahant was ignited. Through Calantha, we are now enriched with the stories and facts that she has shared with us over the years, ensuring that the future will know the past.
We invite you to celebrate the birthday of Calantha this week. She will be “90 plus 9” on Saturday, October 17th. We are not hosting a parade, but will happily pass along your wishes through email or by mail. Send your emails to info@nahanthistory.org and any cards to Nahant Historical Society, 41 Valley Road, Nahant, and we will make sure she receives them. Of course, if you have her home address, feel free to send them directly to her.