Arlene Rich, owner of Red Barn Antiques for many years, died November 13, 2007. Arlene had many friends both in her home town of Fitzwilliam, and all around New Hampshire. She will be remembered for her generous contributions to the Fitzwilliam Historical Society, the Fitzwilliam Newsletter, and the antiques community throughout the state.
After leaving a successful career in advertising in Chicago, Arlene moved to Fitzwilliam more than 25 years ago. For those 25 years, Arlene headed the Fitzwilliam Newsletter. Her hard work made each month’s publication a treat for town residents.
Arlene served as the president of the Fitzwilliam Historical Society and later was its director. She managed the Fitzwilliam Antiques Show, which is held on the common each July. For almost 20 years Arlene’s contributions made the show one of the “don’t miss” events of the summer in the Monadnock region of New Hampshire.
Arlene was also a member of the New Hampshire Antiques Dealers Association, and was instrumental in organizing the antiques dealers in the Fitzwilliam/Richmond, N.H., area. She helped formulate the “After Christmas Open House,” where people from all over New England come to shop for antiques. Each year Arlene’s customers looked forward to visiting her Red Barn Antiques shop during the open house to see what wonderful “treats” she and her sister Brett Johnston had arranged.
Arlene will be remembered for her generous gifts of time and spirit given to her local town and many friends. She is survived by her sister, Brett Johnston, also of Fitzwilliam, N.H. No services are planned at this time.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Fitzwilliam Ambulance Squad, PO Box 725, Fitzwilliam NH 03447.
