This Underground Railroad stop, home of abolitionists Frances and Jonathan Drake, most famously harbored fugitive slave Shadrach Minkins in February 1851 as he fled to freedom in defiance of the newly enacted Fugitive Slave Law, part of the Compromise of 1850 which sought to preserve the Union. But the presence of slave catchers on Northern soil instead helped galvanize foes of slavery.

For the Drakes, no such convincing was necessary. They were ardent and courageous foes of slavery, and also worked tirelessly for women’s rights. Besides Minkins, they helped countless other escaped slaves to freedom.

During his time with the Drakes, Minkins, disguised in women’s clothing, accompanied them to an anti-slavery meeting at a Leominster church. He later made his home in Montreal and, as a token of gratitude, sent the Drakes a beaded purse he had created. The purse is now owned by the Leominster Historical Society.