The Historical
Society of Glastonbury
Membership
Meeting
Tuesday, Jan.
24, 2011
at 7:30 pm
Meeting
Location
Parking is in
the rear of the Church. Come in the bottom rear door or the side door facing
the driveway
Program
Lt. Colonel David Humphreys from
aide de camp to George Washington
Presenter
David Loda
David Loda spent twenty-three years
first
in the Army and later the Naval Reserve, retiring as a pilot and Naval War
College War Gaming staff in 2004 with the rank of Commander. David is a member
of the Brigade of the American Revolution (BAR), Continental
Line and British Brigade. He does small and large scale living history events
from
Tonight David will portray Lt. Colonel David Humphreys. David Humphreys (July 10, 1752 – February 21, 1818) was an
American Revolutionary War Lt. Colonel and
aide de camp
to George Washington, American minister to Portugal
and then to Spain, entrepreneur who
brought Merino sheep
to America and member of the Connecticut state legislature.
Membership
We
welcome the following New Members since the October Newsletter.
Joan
Sergio Martinez
Richard Meinzer
Susan Hassan
Eric & Penelope Marziali
James & Susan Vasellina
Nancy Yiznitsky
Andrew & Janice Zlotnick
MemoriamIn the past year the Society and the Town of
David Cox
Patricia Clark
Elsie Doolittle
William Habicht
Joan Hopkins
Paula Howe
Dorothy Trepp
Donations were made in 2011 to the Society in
memory of the following
Marion Cosgrove
Paula Howe
Business Members
Quality Name Plate
(Sustaining)
Margaret
Wilcox- Realtor
Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage
(Sustaining)
Margaret.Wilcox@cbmoves.com
The
(Supporting)
DONATIONS
Donations and Grants Throughout 2011
Year-End Unrestricted Endowment: $
10,054
Restricted Endowment: $ 1,000
Other Endowment: $ 8,074
Grants: $ 5,558
Total Donations & Grants: $ 24,686
Grant
$5,558
The 1772 Foundation
Repairs and Paint
Welles Shipman Ward House
Year-End
Donations
$4000 +
Charles Snyder
$2000 +
Jim & Dana Bennett
Anonymous
$1000 +
Brian & Jane Fox
Joe & Jean
Greene (Restricted Endowment)
Dave & Sue Motycka
Christine Brown Retirement Event
$700 +
Gil & Ginny Tyler (Furniture Restoration)
$600 +
Russ & Mary Collins
$500 +
Anne Alvord
Brian & Dale Chiffer
Scott & Jo Cleary
Henry & Janet von Wodtke
$250 +
Michael & Deborah Groenhout
(UTC Match)
$200 +
Carol Carson
James & Diane Mann
$150 +
Robert & Vicky Miorelli (UTC Match)
Daniel & Lynn Sharp (Amica Match)
$140 +
Judy Harper
Robert & P.J. Brewer
$100 +
Jean & Norman Bartlett
William & Eleanore Browne
Charles Deane
Janet & Jospeh Goodhue
Robert Hollister
Richard & Sue Inman
John & Donna Kidwell
Anne O'Connor
Carol & Jan Peyrot
Ellen Pratt
Joe & Sue Sullivan
Earnest & Eleanor Reale (
Tom & Lin Scarduzio
Ed & Mary Swift
Harry White
Deborah Willard
$100 +
Symond Yavener
Friends of the State Archeologist
$75 +
Robert & Vicki Miorelli (UTC Match)
Roger & Della Winans
$50 +
Doris Armstead
Chris & Janice Gurshin
$50 +
Karl & Carolyn Sartoris
John & Donna Kidwell (IBM Match)$40 +
Frank Clark
25 +
Ann D'Auria
Aldo & Anne Bellucci
Betty Billings
David & Pia
Paul & Mary Vetreno
$20 +
George & Gayle Gaudreau
Russell & Pina Shenstone
Joseph Sweeney
Leon & Brenda Seitelman
Tobacco Shed
Project
A grant request of $99,348 was submitted Friday, Oct. 28, 2011 to the Connecticut Historic Restoration Fund. An answer is due this January. I would like to thank Joe Greene and Gil Tyler for all their help, and Jim Vance the Architect for getting the drawings and specs in on-time.
The Grant request from the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving was adjusted to match the $99,348 requested from the Connecticut Restoration Fund.
Wine Tasting
Helps Barn Raising
The Wine Tasting was a wonderful
evening at the beautiful home of Jo & Scott Cleary. Their house and gardens
overlooking the
I would also like to thank Charles
Bissel of “Charles’ Fine Wine” for organizing the wine purveyors and all the
volunteers: Judy Harper, Dale Chiffer, Heather Pulito, Donna Henrikson, Bob
Dibella and Mike Roberts. We hope you will join us at a future Wine Tasting at
another exciting venue.
Education
(Lin Scarduzio)
Does anyone have any fresh ideas on where or how to advertise events at Welles Shipman Ward? All of my old standby places are failing me.
Posters are hung in town libraries and press releases are sent to every newspaper that has a local free listing for non-profits. Sometimes they are run. More frequently, they are ignored in favor of larger museums’ events. Occasionally they are abbreviated for reasons of space. This is probably the worst. Both the Hartford Courant and Glastonbury Life shortened the tale of stepping into the year 1792, being hosted by Joseph Welles, and waiting for the stage coach on Tavern Night into a sentence that pretty much said the Historical Society would be charging people $40 for the privilege of eating cold cuts in the Welles Shipman Ward kitchen. We do have a few visitors at events advertised by current methods. Too frequently, when another nonprofit is using our House for their own event, I hear, “This place is incredible! I didn’t know it was here! Are you ever open for other events?”
The town PTO’s sent out a “blast” to all their members to
assist us in finding docents for the 5th grade tours. One mother called, very excited about
helping. She was also very surprised the
tours were in
Something is wrong. My background is neither advertising nor event planning. If anyone has any ideas or would like to help, please give me a call at the Museum, 860-633-6890, or contact me through our website. I’d sure appreciate it.
Dinner in Jerusha’s Kitchen
On Sunday, October 16, at 11:00a.m., 8 people met at Welles Shipman Ward for Dinner in Jerusha’s Kitchen. Together, we prepared a meal that Jerusha Welles might have made for her family. The entree was Pork Cormarye, a “receipt” that dates to the 1600’s. A pork loin was rubbed with a paste of garlic, caraway, coriander, and port wine, then “done to a turn” in the 18th century style rotisserie known as a tin kitchen. There was a port wine reduction, flavored with the same seasonings and the meat drippings that accumulated to pour over it. Also served were seasonal greens, hasty pudding with maple syrup from last March’s Maple Sugar Madness, flour bread, and apple pie made with apples grown on the Welles Shipman Ward homelot. The bread and pie were baked in the beehive oven.
While some of the group were old friends, some had never met. As we worked together to prepare our meal, we got to know each other a little bit. By the time all was cooking on the hearth, the table was set, and we were enjoying our Pounded Cheese and crackers with Glastenbury cyder, the conversation had become warm and cheerful. The fire warmed the kitchen and the fragrance of dinner cooking cheered our noses.
In the 18th century, people ate very well. The “receipts” (18th century word for recipes) used dated to around 1800. The food is flavorful and hearty. Only 10 guests may participate in a dinner so everyone gets to participate completely. Even though we have been holding Jerusha’s dinner for several years, I am always impressed by the guests we entertain. Each year, the dinner has its own personality. It is my personal favorite of everything we do at the House.
If you enjoy cooking or eating a good meal, if you “want to see how they did it back then”, or if you just want a unique, pleasant way to pass an autumn afternoon, please join us next fall.
5th Grade
One of the services the Historical Society gives to the Town
of
The Board of Education spent a great deal of time and some of our tax dollars to put together a team of 5th grade teachers who wrote a tour of 8 stations, each with an activity reflecting something that might have been done by a child in colonial times. Reproduction clothing for boys and girls, kitchen utensils, water buckets, and other objects were purchased by the BoE. Our facilities crew created a pulley system that a farmer may have used in a barn. We already owned reproduction carding combs. The BoE bought fleece from a sheep so the kids could sample carding wool.
A few years ago, we were losing the tours, losing the opportunity to share our beautiful house with our children. The tour was probably just fine when it was created but teaching methods had changed and the tours no longer fit the need. The new tour gives 5th graders, as they study colonial America, a chance to haul water and firewood, grind spices with a mortar and pestle, card wool, lift bags of “grain”, and see what they would look like dressed in the garb of a colonial child. What fun! I have often wished for a time machine. Nobody has come up with one, but to a 5th grade imagination, this tour might come close.
Sadly, we almost lost the tours again this year because of a lack of docents.
What do we lose if we lose school tours? Besides the tax dollars already spent? We lose face with the town.
We could also lose grants. Grants are a significant source of income for us. They have paid for the erection of the Eastbury Barn, the restoration of the Red and White Barns a few years ago, and the current restoration of the Welles Shipman Ward House, itself, to name a few. Even my 30 hours per week began with a grant, though that one aged out a couple of years ago.
The real losers would be the 5th graders who will not be able to “sample” colonial life.
This time, we almost lost the tours because of a lack of docents. We have a core of loyal, hard-working docents who look forward to the tours each year. I am grateful for all of them, and for their support. We picked up 2 or 3 new docents over the summer who have also come to love the tours. With the help of the PTO’s, we gained some moms of 5th graders who are enthusiastic and excited about the tours. Craig Garneau of Quality Name Plate allowed his employees to docent for the tours and remain on his clock. An uncle and nephew came to us through Craig’s generosity.
Each tour lasts about 3 hours. They happen on school day mornings over about a 4 week period in the fall and then they are over. There are 26 5th grade classes in town, which makes 13 tours. Each tour requires 9 docents. Training is available a couple of different ways. Learn 1 station or learn them all. Work 1 tour or more. No one can do all 13. Borrow a costume if you choose, or don’t.
Please, before next October, consider being a school tour docent. It’s fun. Don’t take my word for it. Ask another docent.
The O&O House clock, which was displayed at the Welles
Turner Memorial Library over the summer, has been returned to the Historical
Society. It has progressed to the next
step in its restoration. Currently, it
is in the workshop of Gil Tyler, where its case will be restored. The next and final step will be for it to
travel to
On Sunday, November 20, we held our final open house of the season at Welles Shipman Ward. The theme was Get Ready for Winter. Joe Sullivan was in the Eastbury Barn. Don Reihl came to take photos to use for future publicity. Tom and I were in the House. Linda Loyd and Bev Fleming of the Garden Club were in the herb garden. (Bev is also an HSG member. Her husband, Larry, is doing a bit of volunteer work for us, too.) Linda and Bev cleaned the garden and got it ready for winter. The fire was going. There was Glastenbury cyder to drink and chicken pie and Marlborough Pudding to sample. These two dishes were highlights of a colonial Thanksgiving table.
We had but 2 visitors.
They were impressed with our beautiful house. While we all enjoyed each other’s company,
the cyder and the colonial delicacies, we had hoped for more. Even though we were well advertised in both
the Citizen and the Courant, that isn’t where our guests saw us. They were headed
from Addison to
Welles Shipman Ward has been cleaned and put to bed for the winter. Sue and Joe Sullivan, who are experienced hands at it, and I were joined by Ann Kehl, Diane Lucas, and Julie Thompson. We vacuumed up all the crumbs from cooking and leaves, etc. brought in by 500 pairs of 5th grade feet, picked up all the baskets and treenware that mice like to nibble, covered the textiles against light, and spread moth ball bags in strategic places. The House will rest now, in its new coat of paint, until March 10 when we will have a maple sugaring. It will be undisturbed except for my weekly walks through it to check the temperature and humidity and make sure everything is in its place.
Sampler
The Society had a sampler at the Welles Shipman Ward house stolen. It has been reported to the Police and other appropriate organizations for assistance. It apparently walked during one of the openings at the WSW.
Description:
*It is from
*It is 8.875" x 7.875" in its frame.
*The needlework fills the frame. It has a border of boxes and horizontal lines on four sides in a linear character.
*The alphabet in block upper case letters is marked on 3 lines and in block lower case on 2 lines. The second line of lower case is t-z followed by Matilda Cone. Below that, there are numerals 1-0, then another 1 followed by MC. Matilda followed by marking with the words "When this you/see remember me/Matilda Cone Aged 9 years/East Haddam 1799.
Should you learn of the whereabouts of the sampler, we would appreciate it if you would contact HSG. If you would like a photo of it emailed to you please contact me at the Museum 860-633-6890.
Library
(Phyllis Reed)
Another year has passed and looking back it was a busy year
for the library. Researching
A veterinarian from
In March a Ph D. candidate from the
This summer a family of nine, from various states, visited the library on a Sunday. They were researching the Andrews, Tainter and Hollister names and had a lot of fun looking into their family history.
A couple from OH also came this summer. They were traveling the East Coast researching their family genealogy for a country wide family reunion in 2012. It was great to see how pleased they were with the information they found on the Hollisters.
The Public Post and Retrospect articles from 1938 to 2011 have been indexed and entered in our computer. Dr. Kingsbury’s records of Births and Deaths from 1875-1901 are being entered into the library computer by Megan Herrich. This will certainly help in our researching family names in this time period.
The number of people who contacted or visited the library to research information for magazines and books increased in 2011.
Many more people contacted the library researching their
family names. We were able to help with many including:
Researchers that are writing for magazine articles or books have contact the library looking for help have increased in 2011.
One gentleman has visited the library during the year and supplied us with information of local importance that is in the State Library.
The Talcott Family Reunion was held in
I would like to thank the Library volunteers for all the help and time they have given the Historical Society.
Thank You: Susan Motycka, Mary Carroll, Larry Cogswell, Susan Sullivan, Jean Greene, Betsey Raycroft, Martha Morgan, Nancy McGaw, Megan Herrich and Emily Boucher.
I would also like to thank the people who have graciously
given the Library wonderful photos and documents of
GLOTZER, JANICE F. – Number of photos of
DYSENCHUK, PAUL – Photo of Shoe Repair Shop in
SULLIVAN, JOSEPH -
Post Card of Charlie Guins
Sheriff in 1908. Post Card of
GRADISKY, L.W.H. – Photograph of interior of old Anchor Forge Photograph of old Anchor Forge
WILLIAMS, CLARY BESTOR – Roser Family information and Roser Tannery articles, documents and ledgers.
SLATER, HAROLD – Genealogy book “Ancestors of Harold George “Tick” Slater.
WEIR, FRANCIS G. - Collection of photo of Crosby Mill, Angus Park Mfg. And photo of Angus workers.
LOOMIS, KATE - Large collection of photo of Killam
Family, school children and house on
MCGAW, WILLIAM - 1926 G. H. S. Diploma of Melvin McGowan
MANFREDI, ALFRED – Photo of Buckley & Camp 1955 & 1956 Basketball Team.
NIELSEN, JAMES W. – Photo of various Cotton Hollow scenes.
SWEENEY, JOSEPH – Original Will of Benjamin Moseley and various Mosely Family information.
BARKER, LENARD – Photo and documents of Hockanum Ice Company.
NYSTROM, JANE – Autobiography of Donald C. Burney interview with Virginia A. Knox.
CAVAL, LINDA – 1930, 1932 and-1933 G.H.S. Year Book
FRANZIS, SUSAN H. – Loomis Book and Loomis Photo Album
CONSTANTINE, GUS – Numerous G.H.S. year books.
MOTYCKA, SUSAN - Various
GREEN, JEAN – Various
39th Annual Antiques Show
The Antique Show
Committee met Oct. 20 at 7pm at the Museum on the Green to discuss its future.
Attending: Deb & Dave Lemieux,
Gil Tyler, Anne O’Connor, Peter & Trish Manfredi, Charles Deane, Bob Baranowsky
(guest)
Goals:
A. Increase the paying gate to 1000, with an
additional 500 free tickets given out for a total of 1500.
*This will increase the gate income by at least $1,200 over yr. 2011.
Note: The income is in consideration of a decrease in tickets from $5 to $4.
*In addition increasing the gate will please the dealers and make it more possible for them to sell their goods, and thus more willing to do the show.
B. Increase the number of dealers from 49 (2011)
to 80.
*This will increase the booth fee income by at least $100 over yr. 2011 income.
Note: The income is in consideration of a decrease in booth fees from $85 - $55.
*In addition, it will strengthen the show and make it more desirable to patrons.
C. Increase sales at HSG’s booth by increasing
the gate.
D. Increase total income to the Society.
E. Make the Show more viable with a future.
Decisions Made
I. Booth fees:
1. Drop from $85 to $55
2. Non-refundable, Rain or Shine
3. Dealers when they rent a booth will receive 25 free tickets to the show to hand-out
II. Tickets:
1. See
2. General admission tickets drop from $5 to $4
3. Give large block of “Free Admission” Tickets to large companies
Examples:
III. Advertising:
1. Change the name of the show from the Antique Festival on the Green to something more interesting to attract a younger and more diverse crowd.
2. Submit an article to the “Bee” and other Antique Show Periodicals explaining what we are doing and why.
3. Change the Show Pads from white to a color.
4. Change the logo from the Society’s logo to something less somber.
5. Push issues such as buying green, more eclectic field, things to decorate your home not just for collectors etc.
IV. Dealer
Acquisition:
1. Go to venues different than in the
past such as the “Elephant Trunk” and seek out younger and more eclectic
dealers.
2. Setup a space at other shows such as Harwington to promote our show.
3. Change Booth Contract to open the field to new forms of dealers, but still not new stuff or reproductions.
V. Items open for discussion:
1. Have a raffle at the show to
encourage people to tell us where they heard about the show.
Facilities
(Joe Greene)
Museum on the Green
1. Several trees were damaged in the snow storm but no damage to the building. Debris from the storms has been cleaned up.
Welles Shipman Ward Property
1. The repairs and painting of the house accept for the thresholds are completed.
2. Several trees were damaged in the snow storm but no damage to the buildings. Debris from the storms has been cleaned up.
3. An apple tree has been righted. It’s a Turley Winesap, which is an early variety.
Welles Chapman Tavern
1. Several trees were damaged in the snow storm but no damage to the building. Debris from the storms has been cleaned up.
Committee members:
Joe Greene (Chairman),
Bob Bowden, Frank Clark, John Dugan, Hank Hunt, Dick Inman, Al Jankot,
Pete Manfredi, Dick
Mason, Joe Milich,
Dave Motycka and Karl
Sartoris
Holiday Reception
This year’s reception was held at the Museum on the Green,
It was a wonderful party. We hope to see you all next year when we celebrate the holidays at the Museum on the Green.
Girl Scout Display
In March 2012 Girl Scouts will celebrate 100 years of
scouting in
Martin Luther King
Celebration
The Glastonbury Martin Luther
King Community Initiative (GMLKCI) will present the 11th Annual Martin Luther
King Celebration on Monday, January 16th, at the
Following the program, the CTCN will present an adult/teenage workshop entitled the Six Principles of Nonviolence - Building the Beloved Community, as well as two Six Principles of Nonviolence - Peace Is Possible workshops for children in grades 1-4 and 5-8. Don Giannini representing the Healing Racism coalition will also present an adult/teen workshop, Confronting Your Prejudices.
Intergenerational activities in the cafeteria will include decorating dream shirts, making peace cards, buttons, dream pillows and a ukulele sing-along of freedom songs with Dr. James Rosokoff and Glastonbury Ukulele Band. A birthday cake reception will culminate the celebration at 4pm.
The free event, which is open to the
public, is organized by volunteers of the GMLKCI with the support of the Town
of
Free Neighbor to Neighbor
Lighting Program
Did you know that by switching
from incandescent to compact florescent bulbs (CFLs), you generate
far less pollution and save valuable household dollars over the
lifetime of the bulb?
One easy way to ditch those energy inefficient bulbs and put money
back into your wallet is to join the Neighbor to Neighbor Lighting
Program. Sign up and trained Clean Energy Corps team
members will replace your old light bulbs with CFLs for free! Plus,
you’ll probably save about $100 a year on your electricity bill from these
energy savings. Sign up at www.CTEnergyChallenge.com/lighting
Home Energy Solutions assessment blurb:
Want to save energy in your home and help the Glastonbury Senior Center/Historical Society? Sign up for a Home Energy Solutions assessment!
This program is the gateway to real energy savings in your home! You can save an average of $200 a year through the light bulbs, weatherization, and other energy conservation measures received during your visit. Plus, you’ll learn about what kinds of upgrades can unleash deeper energy savings. Receive this service (valued at about $750) for a co-pay of only $75!
Not only can you save energy in your home, but for your completed Home Energy Solutions visit the Glastonbury Senior Center/Historical Society will receive a $25 donation!
Sign up today at: www.CTEnergyChallenge.com/HES or contact Chamae Munroe at HES@ctenergychallenge.com or (860)
372-4406 to see if you would qualify for this energy assessment for free.
Welles Shipman
Ward Schedule 2012
Join us this year at the
Wells Shipman Ward House!
Sunday, March 11,
1:00 – 4:00p.m.
MAPLE SUGAR MADNESS!!
See how maple
syrup is made from the sap of the maples on our homelot. Sample last year’s stock. Rain date:
Sunday, March 18 Admission:
$3.00, Members Free
NEW EVENT
Saturday, March 31,
6:00 – 8:00p.m.
SUPPER AT THE WELLES TAVERN
‘Tis the year
1792. The stage coach is quite
late. Share our victuals from 18th
century “receipts” while we wait for its arrival. Reservations required. $30.00
EXPANDED EVENT
Sunday, April 15, 1:00 – 4:00p.m.
HANDCRAFT DAY
Our colonial
ancestors made it by hand. Watch
spinning, weaving, quilting, and more.
Have your silhouette cut. Try
your hand at rope making.
Admission: $3.00
Members Free
Tuesday, April 17,
10:00a.m. – 1:00p.m.
KIDS IN JERUSHA’S KITCHEN
Hearth cooking
class for kids 8 to 12, who prepare and enjoy a simple meal together. Reservations required. $15.00
Sunday, May 20, 1:00 – 4:00p.m.
PLANNING THE KITCHEN GARDEN
It’s time to
plant the vegetables that will nourish the family through the coming year, and
the herbs that will season their food and heal them. Admission: $3.00, Members Free
Friday, July 13,
10:00a.m. – 3:00p.m.
ARCHAEOLOGY DAY
Dig with Dr.
Nick Bellantoni and the Friends of the Office of the State Archaeologist. Ages 12 and up. Reservations required. Students $10.00, others $15.00
Thursday, August 16,
1:00 – 3:00p.m.
COLONIAL GAMES DAY
Colonial kids
didn’t have X-box or Wii. What did they
play? Come and try their games! Ages 6-11.
Reservations required. $5.00
Sunday, September 16,
1:00 – 5:00p.m.
FARM FESTIVAL
Colonial
crafts and trades, games, live animals, music, and more. Free
Sunday, October 21,
11:00a.m. – 4:00p.m.
DINNER IN JERUSHA’S KITCHEN
Help prepare
dinner from 18th century “receipts”, then enjoy it with Glastenbury
cider and new friends. Reservations
required. $50.00
Sunday, November 18,
1:00 – 4:00p.m.
THANKSGIVING IS HERE!
The harvest is
in, the house has been made ready. We
are ready for the biggest holiday of the year.
Admission is $3.00, Members Free