News and Notes from

The Historical Society of Glastonbury

Membership Meeting

Tuesday, Jan. 22, 2008

at 7:30 pm

Change of Meeting Location

First Church Congregational

2183 Main Street

Parking is in the rear of the Church. Come in the bottom rear door and someone will direct you to the hall.

Program

American Revolutionary Soldiers

of Connecticut

Presenter

Sally Whipple

Mrs. Whipple is Director of the Lebanon Historical Society Museum and Pres. of the CT League of History Organizations. She has a BA in History and a MA in History Museum Studies from Cooperstown Graduate Program. She consults with historical societies around the state on strategic and interpretive planning. She was education director and then director of Noah Webster House for total of 12 years, and education director at the Mark Twain House.

NEW-OLD BARN

For the Welles Shipman Ward Property?

The Society is considering relocating three Town owned barns from 1387 Hebron Ave. to the Welles Shipman Ward House. The barns are in excellent condition dating from the late 18^th century to the mid-19^th century.

The bottom floor of the Eastbury barn where the Society’s horse drawn vehicles are stored is very damp. Though the Society did everything possible when the Eastbury barn was reconstructed to mitigate the dampness, the problem still exists. If the project goes forward the 3 barns would be made into one large 5 bay carriage barn, which would be situated on the southeast corner of the property, to house the vehicles.

To prepare for this project the Society has met with Richard Johnson (Town Manager) and Dave Sacchitella, (a Town Engineer) to discuss the Society acquiring the buildings. The Town is offering the barns for free and is willing to discuss assuming the cost of takedown and removal to another site. To establish feasibility and cost of removal the Society met with contractors regarding the disassembly of the barns.

In addition, the Society met with Greg Farmer of the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation and Mary Dunne of the Connecticut Commission on Culture & Tourism (State Historic Commission) to discuss the feasibility of the project and grants. The Society met with the Connecticut State Archeologist Nick Bellantoni and assistant Dave Cook to question the need for a dig on the barn’s property. Finally, the Society met with Dave Cox (Architect). He has agreed to work on this project for the Society.

The Society will meet with Richard Johnson on Friday, January 11 to discuss the project further.

AUCTION

Save the date! The Historical Society Auction will be held at the Welles Shipman Ward House Saturday, May 17. The committee has been meeting to get the wheels in motion and now we need YOU to do your part. We are looking for consignment items, which will bring at least $100 at auction. Look around your house, attic, and barn for items that you would like to consign. Sterling silver flatware, tea sets are great, as is jewelry, odd chairs, candlesticks, quilts, candle stands, garden furniture, prints, paintings etc.

A major benefit of our Auction is helping our members who are weeding out antiques and collectibles. Consignors realize 70% of the final sale and the Historical Society realizes 30% (a tax deductible contribution to the Society). It’s a much better deal than you would get from an auction house. That’s why we want your items first, before we open it to the public. So look around, and call Gil Tyler if you have mainly furniture (633-2273) or Anne O’Connor if you have other things (633-8269). If you aren’t sure whether the item is suitable, PLEASE feel free to give us a call. We are happy to discuss them with you. We are also looking for interesting smaller things for the silent auction.

There will be a Preview Party the night before for consigners and the Auction Committee. We do need lots of help on the day of the auction, so please contact Donna Henrikson (633-6158) if you would like to be a runner, take bids or do any of the myriad things, which need to be done on that day. We’re all looking forward to a great and fun day May 17, 2008!!

MEMORIAM 2007

In the past year the Society and the Town of Glastonbury has lost members of our community whose contributions to Glastonbury were tremendous. We will miss their volunteerism to the Society and the Town. People like these have made Glastonbury a fine home for us all. The most important thing to say is that they loved their town and gave of themselves to make it a better place for all of us to live in. God bless them all.

Anthony Burke

Gordon Bywaters

Jacqueline Bywaters

Arlene Dilts

Patricia Flaherty

George Lukens

Robert Merritt

Jerry O’Keefe

Jeanette Pollard

Donald Ramaker

Alan Wasserman

Harry Zeil

Donations were made to the Society in memory of the following:

Gordon Bywaters

Jacqueline Bywaters

Patricia Flaherty

Donald Ramaker

MEMBERSHIP

The October Membership Meeting went well. Gladys Macdonough gave an outstanding talk regarding the early years of the Welles family in relationship to the property.  For the past 3 years Gladys has been researching using primary documents concerning the Welles family of South Glastonbury and in particular those relating to the Welles Shipman Ward House. Her research has dramatically changed our perception and interpretation of the Welles family and the house.  If you missed the first talk don’t miss the second. Join us

October 28 at our Membership Meeting at

 S. Congregational Church to hear the second installment of the Welles family of South Glastonbury.

We welcome the following New Members since the Oct. 2007 Newsletter. Thank you all for joining the Society

NEW MEMBERS

Sharon Albert

Kristen Bourbeau

Christine Ciccone

Emmy Lou Debari

Arline Duggan

Kelie & John Luby

Douglas Moseley

Leon Seitelman

Bill & Marilyn Skelley

Mary Ann Stino

Serena van der Tang

Valerie Traynor

Joseph Twill

Margaret & Dave Wilcox

Gail & Ira Yellen

RENEWAL NOTICES

Membership Dues

Thanks to all of you who promptly renewed your membership. If you haven’t, please consider responding soon in order to keep further reminder costs down. For information concerning membership categories or the status of your membership, please call Jim at 633-6890.

Why Bother To Renew

Perhaps you find Glastonbury history somewhat interesting but don’t attend our meetings and events. Many members find it impossible to participate since they live in another town or State. Perhaps you’d rather be one of the nonmembers who visit our properties at no charge. Perhaps you’re not a shopper and don’t care about the 10% discount given members at our Museum Shop. Maybe you don’t mind paying a bit extra for our dinner/walking tours, or not receiving an invitation to the Dinner Lecture series. Perhaps you don’t care about the informative articles in the newsletter and Public Post; you can always read our bi-weekly column in the Glastonbury Citizen. Maybe you think of us as just another tax- exempt organization looking for funds.

Why Should You Support Us?

The Historical Society runs and/or maintains the Welles Chapman Tavern, the Museum on the Green, and the Welles Shipman Ward property. Rent from non-profit organizations at the Tavern helps pay the salaries of our Director, part time Librarian and Curator. Our Facilities Committee does maintenance and improvements. Your dues, along with Grants and donations help to cover our other expenses.

Each year, docent volunteers guide Glastonbury 3^rd grader through the Welles Shipman Ward house and barns. There is no charge for field trips, compensation comes on 3^rd Grade Family Day when the docent’s words are repeated almost verbatim as the children give tours to their parents. All 4th grade students enjoy a historic bus tour, with stops at the Museum, Green Cemetery, and Glastonbury/Rocky Hill Ferry. Questions, comments, excited faces and colorful thank you letters serve as our reward. Family genealogists, students, educators and history buffs find success in our research files. On request, tours and talks are given to scout troops, senior citizens, visiting students and local organizations.

As a resident, former resident, or descendent of a long ago resident you have an interest in Glastonbury. “Knowing our past, guides our future.” Our history is far more than papers, antiques and historic buildings. History is rivers and roaring brooks, mill ponds and mountains, farmland and rock ledges. History is celebrating our agricultural past at events like Farm Day. The Historical Society strives to preserve our town’s history. We hope that we can count on your help.

BUSINESS MEMBERS

Quality Name Plate

(Sustaining)

22 Fisher Hill Rd.

Carlin, Charron & Rosen, LLP

(Supporting)

124 Hebron Ave.

(Accounting)

The Eyeglass Place

(Supporting)

33 Welles St. (Fox Run Mall)

First Experience Communications

(Supporting)

701 Hebron Ave.

New Alliance Bank

(Supporting)

2510 Main St.

YEAR-END DONATIONS

The Society would like to thank the following for their generous donations during 2007, including their Year-End Donations toward the Endowment Fund and matching grants from their employers

$5,000

Charles Monzeglio Jr.

$2000 +

*Jim & Dana Bennett (Aetna)

*Joseph & Jean Greene

*Nat Sestero

$1000 +

*Dorothy J. Bennett

*David & Sue Motycka

$500 +

*Brian & Dale Chiffer

*Glast. Bd. of Educ.

honoring Debbie Willard

*Mike & Debby Groenhout

(United Technologies)

*Ernest & Eleanor Reale (Aetna)

*Jack & Betsy Raycroft

*Henry & Janet von Wodtke

$200 +

*Betty Billings

*Central CT Antique Auto Club of America

*Earl Parent Construction Company

*Harry White

$100 +

*William & Eleanore Browne

*Mary & Russ Collins

*Laurence & Beverly Fleming

*Dick & Sue Inman

*Scott & Gladys Macdonough

(St. Paul – Travelers)

*Richard Mason

*Joyce & Irvin Miglietta

*David & Linda Obedzinski

*Jean Ramaker (Memory of Don Ramaker)

*Karl & Carolyn Sartoris

*Monica Shea

*Bob & Nancy Shipman

*Brian & Heather Summers

*Edward & Mary Swift

$50 +

*Arthur & Evelyn Beatty

*Nancy Bestor

*Lynn Bywaters

(Memory of Gordon & Jackie Bywaters)

*Carol E. Carson

*Robert & Mary Elva Erf

*Tania Haendle

*David Hutchinson

& Panutda Suwannanonda

*Mary Ellen Linderman

*Barbara Lukens

*William & Ruth McGaw

*Robert & Vicki Miorelli

*Diane Northrop

*Roger & Della Winans

$20 +

*Stephanie DeFilippo & Family

(Phoenix Insurance)

*Margery Greene

*Rich & Laura Hecker (Aetna)

*Lois Hager

*Judith Harper

*Margery Izard

*Tom Kehoe

*Ellen Pratt

*Edward & Marion Richardson

*Russell & Pina Shenstone

*George & Lucile Towle

*Shirley & Forbes Warren

*Janice Wasserman

The Society would also like to thank all those who have contributed objects and volunteer work throughout the year. We have a great Society, which does a lot of good to make our Town a special place. Thank you!

GRANTS RECEIVED IN 2007

Farm Festival Grant

The Historical Society of Glastonbury (HSG) would like to thank the Glastonbury PTSO who graciously donated $200 in support of the Farm Festival. This is a fun, educational and free event that the HSG gives to the children of Glastonbury.

Heritage Grant Yr. II:

HSG would like to thank the Greater Hartford Arts Council, the Connecticut Humanities Council and the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving for the Heritage Grant Yr. II ($9,792) to help with the salary for the position of Curator and Education Programming filled by Lin Scarduzio. Currently we have applied for Yr. III.

Lin has done an outstanding and professional job, working closely with the Education/Docent and Facilities Committees, taking on related responsibilities and planning new programs.

(See WSW House “A Shipman Christmas”)

Strategic Planning Grant

HSG would like to thank the Connecticut Humanities Council for granting HSG a Strategic Planning Grant for $3,296. The grant will enable HSG to develop a three-year strategic plan that will enable it to establish and maintain itself as a vital educational resource for children and adults. The project will produce a resource notebook for Board Members and Committee Members, and a written strategic plan.

Historic Preservation Technical Assistance Grant (HPTAG)

HSG would like to thank the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation for the HPTAG grant ($4,500). The grant is for the establishment of a new National Register Historic District in Glastonbury (Glastonbury Main Street District).

The State has yet to make a decision. If approved it will be forwarded to the Federal Department of the Interior for their approval.

H. C. Ensworth Fund

HSG would like to thank the H.C. Ensworth Fund for a grant ($1,250) to purchase new lighting for the Red & White barns at WSW.

This will improve our display areas in the barns and enable the Red Barn to be used for classes. The Facilities Committee has volunteered to do the installation, giving great value for the money spent. Installation is mostly done.

HOLIDAY RECEPTION

This year’s holiday reception at the Museum on the Green on Sunday, December 9^th was a wonderful event. Nearly 100 people attended. The Museum was decorated for the season. An exhibit of American pressed pattern glass goblets belonging to members Joe & Jean Greene was on display. The food, conversation and friendship made it a festive occasion. Thanks to all of you who baked and helped decorate the Museum.

EDUCATION & DOCENTS

The fall 3^rd & 4^th Grade Tours went very well thanks to Anne O’Connor, Sue Motycka, Lin Scarduzio, Jean Greene and all the fine docents. I would also like to thank the Curatorial staff working with Lin, and Facilities Committee working with Joe Greene for making sure that the Museums were in excellent shape. We had never given Fourth Grade Tours in the fall, but in an effort to meet certain school curriculum requirements we scheduled several Fourth Grade Tours in November.

We have a few new Docents but we need several more. This is about a 2-hour commitment once or twice during the spring and fall. Basic training is needed with nothing to memorize. Satisfaction is guaranteed. If you are interested or know of someone interested please contact Lin or Jim at the Museum (633-6890)

Anne O’Connor (Educ. Chair) and Betty Schmitt gave a talk to the teachers and administrators of Nayaug Elementary, concerning the history of the Nayaug name and the area surrounding the school.

Anne O’Connor gave a tour to Spanish exchange students, and Lin Scarduzio ran a “Colonial Day Party” at the WSW house for a group of 4^th graders, with one celebrating his birthday. They received a tour of the house, and played colonial games. The group was charged for Lin’s time and skills. This was the first time for such an event. We wanted to see if we should continue making such activities available to the general public. The event was a great success and we agreed within certain parameters to do it again.

Lin Scarduzio and I met with Dr. Carter the principal at the new elementary school (Nayaug) to discuss the installation of a display showing the history of the Nayaug area. Following this discussion we met with the new Chair of Social Studies Curriculum, Ilene Lowenstein, to get to know her; tell her what the Society is about; and see what her expectations are regarding the Society. We decided that all the schools would benefit from on site historic displays of each school’s neighborhood and offered to do so. The response from the school administrators was a definite yes! Displays have since been installed at the High School and Nayaug Elementary.

MUSEUM ON THE GREEN

(Early American Pattern Glass Goblets)

“Pigs and Corn”

The exhibit called “Pigs in Corn” that

Joe and Jean Greene have generously loaned the Society is still exhibiting at the Museum. If you haven’t seen this beautiful and historic collection don’t miss your opportunity to come to the Museum. It is just part of their extensive collection of Early American Pattern Glass Goblets featuring animals, birds, people, historic events, typical colors and more.

Curatorial

(Lin Scarduzio)

The Historical Society of Glastonbury has been fortunate to receive many gifts this year, as we have in years past. Donating an object to HSG is a way, not only of preserving it, but of sharing it with many other people. When we receive something, we consider it in light of displays already on view, and displays that are currently in the planning stage. This past year, gifts included:

1. Set of 45 photographs, Grove Street, Glastonbury – Kathy Ciolkosz

Long handled garden hoe, early 1900’s – Howard Horton

2. Top without sides of box from Glastenbury Knitting Co. – Katharine G. Hayes

3. Blue cardboard sign: Goorich’s Express – Susan Motycka

4. Graded Spelling Book for City Schools, Eighth Year , 1910– Town of Glastonbury

Soap wrapper, Genuine Yankee Soap – Anna Manfredi

5. Empty box, Conti Castile Shampoo Soaplets, 5 lb. size – Anna Manfredi

6. Collection of GHS yearbooks, Brainard School of Aeronautics student pilot papers, Girl Scout materials c.1960, and clothing, mid-20^th century, textiles dating to early 19^th century – Mollie May Foote Rose

7. Oil painting of Gideon Welles House by Russell Cheney and glass syrup pitcher c. 1865 – Alvah Russell, Jr.

8. Metal polish-cleaner, Hall’s Sparine, c. 1850 - Purchase

9. Scrapbook of Academy School projects c. 1930, cookbook by First Church as fund raiser c. 1960, Glastonbury Citizen clipping re: drum and bugle corps - Mollie May Foote Rose

10. Advertisement for Williams Shaving Soaps c. 1945, book, Old American Houses – Friends of Welles-Turner Memorial Library

11. Basketball shirt #4 from the Kinne-Tryon men’s basketball team, ephemera from J.B. Williams Co., Glastonbury Bank & Trust, St. Augustine’s church, J.H. Hale, and M.I. Franklin 1850-1950 - Anna Manfredi

12. WWI American Red Cross kerchief – Jolly Steffens

13. Metal horse muzzle, c. 1900 – Donald Nedd

14. Packaging items and a packing stamp from the J.B. Williams Co. – Melvin H., McGowan

15. Original and reproduction samples of many styles of weaving to be used as instructional models, 1800-2000 – Mary Elva Erf

16. Map, central part of Hartford County c. 1950 – George E. Christensen

Glass leeching cup, hand blown c.1800 – Mr. & Mrs. Joseph Sullivan

17. Will-O’-the-Wisp electric lighted fishing lure – Purchase

18. Framed photo, employees of J.B. Williams c. 1940 – Melvin McGowan

19. Williams’ Brothers tea infuser c.1920 – Jane Domke

20. Collection of items relating to the J.B. Williams Company - Anna Manfredi

21. Demi-john representative of Connecticut glass c.1800 – Tom Scarduzio

22. Coat hangers from the Gideon Welles House c. 1900 – Gerals Mosher

23. Collection of photographs relating to South Glastonbury including Harry Ferry family and post office c. 1920 – June M. Fuller

24. Scrapbook “Thank You” from Glastonbury WWII Veterans to Norma Sestero, silk needlework attributed to Glastonbury girl c. 1825 – Nat Sestero

25. Sampler made by Mary M. Covell at Miss Cornwall’s school, 1835 – Purchase

26. Diaries of a young woman, 1940 and 1942 – Katherine Sullivan

27. Certificate of Achievement, Glastonbury Public Schools 1941, GHS yearbooks 1942, 1944, 1949 – John G. Bona

28. Book, Tom Brown at Rugby, items from Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War including meeting hall banner – Judith Welch

29. T-shirts, Glastonbury Grange Fair and Nayaug c.1975 – Charlotte Lueckel

Cardboard egg carton c. 1930 – David Hogan

30. Ballot box, membership card, and metals relating to Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War – Judith Welch

31. Advertising posters, the J.B. Williams Co. – Anne O’Connor

32. Box for 1 dozen Williams Shaving Cream - Anna Manfredi

33. Door key to District #1 School, corner of Pratt and Main – David Cox

34. Fold-out pamphlet advertising O.W. Goslee’s cultivator – Deep River Historical Society

35. The Hartford Daily Times May 26, 1848, miniature newspapers 1880, picture postcard of District #4 1907, letters from J.H. Hutchins, Principal, Glastonbury Free Academy c.1855 – Marjorie Luzzi

36. Collection of advertisements for the J.B.Williams Co., 1880-1950, factory safety signs - Anna Manfredi

37. Collection of early New England tombstone rubbings – Margaret Berg

38. Counting/Spelling game – John F. Raycroft

39. Collection of c.1935 ephemera – David Hogan

WELLES SHIPMAN WARD HOUSE

“A Shipman Christmas”

Cadet Girl Scout Troop 830 held a Victorian Christmas Party at the Welles Shipman Ward House on Sunday, December 2 from 1:00 until 3:00 in the afternoon. The purpose was to provide an entertainment for children and their grandparents for their Silver Star award. They were required to spend a minimum of 40 hours each preparing for the event. Each girl had prerequisites to complete before beginning this project. After completing the necessary paperwork it will be sent to National Headquarters for evaluation. The Silver Star Award comes from the National Girl Scout Headquarters. It will become part of each girl’s resume as she applies for college.

The girls, all age 13, spent several months researching traditions of the period. Originally, they had planned to have a Colonial theme for their party. Research revealed that Christmas was not celebrated until the 19^th century in Connecticut. They adapted their plan, developing a Shipman Christmas, loosely taking the characters of the Charles Shipman family who lived in the house in the late 19^th century and wearing costumes resembling Victorian dress. Each girl wore a nametag stating her character’s name.

The Scouts organized their party into five stations and two Cadet Scouts ran each station. Two of the girls, portraying Charles Shipman and his mother, Grandmother Sally, moved about the party reciting Victorian Christmas trivia for guests.

Guests wrote out Victorian-style Christmas cards and made dresdens under a boxwood kissing ball in the South West Parlor. In the Northwest Parlor, a Christmas tree was decorated with ornate paper cornucopias, one for each child. Children also received an apple pomander. Guests strung fresh cranberries on strings as would have been used to decorate a tree in the late 19^th century. A Yule Log burned in fireplace, and stockings were hung, one for each of the six Shipman children.

Upstairs in the North Chambers, a Christmas Spider web of yarn was strung. Children followed one strand of yarn around the room, collecting candies and toys into the cornucopias they had received from the Christmas tree. In the Southwest Chamber, the Scouts led guests in singing Victorian Christmas Carols.

In the Kitchen, guests were invited to sample various items from a Victorian Christmas feast including goose, scalloped oysters, and Christmas pudding. At the end of each group’s time in the kitchen, a Christmas pie was brought forth and each child received a helping. Christmas pie is a large pie plate filled with grain. Small presents are hidden in this “pie” and each child was allowed to keep the toy in his/her scoop of “pie”.

In the Red Barn, a troop of Junior Girl Scouts, working on their Bronze Star award, served hot wassail and epiphany cake and taught guests Victorian children’s games. These girls also dressed in simulated period costumes. Because the older troop had taken Shipman names, the younger girls also wished names. They were given the names of girls who attended school in South Glastonbury circa 1900.

LIBRARY

(Phyllis Reed)

The following are people who generously gave photos or paper items to the Library in 2007. I thank them for their interest in preserving the past and thinking of the Historical Society.

Anna Manfredi, Glastonbury

Edward Hobron, CA

Jean Greene, Glastonbury

Thomas Fife, VA

Mr. & Mrs. William Dolces, Glastonbury

John D. Seelye, FL

Irene Burgan, So. Glastonbury

Charles W. Deane, Glastonbury

David Cox, Glastonbury

Romano Ghirlanda, Marlborough, CT

Dorothy A. DeBisschop, Oxford , CT

Edith M. DeForest, Deep River, CT

Marjorie Luzzi, So. Glastonbury

Elizabeth Clark, VT

FACILITIES COMMITTEE

(Joe Greene)

Welles Chapman Tavern

1. Leak tests were performed on the WCT chimney to isolate the source of the leaks that have occurred. This showed that the leak was coming through the stucco. This was again confirmed in the last storm when the chimney leaked and it was observed to be dry inside and to be leaking between the stucco and the sheathing. A masonry supplier has been contacted and a sealer purchased to seal the stucco. The Contractor will apply caulk to stucco cracks and then seal the chimney.

2. Fixed latch on WCT front door so that it closed properly.

3. Replaced the ballasts in the northwest room of the Chamber of Commerce space in the WCT so that their lighting now works correctly.

4. Corrected the air supply outlet vent in the northwest room of the Chamber of Commerce so that it can be adjusted to vary airflow when conditions warrant.

5. Glastonbury Restoration has completed painting and restoring the White Barn. All siding was sanded down, broken windows were replaced and reglazed, the front was resided before a prime coat and two finish coats were brushed on.

6. Installation of the lighting in the White Barn is complete and is almost complete in the Red barn.

7. Met with the Town, contractors, CT Trust, CT Historic Commission and State Archeologist, regarding the acquisition of three barns at 1387 Hebron Ave., and their reconstruction at the Welles Shipman War House.

Committee Members: R. Bowden, F. Clark, N. Gordon, J. Greene, H. Hunt,

R. Inman, P. Manfredi, R. Mason, D. Motycka, R. Palatine, K. Sartoris.

35^th ANNUAL ANTIQUES FESTIVAL

Saturday, August 2

The Antique Festival has consistently been our most successful fundraiser due to all of the hardworking people who make the event a great success. Volunteer positions include: booth setup and takedown, field setup and takedown, publicity, brochure

The Historical Society of Glastonbury

AUCTION

MEMORIAM 2007

MEMBERSHIP

HOLIDAY RECEPTION

EDUCATION & DOCENTS

MUSEUM ON THE GREEN

(Early American Pattern Glass Goblets)

“Pigs and Corn”

Curatorial

35th ANNUAL ANTIQUES FESTIVAL

Saturday, August 2

35^th ANNUAL ANTIQUES FESTIVAL