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VOLUME IV NUMBER 5 MAY 1975 TICONDEROGA-CROWN POINT CONNECTICUT MEN PLAN, FINANCE AND LEAD CAPTURE
CONNECTICUT v. STATE LIBRARY
* • MAT 3 u 1975 I . HARTFORD, ON NECTICUT
The sleeping British sentry is about to be rudely awakened by Ethan Allen and his Green Mountain Boys during the Bi centennial re-enactment of "America's First Victory" on May 10th at Fort Ticonderoga. All the participants were direct de scendants of the original force. THE FIRST VICTORY other artillery were badly needed by the colonists, now preparing to face well-equipped British troops on the bat Of course, we'll remember and speak of with pride tlefield. Seth Warner and others, who fought by his side; Connecticut can lay claim to a great part in this under And grand Ethan Allen, the hero all over, taking. The principals, including Ethan Allen, Benedict Who conquered Fort Ti, in the name of Jehovah! Arnold and Seth Warner, were all natives of our state. The William Cothren expedition was financed by a group of Representatives to Woodbury, CT the Connecticut General Assembly; backing with their Speech on the Ticonderoga personal notes 300 taken from the state Treasury. A four- Centennial, 1875 man Committee of War, led by Captain Edward Mott of Preston, left Hartford with 6 or 8 additional volunteers on Plans and preparations for war with England developed April 28th. More men joined in Salisbury and Colonel swiftly in the aftermath of the Lexington Alarm. The tak Easton and his men met the group in Pittsfield, Mass. Word ing of Fort Ticonderoga and surrounding garrisons, the was sent ahead to Allen informing him of the expedition. first overt war offensive against British forces in the colo Living in the New Hampshire Grants (Vermont), Allen nies, was planned and executed three weeks after the was the leader of The Green Mountain Boys and brought Massachusetts incident. The fort was an obvious choice along about 100 of his men when he joined, and he was for attack. Already familiar to those patriots who had given command of the expedition. fought in the French and Indian War, it was a key to con In Boston, a similar plan was developing. The Massachu trol of the Champlain-Hudson River waterway. Its capture setts Provincial Committee of Safety commissioned Bene would establish a defense against the strong British influ dict Arnold to lead an attack on the fort. Arnold was in ence in Canada. Most important, the fort's cannons and continued on next page
rv VICTORY continued from page 1 Boston with the New Haven Company, in response to the Lexington Alarm. His troops did not accompany him to New York, and he planned to recruit men from Western Massachusetts, but encountered the Connecticut expedition before this was accomplished. Arnold bid for command on the basis of having the most authoritative backing, but a co-command between Allen and Arnold was decided on. It was accurately predicted that the take-over would be easily accomplished. The forts were known to be in disrepair and manned by only remnants of British forces. In the pre-dawn hours of May 10th, the surrender was swift, bloodless and complete. Not a shot was fired. Side by side, Ethan Allen and Benedict Arnold entered the fort with about 80 men. Captain William Delaplace, Com mander, was aroused and told to surrender. He inquired: "In the name of . . . ?" and it is forever remembered that Ethan Allen thundered: "In the name of the Great Jehovah and the Continental Congress!" The Sarah Whitman Hooker House, West Hartford, is Only eighty or so men crossed the lake on May 10th to under consideration for restoration. participate in the fort's takeover. One of those who was left behind was Seth Warner. He later organized a group of men and went further north and overtook the Crown Point PRESERVATION holdings, adding more cannon to the colonist's inventory. IN THE NAME OF THE BICENTENNIAL Seth Warner's exploit will be honored in his hometown of National Historic Preservation Week Roxbury on May 18th. At that time the State of Connecti May 12-18 cut will award him his Commission as a Major-General, two Major historic preservation projects are being under hundred years late. The ceremony will be held on the Rox taken throughout Connecticut for the Bicentennial. A wide bury Green at the monument to Warner. spread awareness of the historical and architectural signifi In Connecticut, on hearing of the success of the expedi cance of many types of sites is evident in projects of local tion, Governor Trumbull ordered a regiment (just after the Bicentennial committees. In keeping with the directive of Articles of War had been adopted) under Colonel Hinman, the American Revolution Bicentennial Administration, that to take command of Fort Ticonderoga and Crown Point. a "lasting reminder" be a part of each commemoration, Arnold would not serve under this command, and de many towns and cities have chosen to preserve existing parted. community resources. Often, the undertaking is in addition The cannon were finally hauled to Boston, but did not to a program begun by the local historical society or other reach there until the next February. organization, for preservation is a long-term effort. Many The Continental Congress, meeting in Philadelphia at of the projects have received grants-in-aid from the ARBCC the same time, was embarrassed by the takeover, but the and the Connecticut Historical Commission. Examples are general effect had been to boost the morale of all patriots. given below. Ethan Allen's words expressed this feeling: "The sun CEMETERIES are being restored in Bethlehem, Bridge seemed to rise that morning with a superior lustre and port, Bristol, Derby, Durham, East Granby, Haddam, Ticonderoga and its dependencies smiled on its conquerors Harwinton, Madison, New Fairfield, Oxford and West Ha who tossed about the flowing bowl and wished success to ven. Congress and the liberty and freedom of America." CHURCH/MEETING HOUSE: Bethel « 4 tf O FACTORIES: Lebanon's Broom Factory, the mill in Bur lington, the Ledyard sawmill and the Eli Whitney Armory COMMISSION ON THE ARTS in New Haven FUNDS BICENTENNIAL PROJECTS FORTS: Fort Nathan Hale in West Haven, Fort Stamford The Connecticut Commission on the Arts has awarded and Fort Griswold in Groton twenty-one grants, totaling $138,000.00 in a one-time Bi HOUSES: The David Humphreys House, Ansonia; a car centennial exemplary grant program. Among the projects riage house in Bethany; The Frisbee House in Cromwell; funded were feasibility studies for arts centers in New Enfield's Parsons House; The Staples Homestead in Farm Haven, Hartford and Bridgeport, two original plays, a ington; Welles-Shipman Tavern, Glastonbury; Knapps Tav study of Black artisans and architects in Connecticut, multi ern, Greenwich; The Stockade House in Milford; The media productions on the history of two state centers for Kellogg-Eddy House in Newington; The Huguenot House, the arts, the Brookfield Craft Center and the Goodspeed New London; Ward House, Norwalk; The Amos Eno Opera House, sculpture and exhibits. House, Simsbury; The Phillips House in Waterford, and In announcing the grants, Anthony S. Keller, executive The Sarah Hooker House in West Hartford. Director said: "Our agency is using its Bicentennial pro JAIL: Norwalk gramming energy as much as possible to look forward, not SCHOOLHOUSES: Ashford Academy, the Pine Grove backward. 1976 will be, for us, a point of departure for Schoolhouse in Avon, The Nathan Hale Schoolhouse in strengthening the arts in Connecticut and the bond be New London and schools in Coventry, East Hartford, tween the people of the state and the arts." Waterford and Wolcott. A descriptive release on the awards is available from TOLLHOUSE: Montville the agency, located at 340 Capitol Avenue, Hartford, Con TOWN HALLS: Enfield, Canton, Coventry and Southbury necticut 06106. In addition, surveys and other publications are in the • a a a works across the state. 2 up. It celebrates a Bicentennial this year. After the capture of British troops at Fort Ticonderoga (May 10, 1775) two of the officers were housed by Mrs. Hooker and kept under the care of her slave, Bristol. Although treated badly rnr by the townspeople during their stay, the men presented 0VD TO*N H, -fNflPLD Mrs. Hooker with a gold ring for her kindnesses. A plan to relocate the house is presently under study by the West Hartford Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and the Sarah Whitman Hooker House Association, Inc. Fort Nathan Hale in West Haven, site of a battle of the Revolution during the invasion of New Haven in 1779, will be a major restoration project for the West Haven Committee. Black Rock Fort will be reconstructed on the original site, and the whole site is being planned as a permanent historic park. Essential handbooks for planning for preservation in Connecticut are Volumes I-III of Historic Preservation: A Plan for Connecticut. These have been sent to all public This Enfield landmark will become a Community Center. libraries in the state. The restoration is a project of the Enfield Bicentennial Commission. S. J. Raiche photo.
In Enfield, a new adaptive use has been planned for the Old Town Hall, a building which had already served as a meeting house. It was the site of Captain Abbey's famous Filitu "drumming out," when news of the Lexington Alarm reached Enfield while citizens were at a church service. In 1848, the building was moved across the street and "up dated" with Greek Revival modifications and used as the Town Hall until the 1920's. Now, a project of the Enfield Bicentennial Committee, it will become a community cen ter. The Bristol Bicentennial Committee, led by chairman Creating Independence, 1763-1789: Background Read George Perry, will reset the gravestones in the old Tory ing for Young People. A selected, annotated bibliography, Cemetery and the graves of all Revolutionary War soldiers compiled by Margaret N. Coughlan. Library of Congress, will be marked. Ruth Sharp Hummel, chairman of the 1972. 62 pp. For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, Plainville Bicentennial Committee, has written an article U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. for the May Bulletin of the Connecticut League of Histori 20402. Price—75 cents. cal Societies entitled: "Let's Document our Small Ceme A part of the Library of Congress program to compile teries." A history of the Old East Street Burying Ground bibliographies on the American Revolution, this reading will be published by the Plainville Historical Society, and guide reflects the high standards set for the project. The she notes that during the Bicentennial a large number of annotations are lively and well-written, and in addition to visitors will be researching past generations. indicating the usefulness, relative interest and importance What may be Connecticut's smallest factory is in Leba of the materials, also are interesting reading. The work is non, near the Town Green on Route 67. It was an operat further enhanced with illustrations and facsimiles from the ing broom factory until 1918 and it will be refurbished and Revolutionary War period. made operational once again. Eugene Lyman, using broom The pamphlet provides information so often sought by sedge grown by local farmers, made fine brooms of many educators, librarians, parents and young readers—where to types when he operated this factory. go for the best in reading material on Revolutionary Ameri- Schwarzmann's Mill in Burlington, a grist mill during the Revolution and operational until recently, is a restora tion project of the Burlington Bicentennial Committee. An effort is being made to purchase the building; $18,500 is TOUR GUIDES-EMPHASIS ON HISTORY needed by June 1st and Chairman Ernest Hutchinson is This Bicentennial summer, both state and national his accepting donations. toric sites will have special significance for visitors. The A library complex is planned around the Amos Eno (or following tour guides make available information on the Simsbury) House on Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury. The what, where, when and how much of historic touring, and house was recently added to the National Register of His also offer those nuggets of history that invite you to "go see toric Places. Built in 1822, it was the birthplace of Gifford for yourself." Pinchot in 1865. Pinchot, who became the first United Connecticut: A New Guide, William Bixby, Charles States Chief Forester in 1905, worked closely with Presi Scribner's Sons, N.Y., 1974. 386 pp. $10.00 dent Theodore Roosevelt on conservation efforts. He also This latest Connecticut guidebook reviews all aspects of served as Governor of Pennsylvania. the state. Part I is divided into: Connecticut today, its his As shown in the photograph, the Sarah Whitman Hooker tory, Indians, topography and geology, trees, flowers and House, located on the corner of New Britain Avenue and shrubs, and wildlife. Part II lists every town and city and South Main Street in West Hartford, now stands boarded highlights the history and attractions of each. Part III is a continued on next page 3 PRESERVATION continued directory of cultural and recreational resources which lists theaters, museums, nature centers and parks, golf courses, highway picnic areas, etc. Reference works are also listed. The book is an excellent resource for both residents of and visitors to Connecticut. The author, William Bixby, was formerly Director of the Henry Whitfield State His torical Museum in Guilford. Historic Houses and Museums of New England, the New England Council, Boston, 1974 edition. 71 pp. Order from the N.E.C., 1032 Statler Office Building, Boston, Mass. 02116. 25 cents per copy when mailed. Houses and museums included in this guide are listed alphabetically by town within each New England state. The listing is not complete (a charge is made for inclu A VERY LOCAL POST sion), but it is a handy and inexpensive guide to several On April 12th, the waters of the Connecticut River were hundred houses and museums within easy driving distance. low enough to allow the Rocky Hill-Glastonbury Ferry to The booklet has two pages of photographs, directions and begin its 320th year of operation. This season, however, a information on hours and admission fees. new duty has been assigned the ferry; it will carry mail of National Park Service Guide to the Historic Places of the Ferry Local Post back and forth across the river; a the American Revolution, James V. Murfin. 1973. 135 pp. project of the Rocky Hill Bicentennial Committee. A cere For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Gov mony opening the service was held at the Town Hall in ernment Printing Office, Washington, D.C. Price is $1.90. Rocky Hill. Special first day of issue cancellations were put With an emphasis on military history, this guide covers on each letter by Postmaster General John P. McKenna Revolutionary War sites and events important to them in and Ed Susman, Postmaster. Postriders carrying mailbags fifteen states and "the Western Frontier." Colored photos, rode through town down to the ferry, and the Ferry Local maps, reproductions, an excellent format as well as com Post was declared officially in operation. prehensive coverage, make it a valuable resource. Many National Park Service properties are Revolutionary War sites and a full program of exhibits and activities will be '; i jj j m jjp offered to visitors during the Bicentennial. A helpful chronology of political and military events, 1763-1784, is included. I ^JtmiiL bM An American Heritage Guide to Great Historic Places, Editors of American Heritage, American Heritage Publish ing Co., Inc., N.Y., 1973. 319 pp. fllfefe Major landmarks in every state (40 in Connecticut) are r - ffi listed in this excellent guide. The annotations are surpris ingly complete considering the scope of the work. Specific directions are given, as well as hours, etc., and when more information is available, the address is listed. A liberty bell HHrntul symbol in the margin indicates that a particular site is a Wmjjmm > 1 Revolutionary War landmark. Black and white photos are found throughout, but there are no maps. It is well-bound • 1 3 * I and particularly useful to carry when on a tour through IHBUhjmi 1 several states. The American Heritage Guide to Historic Houses of Paul Delaney, son of the Rocky Hill Bicentennial Chair America, 1971. 320 pp., is a companion resource to the man, mails a "first day of issue" letter on April 12th, at a above volume. This is an annotated listing of style, signifi Ferry Local Post drop box. Postmaster General John P. cance, exact location, etc. of noted houses throughout the McKenna, in the tricorn hat, confers with Postmaster Ed country. Listed alphabetically by town within state, it is Susman. not a duplication by America Heritage because many of these houses could not be listed in the Guide to Historic Places because of space limitations. And, as the editors The Post has issued its own "carriage labels" (see photo) note, by now the list may have been shortened due to and these are affixed to the lower left-hand portion of en demolition of structures. velopes. Regular first-class U.S. postage is still required. Special envelopes and cancellations have been designed for LOOKING AT NEW LONDON the Post. The envelopes carry a brief history of the ferry, "A Walk through History" tour guide, featuring eight the oldest continuously operating ferry in the United States. New London landmarks, has been printed recently. It is a Strict philatelic standards have been set and the Postmas Bicentennial project of the Downtown New London As ters of Rocky Hill and South Glastonbury have approved sociation, the Chamber of Commerce of Southeastern Con of the rules and regulations. necticut and The Spinnaker Group of New London. Points Persons wishing to purchase stamps and envelopes may of interest included in the guide are: Union Station, the write to Ferry Local Post, Box 1655, Rocky Hill, CT public library, Whale Oil Row, State Court House, Hemp 06073, or % General Delivery, South Glastonbury, CT sted House, the Shaw Mansion, the New London Custom 06073. There are a variety of ways to purchase the cachets House and the burial ground. All the buildings are listed and envelopes and a descriptive brochure will be sent on in the National Register of Historic places. request. In addition, stamps and envelopes may be pur 4 Smoke from fires at the Windham County military muster, held in Pomfret on April 19th, mixes with the morning mist. Photo by Terry Harlow. chased at Rocky Hill businesses, and drop boxes for letters will also be available in the town. The Rocky Hill Bicentennial Committee is to be com x mended for providing a four-minute mail service; an effi ciency rating that is unrivaled.
J Hartford opened its Bicentennial Celebration on April 21st. Trail riders, re-enacting Israel Bissell's ride, were welcomed in Bushnell Park. The Putnam Phalanx participated in the ceremony, and laid a wreath on the Pictured above is the commemorative "carriage label" monument to Israel Putnam. A photo by Formato. of the Ferry Local Post. STATEWIDE MEETING HELD Along with name tags, a full agenda was handed to the MUSIC EXPERTS over two hundred Connecticut Bicentennial committee CONDUCT STATE LIBRARY WORKSHOP chairmen and delegates to the first statewide meeting held "Music of the People During the American Revolution," on April 11th at the Meriden Holiday Inn. The welcoming the fourth in a series of programs on Bicentennial activities addresses were given by ARBCC Program Coordinator for public libraries to be sponsored by the Connecticut George Cyr, John McGuire, Mayor pro tem of Meriden, State Library, was held on April 9th. Area experts on and John Shannahan, Director of the Connecticut Histori music of the Revolutionary War period gave demonstra cal Commission. A special guest, Anne B. Gordon, Secre tions and led discussions on preservation and utilization of tary of the New Hampshire Bicentennial Commission, was Connecticut's musical heritage at the Library Service Cen introduced. Mrs. Georgia Ireland, ARBA Region I Co ter in Middletown. They were: Arthur F. Schrader, Mu ordinator, had planned to attend but was very involved in sic Associate and ballad singer at Old Sturbridge Village; preparations for President Ford's visit to the opening cere musicologist Kate Van Winkle Keller, music consultant monies in Boston. The three-hour meeting then began; it for the Nahan Hale Fife and Drum Corps and Ed Olsen, was an evening of presentations, with much information archivist for the Nathan Hale corps and recorder of oral made available to those attending. history of fifers and drummers. The Commission's "awareness campaign" was displayed The workshop, organized by Mary Anna Tien, Director and explained by Bobert Charnas of National Media Cor of the Middletown center, was open to Connecticut public poration, Manchester. Two themes, "Join-In" and "Con librarians. Its purpose was to assist public libraries in pro necticut, A State of . . . (Activity, History, Progress, etc.)" viding music resources to enhance local Bicentennial ob will be developed in an on-going calendar of events, por servances. The program was video-taped for those unable traits of Revolutionary War heroes, features on local pro to attend. grams, bumper stickers and other promotional material. a » « « continued on next page 5 STATEWIDE MEETING continued INEMCO. The Connecticut plaque, pictured below, fea tures the armorial bearings. The plaques are made avail The company will also produce radio, television and news able to Bicentennial committees as fund raisers. paper public service announcements for the Commission. Another state-wide meeting is planned for this summer. One of the most futuristic programs planned for the Bi It is hoped that it will be an all-day session with topical centennial in the country is the time capsule of the Talcott workshops. Mountain Science Center in Avon. Donald LaSalle, Science Center Director, was at the meeting to explain the pro gram. The capsule, which will be put into the ground on July 4th, 1976, will be designed to last until July 4, 2776, the millenium of the United States. Cubic containers will be made available to local Bicentennial committees and other organizations as fund-raisers. Mr. LaSalle posed an interesting question, "If you had a cubic inch of space to be preserved for the millenium, how would you fill it?" More information may be obtained by contacting the Cen ter, Montevideo Road, Avon, Connecticut. Robert K. Adams, of Masque and Mime Theater Foun dation spoke on the oompany's production, the musical "1776". A touring show, the play is offered to local com mittees as a fund-raising opportunity. Up to half the cost of a performance will be guaranteed by the ARBCC. An other theatrical offering was a multi-media slide show on the history of the United States, presented by Robert Sanchez of Jack Morton Productions.
The official Connecticut Bicentennial Plaque, produced by International Emblem Corporation of Vernon, was in troduced at the meeting. The plaques will be displayed at post offices.
Participants in the state-wide meeting of Bicentennial HEARD ROUND THE WORLD? chairmen met at the Holiday Inn, Meriden, April 11th. Photo by Carol Kuehl. News of the Lexington Alarm reached all the colonies within four weeks, and as for it traveling around the world, the following information was given by Dr. J. Duane Eight newly recognized Bicentennial Communities were Squires, Chairman of the New Hampshire Bicentennial given their flag and certificates at the meeting. John Commission, to members of the Bicentennial Council of Shannahan and George Cyr made the presentations to the Thirteen Original States. Here's the story of the race Brookfield chairman Harold Todd, chairman Edward to England with the news. Gumprecht of Cheshire, Dr. Karl Stofko for East Haddam, ". . . Shortly after the 19th, General Gage wrote his Mrs. Olive Tubbs Chendali for East Lyme, John McGuire official report of the fighting and sent it on what turned and Anthony Novak of Meriden, Mr. Richard Hemenway, out to be a very slow dispatch ship. His report arrived North Branford chairman, Captain C. H. Cushman, Jr., in London on the 10th of June. Dr. Joseph Warren, the chairman in North Stonington, and Mr. William C. Logan, brilliant and dynamic leader of the Massachusetts Com chairman of the Wilton ARBC. Hebron chairman John mittee of Safety, wrote a much longer and more elo Sibun and Coventry chairman Wesley Lewis spoke to those quent account and sent it on a fast packet which arrived whose towns had not yet applied for the designation on in England at the end of May, twelve days ahead of the how to become a Bicentennial Community. receipt of Gage's statement. It was widely published Other speakers were representatives from FERMI '76. throughout Great Britain. One Englishman, John Home The students urged participation by students in the Bicen by name, was so moved by Warren's summation that he tennial planning of every community. raised SL 100 for the widows and orphans of ". . . our International Emblem Corporation of Vernon introduced beloved American fellow subjects who . . . were inhu the company's Bicentennial plaque program, which has manely murdered by the King's troops at or near Lexing received official endorsement by the Bicentennial Council ton and Concord." It is safe to say, as Britain became of the Thirteen Original States. Plaques for each of the involved in the war, that its public opinion was badly thirteen states have been designed and produced by divided on the justice of the conflict." 6 BICENTENNIAL HAPPENINGS MAY 17-JULY 1
MAY 17 MAY 23 JUNE 7 "Spirit of '76"-Fair and Parade Play—"An Encounter with the Revolu Brigade of the American Revolution SOUTH WINDSOR Orchard Hill tion" NAUGATUCK ARBC School NORTH STONINGTON Elemen Tactical battlefield demonstra Contests, craft demonstrations, tary School tions, exhibits of skills and crafts Country store Original play on the Battle of of the period. School grounds Fort Griswold by students and Route 63 to Hop Brook Dam 11:00 a.m.-4 p.m. staff 3 Shows daily—Saturday and Sun Rain or shine Performances at Elementary School day and Grange 10 a.m.-5 p.m. "American History in Flags" display Time—T.B.A. JUNE 8 by Philip Daigneault and family Bicentennial Concert MAY 25 barbeque MANSFIELD ARBC Historic Mini-Bus Tours Re-open CROMWELL ARBC and Knights E. O. Smith Madrigal Singers WESTPORT ARBC of Columbus Carillon Concert—Bicentennial Hour-long tours of Revolutionary Cromwell High School theme Mann Memorial Drive War sites in Westport. Tapes nar STORRS Congregational Church 2-7 p.m. rated by famous Westport resi 4-6 p.m. dents MAY 18 Hike through "The Hoppers" Aviation Display MAY 26 BRISTOL ARBC WALLINGFORD ARBC MEMORIAL DAY PARADES (see May 18 for details) A "fly-in" of unique and home- throughout the state built aircraft Parachute jump JUNE 8 Mankitan Airport-Meriden Opening of Bicentennial Week 9 a.m.-2 p.m. MAY 31 COLUMBIA ARBC Greater Hartford Civic and Arts Fes June 8-14—Display of Early Hike through "The Hoppers" tival Opens American School memorabilia BRISTOL ARBC Special Bicentennial Events June 9—Flag Presentation-Banjo 90-acre forest-old colonial road Exhibition of original Currier and Concert and geological features Ives Prints June 12—Colonial Craftmen Start—James P. Casey Road Childrens' Bicentennial displays Serves #6—Pewtersmith 2 p.m. Marlborough Fife and Drum June 13—Film: Resolved to be Corps Concert—June 6—7:30 p.m. Free Seth Warner Ceremony Constitution Plaza JUNE II ROXBURY ARBC HARTFORD Exhibit of Army Memorabilia 200th anniversary of capture of Through June 8 Army Reserve Center, DANBURY Crown Point Presentation by the Scott-Fanton Museum State of Connecticut of Warner's Musical Interlude #2 Wed.-Fri. 2-5, Sat. 10-5, Sun. 1-5 Commission as a Major-General WESTPORT ARBC Through July 4 Roxbury Center-Warner monument Features Charlotte Sabo Singer- 2 p.m. guitarist with Southern Connecti JUNE 13 cut Early Instrumental Ensemble Film/Flag display Bicentennial Fair "Celebration of a Quilt" American Legion Auxiliary Bacon Academy Bicentennial Com Ruth Hitchcock GOSHEN mittee Westport Public Library Congregational Church Parish COLCHESTER Center 3 p.m. House All Day 7:30 p.m. JUNE 1 MAY 20 Hike to "Tory Den" JUNE 14 Band Concert BRISTOL ARBC Early American Crafts Fair COLUMBIA ARBC Walk to secret hiding place of BOLTON ARBC "Constitution State March" will Tories during the Revolution Over 50 craftsmen be featured Start—Marsh Road, just west of Bolton High School H. W. Porter School Dam 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Time—T.B.A. 2 p.m. continued on next page 7 CALENDAR continued the planning stage at the time, to resubmit specifics on the event and reconfirm dates, places and other pertinent de JUNE 14 tails. The ARBA is also issuing a public call to those who "America through Colors" Pageant are planning Bicentennial events, but have not provided information for the master calendars, to do so. Masonic Home and Hospital The American Revolution Bicentennial Commission of Pageant participants to dress in Connecticut will provide these forms to local Bicentennial period costumes committees and others with Bicentennial programs as soon Open House, fair and luncheon as they become available. There is no charge for listing All Day projects with BINET-Master Calendar Services. Ceremony at 1:30 p.m. « » « «
JUNE 16 CONNECTICUT DAY Washington, D.C.
JUNE 27 Colonial Torchlight Parade and "Mili tary Tatoo" Show Demonstrations by British Regi ments Raising of a Liberty Pole Main St. OLD SAYBROOK 8:30 p.m.
JUNE 28 The following was received on Friday last in a Hand Bill Muster and Parade from New York. New-York, May 8. 45 Fife and Drum Corps Extract of a Letter from Philadelphia, to a Gentleman in Main St. this City, dated the 6th inst. OLD SAYBROOK "Yesterday evening Dr. Franklin arrived here from Lon 12 noon don in six weeks, which, he left the 20th of March, which has given great joy to this town, he says we have no fa Re-enactment of Washington's Ride vours to expect from the Ministry, nothing but submission WALLINGFORD ARBC will satisfy them, they expect little or no opposition will be made to their troops, those that are now coming are for Parade of 30 riders through town New York, where it is expected they will be received with center cordiality. As near as we can learn there are about four 9:30 a.m. thousand troops coming in this fleet, the men of war and transports are in a great measure loaded with dry goods, to supply New-York, and the country round it, agents are o « « « coming over with them. Dr. Franklin is highly pleased to find us arming and preparing for the worst events, he thinks nothing else can save us from the most abject slav ery and destruction, at the same time encourages us to NEW FORMS FOR BINET-MASTER CALENDAR believe a spirited opposition will be the means of our salva The ARBA has announced that its Bicentennial Infor tion. The ministry are alarmed at every opposition, and mation Network (BINET) has been expanded to include lifted up again at every thing which appears the least in a Master Calendar Service. Also, a major revision of the their favour, every letter and every paper from hence, are original BINET form, has resulted in a simplified one read by them." page sheet which will be used to send information of We hear Doct. Franklin has been by the unanimous projects to the national organization. vote of the Assembly of Pennsylvania, and approbation of The series of Master Calendars will begin in late June, the people, added to the number of delegates to attend and will detail the "what, when and where" of Bicentennial the Continental Congress. activities and events for tourists and travelers during the 4 O O « Bicentennial era. One calendar will list Bicentennial events of national and international significance. A second one will include a more comprehensive listing of events of regional Yale College in New-Haven, May 16, 1775 and state interest. Both will be updated periodically. It is thought proper to inform the Public, That in Con These publications will be made available to the travel sideration of the Commotions and necessary Expenses of and tour industry, and the nation's print and broadcast the present Times, there will be no Commencement held media. Through these channels of communication, the in at this College the present Year, nor be any public Exer formation will become available to the general public. cises or Exhibitions whatever. . . . The ARBA is now asking those who have previously submitted information to BINET, much of which was in continued on next page 8 lis BY "1776" THE HONOURABLE JONATHAN TRUMBULL, ESQ. BRING A MUSICAL TO TOWN Governor of the English Colony of Connecticut Is your local Bicentennial committee looking for a fund- New-England, in America. raising idea? A professional performance of the Broadway musical "1776" will come to your community. Seventeen A PROCLAMATION actors in a touring show of the Masque and Mime Theater Whereas it has been resolved by the General Assembly Foundation of New York recreate the story of the events now convened at Hartford, That an Embargo be laid upon leading up to the signing of the Declaration of Independ the Exportation out of the Colony, by water, of Wheat, ence. They play the roles of delegates to the Continental Rye, Indian Corn, Pork, Beef, live Cattle, Peas, Beans, Congress, and the musical story involves the wheeling and Flour, and every kind of Meal, except necessary Stores for dealing by which sectional differences are accommodated Vessels bound to Sea, that that said Embargo continue until all delegates are finally persuaded by July 4th to sign and remain until the Twentieth Day of August next, pro the Declaration. The ARBCC will underwrite up to vided the Governor by and with the Advice of the Council, $900.00, half of the cost of a performance, for communities do not discontinue said Embargo in whole or in part before that decide to present the production; on a first-come, first- that Time. And said Assembly have requested me to give served basis. The company presented the show in Durham Notice thereof. last November for that town's 275th anniversary, and it I have therefore thought fit to issue this Proclamation, was very successful. hereby notifying all Persons that the Embargo is laid, and Robert K. Adams of Masque and Mime spoke to chair requiring that all comply therewith. And I do Prohibit all men and representatives at the statewide meeting about Persons from transporting by Water, and from Shipping the offer, and guaranteed its appeal. on Board any Vessel for Transportation, any of said Arti Complete information about the production can be ob cles (excepting only as in said Resolve is excepted) under tained from the ARBCC, 59 South Prospect St., Hartford, the Penalties of the Law in such Case provided; and I do CT 06106. require and injoin all Persons to exert themselves that said Resolve be effectually carried into execution. SLOGAN SEARCH CONTINUES Given under my Hand at Hartford this 19th Day of May, in the 15th Year of the Reign of our Sovereign Lord, Jack Anderson, newspaper columnist, has suggested that GEORGE the Third, of Great-Britain, b- c. King, Anno- America needs a Bicentennial slogan, for "the right words que Domini 1775. to reaffirm our faith in America." The reaction to his suggestion was overwhelming and a JONATHAN TRUMBULL non-profit corporation has had to be formed to handle the GOD Save the KING contest. Originally, no prizes were offered, but $10,000 o o o e has been donated for awards, as well as a car and free hotel accommodations for a month's tour of the country to the winner. The contest deadline is July 4, 1975. Address entries to: Slogans USA, Box 1976, Washington, D.C.
THE BICENTENNIAL IN BLOOM Planting the logo of the American Revolution Bicenten nial in red, white and blue petunias is a beautification project developed by the Bicentennial Commission of Okla homa and Oklahoma's First Lady. The star-shaped logo may be planted as large as 40' in diameter, and instruc tions are available to reduce the scale for smaller beds. Plans and specifications are complete and include soil suggestions, recommended tools and equipment, lettering instructions, plant materials and labor estimate. The cost Children's Services Bicentennial Committee, began publi of the plans is $60.00 and may be ordered by writing to The Bicentennial Commission of Oklahoma, 4040 North cation in February. Funded by a grant from the ABBCC, Lincoln Boulevard, Suite 107, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma it is one of several resources available from the committee, 73105. and is distributed through the state's public libraries. Contributions are welcome and should be sent to Mrs. "Wave a Flag with Flowers in '76" is the slogan selected Patricia Boyd, Mansfield Library, Box 206, Mansfield by the Woodley Gardens Garden Club of Rockville, Mary Center, CT 06250. land for the Bicentennial. They are encouraging all indi To keep in step with Bicentennial resources available viduals, businesses, civic groups and municipalities in the to children, read Drumbeat at your local library! National Capitol area to display red, white and blue ft ft ft ft flowers, and the idea has received enthusiastic support. In the spirit of the Bicentennial, the club is offering the plans Southern Connecticut State College, New England's first to all areas wishing to "wave a flag with flowers in '76." Bicentennial college, will offer two courses on the Revolu The University of Maryland Extension Service has pre tion this summer; ID 580-Connecticut in the Revolution pared horticultural fact sheets for distribution, and the and ID 1776-The Revolutionary Generation 1763-1789. contact here is Olga Farozic, Montgomery County Bicen For information, contact the Registrar, SCSC, 501 Crescent tennial Commission, 44 Courthouse Square, Rockville, Street, New Haven, CT 06515. (203) 397-2101. Maryland 20850. ft e a e » o o »
9 Free Literature The Connecticut Department of Commerce offers a "Bi centennial Kit" for vacationers. Write to Department of Commerce, Box LI-427, 210 Washington St., Hartford, CT 06106. a o « » The New Fairfield Sparklers are a junior fife and drum corps, and a youthful addition to Bicentennial celebrations. Contact the Sparklers by writing to: P.O. Box 8176, New Fairfield, Conn. 06810. e a o o On September 1, 1975 Up with People will begin a spe cial year of performance designed to coincide with the Bicentennial and to celebrate the diversity, promise and human spirit of this country. They would like to appear in Connecticut during this period. The contact here is Daniel J. Skuce, Director of Scheduling, Up with People, 3103 N. Campbell Avenue, Tuscon, Arizona 85719. Phone: (602) 327-7351. HPIv r COSTUMES AND PATTERNS Grinding corn was one of the many 18th century skills IN THE SPIRIT OF '76 demonstrated by young people at the Pomfret muster. Not for those interested in the "latest" fashions, costumes Photo by Terry Harlow. and patterns designed with the Bicentennial in mind are available from several sources. The National Costumers As sociation, 2445 Superior Avenue, Cleveland, Ohio 44114, will send information on ready-made period costumes. An other costume source is Bicentennial Creations, 86-15 Jamaica Ave., Woodhaven, New York 11421. Bicentennial patterns may be obtained from Costumes of Williamsburg. STUDENT FINES Adult and children's styles, in all sizes, are available for Students may take a second look at school regulations about $5.00 per pattern. The company also makes military after reading this piece about Yale College Laws in the uniform patterns and will do custom designs. The address 18th century: is: P.O. Box 127, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185. Butterick Patterns has designed a series of costume patterns, as well To the modern observer the most astonishing feature of as appliques and samplers, in the patriotic motif. The com the Laws is the enormous number of offenses which were pany offers assistance to local Bicentennial committees punishable by fines, ranging from a halfpenny, for being planning costumes for community events. For more infor late at chapel, to ten shillings for more serious delinquen mation, write to Ms. Sandy Read, Stylist, Butterick Pattern cies. There was a fine of four pence for singing or unneces Company, 161 6th Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10013. sary noise during study time; two shillings six pence (first offense), for playing at dice or cards or making a wager on permitted games; six pence for taking food or dishes out of commons; three shillings for acting "a Comedy or a Trage HOUTH actiqv . dy," with a shilling as the penalty for witnessing the same. Besides the many offenses which were expiable by speci fied sums, there were others devised by the unpredictable ingenuity of youth which were punished by fines deter mined after the nature of the crime was known. Generally fines did not exceed ten shillings. For cases in which ten shillings (a large sum in the monetary system of those days) could not atone for outraged morality, the administration provided more drastic punishments, includ ^ w™»»® M/k fi o ing public admonition, rustication, and expulsion. Public o ^^BmSt, *'
A series of forty definitive monographs are being published, now through 1980, designed to make the Revolution ary War period come to life. The emphasis in these fascinating monographs is placed upon the birth of the nation, rather than on the winning of independence on the field of battle. Vol. I Connecticut Joins the Revolution by Thomas C. Barrow, professor of American History, Clark Uni versity. 45 pp. Vol. II Connecticut in the Continental Congress by Christopher Collier, professor of History, University of Bridgeport. 78 pp. Vol. Ill Connecticut's Revolutionary War Leaders by North Callahan, professor of History, New York Uni versity. 52 pp. Vol. IV Connecticut's Black Soldiers 1775-1783 by David O. White, member of the staff of the Connecticut State History Commission. 71 pp. Vol. V Connecticut: The Provisions State by Chester M. Destler, Associate Fellow of Berkeley, Yale Uni versity. 58 pp. Vol. VI Connecticut's Loyalists by Robert A. East, professor of History, Brooklyn College. 54 pp. Vol. VII Connecticut Education in the Revolutionary Era by J. William Frost, Director of the Friends Histori cal Library, Swarthmore College. 59 pp. Vol. VIII Connecticut's Seminary of Sedition: Yale College by Louis L. Tucker, Historian of the State of New York. 78 pp. Vol. IX Connecticut's War Governor: Jonathan Trumbull by David M. Roth, Associate Professor of History at Eastern Connecticut State College. 99 pp. Vol. X Connecticut Attacked: A British Viewpoint, Tryon's Raid on Danbury by Robert McDevitt, instruc tor, Morris Street School, Danbury, Connecticut. 76 pp. Published by The Pequot Press for the American Revolution Bicentennial Commission of Connecticut. Order Now! Use order form below. The Pequot Press, Inc., Old Chester Road, Chester, Connecticut 06412 Please enter our order for copies indicated at $2.50 each, less indicated discount:
Copies Amount Copies Amount Vol. I Vol. VI Vol. II Vol. VII Vol. Ill ___ Vol. VIII Vol. IV Vol. IX Vol. V Vol. X Total
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li This month's Editorial is by John Shannahan, (one town has five districts.) Director of the Connecticut Historical Commission Institute educational programs, such as walk and Connecticut's Historic Preservation Officer. ing tours, neighborhood cleanups, paint-your-house The week of May 12-18 has been designated as month, plant-a-tree week, and see that local history National Historic Preservation Week by the National is taught in your schools. A great deal of preservation Trust for Historic Preservation. Across the nation, can be accomplished by simply re-establishing com attention will be focused on the many organizations munity pride and awareness. and communities working to insure that today's his Make your views known by participating in your toric resources will be around for the nation's 300th community's government. See that local planning de birthday. Here in Connecticut, as noted in the article cisions are supportive of preservation goals and that on preservation in this issue, many Bicentennial com funds expended in your community are for historic mittees and other groups are including historic pres preservation. A number of Connecticut's cities are ervation as a major activity for the Bicentennial. using federal funds to conduct preservation surveys. What better "lasting reminder" project could be Consider adaptive use when trying to find new undertaken at this time than to develop a plan for uses for old buildings. Museums are good, but we the preservation of those buildings, structures, sites, cannot make museums of all the 60,000 plus historic districts and neighborhoods which represent the very resources in Connecticut. A bank vault becomes a "soul" of our towns and cities. All that is needed to restaurant, for example. start a preservation program is a willingness to work Obtain National Register listing for those signifi and an understanding that historic preservation is cant buildings and districts in your town. The Na simply an effort to save good buildings and struc tional Register is the official inventory of the nation's tures; be they houses, commercial buildings, fac cultural property that is worth saving. Those re tories, mills, schools, churches, railroad stations, sources listed are protected from federally funded bridges, etc., whether or not George Washington projects which may affect them, such as highways slept there. and urban renewal. Historic preservation, like the Bicentennial, will Support the new Connecticut Trust for Historic only succeed if it is a broad-based, grass-roots effort. Preservation, a quasi-public, non-profit organization You can become involved by doing the following: formed to make maximum use of private funds to Conduct a survey of your town's historic resources. preserve and reuse historically and architecturally Remember to include those buildings that were built important buildings through the use of revolving in the 20th century as well as those built in 1650. funds. The Trust will help organize local preserva This is a good project for volunteers, young and old. tion groups. Publish the results of your survey, so that every Keep the Connecticut Historical Commission in one can understand and appreciate your town's archi formed about preservation problems in your com tectural heritage. See that your town planner and the munity. We cannot assist you if you do not keep the CHC receive copies. Commission up to date. Establish an historic district or districts, in accord For more detailed information on ways and means ance with state enabling legislation, where groups or mentioned in this editorial, write to the Director, clusters of buildings are found. There are now about Connecticut Historical Commission, 59 South Pros 45 historic districts in some 35 Connecticut towns pect Street, Hartford, Conn. 06106.
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The American Revolution Bicentennial Commission of Connecticut S f a r t v. I U H A R I AM Susanne D. King, Editor George W. Cyr, Supervising Editor WALTER BRAHM-STATE UBR 231 CAPITOL AVE HARTFORD CT 06 IIS Subscription: $1.00 annually I 0-7 5