D Bj Am35 THE . cbg Bicentennial v.4 onnecticut no.7 GAZETTE

The Charier Oak

VOLUME IV NUMBER 7 JULY/AUGUST 1975 WARNER IN CONNECTICUT ARBA HEAD PRESENTS LAST FLAG TO "FIRST BICENTENNIAL STATE"

The last Bicentennial flag for Connecticut is taken for a John Warner laid a wreath on the grave of Revolution­ ride by a member of the Connecticut Parachutists on July ary War Governor Jonathan Trumbull in Lebanon on 3. He is pictured here on his ivay down to the Lebanon July 3. Green, where he landed right on target. Connecticut became the nation's "First Bicentennial of professional parachutists. "The drop," said George Cyr, State" in June and was recognized for its achievement by ARBCC Program Coordinator, "symbolized that the Bi­ ARBA Administrator John Warner who attended cere­ centennial flag now flies over the entire state." monies in the state at Hartford and Lebanon on July 3. In addition to presenting the "last flag" Warner also With the presentation of three flags in historic Lebanon awarded a "first flag" for Connecticut when he presented to the towns of Sprague, Ledyard and Sharon, the Nut­ a Bicentennial flag to the first military unit in Connecticut - meg state became the only state in the nation which has to qualify under the new Bicentennial Armed Forces In­ all its cities and towns officially recognized by Washington stallations and Commands Program. A former Marine him­ as Bicentennial Communities. self, Warner made the presentation to Hartford's Company In honor of Warner's visit and the state ARBC's accom­ B, First Battalion 25th Marines, 4th Marine Division, plishment, Connecticut Governor Ella Grasso officially MRTC. 0 proclaimed July 3 as "Bicentennial Community Day" in Connecticut. Warner arrived at Bradley Field at 8:50 a.m. and made PU3S The three Bicentennial flags which Warner presented a television show appearance before going on to a recep­ cW were parachuted onto the Lebanon town green by a group continued on next page m.M WARNER continued from page 1 tion and press conference at the Sheraton-Hartford Hotel, hosted by the Hartford Bicentennial Committee. He also toured the SNET Co.'s Bicentennial Van and viewed Connecticut's Bicentennial Conestoga Wagon, des­ tined to join the national Bicentennial Wagon Train next June on its trek to Pennsylvania. Lebanon was chosen as the site for the presentation of the final flags because of its historical importance during the Revolutionary War. The Revolutionary War Office there was the site of hundreds of meetings of Revolution­ ary leaders to plan strategy for the war. Warner toured the War Office and the home of Revolutionary War Gov­ ernor Jonathan Trumbull. He also laid a wreath on Gov­ ernor Trumbull's grave and viewed murals depicting local scenes of the Revolution, painted by artist David Wagner. The day included performances by the Westbrook Fife and Drum Corp, the Tories, a junior fife and drum corp Artist David Wagner points out a detail from his paint­ from Deep River, the Nathan Hale Ancient Fifers and ing of the signing of the Declaration of Independence to Drummers, and the 2nd Connecticut Regiment of Led- John Warner. The mural of the painting of Bunker Hill is yard. visible on the left. Honored guests of the day included Mrs. Georgia Ire­ land, Region I ARBA Coordinator, Harlan H. Griswold, pleting "The Battle of Bunker Hill" (see photo). The third Chairman of the ARBCC and the Connecticut Historical mural has received much attention and was recently on Commission, Vice Chairman Whitney Brooks, John Shan­ display for Black History Week at the G. Fox and Co. store nahan, CHC Director, and chairmen from several Bicen­ in Hartford. It depicts the Marquis de Chastelleux, chief tennial Committees in towns throughout the state. of the French engineers under Bochambeau being met at the ferry crossing in what is now East Hartford. The troops are a Black regiment from Rhode Island that were attached to the French encampment at Lebanon under Lauzun dur­ ing the winter of 1780-81. Wagner has also painted murals for the towns of Lisbon and Plainfield. In the Town Hall of Plainfield, where Wagner served as First Selectman, are scenes of Washing- ton's arrival there and the 3rd encampment of Rocham­ beau's army. The Lisbon work depicts the Marquis de Lafayette stopping at Burnham's Tavern in Newent (Lis­ bon) on the way to Rhode Island. With him are a detach­ ment of 2000 men made up of General Glover's Marble- head men and the Kentish Guard Units of General Var­ num.

With the Connecticut Bicentennial Conestoga Wagon in the background are (I. to r.): Georgia Ireland, ARBA Region I Director; Elmer Gladding, Connecticut Horse Chairman for the Wagon Train Pilgrimage, John Warner, ARBA Administrator and ARBCC Program Coordinator, George Cyr. a a a a PAINTER DAVID WAGNER THE REVOLUTION FROM BUTTONS TO BATTLES Painting the events and men of eastern Connecticut im­ portant during the Revolution in a series of mural-size canvasses is the ambitious project of Plainfield painter This painting by Wagner shows the meeting of the Mar­ David Wagner. The Town of Lebanon will hang six of his quis de Chastelleux and the Black Rhode Island Regiment works at the Lyman Hall High School to commemorate in Connecticut on January 5, 1781. some of the many significant events in which Lebanon A native of Connecticut, David Wagner began his paint­ played a part. ing career in Spain and was a successful landscape and Already completed is a painting of the Signing of the protrait painter in Europe. His interest in the regional his­ Declaration of Independence by the four Connecticut dele­ tory of Connecticut began when a friend asked him to do gates, William Williams of Lebanon, Roger Sherman, Sam­ a painting of an early American forge. He has since painted uel Huntington and Oliver Wolcott. The painting measures his colorful canvasses on events of the Revolution that no 5'4" x 10' and required 210 hours of work to complete. artist ever before chose as a subject. The second work shows the painter John Trumbull com- a « » • 2 UNIQUE CITYSCALE GRANT PROGRAM The National Endowment for the Arts has announced a new matching grants program called "Cityscale." It em­ phasizes the "little elements"—benches, street lights, signs, plantings, paving and other details that have the potential for making our cities more humane, efficient places. En­ dowment guidelines prohibit the use of funds for property acquisition, construction and renovation, and the program is primarily for planning and design, to provide communi­ ties with the initial impetus for exploring ways to revitalize life in public places. Local governments are eligible to ap­ ply for 50-50 matching grants not expected to exceed $50,000. Part of the matching may consist of in-kind con­ tributions, and private funds are also acceptable. Applying for an Endowment grant is relatively simple. The actual application form requires only basic informa­ tion, a proposed budget breakdown, and a program narra­ tive. But elements such as demonstration of broad com­ munity support, clear response to a public need, favorable impact on the local economy and development, local en­ dorsement of the project by government officials and community groups are also involved. With "Cityscale," imagination can go a long way towards making a success­ ful proposal, with an opportunity to emphasize what is unique about a community. The deadline for application is November 3, 1975. For further information contact: Mr. William N. Lacy Architecture and Environmental Arts Program National Endowment for the Arts On the road in Connecticut, Boh and Helen Bergmark Washington, D.C. 20506 stop in Madison to accept the official Connecticut Bicen­ (202) 634-4276 tennial plaque from George Cyr, ARBCC Program Co­ « « 6 « ordinator.

RHODE ISLANDERS CROSS AMERICA KEEP AMERICA BEAUTIFUL AWARDS Connecticut Bicentennial committees and other organi­ One step at a time, Bob and Helen Bergmark, a War- zations involved in environmental projects are eligible to wick, Rhode Island couple, are walking across the United apply for the Keep America Beautiful awards. Each year States. Their trip, officially called the "Rhode Island Bi­ (since 1953) the national, nonprofit, nonpartisan public centennial Walkathon," is sponsored by the Rhode Island service organization recognizes programs that contribute ARBC and the Rhode Island Heart Association. Every mile substantially to a cleaner environment. Awards are offered they cover they will be raising money for the Heart Fund. to ongoing programs for outstanding achievement. Appli­ By walking 20-25 miles a day, the Bergmarks expect to cants may be a state, county, community, region, a busi­ reach California in November. ness, communications, youth (school or organization), and The idea started as a joke, Bob Bergmark said, but other local organizations or chapters of national groups. noted that they have been walking long distances as a To be eligible, an applicant must be "conducting an on­ hobby for years and received enthusiastic support for the going program, aiming to improve the environment, in­ plan. The couple, both 46, are accompanied by two of volving citizen education and action and including, but their children, Paul and Susan, who follow them in a car not limited to, activities to control littering." Criteria and carrying food, clothing and equipment. After reaching Bal­ entry blanks are available from Keep America Beautiful, timore, they will follow US Rte. 50, and will pass through 99 Park Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10016. Deadline for ap­ Cincinnati, Vincennes, Dodge City and Pueblo. plication is August 31, 1975. Winners will be notified by Rhode Island Governor Philip Noel has issued proclama­ October 31, 1975 and awards will be presented at a ban­ tions for the Bergmarks to present to the governors of quet in Washington on December 5. each state on the route. ARBCC Program Coordinator George Cyr met them in Madison on July 8 and accepted » « « « the Connecticut proclamation for Governor Grasso, and presented them with the official Connecticut Bicentennial "The Tea Party that Shook the World" is a one-hour plaque. Mrs. Vera Dallas, First Selectwoman in Madison, operetta for children to perform themselves, developed by also greeted the couple in front of the town hall. the Saturday Evening Post Youth Division. Six songs, and Three thousand miles of walking is certainly an adven­ a 12-character cast tell the story of a Boston shoemaker's ture worth recording. Every Tuesday, they call in to a family and other working-class patriots involved in the Rhode Island radio station and have many fans awaiting Boston Tea Party. The cost is $25.00 for 12 scripts and 12 news of their progress. A tape recording is made at the musical scores. Write to Youth Publications, The Satur­ end of each day and they are keeping a diary. day Evening Post Co., P.O. Box 1463, Indianapolis, In­ As Governor Noel urged in his proclamation, wish them diana 46206." "Godspeed." 3 in 1791 by President Washington. In the Revolutionary War, Yeaton served as an officer in the Continental frigates Raleigh and Deane. In 1778, he joined General John Sulli­ van's forces in the land campaign against the British in Rhode Island. His remains, now in the original burial site in North Lubec, Maine, will be reinterred within the en­ tablature on the grounds of the Academy. Mr. Michalczyk is carving the text, the illustrations of the frigate Raleigh, the cutter Scammel (Yeaton's first command for the U.S. Revenue Service), and the Great Seal of the United States, which will make up the monument. # « 0 #

BRANFORD ACADEMY RESTORATION In just two years, a one-hundred-and-fifty-year-old aca­ demy has been relocated and almost completely restored by the Academy on the Green Commission in Branford, as a Bicentennial project. The final stage will be the creation of a museum on the two upper floors. The public meeting room in the basement has been in use for more than a year. The Commission's chairman, Mr. John T. Moss, is ask­ ing for contributions for the Academy project; donation of items and time as well as financial assistance. He may be contacted by writing to Box 13, Branford, Connecticut 06405. e • o •

WEST HARTFORD ISSUES BLUEPRINT FOR THE BICENTENNIAL With emphasis on Bicentennial programming that will be local, open to the public and free or at minimum cost, the West Hartford Bicentennial Commission has published In the artist's studio, plaster relief models of the Glaston­ a full plan of activities and projects for 1975-76. bury Bicentennial medal are displayed by three people re­ The focus of the Bicentennial effort will be the six sponsible for its development: (l-r) Chamber of Commerce weeks of "Festival" from Memorial Day to July 4th, 1976. President Ronald Bourbeau, Dick Williams, Chairman of This program is chaired by Madeline McKennan, and ac­ the Glastonbury ARBC and Casimir Michalczyk, sculptor. tivities during that time will include a Bicentennial Ball, a large outdoor fair, A Living Day of History program, TOWN SCULPTOR COMPLETES tours, open houses, sports tournaments and an interde­ GLASTONBURY MEDAL nominational church program. The painstaking art of sculpting medallions is an un­ "Heritage" programs, headed by Gordon Bennett, will common craft. However, the Glastonbury ARBC never had be highlighted by exhibits and reconstructions, including to leave town to commission an artist for its official Bicen­ an operating Revolutionary period tavern, a scale model tennial medal. Sculptor and designer Casimir Michalczyk, of the city, and window displays of historical memorabilia. in his Main Street studio, has developed the medal to the As home of Noah Webster, author of the first dictionary, production stage; large plaster relief models as shown in the city plans to sponsor and host the finals of a spelling the photograph. The medal depicts a citizen in his orchard bee for school children from the thirteen original states. with his family, a typical scene of the period, and the mot­ $1,000 in prizes will be offered. to of the town, "You may depend on us," written by the Also planned for Heritage are lectures, historical site Glastonbury Committee of Correspondence in response to markers, a poster competition, publication of an historical news of the closing of the Port of Boston. The reverse side map of the town, a calendar, cookbook, a scholarly history displays the town seal. and a children's history. The Glastonbury Chamber of Commerce will underwrite A symposium on the future is planned as a "Horizons" the cost of the medal, which will be made in silver and activity. Recognized futurists will meet in a dialogue with bronze; 1% inch diameter. Although the medal will not be the community. West Hartford will also participate in the available for delivery until this fall, orders and inquiries time capsule project of the Talcott Mountain Science Cen­ may be made to the Glastonbury Chamber of Commerce, ter. There will also be an Inventors Day, a display of fu­ 2377 Main St., Glastonbury, Conn. 06033. turistic technological advances. Barbara Palermo is chair­ Mr. Michalczyk, a graduate of the Rhode Island School man of the Horizons program. of Design, and the Yale University School of Fine Art, has The creation of a Bicentennial Trust is to be the Last­ executed many highly individualized carvings and sculp­ ing Reminder project of the West Hartford Commission. ture. He is currently at work on another Bicentennial The organization will acquire and manage properties in project for the United States Coast Guard, the Hopley the town, including the Sarah Whitman Hooker House. Yeaton Memorial. Captain Hopley Yeaton, (1740-1812), It is hoped that the campsites of Putnam and Rochambeau a native of Portsmouth, New Hampshire, was the first com­ will become a park, and a mall and community center are missioned sea-going officer in the United States, appointed also planned. 4 museum or historical society of the towns through which they pass as a lasting memorial of the event. The men will also carry authentically reproduced can­ teens and cartridge pouches. Officers will carry swords. The groups' colors will include the American national flag, the French Army's regimental flags, and a French Fleur de Lis flag. The 1976 marchers will demonstrate the life-style of the 1781 marchers as they moved through Connecticut. Each night's encampment will include camp cooking. Con­ necticut communities along the line of march will be asked to extend the hospitality of their community and in return the marchers will present a program of entertainment. A highlight of the re-enactment will be Rochambeau Day in Waterbury, on June 27. The day-long celebration will include a battle reenactment and church services. A Rochambeau Ball, sponsored by the Union of Franco- American Organizations in Connecticut, will be held June 26. The army the Waterbury Bicentennial Committee will be honoring was praised in its day as the "best behaved" army of the time. Jean Baptiste Donatien de Vemeur Comte Rochambeau had been sent by King Louis XVI, who called him "the best general that France has," to as­ sist the Americans in their fight against the British. Ro­ chambeau arrived with seven warships and thirty-two overloaded transports, which carried everything the French would need from bricks for ovens to beads for Indians. The Army landed at Newport, Rhode Island, and stayed a year waiting and planning. A major consideration, to Rochambeau, was that the French fleet be in place at Cheseapeake Bay to blockade the port and prevent the British naval forces from providing British land forces an avenue of escape. The result of the careful planning and waiting was the defeat of Cornwallis at Yorktown. The striking "Prism '76" logo of the Westport Bicenten­ The Waterbury Bicentennial Committee began planning nial Arts Committee has become a banner at the hands of a for the re-enactment in January and will be holding regu­ group of Westport senior citizens, and is shown here on lar monthly meetings with all those planning to participate display at the Westport Public Library. Designed by to prepare and train for next June. The planned line of Norma Minkowitz, the banner signals excellence in Bicen­ march is as follows: tennial cultural presentations. 1. June 19, 1976 (Sat.) ­ Providence to Waterman's Tavern WATERBURY ARBC-HEADQUARTERS FOR 2. June 20, 1976 (Sun.) - to Plainfield THE ROCHAMBEAU MARCH 3. June 21, 1976 (Mon.) - to Windham One of the most ambitious undertakings of any of Con­ 4. June 22, 1976 (Tues.) - to Bolton necticut's Bicentennial committees is the Waterbury Bi­ 5. June 23, 1976 (Weds.) - to East Hartford centennial Committee's planned re-enactment of the march 6. June 24, 1976 (Thur.) - to Farmington of the Comte de Rochambeau and his Army from Provi­ 7. June 25, 1976 (Fri.) - to Barnes' Tavern dence, Rhode Island, through Connecticut, to Peekskill, 8. June 26, 1976 (Sat.) - to Breakneck New York. The ARBCC has endorsed the re-enactment. June 27, 1976 (Sun.) - REST DAY ­ The march will follow the route of Rochambeau and his BATTLE RE-ENACTMENT 6,000 regulars from Providence on June 19, 1976 to its 9. June 28, 1976 (Mon.) - to Newtown conclusion on July 4 at Verplanck," commemorating the 10. June 29, 1976 (Tues.) - to Ridgebury original march in 1781. 11. June 30, 1976 (Weds.) - to Mount Kisco Wherever possible the 1976 marchers will follow the 12. July 1, 1976 (Thur.) - to Philipsburg original route, staying at the original encampment sites. July 2, 1976 (Fri.) - REST DAY The men participating in the march will wear authentic 13. July 3, 1976 (Sat.) - to Crompond copies of the uniforms of the four regiments that accom­ (is in the present town of Yorktown, N.Y.) panied Rochambeau: Bourbonnais Regiment, white uni­ 14. July 4, 1976 (Sun.) - to Verplanck forms with black cuffs and piping; Royal Deux-Ponts The Waterbury Bicentennial Committee is inviting Con­ Regiment, blue coats with brilliant yellow facing and necticut residents from throughout the State to join with cuffs; Soissonnais Regiment, white with rose lapels and them in the march. Interested persons should contact the cuffs; and Saintonge Regiment, white with green cuffs and Waterbury Committee at 756-9494 or write them at the piping. Office of the Mayor, Grant St., Waterbury, for complete The weapons they will carry will be Charleville Flint­ information. lock Musket reproductions. At the conclusion of the march Rochambeau wrote to Congress: "We are your brothers. each weapon will be marked with the name of the man We shall conduct ourselves as such with you. We shall who carried it and the event and donated to the local fight against our enemies at your side as such with you."

5 BICENTENNIAL HAPPENINGS HOUTH ACTION• AUGUST mimfi\

AUGUST 1 Bicentennial Concerts AUGUST 29 Film: "Resolved to be Free" CLINTON ARBC House Tours, Reenactment GOSHEN ARBC Bicentennial Bandstand by 2nd Connecticut, 84th Regiment Center School Rte. 1 of Foot 7:30 p.m. 7:30 p.m. ESSEX Every Wednesday through August Boy Scout Hike through September 7 Lake Champlain to Connecticut fol­ AUGUST 7 lowing Burgoyne's route to Saratoga "Summer at the Center" Concert 8TH GRADERS IN LYME LEARN AUGUST 30 An Evening of American Songs LOG CABIN BUILDING AUGUST 2 with commentary and lore by Battle of Stonington Commemoration On June 28, students in the eighth grade class of Mrs. Roy Berkeley British Redcoats (DeLancey's Brigade of Danbury) sur­ Rise of the Spirit of Revolution (Bombardment by HMS Rose) John Huber at the Lyme Consolidated School could proud­ render to the Patriots (3rd Connecticut Regiment) during GROTON ARBC Center for the Arts STONINGTON ARBC ly say that they "did it themselves" after finishing the the Revolutionary War skirmish held in Hubbard Park, Townwide observance Wesleyan University Reenactment construction of a log cabin using original methods and Meriden, on June 8. Photo by R. Carabetta. Fort Hill MIDDLETOWN OLD LYME ARBC materials. Following directions given in Foxfire, a hand­ book of American home crafts, they skinned and notched 7 p.m. Nathan Hale Fife and logs, lifted them in place, shingled the roof and did other Arts Festival Drum Corps, Craftsmen, construction jobs. TORRINGTON ARBC AUGUST 9 demonstrations, muster The project was initiated on November 11, 1974. The Exhibits, Performances, Parade 10 a.m.-5 p.m. American Vocal Music Survey class procured a building permit from the Lyme Town Rain date-August 31 Coe Memorial Park NEW HAVEN Opera Theater Hall after consulting with Barry Gourlay, a local architect. Civic Center Center Church The cabin will serve as a natural history musuem and will 10 a.m. Evening house craft and science projects. AUGUST 31 through August 9 Free of Charge AMERICAN ISSUES FORUM: A Na­ tion of Nations 90th Annual Convention AUGUST 15 August 31-September 6 Connecticut Fifers and Drummers Connecticut Family Folk Music The Founding Peoples Association Festival September 7/13 75 member corps expected Concerts, workshops, Two Centuries of Immigrants TORRINGTON demonstrations Elizabeth Park AUGUST 4 HARTFORD 'I ONGOING EXHIBITS U.S. Army Bicentennial Van through August J.6 MIDDLETOWN JULY-DECEMBER Main Street Centennial display AUGUST 22 through August 7 CANTON Historical Museum AAU-Sanctioned Boxing Match MERIDEN ARBC-Meriden Boxing AUGUST 5 Club Children's Bicentennial Exhibit Fife and Drum Corps Concert 10 bout-amateur boxers Lockwood House (Museum of city BRISTOL ARBC Willie Pep-guest referee of NORWALK) Federal Hill Green at Maple and Ceppa Field on Harrison St. Norwalk History, American flags Queen Sts. "Touch-me" industrial display 8 p.m. to 10:30 p.m. After the finishing touches are added, the log cabin built 7:30-8:30 p.m. Sunday-Friday 1-5 p.m. by students in Lyme will become a nature museum. through August 31 Bicentennial Concerts in the Park AUGUST 28 Anniversary of Chester's Incorpora­ MIDDLETOWN ARBC Tours of Revolutionary period STATE TEACHER IS HERITAGE tion 7 p.m. churches PROJECT WINNER CHESTER BROOKLYN Historical Society Mrs. Arline M. Seaforth, teacher at Sayles Elementary Films: "Chester's Centenary" Every Tuesday through August Unitarian Church School, Baltic, and a member of the Windham ARBC was "Resolved to be Free" Israel Putnam served as sexton one of ten top prize winners in Scholastic Teacher's Bicen­ Town Hall tennial projects contest. Mrs. Seaforth received $100.00 AUGUST 6 Sundays only for her plan to have her eighth grade students adopt Con­ "Summer at the Center" Concert Battle of Groton Heights July-August necticut Revolutionary families as their ancestors. The stu­ Choral exploration of Reenactment and other programs 3-5 p.m. dents will research each family's history, contact actual The striking uniform of the Second Company, Gover­ American Music GROTON Bank Historical Assoc./ Old Trinity Church heirs, and arrange trips to the ancestral homes when pos­ nor's Foot Guard Band is shown in this photograph taken Center for the Arts Groton ARBC Sundays Only sible. The results of this ongoing project will be shared as the unit performed in front of the nations capitol for Wesleyan University Fort Griswold July-August by Mrs. Seaforth with anyone interested. Write: P.O. Connecticut Day, June 16. Photo by P. Herrewig. MIDDLETOWN through September 1 2-4 p.m. Box 64, Windham, Connecticut 06280. 7 p.m. 6 volume, which includes information on the region's ports and marinas, nautical maps and advice and forewarnings for sailors. Long Island and Connecticut Revolutionary points of interest are easily accessible by land or by sea. Nineteen Bicentennial sites on the Sound are highlighted. From west to east on the Connecticut shore are noted Green­ wich, raided by the British February 2, 1779, with displays of Revolutionary War items of interest at Knapp's Tavern; Shippan Point, site from which Major Benjamin Tallmadge led an expedition against Tories on Lloyd's Neck on Sep­ tember 5, 1779; Norwalk, Nathan Hale's departure point Dr. Glenn Weaver, Editor of the ARBCC Bicentennial to Long Island to spy on the British, and where the Battle monograph series, and Professor of History at Trinity Col­ of the Rocks was fought on July 11, 1779; Westport, lege, Hartford, has announced the selection of author's where, on April 26, 1777, the British first invaded Connecti­ manuscripts for the five booklets to be published in 1975. cut at the Battle of Compo Hill; Fairfield, burned by the British July 8, 1779, and Guilford, where Lt. Colonel Re­ Catherine Fennelly, Editor of Publications for Old Stur­ turn Jonathan Meigs embarked with 400 men for a raid bridge Village, will write on Connecticut women during the on the British which led to the capture of the Fort at Sag Revolution. Sheldon's Horse, the story of Connecticut's cav­ Harbor on May 23, 1777. The first submarine, the "Turtle" alry, will be written by John Hayes, reference librarian at was built by David Bushnell in Saybrook, and the warship Miami-Dade Junior College, Florida. The press in Con­ "Oliver Cromwell" was built in Essex. The Goshen (now necticut during this period will be the topic for a booklet Bartlett) Reef was where the American vessel "The De­ by Charles Cutler, an editor with the Education Division fense" was wrecked, and also mentioned are Fort Trumbull of Xerox publications, Middletown. The bibliography of a in New London; Norwichtown, birthplace of Benedict Ar­ Connecticut statesman, William Williams, will be written nold; Fort Griswold in Groton, captured by the British on by Bruce Stark, Professor of History at the University of September 6, 1781, and Stonington, where a battle was Connecticut, southeast branch, Groton. Bruce Daniels, fought on August 30, 1775. Long Island's Gardiner's Bay, Assistant Professor of History, University of Winnipeg, Sag Harbor, Brookhaven, Oyster Bay and Baynham Hall Manitoba, will write on the Pitkin family. (where the plot to betray West Point was discovered in This latest series of monographs is expected to be printed 1778) are noted, as well as many other regional shoreline in the late fall of this year. Bicentennial points of interest. The guide may be ordered from the publisher by writ­ A Spy at Ticonderoga, Clavin Fisher, Berkshire Travel­ ing to Marine Annuals, Inc., 238 West St., P.O. Box 1486, ler Press, Stockbridge, Mass., 1975. 143 pp. Annapolis, Maryland 21404. Add 80 cents for shipping Author Clavin Fisher's story about the capture of Fort and handling. Ticonderoga is told from the viewpoint of 14-year-old David Holcomb who accompanies his uncle, Noah Phelps of Simsbury, and the small band of men who formed the original expedition, to "Ti." Mr. Fisher is from Simsbury as well, and would like to see the scales of history rebal­ anced to give the Connecticut contribution to "America's First Victory" the emphasis it deserves. The hero, David, is in the thick of Revolutionary War history. His many adventures take him to dank, cavernous New-Gate Prison to try and get information from a Tory prisoner; to a roadside thicket where he encounters a spy, and finally, to the jail at Fort Ticonderoga itself! Mr. Fisher has created a very believable young patriot, and although he did not historically exist, all the events and adult characters are depicted accurately. This is a real adventure story that is good juvenile fiction. The book is softbound and nicely illustrated. Fort Ti­ conderoga's capture is the stuff from which countless legends and stories have been made, and A Spy at Ticon­ deroga is a fine addition.

BICENTENNIAL LANDFALLS AND PORTS OF CALL Hartfo Waterway Guide '75-Northern Edition. Marine Annuals, Inc., Annapolis, Maryland. 408 pp. $4.95. Waterway Guide, an annual publication since 1947, the "Yachtsman's Bible," features shoreline Revolutionary War 76 history in this 1975 Northern edition, which covers New York, Connecticut and the Connecticut River up to Hart­ Hartford now has a Bicentennial logo. A hold interpreta­ ford, Maine, Canada and the barge canals. The material tion of the historic Charter Oak and a star symbolize the has been well incorporated into the regular format of the state's capitol city. 8 in each town, where the posts should take and receive letters where no post-office is appointed, in order to pre­ vent those that are unfriendly to the common cause from carrying into execution the many mischeifs that are plotted against this distressed land. It is therefore resolved by this committee, That the house of Samuel Shethar in said town shall be the place appointed for all the posts and news carriers to deliver and receive all their letters at, for said town. All persons as well . . . are desired to conform themselves thereunto, as they would avoid the characters [of] being unfriendly to their country; the said Shethar being one of the commit­ tee, and keeps a public house, it is looked upon as a prop­ er place therefor. Last Saturday afternoon, a cruizer sloop of war (said to be the Lively) having chaced, and fired several shots at Signed by order of said committee, an inward bound vessel, belong to Connecticut river, she DANIEL REDFIELD, Committee-Clerk. was boarded by two armed boats, from the man of war, (having run aground on Say-Brook-Bar) who after a short Killingworth, July 21, 1775

examination left her. The report of the guns having 9 9 9 9 alarmed the inhabitants, a number of them assembled on the shore arm'd, and exchanged some random shots with Extract of a letter from Philadelphia dated 1st August. the boats. The King Fisher sloop of war, late from New York, we Michael Hillegas, Esq.; one of the members of the hear, has been several days cruising in the Sound— Yester­ Pennsylvania Assembly, & George Clymer, Esq.; of Phila­ day she came too at Branford. delphia are appointed Treasurers for the Continental Con­ 9 9 9 9 gress money. Paper currency is struck to the amount of three millions of dollars, and part of it is already in cir­ CAMBRIDGE, July 21 culation.—The bills are from one dollar to twenty dollars Last Saturday, the several Regiments quartered in this each. Town being assembled upon the Parade, the Rev. Dr. The Honorable the Continental Congress have estab­ Langdon, President of the College, read to them "A Dec­ lished a Continental Post-Office, and appointed DR. BEN­ laration by the Representatives of the United Colonies of JAMIN FRANKLIN to be the Post-Master, with a salary North America, now met in general Congress at Phila­ of 1000 Dollars a year.

delphia, setting forth the Causes and Necessity of taking 9 9 9 9 up Arms." It was received with great Applause and the Approbation of the Army, with that of a great Number THE COMMITTEE FOR REUNION of Other People, was immediately announced by three WITH ENGLAND Huzzas.—His Excellency the General with several other Inevitably, someone has developed the theory that all General Officers, &c. were present on the Occasion. of America's problems stem from our separation from Eng­ A Gentleman has favoured us with the following account land, that the American Revolution was a mistake. In the of the Declaration being read upon Prospect Hill. American way, a committee has been formed, an ad taken out, and a newsletter is planned. Following are some ex­ Last Tuesday Morning, according to Orders issued the cerpts taken from a recent broadside. The rhetoric is a Day before, by Major-General Putnam, all the Continental littled garbled but it seems to be due to a harmless physi­ Troops under his immediate Command assembled on Pros­ cal distension called "tongue-in-cheek": pect Hill, when the Declaration of the Continental Con­ "Travel down the pot-holed tarmac of American his­ gress was read, after which an animated and pathetic tory (at a 55 mph speed limit) and you will see that Address to the Army was made by the Rev. Mr. Leonard, every corruption, every brutal and violent act, every Chaplain to General Putnam's Regiment, and succeeded injustice could have been prevented if only those radi­ bv a pertinent Prayer; when General Putnam gave the cal and hot-headed men had been patient enough to Signal, and the whole army shouted their loud Amen by work within the system . . . OUR DEMANDS 1. Re­ three Cheers; immediately upon which a Cannon was fired veal the truth about the American Revolution and end from the Fort, and the standard lately sent to General this Bicentennial Cover-up once and for all! 2. Justice Putnam was exhibited flourishing in the Air, bearing on for the Tories! Complete restoration (with interest) one side this Motto; AN APPEAL TO HEAVEN-and on of all confiscated land and property! 3. REUNION the other side, QUI TRANSTULIT SUSTINET. The WITH ENGLAND! ... The immediate petitioning whole was conducted with utmost Decency, good Order, of Queen Elizabeth II and Parliament for foregive­ and Regularity, and to the universal Acceptance of all ness. Like the prodigal son we will be welcomed back present.—And the Philistines on Bunker's Hill heard the joyously . . . Mother England is kind and just. If we Shout of the Israelites, and becoming very fearful, paraded apoligize now and promise not to rebel anymore, she themselves in Battle Array. will go easy on us . . . there cannot be unconditional 9 9 9 9 amnesty certainly, they have made mistakes and must This day the committee of inspection for the town of pay a penalty . . . perhaps a period of alternative Killingworth convened together, and after discoursing on service in the Bengal Lancers . . . the present difficulty of the times, came to this resolve, If you are looking for an "alternative" and want to con­ That it was looked upon by this committee, as well as tact this organization, write: The Committee for Reunion recommended by Mr. Hazard of New-York, the duty of with England, 16 E. Main St., Box #8, Richmond, Vir­ several committees in this colony to fix or appoint places ginia 23219. BICENTENNIAL FLAG POLICY BROADENED Brochures are available, and arrangements for any of A definitive policy on the official ARBA flag is now in these programs may be made by writing to Singing History, effect. The decision to allow the display of the flag by any P O. Box 1122, Sturbridge, Mass. 01566 or by calling 617­ organization or individual in a Bicentennial Community 347-7359. means that the flag may be displayed anywhere in the state. The following is part of the policy issued by the ARBA: BICENTENNIAL DANCES Authorized users who may purchase and display the THE VILLAGE ASSEMBLY is a group of Coun­ flag are: try Dancers who will demonstrate and teach authen­ All programs and events which have earned official tic dances of the Bicentennial Era, in costume. Under recognition. the direction of Ralph G. Sweet, they have already Overseas Bicentennial projects officially recognized by made several appearances at celebrations, fairs, and the ARBA. evening parties. All U.S. Embassies and Consulates throughout the Programs with or without audience participation world. can be arranged, occupying a whole evening or part Executive, Judicial and Congressional divisions of the of an evening. If your bicentennial celebration plans U.S. Government. include a dance/ THE VILLAGE ASSEMBLY is All Federal Government departments and agencies prepared to help make it an authentic and enjoyable throughout the world. occasion. All Slate Governments. State Bicentennial Commissions, including the Com­ For further information contact any of the follow­ monwealth of Puerto Rico, the Territories, and the Dis- ing: strict of Columbia. Ralph Sweet, 32 South Maple St., Hazardville, Members of the National Bicentennial Service Alli­ 749-4494; Mrs. Frank Van Cleef, 70 Garth Road, ance. Manchester, 649-9208; Mrs. Robert Keller, Rt. 44, Local chapters may use the flag in connection with Coventry, 742-6469. their support of Bicentennial programs of their national organizations or through participation in the Bicenten­ nial Communities program. Members of the National Bicentennial Hospitality Alliance. Any organization, company, corporation, or individual located in or participating in any of the following Bicen­ tennial activities: Bicentennial Community, Bicentennial College or University, or Bicentennial Armed Forces In­ stallation or Command. Special events which contribute to the Bicentennial, when specifically authorized by ARBA. The Bicentennial flag may be flown by authorized users anywhere that the American flag is flown under established flag protocol. When the two are flown together, the Bicen­ tennial flag is immediately subordinate to the American flag, second in ranking in any flag display. Authorized ARBA flag sizes for both indoor and outdoor use are 2' x 3', 3' x 5', 4' x 6', and 5' x 8'. Flags larger than 5' x 8' are authorized; however, they are available only upon special order from officially licensed flag manufac­ turers.

SINGING HISTORY Relating music to its historical context is the theme of a series of educational "songfest" presentations developed by Arthur F. Schrader, well-known Music Associate and The Bicentennial medal of the University of Connecticut Ballad Singer at Old Sturbridge Village, Massachusetts. College of Agriculture and Natural Resources is pictured A variety of audiences, including students (kindergarten above. through college), historical societies, service organizations, social clubs and patriotic groups have heard topical selec­ UCONN MEDAL HONORS AGRICULTURE tions from the "Singing History" program, an impressive Designed by John D. Allie of Storrs, the medal of the repertoire developed through years of musical research. University of Connecticut College of Agriculture and Natu­ One of the most timely is "Songs under the Liberty Tree ral Resources honors 200 years of Connecticut agriculture —The American Revolution 1765-1785," propaganda songs for the Bicentennial. The lM" medallions may be bought of the British and Colonials. Mr. Schrader also sings of through the mail at the following rates (postpaid and tax "New England in Song and Story," "Songs and their included): Bronze for $3.00, Pewter, $4.00 and num­ Singers in Colonial America," "Frontier, Farm and Fac­ bered Silver for $15.00. All inquiries and orders should go tory, 1814-1934," "Ever Since Eve,' "Ballads and Bal­ to Arland R. Meade, Department of Agricultural Publica­ ladry," and "Songs of America's Civil War," among others. tions, U-35, The University of Connecticut, Storrs, Conn. Slide illustrations accompany several of the presentations. 06268.

10 THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION BICENTENNIAL SERIES Dr. Glenn Weaver, Trinity College, General Editor 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 Discounts: Schools and Libraries 20%. Standard trade discounts. • Please check if you desire a standing order. • Check here if you wish our representative to call. Bill to: Ship to:

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A publication of the American Revolution Bicentennial Commission of Connecticut commemorating Connecticut's observance of the 200th anniversary of the United States of America. (12 page/10 issues annually.)

li Americans are being offered an unparalleled op­ January 11-February 7, 1976 portunity to "speak out" on issues that concern "Working in America"; the influences on and the val­ them in a comprehensive nationwide dialogue called ue of the "work ethic" in our country and the future American Issues Forum. Across the country, begin­ of productivity and leisure ning this September, television and radio programs, February 8-March 6, 1976 "Courses by Newspaper" and special supplements "The Business of America"; the values of the market­ in most newspapers, public discussions in schools, place in our economy and what factors control it churches, libraries, labor unions, service clubs, com­ munities and neighborhoods will focus on the topics March 7-April 3, 1976 developed for the Forum. Nine major monthly issues "America in the World"; the growth and use of (September 1975-May 1976) and thirty-six weekly worldwide military, economic and political power of subtopics have been chosen for the program, a Bi­ the United States centennial contribution of the National Endowment April 4-May 1, 1976 for the Humanities, co-sponsored by the American "Growing Up in America"; a search for the "Ameri­ Revolution Bicentennial Administration. The Forum can character" and what influenced its development was originally proposed by newsman Walter Cron­ kite in 1973 and has been designed to stimulate dis­ May 2-May 29, 1976 cussion and debate on the history and future of the "Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness"; our United States. The topics are neither current events perspective on the "American Dream," pleasure and nor problems to be solved, but abiding issues which success have characterized American Society and still affect The program has the support of national leaders our lives today. They are as follows: in media, organizations and institutions. It would not have been possible without their assistance and en­ August 31-September 27, 1975 thusiasm. We urge the same kind of contributions "A Nation of Nations"; our unique heritage as a na­ on the state and local level. As the N.E.H. pros­ tion of immigrants pectus for the Forum states: "The premise of the Forum program is that the Bicentennial is an oc­ September 28-October 25, 1975 casion for much more than the celebration which The Land of Plenty; what has been and should be will and should be held. It is, literally, a significant our philosophy on use of the land's resources opportunity for all the living heirs of a unique tradi­ tion and legacy to examine together what has been October 26-November 22, 1975 done and should be done to keep that legacy alive." "Certain Unalienable Rights"; the definition and ex­ All organizations in Connecticut should sponsor this ercise of the freedoms guaranteed for citizens of our Bicentennial opportunity. Many have already sched­ nation uled American Issues Forum programs, but it can be­ come a statewide effort. Write today to the ARBCC, November 23-December 20, 1975 59 South Prospect Street, Hartford, Connecticut "A More Perfect Union"; an examination of the ef­ 06106 for the American Issues Forum information fectiveness of our political system kit and planning guide.

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The American Revolution Bicentennial Commission of Connecticut Susanne D. King, Editor George W. Cyr, Supervising Editor U* 3 L>N0* W f H T £ ft S COM4 STATE LIBRARY 23! CSPITOl AVE Subscription: $1.00 annually HMTF0R0 CT 06 I I 5 10-75