From The Harrison House The Branford Historical Society Newsletter Winter 2009, Volume 14, Issue 1 Thoughts on Lincoln's Birthday his February we celebrate In his speech, Lincoln accused South- the 200th anniversary of the erners of allowing their monetary in- Tbirth of Abraham Lincoln. terest in slavery to cloud their moral Our new President has indicated judgment. Here in and great aff ection for him. President to the north Slavery does not exist . Obama’s inauguration is seen as the ... To us it seems natural to think that culmination of the struggle against slaves are human beings, men, not slavery, a slavery justifi ed by racism. property; that some of the things, at Some will note that Lincoln was not least stated about men in the Declara- fully engaged in the struggle against tion of Independence apply to them slavery, noting that the emancipa- as well as to us. He stated that the tion proclamation freed only slaves arguments for slavery undercut the in territory Lincoln did not control, basis of the Republic, the Declaration and was not issued until well after the of Independence, and said “We think War Between the States had begun. Slavery a great moral wrong . . .” He Why then did many Southern states then compared slavery to a poisonous leave the Union even before Lincoln the Northern abolition movement, snake. He justifi ed allowing slavery to took offi ce? which threatened the economic continue in the South because, just as An examination of Lincoln’s cam- destruction of the slave economy of attacking snakes in bed with children paign speech given in New Haven the South. In response to Northern might harm the children, attacking on March 6, 1860, reveals the depth support for abolition, the South slavery where it was part of the social of his abolitionist passion, a pas- boycotted northern manufactured and economic fabric would harm sion exceeded only by his desire to goods, particularly shoes. Northern the South. On the other hand, “... if hold the Union together. Th e South factory owners sought to cut work- there was a bed newly made up, to did indeed have much to fear from ers’ wages, but workers went on which the children were to be taken,” Lincoln’s election. When Lincoln strike. It was in this environment of he would be crazy to put snakes in visited, the country was still suff ering economic depression and labor strife the new, clean bed. And so it would from the fi nancial panic of 1857. Th e that Lincoln was seeking the Repub- be crazy to allow slavery to spread North had always sought high tariff s lican nomination for President, and into the territories. to protect its industries from foreign stopped in Connecticut’s then largest Lincoln then goes on to threaten competition, whereas the South city of New Haven. that the South will not be satisfi ed supported free trade so that it could Lincoln’s New Haven speech re- with the expansion of slavery in the export its cotton and import cheaper veals the depth of his abolitionist sen- Federal Territories, but will seek its manufactured goods. Th ese long timent, and explains why the South standing tensions were exacerbated by felt Lincoln would destroy its society. Continued on page 2 > Page 2 From the Harrison House

Thoughts on Lincoln's Birthday From the Harrison House return to the North. Th e 1854 Dredd necticut will have to compete with is a publication of the Scott decision and the Fugitive Slave Negro slaves. He says, “I want you to Branford Historical Society 124 Main Street, P.O. Box 504 Act had made this threat very real. have a clean bed, and no snakes in it! Branford, Connecticut 06405 Lincoln attacks the Supreme Court, Th en you can better your condition.” (203) 488-4828 claiming the Declaration of Indepen- If northern workers succumb to the www.branfordhistory.org dence applies to all men, and that southern boycott, they are sowing the Board of the Branford “Negros are men.” He attacks the seeds of their own demise. Historical Society Democratic Party taking Negros from Th e Massachusetts Senator Daniel President the class of men and placing them Webster reconciled his support of the Peter Black ...... 483-6470 with “brutes.” Union with his opposition to slavery Vice President Lincoln claims that the economic by supporting a tax to buy slaves Jane Bouley ...... 488-6531 pie is large enough for all, including from their owners and resettle them Treasurer Negros. He urges Northerners not to in Africa. Lincoln’s vision, laid out John Anderson ...... 481-3177 succumb to the economic pressures in New Haven, was very diff erent. Assistant Treasurer of the shoe boycott. Instead, he urges Slavery was not wrong in the sense Winnifred Judge ...... 488-8755 those who fi nd limited opportunity that we, today, oppose cruelty to Corresponding Secretary in to strike out west, animals. Slavery was wrong because Priscilla Oliver ...... 488-4411 where the land is free. He recounts blacks were the equals of whites, and Recording Secretary his work as a hired hand, “mauling entitled to the same chance of success Nancy Gaylord ...... 488-1223 rails”, and says “I want every man to that white men had, including hav- Past President have the chance -and I believe a black ing others work for them. Webster’s Joe Chadwick ...... 488-4705 man is entitled to it - in which he can vision was one of free but separate; Accessions better his condition - when he may Lincoln’s was one of equality and Kaitlyn Everson ...... 605-5615 . . . be a hired laborer this year and integration. With his election, the Guides & Museum the next, work for himself . . . and South knew that their way of life was Dr. Anton Wohlert ...... 481-4665 fi nally hire men to work for him!” doomed if they stayed in the Union. Hospitality Lincoln says that if slavery is allowed Maryanne Hall ...... 488-4272 to expand, the free laborers of Con-  Peter Black, President House/Grounds George Goeben ...... 481-9200 Arnold Peterson ...... 488-0450 Membership Jeanne McParland ...... 468-5433 Newsletter IN MEMORY Jeanne McParland ...... 468-5433 Jen Payne...... 483-5353 Preservation of Historic MARY BOYLE Structures & Landmarks Martha Bradshaw ...... 481-9980 PROGRAM CHAIR Programs Mike Russo ...... 488-8096 2006-2008 Publicity Jackie Ulrich ...... 481-0130 Page 3 From the Harrison House

The Many Faces 0f Noah Webster THURSDAY, MARCH 19, 2009 7:00 p.m. at the Blackstone Memorial Library

oah Webster was a man of many faces according to Christopher Dobbs, executive director of the Noah Webster House and West Hartford Historical Society. Mr. Dobbs will enlighten us regarding the life Nand personality of Webster in a special program at the Blackstone Memorial Library on Th ursday, March 19th at 7 pm. Th ere will be light refreshments following the program.

Today Webster is best remembered as the author of the “fi rst American Dictionary”. Webster’s many other accomplishments have often been overshadowed by this monumental work. Some of these accomplishments include educator, co-founder of Amherst College, political commentator, abolitionist, Federalist, statesman, and father of America’s copyright laws. He also had other pursuits which included universal public education and the creation of a national language.

Christopher Dobbs has an extensive background in history and museum experience. He holds an BA in American history from Indiana University and an MA degree in historical museum studies from Cooperstown’s Graduate Program in Cooperstown N.Y. Join us for a very information lively evening as Mr. Dobbs gives us insight into the many faces of Noah Webster. Learn more about this famous American writer, educator, and statesman on Th ursday, March 19th at 7 pm. Page 4 From the Harrison House

Main Street(s) Name Change t the Branford Historical Society’s January Board Ameeting a discussion was held regarding the change of West, North and East Main Streets to the Boston Post Road. Th e Board voted against any change and a letter will be sent advising the Town. Historically, North Main Street was a wooded area until 1935 when a road was built. It was named North Main Street at that time. North Main Street was never part of Boston Post Road. Th is pho- tograph from our archives shows a structure in the woods called “Th ieves Den” built and used by teenagers from uptown as a place to hang out. It was in the woods at what is now known as North Main Street.

A Delightful Holiday Party

Jeanne McParland. Wreaths for the for cookies: Marjorene Ainley, front door and outhouse were made Diane Altieri, Marilyn Anderson, by Debbie Vallas and center pieces by Peter Black, Martha Bradshaw, Jane Martha Bradshaw. Shelley’s Garden Bouley, Maureen DaRos, Cheri El- Center graciously donated our liot, Nancy Gaylord, George Goe- again this year. Th e tree was beauti- bin, Patti LaBonte, Nancy Lynch, fully decorated by Martha Bradshaw Audrey Nelson, Priscilla Oliver, Eva and Betsy Millane. Volunteers who Peterson, Roberta Rowe, Winnifred kept the punch bowl full were Mike Judge, Maryanne Hall, Janet Jackson, Russo and Peter Black. Cookie trays Andree Pierson, and Suzanne Zdano- embers and friends were fi lled by Eva Peterson, Mar- wicz. Th e Society thanks all of you gathered at the Harrison jorene Ainley, Jane Bouley, Maryanne for your baked goods. MHouse on December Hall, Suzanne Zdanowicz, Guides Five lucky people won the raffl e 7th for our annual holiday party. Bryna Scherr and Roberta Rowe for the center pieces and tree. Special Th e house was beautifully decorated showed the guests the upstairs parlor thanks to Louise Kenney for obtain- with greens by Nancy Lynch, Lillian and hall chambers. Anton Wohlert ing greens. Music by “Now and Ryan, Andree Pierson, Roberta Rowe, was on hand to answer questions Th en” with three piece harmony was Maureen O’Brien, Ceil Wheeler, about the house and museum. Many enjoyed by all. Mike Russo, Winnifred Judge and members responded to our request Page 5 From the Harrison House

Congratulations Members Janet Gaines

hank you for the wonderful response for my request for the 2009 Remembered membership dues and caring about the preservation of Branford’s his- Ttoric buildings and landmarks. As this Newsletter goes to press, there ong time former Branford are over two hundred members who have renewed their dues. Total member- Historical Society president, ship is two hundred and fi fty-fi ve. LJanet Murphy Shattuck Since our last publication, David & Sheryl Levine, Barbara Blake, Allan Gaines, died October 22, 2008 at Wilcox, Roberta Trotta, Mary Kay & Vincent DeVita, Janet & Donald Jack- the age of 95. Her great grandfather son, Lee & Andree Pierson, Frank Twohill, Tracey Twohill, Bernice Paprocki, Henry Killam, a New Haven car- Peter Banks & Nancy Wallace and Raymond Green became new members. Th e riage manufacturer, came to Bran- Society’s new business member is Th e Owenego Inn. Business members are also ford in 1880 and developed a family listed on our website www.branfordhistory.org. Welcome to the Society and compound known as Killams Point, thank you for your membership. where she was born and where she Our open house on December 7th was a big success thanks to the volunteers maintained a summer residence. who provided and served food and decorated and to those of you who stopped After the Society acquired the in to say hello to new and old friends. Harrison House under a lease agree- I would like to ask each of you to assist me as membership chair. If you ment in the 1970s, she took spe- happen to talk to a friend, neighbor or family member explain that the Histori- cial interest during her tenure as cal Society is interested in preserving the historic buildings and landmarks that president in obtaining furniture and make Branford a beautiful historic town. Ask them if they would like to join antiques for the house with a Bran- the Society. If they indicate that they would like to join the Society, contact me ford provenance. With a background at 468-5433 and I will send them a letter inviting them to become a member. in museum and library work, she fo- My goal is to have 300 members and you can help me achieve that vision. cused on the proper interpretation of  Jeanne McParland the furniture and other objects. She Membership Chair, 468-5433 also developed a system of cataloging accessions, still in use today by the Society. She was known throughout the state for her work as a docent at the Webb House in Wethersfi eld and as president of the Connecticut League of Historical Societies.

Be alert to an announcement of a meeting concerning possible If anyone would like to donate a pewter porringer, changes on the Green. please contact Anton Wohlert at 481-4665. Page 6 From the Harrison House

Colonial Food

hose who landed on New England shores were raised on the food of Olde England, and of course brought these tastes with them. Th e English diet featured roast meat and birds, pies and pottage, Tgravies and sauce, boiled suet puddings, fi sh, cabbage, carrots, onions, parsnips, peas, cheese and other dairy products, apples, cherries, currents, gooseberries, greengage and damson plums, quinces, breads and beer or ale. Although the emigrants’ ships carried seeds and cuttings of their and vegetables and agricultural grains such as wheat, oats rye and barley, the early harvests were a disaster.

Th e colonists then turned to the Indians for help and tutelage in using plants and animals native to Amer- ica. From the Indians they learned how to cultivate crops not known in England - corn, native beans and squash—and how to seek out edible wild plants. New shipments in time reinforced supplies of seeds, farm draft animals and tools. But meanwhile the settlers eagerly adopted the , nuts, fi sh, vegetables so plenti- ful in their new wild home. From the onset, colonial cooking impressed a stamp on the New World and its English inheritance.

Note: Th ere are seven chapters of research in the fi les of Th e Old Farmers Almanac fi rst published in 1703 which show the simple recipes of Colonial Cooking.

 Nancy Hendricks Page 7 From the Harrison House

Publications & Prints Contact Winnifred Judge, 488-8755 for details.

Indian Neck, Short Beach, Th imble & Double Beach: CD-Rom Vintage Postcards ...... $15.00 each

Th e History of Damascus Cemetery, by Jane Bouley and Martha Bradshaw ...... $25.00

Reprint of Malachi Linsley’s Diary, by Betty Linsley and Elizabeth Radulski ...... $25.00

Early History of Branford ...... $5.00

Th imble Islands Book, by Archie Hanna ...... $7.00

Post Card Prints of Early Branford (Downtown, /Pine Orchard, Short Beach, Indian Neck/Pawson Park) ...... $3.00 Each

Montowese Program DVD ...... $15.00

Branford Historical Society Membership Application

Name: ______

Address: ______

Town: ______State: ______Zip: ______

Telephone: ______

❑ Business $50.00 Additional donations, or contributions to our Memorial Fund are also ap- ❑ Contributing $50.00 preciated. Please make checks payable to Branford Historical Society and ❑ Sustaining $25.00 return this form to us at: ❑ Family $15.00 ❑ Individual $10.00 Branford Historical Society ❑ Student $5.00 P.O. Box 504 Branford, CT 06405 Th ank you for your support. TOTAL ENCLOSED: ______Page 8 From the Harrison House Important Dates To Remember

THURSDAY MARCH 19TH 7 PM Th e Many Faces of Noah Webster at the Blackstone Library (see page 3 for details)

THURSDAY MAY 21ST 5:30 PM Annual Dinner

SATURDAY JUNE 20TH

Strawberry Festival

BRANFORD, CT BRANFORD,

PERMIT NO. 24 NO. PERMIT

Branford, Connecticut 06405 Connecticut Branford, PAID

ce Box 504 Box ce Offi Post US POSTAGE US

NON-PROFIT ORG. NON-PROFIT Branford Historical Society Historical Branford