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CONNECTICUT STATE tIBRAR Y

VOLUME VI NUMBER 2

RD , TRYON'S RAID REMEMBE ICU 1

American militia pursue retreating British forces down North Salem Rd. in Ridge field.

A "Hessian" soldier helps a buddy adjust straps of his uniform before the beginning of the reenactment of the Battle of Ridgefield. A "Mowhawk Indian," fighter on the British side, can be seen to the left.

"British Regulars" march past burning replicas of a Main Street house and the Second Congregational Church, at the reenactment of the burning of Danbury. The buildings were replicas of those destroyed in the actual event in 1777. American troops look over a British cannon, a prize of photo courtesy Danbury News-Times war won by General Wooster at Ridgefield. Story and other pictures on Page 3. for the men to be ordered to assemble and take the field. On April 14 Gen. Parsons directed the regiments to march to Peekskill, N.Y., the designated encampment for nearly all the New England troops then taking the field. 'It wasfteuss1 The regiments were assigned to brigades during the summer but it was not until 1778 that the permanent organization of the Line into one division of two brigades was effected. Connecticut soldiers took part in nearly all the major engagements in 1777, the first two essentially on home territory. In April General launched an ex­ pedition against Danbury, with the intent of capturing the stores maintained there. The American troops that took THE YEAR OF THE out after the British were mainly militia since the regiments of the Line were at Peekskill or scattered at points of CONTINENTAL LINE rendezvous. [See March issue, Connecticut Bicentennial The first two years of the war clearly demonstrated to Gazette. ] Congress the need of a permanent, disciplined army able to In May, Lieut.-Col. Return Jonathan Meigs with 400 cope with the well-trained British "Regulars." By the end men launched an effort against the enemy's stores from of 1776 Congress had established such a body through the Guilford. The force crossed the Sound in whaleboats and formation of the "Continental Line." then marched to Sag Harbor, Long Island where they burn­ Eighty-eight infantry regiments were to be raised among ed 12 ships and the British stores. Taking 90 prisoners, they the thirteen states for continuous service to the end of the returned to Connecticut without the loss of a man. Soon war. Formed into eight companies the regiments would Col. Meigs, who was voted a sword by Congress for his form the Continental Line, resembling the British "Regi­ exploit, reported in the field at Peekskill. ments of the Line." Soldiers could enlist for either three Still to come in this "Turning Point" year were the years of service or the duration of the war. Brandywine, Germantown, Fort Mifflin, Mud Island, the The regiments were proportioned according to popula­ Burgoyne Campaign, Whitemarsh, and the winter encamp­ tion among the States. Instead of being numbered con­ ment at Valley Forge. secutively in the main line, each State's regiments formed a (To be continued in the next issue.) « » # # "Line" by themselves and the regiments were numbered within their own State Line. Thus the "," the " Line," the " Line," etc. Each BICENTENNIAL CHRONICAL BECOMES "Line" was a distinct body, commanded by officers from THE CONNECTICUT STORY its own State, its support coming from the State as well as Throughout 1975 and 1976 hardy souls who rose early Congress. The Connecticut legislature promised to add to on Sunday mornings or stayed late Sunday evenings might the enlistees' pay and assist the sick and wounded. have heard broadcast over their local radio station a very Officers for each "Line" were nominated by the State special show — the ARBCC's program Bicentennial Chroni­ and commissioned by Congress. In Connecticut, with few cle, hosted at various times by Secretary of State Gloria exceptions, all officers appointed for the eight regiments of Schaffer, ARBCC Program Coordinator George Cyr, or the Connecticut Line had seen service in 1775 or 1776. other ARBCC staff members. Money, "the Sinews of War," was sorely needed by the The show, broadcast over four radio stations, was taped State to support the effort as is indicated by the following twice a month at station WRCH in Farmington, which notice issued by John Lawrence, the State Treasurer: donated time, staff and production facilities needed for the "The Treasurer of the State of Connecticut hereby noti­ program. Bicentennial news from throughout the state was fies all constables, and collectors of the Taxes due to this featured, touching on re-creations of events from 200 years State, that he expects they respectively pay off their Ar­ ago, scholarly research, ARBCC projects, events going on in rearages; otherwise he shall be obliged to issue out his celebration of the Bicentennial throughout Connecticut, Warrants indiscriminately, against those who are delinquent. and historical information about the Revolutionary period . . . The present Call for Money is so great, that notwith­ and Connecticut's participation in the War for Independence. standing some Taxes which are granted are not payable till With the new year a shift in emphasis was needed and May next; yet the Treasurer earnestly desires every Friend Bicentennial Chronicle has become The Connecticut Story. to this State to exert himself, and readily discharge said The new show's content will focus on the history of Rates, that he may be able to satisfy the generous Soldiers Connecticut, especially the founding and development of who have been in Defence of their Country, and likewise its settlements, told through the historical truths, anecdotal pay off the Battalions now raising for the same noble Pur­ tales, and legends that, woven together, make the fabric of pose. Money is the Sinews of War — and to have a full the state—its people, its events, its land. Guests who tell Supply at this Juncture, is of the last Importance. Without this rich heritage will include local and state historians and Money it is impossible for us to raise a new Army, the ab­ history buffs, researchers and scholars, writers and per­ solute Necessity of which must be known to all. It is hoped sonalities. that every one will so generously pay his Rates, and the Radio stations carrying The Connecticut Story are: Constables so speedily collect and settle them, that for the CALL Future not a Single Order may be refused at this Office. STATION LOCATION NUMBER TIME Treasury Office, January 27, 1777." WPOP Newington 1410 Sat. 10:30 p.m. WEZN Bridgeport 99.9 Sun. 5:30/ Record for 1777 6:30 a.m. By April 1 the recruiting in Connecticut, done mainly Alternate under Gen. , progressed well enough WRCH Farmington 100 FM Sun. 7:30 a.m. 2 TRYON'S RAID REENACTED IN THREE TOWNS

Muskets and cannon fire at the retreating British on Compo Beach, Westport. Shapiro photo, courtesy Westport Bicentennial Comm. The Bicentennial anniversary of Tryon's raid into Con­ their ships following the Battle of Compo Beach signalled necticut in April 1777 was triply-observed when the three the closing of the reenactment dramas of Tryon's infamous towns most affected by that raid, Danbury, Ridgefield and raid into Connecticut. Westport, recreated the experiences of 200 years earlier. In all three town's other activities, including memorial On the afternoon of April 23, despite the rain that fell services at gravesites, encampments, displays and exhibits, throughout the day, British and American "soldiers" faced cannonading and music were part of the Bicentennial ob­ off at Rogers Park in Danbury to reenact events of 200 years servances. ago. Eight miniature plywood structures simulating homes in downtown Danbury in 1777 were built by carpentry students of Henry Abbott Regional Technical School to be burned during the raid reenactment. The Battle of Ridgefield was reenacted on May 1, and included the shooting of General and Bene­ dict Arnold's horse at the appropriate spots along the his­ toric route. Members of the Brigade of the American Revo­ lution, beginning at North Salem Rd. and Barlow Hill Rd. "fought" their way through to the center of town and down Main St., dirt-covered for the battle by a town sanding truck to add to the feeling of authenticity. Trees, which had been placed on the town Green two nights previous were "cut down" for the barricades erected by American Dad's shoulders and an umbrella helped one young ob­ soldiers, intent on delaying the British from returning to server watching a military confrontation between Americans Westport. and British at rain-soaked Rogers Park, part of Danbury's At Westport on May 7, the recreated Tryon's troops reenactment of Try on's raid. landed, virtually unopposed, and marched off to Danbury. photo courtesy Danbury News-Times They returned to the scene pursued by American militia who chased them from Ridgefield. The British retreat to

"Colonial wives" prepare meal for Continental troops at British troops storm barricades hastily erected across Compo Beach. Ridgefield's Main St. by defending American militia. Shapiro photo, courtesy Westport Bicentennial Committee.

3 CONESTOGA WAGON BACK IN CONNECTICUT ARBA BOWS OUT The Conestoga wagon that represented Connecticut in the Bicentennial Wagon Train Pilgrimage to Pennsylvania last summer will continue to make appearances at schools, RESIDUAL WORK TO INTERIOR state and local fairs, and other events around the State until The American Revolution Bicentennial Administration, arrangements are made to display it permanently. Elmer established by the Congress on December 11, 1973, will Gladding of Southbury, state horse chairman, will continue terminate its functions with the presentation of its final on as wagon master. report to the Congress on June 30, and transfer to the The wagon was presented to the ARBCC by the Pennsyl­ Secretary of the Interior the responsibility for a continua­ vania Bicentennial Commission (PBC) when the national tion of appropriate commemoration of events relating to pilgrimage ended in September. the American Revolution until December 31, 1983. The Connecticut Conestoga wagon is one of 60 that the The transfer will involve such personnel, records, proper­ PBC had built from old plans supplied by the Smithsonian ty and appropriations related to those functions. Institution. The ARBCC, however, will"remain in operation through The Connecticut wagon joined the other five New Eng­ to 1984 under the terms of the legislation which created the land wagons when they entered the state at Voluntown on Commission back in 1971 when Governor Thomas J. Mes­ June 6 from Rhode Island. Following a week-long trek kill signed into law Public Act 620 of the 1971 General across the state the train rolled south through New York Assembly. and New Jersey to Pennsylvania. ARBA was assigned by law to "coordinate, to facilitate, The Connecticut wagon, along with more than 240 other and to aid in the scheduling of events, activities, and pro­ wagons entered Valley Forge State Park on July 3. Presi­ jects of local, State, National and international significance dent Gerald R. Ford congratulated the wagoneers before an sponsored by both governmental and nongovernmental en­ audience of 75,000 the following morning, July 4. tities in commemoration of the American Revolution Bi­ The wagons were on display at Valley Forge all summer, centennial. . ." providing a setting for daily bicentennial programs. They Congressional appropriations — including those for were returned to their respective states in the fall by the ARBA's predecessor commission from 1969 to September Aero-Mayflower Transit Company, one of the program's 30, 1976 - totaled $51,812,000. ARBA added earnings of corporate sponsors. $22,303,000 from its commemorative coins program and Persons interested in arranging for an appearance of the by licensing manufacturers to produce and sell official Bi­ Connecticut Bicentennial Conestoga Wagon should call the centennial mementos, to bring combined resources to ARBCC office, 547-1776. $74,115,000. » » » » ARBA distributed $28,725,000 to 55 states and ter­ ritories in the form of direct assistance grants and matching project grants for 38.7 percent of its combined resources. A breakdown of remaining expenditures follows: $7.2 nam m • JBH million (9.7 percent) for national and international pro­ grams; $7,425 million (10 percent) for program develop­ ment; $4,305 million (5.8 percent) for exhibits and films; $4.1 million (5.5 percent) for operating 10 regional offices in the ; $21.39 million (28.8 percent) for iiR . genera! administration; and unspent'funds totaling $971 thousand (1.5 percent) returned to the Treasury. ARBA distributed $952,000 in a final non-appropriated project matching grant program for 56 entities comprising MANCHESTER BICENTENNIAL the 55 state and territorial Bicentennial commissions or COMMEMORATIVE MEDAL their successor organizations and the National Council of The face of the Manchester Bicentennial Commemora-. American Indians. The number "56" honors each of the tive Medal portrays the four signers of the Declaration of 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence. Independence from Connecticut, Samuel Huntington, Wil­ The 56 entities each received the sum of $17,000 for liam Williams, Roger Sherman, and Oliver Wolcott. Their matching grant programs involving historic preservation or signatures as they appear on the Declaration of Indepen­ restoration, folklife arts and crafts, voluntary action, or the dence and authentic writing instruments are also depicted arts and the humanities. on the coin. ARBA's closing operations involve the monitoring and The reverse side pictures some contributions Manchester auditing of grants, completion of detailed reports, and has made during the 200 years of the nation's independence. archiving pertinent documents, including tens of thousands A Minuteman, pouring gunpowder into his musket, sym­ of photographs, slides, films, and video and audio tapes, and bolizes those who stayed at home, both men and women, identifying all of the long range projects of the Bicentennial and did their part in the struggle for independence by including restorations, new parks, museums, memorials manufacturing gunpowder at Manchester mills. The first scholarship programs and time capsules. Cheney Silk Mill, built in 1838, rests opposite a Pioneer One of the lasting tributes will be a gift to the nation Parachute, a stark contrast of the growth and importance from ARBA itself - a new Washington, D.C. memorial to of the silk industry. A horn of plenty contains tobacco, honor the 56 signers of the Declaration of Independence. A apples, potatoes and other produce available in Manchester. site is yet to be determined at this writing but the legacy Also pictured is the Pitkin Glassworks, whose ruins are an will be functional in nature and paid for by ARBA from historical site today. nonappropriated funds. Encircling the coin is the joining of hands of Orford President Ford sent the outgoing Administrator a letter Parish, Manchester's name prior to incorporation in 1823, of commendation in which he declared: "Our celebration and Manchester. (continued on Page 11)

4 PROJECT STONEY BROOKE last May, will continue through September 1977. When kids learn history by understanding first what is The permanent Thames Keel and Shipbuilding Exhibit happening on the local level, then national history has opened in March 1976, at the Seaport's Henry B. duPont more meaning. Preservation Shipyard. The exhibit introduces the craft of wooden shipbuilding and restoration. That's the central idea behind "Project Stoney Brooke," The Wimpfheimer Terrace of Sea Sculpture, with its first the brain child of two Suffield teachers, Bob Okun and piece, a Charles Parks bronze statue of a young boy feeding Tom Howard. Knowledge of the 300 years of local town seagulls, was dedicated in July. It is believed to be the only history, how it shaped the present community, and how it sculpture terrace in the world devoted exclusively to sea can be viewed as a microcosm of the national experience sculpture. will, the two hope, find its way to the school children of Suffield as a result of their project. Reconstruction of the Robie Ames Salmon Fishing Shack, an 1838-built salmon fisherman's storage shack, be­ Operating under a Title IV grant from the State Depart­ gan in November 1976. Located amidst the Seaport's 19th ment of Education the two teachers, bolstered by a six- century New England fishing industry exhibits, the fishing member Research and Development Team, already have shack will house an early 1800's weir and wherry, and will developed a resource file and "data bank," sponsored five explain the methods used in the salmon fishery of the period. workshops for the orientation and training of teachers in The exhibit is expected to be completed by spring 1977. the use of the community based historic resources, and pub­ lished a series of newsletters. Pilot programs for grades 8, 9 and 11 are to be put into operation next year. The project's label, "Stoney Brooke," is intended to con­ FIVE NEW BOOKLETS vey a two-fold meaning! that it refers to Suffield specifi­ cally and it is historical in tone. AVAILABLE Suffield is more fortunate than many Connecticut towns in that many of its historical records have been preserved in one place, the Kent Memorial Library. In their investiga­ tions the project team has found more than 50 diaries and 100 account books covering the period 1760-1900. "Besides being personally fascinating," the two teachers wrote in one of their newsletters, "they are filled with enormous amounts of educationally useful materials." Links made between Suffield and national history are examined through the history of the nation's wars and Suf­ field's participants in them; political events referred to in diaries and other local materials; the Western movement; economic events; technological changes; contemporary is­ sues; national and local elections, etc. That the data being uncovered is expandable to other disciplines became evident when researchers learned of several well-known artists, composers and architects of the 19th century who had lived in Suffield. Teachers of art and music will be able to use the information uncovered as sup­ plementary materials in their programs. Project Stoney Brooke has four major goals: to create a total listing of historic materials available on Suffield, cate­ gorized into theme areas, and from this create a data bank that can be utilized by teachers; to train teachers in how to use the materials; to develop a curriculum that incorporates Five new additions to the ARBCC's booklet series on the central purpose of the program; and to disseminate the Connecticut's role in the American Revolution have been knowledge gained to other school systems and to those published. Written by Connecticut history scholars, the individuals in communities throughout Connecticut who booklets were edited by Dr. Glenn Weaver, Professor of can help bridge the gap between the local historic resources History, Trinity College, Hartford. and their use in schools. Forty monographs in all are planned for the series, five to be issued each year through 1980. These new works bring the total published to 20: BICENTENNIAL YEAR ­ XVI William L. Warren, Connecticut Art and Architec­ A SUCCESS AT MYSTIC SEAPORT ture: Looking Backwards Two Hundred Years The Bicentennial year brought a record number of XVII Sheldon S. Cohen, Connecticut's Loyalist Gadfly: 577,978 visitors to Mystic Seaport, an increase in Seaport The Reverend Samuel Andrew Peters membership to a record total of 15,082 and several new XVIII Wyman W. Parker, Connecticut's Colonial and exhibits and special events, many of which will continue as Continental Money permanent exhibits or annual events. XIX William F. Willingham, Connecticut Revolutionary: New exhibits opened in 1976 were the Thames Keel Eliphalet Dyer Shipbuilding Exhibit, "The Challenge of Independence," and XX Larry R. Gerlach, Connecticut Congressman: Sam­ the Wimpfheimer Terrace of Sea Sculpture. Architectural uel Huntington, 1731-1796 restoration of the Robie Ames Fishing Shack exhibit build­ The booklets may be ordered from the ARBCC, 59 So. ing also began. Prospect St., Hartford, 06106. Each is $2.95, less a school The Bicentennial exhibit "The Challenge of Indepen­ and library discount of 20% and normal trade discounts. dence, 1776-1815," which opened in the Stillman Building Connecticut residents should add 7% sales tax. 5 PLAINVILLE HISTORIC CENTER: A MODEL FOR OTHERS

Young minds go back a thousand years as Tom Johnson explains some of the Society's collection of Indian artifacts to Mark and Erica.

During the Christmas Open House the Center's decora­ tions included a Christmas tree trimmed in proper fashion for the Victorian Room.

A teaching museum of local history with wide-spread community support, the Plainville Historic Center may well stand as a model for other small town museums. Under the management of the Plainville Historical Socie­ ty, the Center moved quickly after its opening last summer to meet one of its major commitments — teaching local history to the town's children. Taking a "get them while they're young approach" with the emphasis on grades 4, 5, and 6, the Society prepared five slide shows on Plainville's past, scheduled group tours of the museum, and arranged for special bus tours of the town, with a knowledgeable narrator on each bus to weave a tale of both time and place for the youngsters as they traveled through Plainville's historic areas. Out-of-town school groups are also accommodated without charge if ar­ rangements are made well in advance. Program planning at the Center stresses local history and the Society makes a strong bid to attract the general public to the museum. Monthly meetings of the Society feature an open-to-the-public program with subjects such as local his­ Jenniver Provost gets some pointers from Mrs. Irene tory, early crafts, and tales from the past. Recently a spin­ Adams on using a wooden butter chum. ning program and demonstration included a display of "That doll is how old?" asks Heather Provost of Mrs. Barbara Fabrizio at the Plainville Historical Center. The Children's Room has proven to be an attraction for visitors of all ages, Center staff reports.

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NATIONAL DIRECTORY OF REPOSITORIES OF HISTORICAL RECORDS UNDERWAY The National Historical Publications and Records Com­ mission (NHPRC) has begun work on the compilation of a nationwide Directory of Repositories of Historical Records. The guide is intended to provide summary information on historical records of all types in as many repositories as pos­ One of the most popular activities at the Center is the sible, as well as other basic information about each reposi­ identification of townspeople in early photos taken at town tory. It is expected to include many more institutions than outings or school graduations. any prior publication in this field. The aim is to make known the whereabouts of as many records as possible to those who may wish to study them. The directory will employ an automated system permit­ eleven different spinning wheels and a group of young spin­ ting periodic revision and update as well as computer- ners from a nearby spinning club. The audience filled the generated printing. The system will permit the production Center's largest room. of small directories for individual states or other areas. One result of this constant "outreach" has been a growth In addition to summary information about the geogra­ in sustaining and active membership. Donations, both cash phical, chronological, subject and other characteristics of and collections, continue in a fairly steady flow. At Christ­ the records held by each repository, the directory will list mas time a set of antique doll dishes were given to the Cen­ the name, address, telephone number, and hours and days ter in time to be placed under the Christmas tree in the of service of each institution. children's room. Other information will include user fees, general restric­ The main floor of the new museum contains six areas: tions on use, availability of copying facilities, acquisitions The Farmington Canal Room, dedicated to the history of policy, volume of holdings, and repository guides and other that waterway; the Nature Room which includes the Morris printed descriptions of holdings. Hart collection of Indian artifacts; the Kitchen; the Children Numerous repositories have already begun to return the of Yesterday room; a restored Court Room and a Victorian repository information form sent out by the commission, parlor. and the NHPRC guide staff has begun to follow up with The Center charges no admission fee and is open Wednes­ phone calls as necessary. Institutions that have not yet re­ day noon to 3:30 p.m. and Saturday 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. ceived a form are invited to contact the NHPRC. Those that There are always two guides in attendance to lead the visitor have not yet returned the form are urged to do so. The through and provide detailed information when wanted, or NHPRC considers this a project of great importance to re­ to assist with any specific research work in the vertical files searchers at all levels and to all who are concerned with that are available there. the preservation and use of the records of our past. The Plainville Historic Center was a major activity of the The guide project is coordinated by Dr. Nancy Sahli. Plainville Bicentennial effort. The Society renovated and It is closely affiliated with the NHPRC's records grant pro­ restored the Old Plainville Town Hall, turning it into a town gram. For further information, write: Guide Staff, NHPRC, museum, and a permanent and lasting memorial to the Bi­ National Archives, Washington, D.C. 20408. The telephone centennial. number is (202) 724-1630.

7 A week-long series of activities is planned preceding the start of the race, including a multihull boat show featuring large and small catamarans and trimarans, both on land and in the water. Additional information is available from the Multihull Bermuda Race Committee, Box 4261, Greenwich, Ct. 06830, or the Multihull Boat Show Organizers, 7 Creek Rd., Bayville, N.Y. 11709.

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BENNINGTON COMMEMORATION CHILDREN'S HISTORY OF PLANNED IN NEW HAMPSHIRE COLONIAL CONNECTICUT PUBLISHED August 6, 1977 at Old Fort No. 4, Charlestown, New A new book on Connecticut history entitled Colonial Hampshire are the date and place set by the New Hampshire Connecticut written by Dr. Arthur E. Soderlind, Social American Revolution Bicentennial Commission for the Studies Coordinator of the Connecticut State Department, commemoration of the Battle of Bennington. Charlestown was published recently. was the rallying point for General John Stark's men before The book is part of a series published by Thomas Nelson, crossing Vermont. Inc. which recounts the histories of the original thirteen New Hampshire plans a reenactment of the march to the colonies from their first settlement to the establishment of battle site by New Hampshire men and a roll call of the 113 the United States government. In Dr. Soderlind's book the towns that took part in the confrontation. The general is traced from the early grim begin­ commemoration of the battle is being coordinated with nings of the colony through its struggles to be independent local and state bicentennial committees in Vermont, New of royal control, its Indian wars, the struggle for indepen­ York, and Massachusetts. dence from Great Britain, up to 1788 when Connecticut The first volley in the Battle of Bennington was fired on voted to become the fifth State in the Union. the morning of August 14, 1777 at Sancoick's Mill. The Along the way the reader is introduced to such great battle ended at dark two days later, clearly an American Connecticut men as Thomas Hooker, Roger Ludlow, Jona­ victory. The enemy left 207 dead on the field and 700 than Trumbull, Israel Putnam and . taken prisoner. The number of Americans killed has been Written for persons age 10 and older, the 159-page book placed by various authorities as between 14 and 30. contains photographs, old prints, maps and documents, a The ferocity with which the American forces waged their bibliography, chronology of events, a list of historic sites battle was no doubt whetted by the fall of Ticonderoga and and a modern map. the Jane McCrea atrocity. Also, news of the planned British The books below were among those selected as the most invasion along the Hudson made New Englanders realize notable children's trade books in the field of social studies that the British troops could just as easily turn into the for grades K-8 published during the year 1976 by the Na­ Connecticut Valley. Vermont, lacking the population to tional Council for the Social Studies—Children's Book raise militia sufficient for its defense, sent out a call for Council Joint Liaison Committee. assistance to New Hampshire and Massachusetts. The Dark Eagle: The Story of Benedict Arnold, Clifford The foremost hero to emerge from the Bennington con­ Lindsey Alderman. Macmillan, 136pp, $6.95. flict was New Hampshire's John Stark who corpmanded the The events that led this man to treason are presented in forces. The remarkable American victory came through a a clear, straightforward manner. Mr. Alderman'provides his series of improbable strokes of luck that included Stark readers with fascinating insights which will allow them to reaching Bennington unbeknownst to the enemy, the in­ judge this often paradoxical man. Mr. Alderman himself ability of the German commanders to adapt their military does not sit in judgment on him. (Advanced) thinking to the problems of fighting American irregulars, What's the Big Idea, Ben Franklin?, Jean Fritz. Coward, and their general underestimation of the American fighting 46pp, $6.95. A concise biography that introduces young capabilities. readers to Ben Franklin. (Primary) Whatever weakness there may have been in Stark's plan Courage to Adventure, comp. by The Child Study Asso­ of attack was made up for by the luck that permitted his ciation of America/Wel-met. Crowell, 298pp, $8.95. A two enveloping forces to get into position around the enemy collection of stories of adventures of boys and girls ranging unmolested and to attack simultaneously. Also to be con­ from the Revolution to the moonwalk on television. Each sidered was his overwhelming numerical superiority. participant made a contribution to the Nation's history and The Bennington victory provided a much needed boost heritage. (Intermediate) to American morale, deprived General of » o o o supplies needed for his march toward New York and weakened his strength significantly. SPIRIT OF AMERICA TO And, it helped set the stage for Saratoga. PARTICIPATE IN BERMUDA RACE The Spirit of America, Connecticut's official entry in OpSail '76, will be the scratch boat in the sixth biennial Multihull Bermuda Race, which this year takes off from FLY FLAG THROUGH '83 New London on June 26. In response to a number of inquiries, the American The Spirit, which set an east to west record last summer Revolution Bicentennial Administration has indicated that by sailing the Atlantic from Plymouth, England to Newport, the official ARBA flag, presented to communities, colleges, RJiode Island at an average speed of more than 200 miles and organizations can properly be flown until December per day, will be representing Connecticut and the City of 31, 1983, the official end of the Bicentennial era. New London in the event.

8 search analyst and other assistance to study the early Con­ necticut Court records and to recommend which ones should be preserved and what steps should be taken to care for them. Three national and regional projects which received grants are of interest to Connecticut. The New England Document Conservation Center received grants for two pro­ jects. One for the Center's conservation training program and one for regional conservation seminars in the New Eng­ land States. The National Association of State Archives and Records Administrators received a grant for a technical conference on automated state-based programs to produce guides to historical records. Organizations wishing to apply to NHPRC for grants, must submit their proposals for consideration at the fall 1977 meeting by June 1. Consideration at the Spring 1978 Commission meeting has a proposal deadline of October 1. For further information write: Robert Claus, Archivist, State Library, 231 Capitol Avenue, Hartford 06115.

The Middlesex, Darien's Bicentennial whaleboat, takes to the sea for the first time to the salutes and cheers of excited onlookers. photo by Ryan, courtesy Darien Historical Society DARIEN WHALEBOAT IS LAUNCHED The Middlesex, Darien's Bicentennial whaleboat, was duly sprinkled with a bit of Madeira wine and launched April 23 at Pear Tree Beach under cloudy skies but to the cheers of an enthusiastic throng. The Darien Historical Society in 1974 commissioned William Avery Baker, naval architect, to research and design an 18th century whaleboat of the type employed in pri­ vateering, espionage, and coastal defense during the Ameri­ can Revolution. The boat originally was planned for launch­ ing in 1976. The 25-foot natural wood craft has a keel and main timbers of oak and white cedar planking. Included in the gear are six paddles for shallow water, six ash oars, a 17-foot mast, spritsail rigged, and a swivel bow cannon. A whaleboat race between the "Patriot" Middlesex and the Henry Scudder, Huntington, L.I.'s "Tory" challenger, is planned for early July. The winner will take home a three-tier trophy that is being used as the challenge cup by the Long Islanders. o e o » THREE CONNECTICUT INSTITUTIONS RECEIVE FEDERAL GRANTS photo courtesy Old State House Association The National Historical Publications and Records Com­ mission has awarded three Connecticut institutions grants MADAME JUSTICE GETS totalling $32,000 to preserve historical records and make them available for research. The three institutions awarded HER NOSE POWDERED the grants are the Mattatuck Historical Society in Water­ The statue of Madame Justice, which stood atop the bury, $6,000; the Bridgeport Public Library, $21,000; and golden dome of the Old State House for 149 years, was re­ the Connecticut State Library, $5,000. moved recently for refurbishing. The statue will not be re­ The Mattatuck Historical Society's project, partially sup­ turned to its former site but will remain on view to visitors ported by a grant from the Woodward Fund, will employ a in the Court Room of the building. However, a copy of the full-time archivist and part-time assistants to arrange and statue will be placed on the dome sometime in the near describe the society's collections of business and industrial future. records, 19th century material on brass manufacturing, and In addition, the cupola of the Old State House has been Connecticut artists' collections. completely repainted and repaired as progress continued in The grant to Bridgeport Public Library will fund a survey renovating the Hartford landmark. of business and labor records in the Greater Bridgeport re­ The Old State House Association has raised $950,000 gion, collect and preserve them in a systematic way. Addi­ out of a goal of $1,600,000 needed for restoration, the in­ tional support for the work has been provided by the Great­ stallation of a Visitor's Information Center and an endow­ er Bridgeport Labor Council (AFL-CIO) and by the Bridge­ ment. The final phase of the Association's campaign is port Area Chamber of Commerce. underway to raise enough endowment money to assure The Connecticut State Library's grant provides for a re­ operation and maintenance in years to come.

9 JILLSON HOUSE AND TOWN HOUSE TAKE CSA AWARDS

1825 Jillson House, Willimantic. "It will be a happy day when we can take this type of rescue and restoration for granted, commented the CSA Jury. photos courtesy Robert H. Gantner, Architect

An early 19th century stone house and "recycled" town items which could not be saved were measured and repro­ houses were among the recipients of the 1976 Connecticut duced. Built by a Connecticut mill owner, the house will be Society of Architects Honor Awards. furnished and used as a working museum for the public. Honored in the "Renovations and Recycled Buildings" New Haven's Professional Arts Group building resulted category was the renovated Jillson House, a commission from the renovation of two existing town houses which which architect Robert Gantner received from the Williman­ were then linked by the construction of a service and cir­ tic Redevelopment Agency. culation core. The city required that the exteriors of the The house had been abandoned and left to fall into ruin. existing buildings and that of the new additions retain and The architect first had to determine which walls, doors, emphasize the scale and detail of the upper floors. Archi­ hardwood, mouldings and other features were original and tects were Gilbert Switzer & Associates. which had been added over the past 150 years. Original « « « «

DR. ROTH TO AUTHOR STATE BICENTENNIAL HISTORY David M. Roth, professor of history and director of the Center for Connecticut Studies at Eastern Connecticut State College in Willimantic has been commissioned to write the volume, Connecticut: A Bicentennial History. The book will be part of a fifty-one volume series covering each state plus the District of Columbia, being produced by the American Association for State and Local History, through grants provided by the National Endowment for the Humanities. Dr. Roth's volume will be an interpretive essay, charac­ terizing the peoples of Connecticut historically, and showing the relationship of their state's history, their particular ex­ perience, their applications of democracy, and their values, to those of the nation as a whole. Dr. Roth served as a special consultant to the American Revolution Bicentennial Commission of Connecticut on the production of Bicentennial films and filmstrips, and is a member of the Editorial Board for the Bicentennial Mono­ graph Series sponsored by the ARBCC. He is the author of one of those monographs, Connecticut's War Governor: Jonathan Trumbull. He also served as the historian of the Windham Bicen­ tennial Commission and was project director for "Dissent in Revolutionary and Contemporary Connecticut," a work­ shop for persons involved in the Connecticut Bicentennial celebration planning. Dr. Roth was co-editor of Connecticut Yesterday and Professional Arts Group, New Haven. The Jury termed Today: A Selected Bibliography for Connecticut Schools its recycling "a sensitive exercise in urban infill, a lesson in and the editor of the five-volume Series in Connecticut appropriateness and restraint." History published in 1975 by the Center for Connecticut photo courtesy Gilbert Switzer & Associates, Architects Studies.

10 CONNECTICUT stitutions. First recognition was accorded to the Univer­ sity of Alabama. In the end, 929 campuses received recog­ nition through Bicentennial Colleges and Universities Cam­ puses. The total included institutions from 48 states and mm the District of Columbia and represented a cross-section of BICENTENNIAL the entire academic community both in type of schools and sizes of enrollment. HAPPENINGS In Connecticut 17 colleges and universities were official­ ly recognized. In addition, under its own program, the THE PROVISION STATE ARBCC honored almost 400 private, public and parochial JULY schools as Connecticut Bicentennial Schools. DARIEN, Whaleboat race with Huntington, L.I. across The third leg, as it were, of the Communities tripod was the Sound the designation of the Bicentennial Armed Forces Installa­ PROSPECT, Bicentennial Balloon (subject to weather tions and Commands. The Army and Air Force limited conditions) eligibility to "major" installations while the Navy, Marine AUGUST Corps and Coast Guard criteria extended eligibility to all CLINTON, Bicentennial Balloon (subject to weather con­ commands including reserve components and individual ditions) to appear at Bluefish Festival ships. SEPTEMBER Upon termination of the program 13 months later, recog­ GROTON, Reenactment of the attack on Fort Griswold nition had been accorded to 513 military installations and HARTFORD, 25th Anniversary celebration of the coro­ commands in 49 states, the District of Columbia, and the nation of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and to 86 overseas installa­ tions and commands in 18 foreign countries, for a grand ARBA (continued from Page 4) total of 599. of the 200th anniversary of our independence has done Ten military installations in Connecticut participated in much to reinforce the confidence, pride and vitality of the the program. American people. .." When accorded official recognition the community or organization received a certificate of recognition, a Bicen­ GRASS ROOTS WERE tennial flag, and authority to display the flag and use the HEART OF OBSERVANCE national Bicentennial symbol in connection with projects The Bicentennial Communities Program was perhaps the and events. major stimulus to the development of the nationwide grass roots character of the 200th anniversary celebration of the founding of the United States of America. The grass roots philosophy was the core of federal Bi­ centennial philosophy. Eventually covering 12,566 com­ munities, the activity affected or embraced some 190 mil­ lion Americans who celebrated in the manner best suited to themselves. The program left a heritage of renewed civic coopera­ tion, a greater appreciation of local history and civic and social issues, and recognizable, improvements in the quality of life of many communities that will last into the Tricen­ tennial year. The Bicentennial Communities Program was formally The State Library is interested in talking with Bicenten­ launched at the annual meeting of the United States Con­ nial Committees and other groups looking for a place to de­ ference of Mayors on July 18, 1973 in San Francisco. The posit materials from the Bicentennial observance. Books, term "Communities" was adopted in lieu of "Cities" in pamphlets, maps, committee newsletters, etc. are of in­ order to include all political subdivisions having an inde­ terest. Please contact Kristen Woodbridge, 566-3692 for pendently elected form of government, including unincor­ further information. porated areas having recognized entities of their own. An attractive and useful poster, entitled "The Bread On July 3, 1973 official recognition was granted to eight Game," contains federal and New York State funding appli­ Bicentennial Communities, the first of which was the City cation deadlines for museums, historical societies, zoos, of Niagara Falls, New York. Thirty-five months later, June botanical gardens, and for dance, music, theater, crafts, 3, 1976, ARBA announced official recognition of the final film, video, and architecture programs. The poster is a 202 Bicentennial Commissions. handy reminder of the deadlines, various programs, and ad­ Among the recognitions were included all 156 cities in dresses of funding agencies, including Health Education and the country with populations in excess of 100,000, almost Welfare, National Endowment for the Arts, National En­ 60 percent of the nation's counties, 90 percent of the places dowment for the Humanities, National Historical Publica­ in the 25,000 to 100,000 population range, 73 percent of tions and Records Commission, National Museum Act, and the places in the 5,000 to 25,000 populations range, and the National Science Foundation. The project was funded 6,482 places under 5,000 population. by the New York Council on the Arts and compiled by the All of Connecticut's 169 towns and cities were officially Museums Collaborative, Inc. Because of its popularity with­ recognized Bicentennial Communities. Connecticut was in New York, Museums Collaborative is making "The Bread the first "All-Bicentennial" state in the nation. Game" available outside the state. Cost of the poster is $3 In response to requests for recognition from the acade­ plus 50 cents per poster for postage and handling. Orders mic community, ARBA developed a program by which should be sent to: Museums Collaborative, Inc., 830 Fifth national recognition would be accorded to qualifying in­ Ave., New York, N.Y. 10021.

11 Editors

When the resolved on June 14, still flying over Flanders field and still cast in the bronze 1777 "that the flag of the thirteen United States be of defiance of Iwo Jima. thirteen stripes alternate red and white and that the union It flutters in the stadia of the world, it moves along be thirteen stars white in a blue field representing a new paraded boulevards, and is repeated, repeated in the massed constellation," they could not have foreseen the valiant hands of our children, proudly waving, hardly knowing their adventures that would befall their symbol of American source of pride. unity. Adventures that would cast upon it the acrid smoke It seeks not plunder or conquest but flies to remind us of battle, shred its body with shot and shell and stain its of its original intent in the words of ; white stripes with the blood of its defenders. Even the "We take the stars and blue union from Heaven, the red blood of brother fighting brother could not despoil its from our Mother Country, Britain . . . separating it by white glory. It flies today the banner of freedom enriched by stripes, thus showing we have separated from her. The white America's history but still the humble flag raised at York- stripes shall go down to posterity representing Liberty." town in victorious assault, still the Star Spangled Banner, G.W.C.

CORRECTION: The previous issue of the Gazette was incorrectly identified as NUMBER 3. It should of course have been NUMBER 1. RENEWAL NOTICE for Subscribers with 8/76 ending date. Ending date for individual subscribers appears below, after name and address.

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