D Am35 £TATE LIBRARY cbg v . 5 no.2 !onnec5ticut Bicentennial GAZETTE 4 TQ/^CONNECTICUT STATE LIBRARY ter Oak INTERLIBRARY LOAN CEM.tR

VOLUME V NUMBER 2 FEBRUARY 1976

Six journeys in Connecticut by Washington were docu­ mented in 1932 by R. D. McAlister, superintendent of Suffield schools. However, Florence Crofut, in her "Guide to the History and Historic Sites of Connecticut," devoted 26 pages to seven trips. Not much is known about Washington's first trip through Connecticut. On Feb. 4, 1756. Col. Washington left Vir­ ginia for to confer with Gen. William Shirley, commander-in-chief of the British forces in the Colonies. He traveled the roads along Long Island Sound to and from Boston. Washington won the favor of Gen. Shirley after he reported on his dispute with a Capt. Dagworthy over the command of the Colonial British forces at Fort Cum­ berland, Va. He also met John Adams who was to urged for the nomination of Washington as Commander-in-Chief of the American forces 19 years later. On June 23, 1775, only 12 days after he accepted the command of the provincial army, Washington left Phila­ delphia for to assume his duties. He and Gen. Charles Lee rode horseback, spending a night in New Haven, where they reviewed a military company of Yale students, then lodged at the house of Isaac Beers. After riding through North Haven, Durham and Mid­ dletown, he stayed in the home of Silas Deane at 203 Main Street, Wethersfield. Washington was so pleased continued on page 2

ARBCC HISTORY SERIES EXPANDS TO 15

George Washington by Gilbert Stuart Connecticut State Library Museum Photographed by Gus Johnson

Washington's Journeys In Connecticut Recalled by Sando Bologna never fought a battle in Connect­ icut nor did he ever bivouac in a Connecticut field. However, he did travel at least six times in Connect­ icut (some historians list seven journeys) and he slept in many homes, some of them pleasing to him, others regarded by him as "not good." A few of the homes are historic museums that are worth visiting on a Bicentennial excursion. The most detailed, and perhaps his most important trip in Connecticut, was his last one in 1789 as part of his Eastern Tour as the new nation's President. He was most widely acclaimed as he greeted old friends, chatted with farmers, and complained about the "hilly, rocky and dis­ agreeable roads," poor accommodations at taverns and inns. He even mentioned in his detailed diaries of the "very see story on page 3 lame discourses" of an Ashford minister. WASHINGTON, continued route and lodged at Squire Cogswell's in Litchfield. Then with Deane, a lawyer, businessman and member of the he went on to New York State. Continental Congress, that in March, 1776, he appointed On his Presidential Eastern Tour, Washington arrived Deane to go to France to buy clothing and arms for in Stamford on Oct. 16, 1789. He observed farmers in 25,000 troops. Deane was the first American of the United the "superb landscape" as they were "busily employed Colonies to represent them in Europe. in gathering, grinding, and expressing the juice of their Washington also visited in Hartford and probably apples." He noted the "destructive evidences of British called on Jeremiah Wadsworth who later became com­ cruelty (that) are yet visible both in Norwalk and Fair- missary general of the and one of field." He spent that evening in Fairfield; next morning Hartford's first insurance executives. Washington and his he traveled over roads "not on the whole bad" and "in men dined at the Austin Tavern in Suffield. some places, good," especially in Fairfield and Stamford. The Connecticut Courant gave this item on the visit: While dining in a Milford tavern, he commented that "On Friday last (June 30) passed through this town the boiled dinner was "too poor to eat" and sent it back for the camp at Charlestown, his Excellency, Gen. Wash­ to the kitchen. He settled for bread and milk. ington, appointed by the Hon. Continental Congress Com­ In New Haven, he was greeted by Gov. Trumbull, mander-in-Chief of all the provincial troops in North Lt. Gov. Wolcott, Maj. Samuel Huntington, and New America. He was accompanied by Gen. Lee and a num­ Haven's illustrious Mayor Roger Sherman. He stayed at ber of other gentlemen." the home of Mr. Brown "who keeps a good tavern." He addressed war veterans and state officials and had tea The second half of the trip (some observers call it his at Sherman's new home. Sherman was the only signer third journey) began in Cambridge on April 4, 1776 of the Declaration of Independence who also signed the with New York as his destination. He went to Providence, Articles of Association in 1774, Articles of Confederation, stayed there three days, then proceeded to Norwich, ar­ 1778, and U.S. Constitution, 1787. riving there April 8. He dined, conferred, and slept in the home of Gen. , a wealthy trader From New Haven, he traveled to Wallingford, Durham, and head of the Connecticut militia. Washington also Middletown, and Wethersfield where he was met by a met with Gen. Huntington's son, Jabez, a General in the military escort that led the party to Bull's Tavern, Hart­ Continental Army. Next day, Washington rode to New ford, where they lodged for the night. Washington was London where he slept in Capt. Nathaniel Shaw's Man­ feted by Hartford citizens at Col. Wadsworth's home. He sion, now the home of the New London County Histori­ and his group were to breakfast next morning at the home cal Society. The residence was the Connecticut Naval of Oliver Ellsworth in Windsor. Because of rain, the de­ Office during the war. Capt. Shaw was a master and parture was delayed until 10:30 a.m. However, the Presi­ ship owner; his son, Nathaniel, Jr., was the naval agent dent decided to spend an hour at the Ellsworth Home­ for New London, responsible for the movement of pro­ stead, now a museum of the Connecticut Daughters of visions, arms and ships for the Continental troops. The the . Ellsworth was a chief framer Commander-in-Chief also stayed in John McCurdy's of the Constitution and third Chief Justice of the U.S. house in Old Lyme and in the Penfield Home, Fairfield. Supreme Court. On November 7, returning from Massachusetts, Wash­ Traveling from Bergen County, N.J., Washington re­ ington stayed overnight in Ashford. Next day, he wrote turned to Connecticut at Danbury Sept. 22, 1780, passing in his diary: "It being contrary to law and disagreeable through Western Connecticut towns and staying at Jere­ to the people of this state to travel on the Sabbath day— miah Wadsworth home which stood on the site of the and my horse, after passing through such intolerable Wadsworth Atheneum, Hartford. He conferred with roads, wanting rest, I stayed at Perkin's Tavern (which, Count Rochambeau on French assistance to the Ameri­ by the bye, is not a good one) all day—and a meeting cans. After the conference, the French and American house being within a few rods of the door, I attended delegations were given formal military farewells. Wash­ morning and evening services, and heard very lame dis­ ington's entourage stayed overnight in the Elm Tree Inn, courses from a Mr. Pond." Farmington. During the 34-mile trek to Hartford on the following Washington spent the next evening (Sunday Sept. 24) day, Washington stopped and chatted with farmers about in the home of Gen. (Connecticut's Lieu­ their crops. After staying in Hartford again, he traveled tenant and signer of the Declaration of Inde­ to New Haven, via Berlin. From New Haven, he rode pendence) on Litchfield's South Street. The home still to Milford, and stayed that night in the home of a Maj. stands as one of Litchfield's most important residences. Marvin "which is not a good house, though the people Washington then traveled through Warren and Kent to of it were disposed to do all they could to accommodate West Point, N.Y. me." He retraced the Litchfield County route on March 4, Washington left Connecticut on Nov. 12 after break­ 1781, stayed overnight in Hartford, and then rode to fast in Stamford. He wrote in the diary that his horses Lebanon where he reviewed the Legion of Duke de were lame. "The badness of the roads, having been des­ Lauzun. He conferred with Gov. Trumbull in the wood cribed as I went, I shall say nothing of them now." frame War Office where some 1,200 meetings of Trum­ bull's Council of Safety were held during the war. Wash­ PRAISE FOR CONNECTICUT PATRIOTS ington slept in the nearby 1730 Trumbull House. Throughout the Bevolution and in the years that fol­ Washington was back in Litchfield on May 18, 1781 lowed, Washington always held in the highest esteem the where he breakfasted in Gen. Wolcott's home, dined at Connecticut patriots who assisted him and the hard- the Elm Tree Inn, Farmington, and lodged at the Joseph pressed Continental Army. He was especially grateful to Webb House, Wethersfield, now a National Historic Gov. Jonathan Trumbull, the only one of the 13 Colonial Landmark, for five days. He discussed with Count governors to side with the patriots; his sons, John, the Rochambeau the strategy of the campaign that led to noted artist and a short-time aide to Washington; and the Yorktown battle and the end of the war. When he Jonathan, Jr., financial aide to the general; Gen. Israel left Wethersfield on May 24, he retraced the previous continued onnextpage 3 WASHINGTON, continued fessor of History, Trinity College, Hartford. Forty mono­ Putnam, Oliver Wolcott, Col. Jeremiah Wadsworth, Silas graphs are planned; five to be issued each year through Deane, and others. 1980. These new works bring the total to fifteen. Gov. Trumbull, whom Washington affectionately called Connecticut's First Family: William Pitkin and His "," was credited with providing about Connecticut by Bruce Colin Daniels, Assistant Profes­ 60 per cent of the munitions, food, clothing, and man­ sor of History, University of Winnipeg, Manitoba power to the army. At the end of the war, Washington Connecticut Signer: William Williams by Bruce P. asserted: "But for Jonathan Trumbull, the war could Stark, Professor of History, University of Connecticut, not have been won." Connecticut became known as "the southeast branch Provision State." Connecticut's Revolutionary Cavalry: Sheldon's Horse Washington also was obviously impressed with the by John T. Hayes, Reference Librarian at Miami-Dade combat qualities of Connecticut soldiers. In general or­ Junior College ders issued in 1782, he saluted the Connecticut Brigade Connecticut's Revolutionary Press, by Charles L. Cut­ as "composed of as fine a body of men as any in the army." ler, Editor with the Educational Division, Xerox Pub­ He reviewed the Connecticut unit after which he con­ lications ferred on them the highest honor of the Second Brigade Connecticut Women in the Revolutionary Era by Cath­ —the only command that ever won such praise from him. erine Fennelly, Editor of Publications, Old Sturbridge Congratulating the Connecticut men who suffered Village through the merciless winter at Valley Forge, he wrote The books may be ordered from The Pequot Press, to Gov. Trumbull that the Connecticut soldiers were the Chester, Connecticut. Each book is $2.50, less a school best clothed in the camp. and library discount of 20% and normal trade discounts. Connecticut residents should add 7% sales tax. Connecticut people were among the first to recognize o * « a the greatness of Washington as a hero. The townspeople of Judea, a Litchfield County village, requested the Gen­ eral Assembly that their community be named Washing­ ton. The change was granted by an act passed by the legislature on Jan. 7, 1779. It was the first town in the named in honor of Washington. » e e « WEICKER, GIAIMO ASK FOR RETROACTIVE CITIZENSHIP FOR SLAVES Based on a proposal adopted by the American Bevolu­ tion Bicentennial Commission of Connecticut and the Connecticut Historical Commission, U.S. Senator (R) and Representative Robert N. Giaimo (D­ 3rd) have introduced in both the House and Senate, a resolution which would grant citizenship posthumously to persons held in slavery prior to the ratification of the 14th Amendment to the Constitution. These slaves were never legally recognized as U.S. citizens. In introducing the resolution in the Senate, Senator Weicker said that "there is no doubt that our greatest national disgrace The first sample of Connecticut's own Bicentennial flag was the forced involuntary servitude, slavery, which ex­ is displayed in the ARBCC office by (left to right) Phijllis isted in this country prior to 1863." "Let it be said, 200 Formato, Assistant Program Coordinator, Mrs. Marie years from now," Weicker continued, "that during a busy Laurencelle of The Flag Store, Evelyn Kelly, Assistant Bicentennial Year, the Congress of the United States took Program Coordinator and George Cyr, Program Coordin­ the modest time required to make a gesture of good will, ator. to right a great wrong, to keep a bright promise." The resolution is as follows: CONNECTICUT BICENTENNIAL FLAG Whereas, slavery constituted a blight on our national The State of Connecticut's Bicentennial flag incorporates past, and the official state Bicentennial logo, derived from the seg­ Whereas, our nation is celebrating its bicentennial, a ment of the flag of the 13 Original States pertaining to time of rededication to our highest ideals, and Connecticut, the 5th state to ratify the Constitution, show­ Whereas, were it in our power, we would choose to ing the 5th Star and the 5th Stripe. Connecticut became erase that tragedy from our nation's history, known as "The Provision State" because between 1775 Now, therefore, be it and 1784 she provided so much in men, munitions, food, Resolved, That it is the sense of the Congress that clothing and money to the Revolutionary cause. each person held in slavery in the United States from The flag was designed with broad red and blue stripes the Founding of the Republic to the ratification of the outlining the red, white and blue logo on a white back­ Fourteenth Amendment of the United States Constitu­ ground. The lettering is in black. tion hereafter shall be considered to have been a citizen The flag, which will be available for display in April, of the United States. may be ordered now from The Flag Store, Meriden. It O « 0 # is manufactured in four sizes. The retail price for the ARBCC BOOKLETS 3' x 5' is $32.00, 4' x 6', $39.00, 5' x 8', $50.00, and for The five new additions to the ARBCC's booklets on Con­ the desk-size 4 " x 6" mounted flag, $1.10. Parade fringed necticut's role in the American Revolution have been flags are also available, as well as a wholesale price list. published recently. Written by Connecticut history schol­ Contact: The Flag Store, P.O. Box 2055, 186 Hall Ave­ ars, the booklets are edited by Dr. Glenn Weaver, Pro­ nue, Meriden, Connecticut 06450. Phone: 237-5339. 217 The Griswold Bicentennial medal honors the town's Revolutionary War martyrs, its history and an Indian named Simeon Simons.

RECRUITMENT NOTICE TWO SIDES OF GRISWOLD'S HISTORY ROCHAMBEAU MARCH JUNE 19-JULY 4 AND WASHINGTON'S INDIAN FRIEND Newly minted by the Griswold Bicentennial Commis­ A re-enactment of the 1781 march of the Comte sion, the town's Bicentennial medallion pictures both its de Rochambeau and his 6,000 regulars from Provi­ Revolutionary War history and later development, and dence, to Verplanck, New York, a clue to an interesting tale . . . a part of the military strategy that led to the defeat The reverse side of the medal shows two men on of Cornwallis at Yorktown. horseback. One is General George Washington, and the REQUIREMENTS FOR SOLDIERS other, according to legend, is Simeon Simons, an Indian 18 years of age, male, in good general health. Must descended from Massassoit, Chief of the Wampanoags, want a two-week vacation in Rhode Island, Con­ who served Washington as a body guard and servant at necticut and New York. Valley Forge and Yorktown. As a military pensioner, MODE OF TRANSPORTATION: Walking (wear­ Simons is thought to have lived out his life in Griswold, ing choice of foot gear.) but little is known of him. Legend exists that Simons COST: One Uniform (to be made from a supplied welcomed Lafayette at Jewett City in 1824, and drowned pattern or purchased.) in Griswold's Cudjos Brook ten or eleven years later, TRAINING: Regular drill and marching sessions but the town's vital records do not make mention of him. will begin in the spring. His name is recorded as a member of Olney's Rhode EMPHASIS: On having fun and teaching history. Island Battalion, however, and family Bibles carry his REQUIREMENTS FOR SUPPORT PERSONNEL name. People are also needed to accompany the soldiers The story has been handed down from generation to to set up displays, demonstrate 18th century skills generation, and became public in 1904 when a story and dress in 18th century clothing. Children aged told by one of his daughters appeared in a local paper. 12-17 may join in the march if one parent is par­ Interest in Simeon Simons is again very high and Bicen­ ticipating. tennial chairman Samuel Cathcart and his wife Lillian, Velma Tetto who is town historian, lead the search. The committee Apply to: Waterbury ARBC has chosen to honor Simons on the medal, as one of the 236 Grand Street most unique heroes of the Revolution. Waterbury, CT Also on the reverse side is a boulder at Pachaug which Phone: 756-9494 X260 bears the names of 17 Bevolutionary War martyrs as found in church records. The obverse side of the medal is the Griswold town MAY TRIP TO ENGLAND seal. The seal is a drawing which shows the hills of the BY NORWICH COMMITTEE area and a barn, which is a reminder of the early pio­ Off to England to visit London and their sister city, neers whose farms were their livelihood. Griswold became Norwich, the Norwich, Connecticut, Bicentennial Com­ a leading cotton manufacturing center in the area, using mittee is accepting additional reservations from interested the water power from the Pachaug and the Quinebaug persons for the tour, set for May 17-25. The cost of the Bivers, and a mill is shown in the foreground. trip is $449.00 and includes roundtrip transportation and Medals may be purchased by forwarding checks to accommodations. Highlights will be tours of London, the Griswold Bicentennial Commission, P.O. Box 291, Windsor Castle, Buckingham Palace, Stratford-on-Avon, Jewett City, CT 06351. The cost of the bronze medal and a two-day stay in Norwich, England as a guest in a is $2.50, and the cost of the silver medal is $15.00. In­ resident's home. Mrs. Marian O'Keefe, chairman of the clude $1.00 postage and insurance for each medal. NBC, is in charge of arrangements, and should be con­ tacted at 5 Dupont Lane, Norwich, CT 06360. BICENTENNIAL HEADQUARTERS FOR PLYMOUTH STAFFORD PAPER TELLS OF LOCAL HISTORY Headquarters and display rooms of the Plymouth Bicen­ Under the title of "Historical Highlights" members of tennial Committee opened early in January on Terryville's the Heritage Committee of the Stafford Bicentennial Main Street. The center is in a trailer loaned by the Crown Commission are researching and writing of Stafford's Company of Bristol on land made available by the Terry­ past for The Stafford Press. Such subjects as General ville Furniture Store. Mrs. Felix Borkowski is in charge Lafayett's visit, the Great Stafford Fair, the hurricane of of the store where colonial gowns; Plymouth's Bicenten­ 1938 and even the first edition of the local newspaper nial calendar, featuring 13 historical scenes in the town; are part of the weekly feature, which cover the years a cookbook containing 400 recipes of local women; the 1775 to 1976. Editor Mark LaFrancis prepares the vig­ Committee's own Bicentennial medallions and Bicen­ nettes "which bring headlines of the past into focus today." tennial novelties will be on sale. 218 JOE FROGGERS—OFFICIAL BICENTENNIAL COOKIE? Joe Froggers, soft molasses cookies, are catching on as a favorite treat for Bicentennial events. Derived from an early American recipe from Marblehead, Massachusetts, they have been popular for generations. The Ellington Bi­ centennial Committee sold them at their Freedom Festival Day in October and the Meriden ABBC sponsored a Joe PROJECT Frogger baking contest. 2776 JOE FROGGERS 1 cup shortening 2 tsp. baking soda "fl^SlttE 2 cups sugar 2 cups dark molasses 1 tbsp. salt 7 cups flour cup water 1 tbsp. ginger /i cup rum 1 tsp. cloves One thousand "timecuhes" will be filled for 2776. or 1 tsp. nutmeg 2 tsp. rum extract % tsp. allspice SAVING 1976 FOR 2776 . .. 1 cup water Few, if any, Bicentennial projects can match the Tal­ » * a » cott Mountain Science Center's farsighted PROJECT A NEW HAVEN PORTFOLIO 2776 A.D., a time capsule to be installed there on July A handsome collection of 14 full-scale facsimiles, en­ 4, 1976 and to be opened in the year 2776, the milleneum gravings, drawings and prints, made in and of New Haven of the American Revolution. With a target date 800 years from 1748-1840 is proof of the statement that "few Amer­ away, the decisions as to what to put in a limited space ican cities have been so well chronicled by their own to tell the story of life in our age is not an easy task. artist-engravers as New Haven, Connecticut." But, unlike the major time capsules of the past, when the Works by Amos Doolittle and his son A. B. Doolittle; selections for future generations were made by special­ James Wadsworth; Ezra Stiles, President of Yale Col­ ists, the public has been invited to personalize the cap­ lege; Daniel Bowen and J. W. Barber depict varied sub­ sule's contents. One thousand one cubic decimeter plastic jects such as a 1748 map of New Haven, a 1791 map cubes are available for purchase for $100.00 each, and of the United States, a 1796 map of Connecticut, views are being filled by individuals, schools, civic organizations, of the New Haven Green dating from 1786, Yale Col­ businesses and industry. Teachers in schools that have lege and Amos Doolittle's famous engravings of the Bat­ purchased a cube are asking their students to decide tles of Lexington and Concord in April 1775. Also in­ what is worth remembering and important. It is a ques­ cluded are Stiles sketches of the British attack on New tion that will confront each person who contributes some­ Haven in 1779 and the New Haven harbor, and a "Deed thing to PBOJECT 2776 A.D. of Land sold by Amasa Joice, a Free Negro in New There are only a few instructions on choosing the Haven to James Lines, 1779." content of a cube; it must not contain any acids or cor­ The boxed collection is sold at the New Haven Bicen­ rosive substances. It is also suggested that items be photo­ tennial Information Center, Chapel Street Mall, Upper graphed or microfilmed for efficient use of space, and the Level. The cost is $32.10 (tax included). The Center's Center reserves the right to examine the contents of the hours are 11:30-4:00, Monday-Friday; 10:00-4:00 Satur­ cubes. The deadline for their completion is June 15, day. 1976. Each cube will carry on it an identification num­ e o * e ber and the name of the purchaser. All the individual TV PERSONALITY IN HOMETOWN "capsules" will be sealed inside the main time capsule, TERRYVILLE FOR BICENTENNIAL which will be installed under the new building at the Ted Knight, nationally known television actor and per­ Center, to house a chronobiology lab (for time experi­ sonality will be a guest of the Town of Plymouth's Bicen­ ments), a computer lab and seismic observatory. tennial Committee at the parade to be held June 12. STUDENT EXPERIMENT CONTEST Knight, who appears on the Mary Tyler Moore television Space will also be made available in the main time show and on talk shows, is a native of Terryville and grad­ capsule for some scientific experiments. The TMSC is uated from Terryville High School. He now resides in sponsoring a contest for any person under 18 years of California. "As far as is known at the present time, he age to develop an experiment that will in some way in­ will be the only national figure participating in a local volve time; to test the colorfastness of dyes, stability of Connecticut program", writes Plymouth ABBCC Chair­ materials, etc. man, J. Francis Byan. Inquiries about the details of the science experiment BETHLEHEM SOCIETY BUILDING contest and the time cubes should be sent to Mr. Don­ ald LaSalle, Director, Talcott Mountain Science Center, Old Bethlem, the Historical Society of Bethlehem, in Montevideo Road, Avon, Connecticut 06001. Phone: 677­ Litchfield County, has obtained a building at the corner 8571. of the town's historic green. A ten-year lease to the so­ ciety was approved by the townspeople at a town meeting on October 28, 1975. In announcing the arrangement, Old The front of the 1976 calendar prepared by Newtown's Bethlem President Doris Horn Nicholls noted that the League of Women Voters is a reproduction of the original acquisition of the building fulfills a dream of many years. drawing of the Newtown encampment of the Comte de The Colonial-style brick structure, which was formerly Rochambeau and his French army in 1781. The four the Town Office Building, will be used primarily as a his­ regimental flags, depictions of Rochambeau and the uni­ torical museum. The society expects to open it with a Bi­ forms of the Saintonge regiment, complete the cover. centennial exhibition. CONNECTICUT BICENTENNIAL HAPPENINGS The band of nearly 130 musicians and directors are making a Bicentennial tour of the United States. They PLACES are scheduled for only one other New England appear­ MARCH ance, in New Hampshire. During their visit in Bethlehem, band members will 20 The Greening of Milford Bicentennial Exhibit be entertained at homes of residents. It is their second Tree planting Connecticut Historical Society appearance in this small town in 11 years. The first visit MILFORD HARTFORD was made when they were invited by a member of the through '76 band whose home was in Bethlehem. THE PROVISION STATE Fund-raising affair for Bicenten­ The appearance is sponsored by the Bethlehem Agri­ nial Gift to Fairfield "New Haven's Contributions to cultural Society. o o o o PRISM '76 Art Exhibit FAIRFIELD University the Completion of Indepen­ Contemporary painters and dence HARTFORD NATIONAL BANK TO sculptors of Westport Bicentennial Cultural Fair NE W HAVEN Colony Historical EXHIBIT CONNECTICUT "FIRSTS" WESTPORT Library NEWINGTON Society Plans by Hartford National Bank and Trust Company through 12th .1 to open an exhibit in March in honor of the Bicentennial were announced by Robert L. Newell, president of the 21 Lecture: Gealge Whitefield in "The Changing Environment in bank. The Oliver Ellsworth Homestead New EnglaJd Reformed Bap­ Connecticut" Exhibit: Life in the United The exhibition, entitled "Our State First-The Nation 778 Palisado Avenue tist Church Peabody Museum of Natural Windsor, Connecticut States, 1910-1940 Followed," will focus on those national and international EASTON History "Elmwood" NEW BRITAIN Museum of Art "firsts" that Connecticut has contributed to America and through 21st to the world. Mr. Newell said that "the exhibit will serve 26 PRISM '76 Exhibit: Authentic NEW HAVEN "Elmwood" is the birthplace of Oliver Ellsworth, as a state-wide celebration of the ingenuity and creativity reproductions of Inaugural through October 17, '76 of the citizens of Connecticut. We think the exhibition Revolutionary patriot—famous jurist, framer of the 4 Banquet for decorated Veterans constitution, Supreme Court Justice and statesman. gowns of 28 U.S. First Ladies will surprise and inform and, at the same time, will gen­ MILFORD ARBC The house was built in 1740 by Oliver's father, Cap­ WESTPORT Public Library Historic Displays erate increased awareness and pride in our state's rich tain David Ellsworth, on the site of previous houses Thomaston Savings Bank heritage." destroyed by fire. The family had owned the farm 5 Bicentennial Fashion Show Bicentennial Art Exhibit TERRYVILLE Wilson H. Faude, curator of the Mark Twain Memorial in Hartford, has been appointed by Hartford National to since 1656, when it was acquired by the first Ells­ MERIDEN Mall ENFIELD ARBC and Tobacco through July '76 serve as curator of the exhibition. worth in America, Josias, who emigrated from York- Valley Artists Association shire, England. "Our State First—The Nation Followed" will remain on American Cinema from 1894-1976 Oliver and his wife, Abigail, added the spacious 6-7 Maple Sugaring Demonstrations view in Hartford for several months and then travel to 27 Concert: Sound of Freedom Wadsworth Atheneum drawing room and the state bedroom above it, after STAMFORD Museum and various locations in the state, including New Haven, New Foran High School HARTFORD they took up residence, around 1784. Today, the Nature Center London and Stamford. MILFORD ARBC through June '76 house abounds in 18th century antiques as well as and two following weekends Ellsworth Family heirlooms, many which were used "DISCOVER BICENTENNIAL AMERICA" by the Oliver Ellsworths themselves. The wall paper 28 Lecture: "Biblical Impact on the Exhibit: A review of history from TO FOCUS ON BICENTENNIAL TRAVEL in Oliver's bedroom was brought back by him from 10 Exhibit: "Variations on America" Ideas of the Founding Fathers" Colonial Days to the present, "DISCOVER BICENTENNIAL AMERICA," the first France after he had negotiated successfully a treaty Ravenswood Gallery through the cartoon. Rabbi Reuven Kimelman intensive national and regional media campaign designed with Napoleon. He had been appointed Envoy Extra­ MILFORD HARTFORD Jewish Community Museum of Cartoon Art. to provide information about the nation's Bicentennial cel­ ordinary and Minister Plenepotentiary by President through 14th Center GREENWICH ebration for United States Bicentennial events and to as­ John Adams for the mission. Napoleon bestowed sist the traveling public, has been announced by the upon Ellsworth memorabilia which is on display at Discover America Travel Organization (DATO) and the Homestead and indicates the high regard which 12 Films: "Yankee Calling", "Re­ Bicentennial Breakfast Open Forums: "Madison in the the American Revolution Bicentennial Administration he had for the American statesman. The thirteen solved to be Free," "True Story Adult Student Alumni League Future" (ARBA). The program is a comprehensive, nationwide BRIDGEPORT Holiday Inn elm trees which Oliver planted on his spacious lawns, of the Civil War" MADISON ARBC effort to provide selected listings of top national and representing the thirteen original states were no THOMASTON High School through June regional travel-oriented Bicentennial activities. doubt the inspiration for the name "Elmwood." Information on more than 1,000 Bicentennial events The Homestead has been maintained by the Con­ Cable television broadcasts on the will be sent out to all media. Each event listed will have 13 American "Pops" Concert necticut Daughters of the American Revolution, as ONGOING American Revolution been individually researched to insure that the event will an historic landmark and museum, since 1903 when Mellon Art Center "Reflections oreur Heritage" Sponsored by the GROTON meet the required standards for participation by the trav­ it was deeded to them by the 116 Ellsworth heirs. Choate School eling public. Continuing input of event information into Bicentennial Museum Tours Public Library From May 1st until November 1st, the Homestead WALLINGFORD Symphony the Bicentennial Information Network (BINET) by proj­ is open on Tuesday.until Saturday from 1:00 P.M. NEW BRITAIN Museum of Art ect sponsors is essential since this will be a prime source until 5:00 P.M. for a guided tour. A donation of through '76 for DATO's research. 18 Lecture: Republican Art and the $1.00 will be appreciated. There is no charge for chil­ "DISCOVER BICENTENNIAL AMERICA" will be American Revolution dren under 12 years of age. Special arrangements Changing exhibits based on bi-weekly regional listings of the top activities Central Connecticut State Col­ for group tours may be made with the House Chair­ Chapel Street Mall in each of nine DATO regions. In addition, a listing of lege man, Mrs. Newell W. Pinkham, 2 Elm Road, Crom­ NE W HAVEN Bicentennial In­ the top 20 national events will also be provided on a well 06416 ( 635-4313) or with the Custodian, Mrs. NE W BRITAIN monthly basis. The program began with mailings to the formation Center Manley Moran, 778 Palisado Avenue, Windsor (688­ news media on November 14, 1975 and will continue 9444). 06095. throughout 1976. 19 Play: Oklahoma! "200 YEARS AGO" Events which should be reviewed for possible inclusion Tower Theater State Library Museum in either regional or "Top 20" releases may be sent to: HARTFORD HARTFORD BETHLEHEM TO HOST CALIFORNIA BAND Bicentennial News Service through 28 The University of California's famous marching band, through '76 Discover America Travel Organization viewed by millions of people watching the UC football 1100 Connecticut Avenue, N.W. games, will appear on the Bethlehem fairgrounds on July Announcements for BICENTENNIAL HAPPENINGS must be received by the 10th of the month, two months Washington, D.C. 20036 13 in an evening concert. in advance of the event. Phone: (202) 293-3050 SOUTH ACTIOiV . Film^

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ATOLLOV HJILOV ARBCC EDUCATIONAL FILMSTRIPS ON THE REVOLUTION Two educational filmstrips and accompanying cassettes on Connecticut's role in the American Revolution are now available for use in elementary and secondary schools. Intended for Grades 4-8, the filmstrip "Connecticut- The Provision State" describes Connecticut in the War for Independence using many of the scenes from the official ARBCC film "Besolved to be Free." The narra­ tive was written by Dr. Joan Kereljza, Director of Cur­ riculum for the West Hartford Public Schools. A 35 mm color filmstrip, it is 13 minutes-15 sec. in length. "The Coming of the Revolution" is aimed at the high school and adult level and deals with the causes of the war in Connecticut, and is designed to lead into class­ room discussion of the issues presented. Researched and written by Dr. David N. Roth, Director, Center for Con­ necticut Studies, Eastern Connecticut State College, it is also a 35 mm color filmstrip, 13 minutes long. Each filmstrip kit includes a teacher's guide. They will become available for purchase March 1 for $16.75 each from Fenwick Productions, P.O. Box 277, West Hartford, CT 06107. Phone: 523-1917. Postage is included.

LOCAL HISTORY BY AND FOR RIDGEFIELD SCHOOLS Local history and resources are the subjects of two A Liberty Vole raising was a highlight of activity for recent publications of the Town of Ridgefield's school students at the Elm Hill School, Newington. system; a fourth grade history text called Reading About Ridgefield and a Bicentennial Manual: A Guide to Bicen­ CONNECTICUT'S BICENTENNIAL SENIORS tennial Activities and Resources for grades K-12. High school seniors Nancy P. McKinstry of Portland, The history was written by teachers Richard Leheny and Barbara Laskey of Trumbull were the state winners and Robert Tulipani. It is a chronology that begins with of the "Bicentennial Seniors" competition. They were a geological survey and continues with the history of chosen from local winners representing high schools the Indians in Ridgefield, the town's settlement, colonial throughout the state, on the basis of their one-minute days, Ridgefield during the Revolution, and the growth scripts patterned after the CBS "Bicentennial Minutes," a of industry. The material is presented in a clear, easy-to­ commentary on its significance and a high score on a read format and is illustrated with many line drawings currents events test. Both women received a $1000 and photographs. At the end of each chapter, further scholarship and a trip to Williamsburg. investigations and activities are suggested. The Bicentennial Manual lists local residents willing to give classroom or "on site" presentations of activities such as weaving, cooking, sheep shearing and Ridgefield "PLEASE ANSWER ME ... " history. Suggestions for field trips and an index of Bicen­ Letters from kids across the country come addressed tennial resources at each of the town's schools complete to the ARBCC at the rate of 25-50 a day. Usually, the the manual. letters are requests for information on the Bicentennial Information on prices and ordering both of these pub­ in Connecticut, but some also ask the Commission to find lications may be obtained by contacting Mr. Joseph D. pen pals for them. Leheny, Director of Curriculum and Instruction, P.O. If any Connecticut schools or classrooms are participat­ Box 638, Board of Education, Ridgefield, Connecticut ing in the Bicentennial "Junior Committees of Corres­ 06877. pondence" Program, or have an interest in a pen pal ft ft ft e program, please contact the ABBCC, 59 South Prospect The Fun and Facts book for children, recently pub­ St., Hartford, CT 06001. Please note the grade level or lished by the Shelton Bicentennial Commission (see Oc­ age of the students and the ARBCC will forward letters tober 1975 Gazette) may be ordered through the Bacon from the same level when possible. Printing Company, Derby. continued on next page

8 FILM, TV i? BOOKS, continued The Bicentennial is the theme of the November issue of Connecticut Review, a collection of scholarly articles A New Look at History, Mary Lohmann, Old Lyme published by the Board of Trustees for the Connecticut Bicentennial Commission, 64 pp., $4.75. State Colleges. The issues begins with a foreword by Gov­ "History is made up of everything that ever happened." ernor , and remarks on the Bicentennial by So begins A New Look At History, a school text written Senators and Lowell Weicker. Articles as a Bicentennial project by the Old Lyme Bicentennial with emphasis on the Revolutionary War period include Commission. The book is a series of 30 exercises designed the introductory article on Connecticut in the American for elementary school students. The format is intended Revolutionary War by David M. Roth, a review of Science, to help students experience history as a process of which Technology and Medicine in 18th Century Connecticut by they are a part, and to interpret the past based on their Louis L. Kuslan, The Ohio Western Reserve: Its Influence own observation. Hundreds of illustrations, taken from on Political Parties in Connecticut in the Late Eighteenth all periods of history, accompany the exercises on topics Century by Bonnie B. Collier and an article by Max M. such as art and architecture, furniture, people, coins and Mintz: A Conversation Between Thomas Jefferson and stamps, growth and change in towns, cities, education Gouverneur Morris: The Author of The Declaration of In­ and lifestyles. Students are also introduced to some tech­ dependence and the Penman of the Constitution. niques and definitions that can be used as tools for study­ ing history. Requests for subscriptions or back issues should be ad­ dressed to the Board of Trustees for the State Colleges, The exercises include making a copy book, touring your Box 2008, New Britain, CT 06050. town, researching names of streets, finding and classify­ The Review also accepts manuscripts from academic and ing old objects and doing a crossword puzzle. professional writers on subjects of a humanistic nature, up It is unusual for a town to publish a text book in­ to 8,000 words. Details on submitting manuscripts may be tended for general use, and A New Look at History has obtained by writing to Editor, Connecticut Review, South­ already received much attention. ern Connecticut State College, New Haven, Conn. 06515. A brochure and order form may be obtained by writ­ ing to Mrs. John Crosby Brown, Chairman, Old Lyme Bicentennial Commission, Lyme Street, Old Lyme, Con­ necticut 06371. The Diocese of Norwich has published a liturgical guide for the Bicentennial: Celebrating the American Bi­ centennial, A Nation Remembers and Prays, to assist par­ East Hartford: Its History and Traditions, Joseph O. ishes, church-related organizations and schools as they Goodwin, published originally by the Press of the Case, plan their programs and activities for the 200th anni­ Lockwood & Brainard Co., 1879, new edition published versary of the country. The booklet includes the letter of by the Raymond Library Company, East Hartford, 1975. congratulations extended in 1789 to President Washington 249 pp. $12.50. by Catholic leaders, and Washington's response, and a Bi­ Author Joseph O. Goodwin spent 48 years as East centennial prayer composed by the Most Beverend Vin­ Hartford's Town Clerk. In the foreword to the repub­ cent J. Hines, Bishop of Norwich. lished edition of his book, Goodwin is praised as "prob­ The guide was written by the Norwich Diocesan Com­ ably the greatest public servant East Hartford has known." mission on Sacred Liturgy, 201 Broadway, P.O. Box 587, Mr. Goodwin's work covers the town's history from the Norwich, CT 06360. time of the Indians through the colonial and Revolutionary periods, ecclesiastical and industrial history, schools, transportation, customs and laws into the latter half of the 19th century. The work is a compilation that cannot be duplicated, but later this year a second history will be published, updating the written record of the town to the present day. The book may be ordered from the East Hartford Public Library, 840 Main Street, East Hartford, CT 06108. Checks should be made out to the Raymond Library Company. Postage is included.

The Smithsonian Institution, in cooperation with the Scholastic educational publishing company, has organized twenty portfolios which visually document American his­ tory. Each of the units of the series, titled The American The official Connecticut Bicentennial medallion is now Experience, contains fifty prints of maps, diaries, political minted in gold, as well as silver and bronze. cartoons, reprints of newspapers, posters, photographs, engravings, documents, paintings, sculture and blueprints. BICENTENNIAL GOLD MEDALS FLOWER A teacher's guide and a background text are included in Gleaming 18 karat gold will be used for editions of the each portfolio. Suggested uses for the material are for national Bicentennial medallion, and for many state and Bicentennial displays, and as classroom visual aids and city medallions, including the official Bicentennial medal library resources. for Connecticut. The portfolios may be ordered for a 30-day free class­ Eighteen Bicentennial medallions will be minted in room trial. The cost for each of the portfolios is $24.50. gold by the Medallic Art Company in Danbury. In addi­ The complete set is $399.50. For information write: tion to the Connecticut commemorative, the medals are The American Experience from the states of Arkansas, Delaware, Georgia, Indiana, 904 Sylvan Avenue Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Englewood Cliffs, NJ 07632 continued on next page 9 MEDALS, continued distances from bench marks at each county's courthouse. Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North The program, under the direction of Lucille Fox, De­ Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia and Washington partment of Transportation liaison officer for conservation and the cities of and New York. These are and preservation, began in 1963 when highway officials now offered to collectors for $250.00 apiece in limited ordered an inventory of old stones still existing. editions of 500 or 1,000. The medals, 1" in diameter, In District II, Norwich, the first of the four highway will be struck in high relief, serially numbered and hall­ districts to complete the inventory in 1969, 72 original marked. A plexiglass display case will hold and protect stones remain, while 168 had to be replaced. each medal. A brochure and order form for the Medallic In District I (Hartford), only 44 of the original 166 Art Bicentennial medal program may be obtained by stones are left in place. writing to the company, Old Ridgebury Road, Danbury, Highway district engineers and Mrs. Fox drew up Connecticut 06810. strict specifications for replacement stones, based on col­ The official Bicentennial medal of the American Revo­ onial designs. By law, the Connecticut milestones were lution Bicentennial Administration will be minted in gold required to be at least two feet high, and typically mea­ and is the first gold medal in the history of the United sured 9 to 11 inches across and 10 inches thick. Most States to be specifically authorized by Congress for sale weighed about 500 pounds. to the public. The medal, featuring the Statue of Liberty In June, 1970, funds were allocated, bids sent out, on one side and the Great Seal of the United States on and the first replacement stones for District II were deliv­ the other, is being minted in seven combinations of size ered to DOT in August of that year. and metal (gold, bronze, gold-plated bronze and pew­ Mrs. Fox said curtailment of state programs due to ter), ranging in price from $5.00 to $4,000.00. The medals poor economic conditions prevented replacement of Dis­ are available only to those people whose letters are post­ trict I stones and inventory of the remaining two districts. marked January 1-July 31, 1976 and are limited to five New Haven (District III) and New Milford (District IV). of each medal per order. For further information, Con­ She said, however, that she is asking highway maintenance tact ARBA, 2401 E Street N.W., Washington, D.C. 20276. forces to report stones they find as a special effort for the bicentennial. John D. McDowell, a Farmington attorney and mile­ stone historian, estimated that 210 of the original 600 milestones will be restored or replaced as near as possible to their original locations. Mrs. Fox said although most of the original milestones were of Connecticut sandstone and fieldstone, both stone types don't weather well. "We went out to contract and decided to use pink granite emulating brownstone and gray granite emulating fieldstone," she said. Original placement of the milestones dates back to 1767, when the Colonial General Court passed an Enabling Act ordering town selectmen to set up stones on post roads. In 1950, the Connecticut General Assembly en­ acted legislation directing the highway commissioner to reset and maintain the historic markers. It was fteuisj ^OOyears a A typical original Connecticut milestone, this marker is in Old Wethersfield and marks the distance to a zero bench mark in the floor of the Old State House in Hart­ ford. A replacement of the original zero bench mark and two milestones from East Hartford are on display at the State House. Photo courtesy DOT The Connecticut Courant NEW-HAVEN, February 7 MILESTONES IN OUR HISTORY Extract of a letter from Brigadier-General [Benedict] by Anne Biemacki Arnold, dated, Camp before Quebec, Jan. 14, 1776. Journalism Student "You will soon hear of our misfortune, and of my be­ University of Hartford ing wounded, and will, I make no doubt, be very anxious The "Spirit of '76" among state officials and citizens for my safety.—I have the pleasure to inform you, my has shown itself in one on-going bicentennial project that wound (which was by a ball, that went thro' my left hopes to restore some visible symbols of Connecticut's leg, and shattered the bone) is in a fair way of recovery; past—its historic milestones. my surgeon assures me I shall be able to walk in three The goal of the statewide effort is to inventory and or four weeks—I am otherwise well and hearty.—By the replace damaged or lost milestones along Connecticut's death of the unfortunate, but brave General [Montgomery] early turnpikes. the command falls on me.—This has been a most ardu­ The historic markers, placed in the 18th and 19th ous task—Our whole force after the attack amounted to centuries along the state's main turnpike routes, marked no more than seven hundred men. . . . Our duty has 10 been extremely hard and fatiguing in this inclement cli­ THE HANDICAPPED AND THE BICENTENNIAL mate, where the snow is now four feet deep on a level. The President's Committee on Employment of the But what cannot soldiers do, who are fighting for Liberty Handicapped has developed an information pamphlet on and their Country! . . . the needs of the handicapped for sponsors of Bicentennial activities. It is available to all interested groups and has COMMON SENSE IN CONNECTICUT already been sent to the nation's Bicentennial Communi­ Thomas Paine (1737-1809) published his electrifying ties. For this and additional information on the handi­ work Common Sense in January, 1776, at the age of 39, capped, write to Harold Russell, Chairman of the Presi­ only two years after his arrival in this country from dent's Committee on Employment of the Handicapped, England. The pamphlet called for independence for the Washington, D.C. 20210. # & « # colonies, using Paine's talent for powerful language and persuasive argument. Common Sense sold more than half The Barrington Boys' Choir is now scheduling ap­ a million copies, and was the beginning of Paine's career pearances for Spring, 1976. They present two programs; as a political theorist. a full evening concert and a shorter "Children Sing for Children" which is intended for an elementary school Favorable reaction to its publication was widespread. audience. Their repertoire includes American and tra­ In Connecticut, the February 19th issue of the Connecti­ ditional boychoir music and musical production, "Touch cut Courant began its serialization of the work with the the Earth." The cost of an evening performance is $350.00, following modest introduction: and the school presentation is $150.00, or, if presented in The Publisher of this Paper might have made an ad­ conjunction with the evening program, $50.00. Write to vantage to himself by printing the following celebrated the Barrington Boys' Choir, Box 290, Barrington, Rhode piece in the form of a pamphlet. It is so greatly admired, Island. and read with such avidity in the southern colonies, that Low-cost accommodations for Bicentennial visitors, and the third edition is now printed in Philadelphia: There beyond, is the subject of a "how-to" booklet prepared is also a German edition in the press at Philadelphia, and by the American Revolution Bicentennial Administration. one in the Dutch language at New York: Two reasons The 36-page primer outlines basic information on alterna­ may be assigned for publishing of it in the Courant: First, tives, pitfalls and possible resources which can be used the difficulty of reasonably obtaining suitable paper to to establish low-cost lodging facilities in a community. print it in a pamphlet-Secondly, from an anxious desire The handbook discusses existing facilities, location and in the printer of furnishing his customers as soon as pos­ evaluation of facilities and structures, community clear­ sible with every thing curious, entertaining and instructive. ances and support, operating considerations and staff and And from New Haven on the same day, William Robin­ budget needs. It also contains directories of helpful con­ son wrote to his friend and former classmate at Yale, tacts. , now in the army near Cambridge. He noted A copy can be obtained by writing to the Program that the "little pamphlet entitled common sense" had Division, ARBA, 2401 E Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. stimulated tremendous interest in the question of separa­ 20276. tion of conciliation. "I confess a perusal of it has much reform'd my notions upon several points and hope it may have the same effect upon many others." CONNECTICUT BICENTENNIAL Bicentennial Day Book GAZETTE SUBSCRIPTION National Park Service Make check for $1.00 payable to Treasurer, State of Connecticut, and mail to The Connecticut Bicentennial Gazette, 59 South Prospect Street, Hartford, Conn.

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Dramatic characterizations of America's women des­ AMOUNT ENCLOSED: $ cribes "Patriots in Petticoats", a Bicentennial program created by Dorothy Fitzgerald and Priscilla Wells. Epi­ RENEWAL sodes of the past 200 years are presented in an hour show (and/or) I wish to receive the following information: which is a documentary view of the lives of eight women Connecticut State Map showing Revolutionary in our country's history. The program includes scenes War Sites & other Historical Points of Interest from the Revolution, featuring Betsy Ross, Martha Wash­ ington, and Abigail Adams. Scenes with Dolly Madison, Lady Bagot, Mary Todd Lincoln, Grace Coolidge, Alice Brochure, "The Bicentennial in Connecticut— Roosevelt Longworth and lady patriots of today con­ What's Happening" tinue the theme. The playwrights are both professional actresses. Mrs. I wish to learn of opportunities to participate Wells and her husband owned and directed the Somers in the Bicentennial celebration in my locale. Playhouse for 11 years. For performance reservations, (Your name will be forwarded to the chairman write or telephone: Priscilla Wells, Box 428, 760 Main of your town's Bicentennial Committee.) Street, Somers, CT 06071. Phone: 749-4540. 11 Editofii

The CBS Television Network has included his­ story told as well . . . the Governor's wife, Faith torical narratives about our state's participation in Trumbull gave the cloak given to her by the Comte the American Revolution on the network's "Bicen­ de Rochambeau to aid the soldiers at Valley Forge tennial Minutes." Sponsored by the Shell Oil Com­ ... or Agnes Dickinson Lee, who fired cannon on pany, these spots have been generally both enter­ battlefields ... or Deborah Champion, who rode taining and instructive. a hundred miles with a message for Washington. However, two recent presentations used incidents A little humor could have been injected by reporting that were not true reflections of Connecticut's con­ the quaint story of Phoebe Humphrey, who beat a tributions to the Revolutionary Era. The subject Hessian soldier with her bread paddle .. . or the was Connecticut troops who indicated they wanted gallant journey of Katherjne Gaylord who, with to return home when their enlistments were up more than 100 other women, walked back to Con­ and General Washington's violent reaction. Cer­ necticut after surviving the Wyoming Massacre. tainly the events took place, and we do not want Daring raids on Long Island were carried out by to change history as it happened, but there were Colonel Return Jonathan Meigs and Major Ben­ many more significant and heroic acts that could jamin Tallmadge . . . and six Connecticut regiments have been used to reflect a truer picture of Con­ endured terrible hardships at Valley Forge. The necticut 200 years ago. story of what happened to John Hart, signer of the Subject matter could have included the story of Declaration would have made good copy, as would the first Liberty Pole, raised in Connecticut in Nor­ the meeting between Washington and Rochambeau wich in 1764 ... . the resignation of Jared Inger­ in Wethersfield, or the military career of General soll, Stamp Act collector, demanded by the Liberty , who lead men into battle at the Boys who were headed by Colonel Durkee .. . the age of 67. We need to learn more of the great leadership of General Putnam and Thomas Knowl­ story of Admiral , who built a flo­ ton at the Battle of Bunker Hill; Knowlton's brave tilla on Lake Champlain, aided by Connecticut defense of the fence line and Israel Putnam's shipwrights. And while speaking of Arnold, it is famous ". . . don't fire until you see the whites of not generally known that he fought in the only their eyes." They might mention the Salisbury Iron two large military engagements in Connecticut; the Furnace, which cast 850 cannon . . . supplying Battle of Ridgefield, where he sided with the Patri­ between thirty-five and forty-two percent of all the ots, and in New London, where he fought with the American artillery pieces used between 1775 and British. Will the tale of the ten year-old Connecti­ 1778 ... or, New England's only cavalry regiment, cut boy who was the youngest soldier in the Con­ under the command of Elisha Sheldon, also of Sal­ tinental Army ever be aired? isbury. It should be noted that Governor Trumbull, Historical incidents of great dramatic quality called "Brother Jonathan" by Washington, was the abound in Connecticut, and to dwell on incidents only elected wartime Governor in the colonies and that reflect poorly on Connecticut's contributions is directed our state's magnificent contribution of sup­ an injustice to the 5,000 soldiers killed in the war plies to the whole Continental Army . . . and then from the state, out of 16,824 from all thirteen col­ there was the statue of King George hauled down onies, a large share for a small state. in New York and brought to Connecticut by Oliver These "Minutes" have focused attention on the Wolcott, where pieces of it were made into 41,000 Revolution, but because history will not be told the musket balls. "way it was" in 60 seconds, responsibility is heavy The women of Connecticut deserve to have their on the producers to present a balanced accounting.

RENEWAL NOTICE for Subscribers with 2/76 ending date. Ending date for individual subscribers appears below, after name and address.

Connecticut Bicentennial Bulk Hate GAZETTE U.S. Postage PAID 59 South Prospect Street Permit No. 4313 Hartford, Conn. 06106 Hartford, Conn.

THE Connecticut Bicentennial GAZETTE »MTtfi-LlBf**R Y 1.0* * CM T R 9 0 WASHINGTON S T The American Revolution Bicentennial Commission of Connecticut H*RTFQR0 CT 06106 Susanne D. King, Editor George 'A'. Cyr, Supervising Editor