Lebanon Vol. 3 No. 1 Fall 2010 Prov isions The Lebanon Historical Society Newsletter

“Be Prepared” & “Do a Good Turn Daily” Calendar Of Events By Donna Baron All of our programs are open to the public. In the late 1800s many separate

Sunday, November 14 organizations for 2:00pm boys were created Greener Pastures around the world. Connecticut's Drawing on this Western Settlements trend and his Talk by State Historian personal experience Walter Woodward in military , British Lieutenant Sunday, December 5 General Robert 6:00pm Baden-Powell held Tree Lighting the first Boy Scouting Stop in after the lighting of the encampment in 1907.

tree for cookies, cider Panel included: left to right, Dave Hawkins, Ernie Manning, and crafts for the kids! A year later, Baden- Marty Shenkle, Al Wilder and Sue Church Powell published Saturday, January 15 Boy Scouts of America has a founding 10:00am - 12:00pm (considered the first Boy Hand legend that is partly myth. According Preservation Workshop Book). The movement grew rapidly to tradition William Boyce was Textiles: Clothing & and in 1909, 10,000 boys from around Household Items inspired to found BSA because of an the world attended the first Scout Reservations Required encounter in London with a young rally at the Crystal Palace in London. man who helped provide directions. Saturday, February 12 Inspired by Baden-Powell‟s work in When offered a tip, the youngster Preservation Workshop England, American William Boyce declined saying he was a Boy Scout Metals: Silver, Pewter incorporated the Boy Scouts of and just doing his daily good turn. Copper, Brass & Iron America (BSA) in February 1910. Boyce felt that this Scout, who never Reservations Required Later that year thirty-four identified himself, represented the representatives of existing boys‟ true spirit of Scouting. Sunday, February 20 organizations met in New York City Scouting in Lebanon began about Antique Glass to set up a national headquarters 1934 when Reverend Howard Talk by Noel Tomas, and develop organizational plans. Champe, who had started a troop in president of the Connecticut In 1911 BSA adopted the Scout Oath, Museum of Glass Hebron some years before, founded , badges and fundamental Bring an antique bottle Troop 58 so his own son could be a policies. A year later the first Eagle to be identified Scout. In 1937 the fledgling troop Scout rank was awarded and Boys’ traveled to Washington, D.C., to More programs can be Life became the official BSA magazine. found on page 4 participate in the first National Boy Like many great organizations, the Continued on page 10 Lebanon Historical Society Newsletter Fall 2010 Page 1

From the President The mission of the Ed Tollmann Lebanon Historical Summer has passed and winter is coming Society soon. The momentum at the museum is The mission of the Society still building. Our Boy Scout display is in is to preserve and to place and looks great thanks to staff and interpret all aspects of the volunteer Marty Kendall. Celebrating the history of Lebanon, th Connecticut from its 100 anniversary of the Boy Scouts kicked earliest inhabitants to the off with a reception and a panel discussion present day, with a special on October 24th. emphasis on the role of Lebanon in the American A wine tasting event (Evening at the Museum) Revolution. was very successful in September and raised much needed funds. Everyone had a wonderful time. I‟m sure next year Board of Trustees the event will be even more successful. President Our annual Antiques Show was also a great Ed Tollmann success. Without our many volunteers and Vice President and Acting Membership Chair Glenn Pianka

Treasurer fantastic staff both events would not Rob Slate have been as successful. It always Secretary Sandie Chalifoux amazes me how the antiques show

Buildings & Grounds comes together. All our volunteers Jim Mello know what to do and the day always

Community Events ends up a great success. Keith LaPorte Donna has been soliciting more Collections schools to visit Lebanon and has been Brian Bartizek very successful. I was at the museum Development Jan Grigas during one of the visits of a class from Lyman

Education Memorial. It was great to see how quickly the group Sara Cross felt at home at the museum. The class wanted to do

Exhibitions some volunteer work at the museum and they have Margaret McCaw returned once and cleaned and organized our

Finance Visitor Center. There have been more than 80 Connie Berglund pupils visiting at one time.

Nominating It was decided at our last Board of Directors meeting to Al Vertefeuille fill the last spot on the board which is a member-at-large spot and have that Personnel member oversee the Beaumont House. Dee Krouppa and John Kendall have been very Betty Forrest loyal keeping the house open for visitors. The Board felt it‟s time they became more Publications involved with getting docents and keeping the house up. The south wall that has been Jacy Worth plagued with water damage will be replaced this fall. Many thanks to Dee and John for Members-at-large all their help with the Beaumont House. Linda Heatherly Suzanne Yoe We have a fantastic Board of Directors, they are a group the whole historical society

Ex-Officio can be proud of. My thanks to our Board, our staff and our dedicated volunteers. Archie Andrews III Without all of you, we would not be reaching our goals for the LHS. I have never had

Director the feeling of satisfaction with other organizations I‟ve been part of as I have with LHS. Donna Baron Thank you all.

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Director’s Message

Donna Baron Welcome

October is both American Archives Month and National Family History Month, a logical to our combination since most genealogical research (family history) depends on the contents of archives. The Lebanon Historical Society observed these two celebrations with Carol newest Whitmer‟s talk on October 27 about the pros and cons of using the Internet for members genealogical research. Helping members and visitors with family research, however, is an almost daily activity for museum staff and volunteers. Senior Fred & Nancy Answering genealogical inquiries was one of the first activities of the Lebanon Historical Henderson Society. Our files include letters written in the 1960s in response to correspondents trying to trace Lebanon ancestors. As plans for our current building progressed in the Alice Williams mid 1990s, a genealogy library was always part of the design. Family history researchers are still the largest part of our out-of-state visitors. Some folks just call and ask for help Individual because tradition says an ancestor came from Lebanon. Many more find us first on Dale Zeppieri the Internet.

Our web site www.historyof Lebanon.org has an entire section on genealogical research Family with a long list of the resources available. For many years our wonderful volunteer Donald & Deborah genealogist Lindy Brunkhorst-Olewine has been transcribing all kinds of public and Cobb church records and creating alphabetical indexes and data bases that greatly simplify searching for information about individuals and families. Her work has been Chris & Lisa supplemented with Matt Keagle‟s data bases of men from Lebanon who served in the Manville

American Revolution. In addition, the library For many years our wonderful holds printed, microfilmed, or digitized copies volunteer genealogist Lindy of many original manuscript records including Brunkhorst-Olewine has been deeds, probate dockets and censuses. All of History Trivia Answer: transcribing all kinds of public these, plus our subscriptions to the New The Palisado and church records and England Historical and Genealogical Register creating alphabetical indexes and Heritage Quest, published family histories, and data bases that greatly and our own family history files are available Contact Us: The Lebanon simplify searching for to our library patrons. Historical Society information about individuals If you come to do research, you will probably 856 Trumbull Hwy P.O. Box 151 work with staff member Grace Sayles or Lebanon, CT 06249 volunteer Marty Kendall. If I am very lucky, they will be busy and I will be able to help. 860-642-6579 (I love family history research and welcome every chance I can get to become involved.) museum@ historyoflebanon.org If you complete our online research request form, you may begin working with Lindy www. Brunkhorst-Olewine who is a top notch genealogist as well as a patient and thorough historyoflebanon.org records transcriber. One of the benefits of your membership is that genealogical Museum Hours: services are often free or discounted. Wed. thru Sat. 12pm to 4pm

Please take advantage of this member benefit. Although our collection focuses on Library & Research Lebanon and the neighboring towns, we can often provide suggestions for research Center Wed. and Sat. only online or in other communities. Our collection cannot be checked out, but we have lots 12pm to 4pm of resources that can help students of all levels with school projects. And, if you have or by appointment. Lebanon ancestors, this is the “go-to” to begin your family history exploration.

Lebanon Historical Society Newsletter Fall 2010 Page 3

Patriotism, Food and Monuments Upcoming Programs & Events Become a History Mystery Times still to be determined By Alicia Wayland cities like Norwich, New Haven and In the planning stages: Patriotism and food production were Providence. It was also second in the A display strongly intertwined in Lebanon during about the Goshen World War II. An article in the Hartford state with the number of acres Congregational Church Courant on Sept. 14, 1942, describes in harvested. According to a follow-up detail a ceremony and large rally planned article in the Courant, dated Sept. 20, Saturday, March 19 for the following Sunday, Sept. 20. 1942, it rained the day of the rally but Basket-making “practically every resident of Lebanon The program included the unveiling Workshop who was able took part in the town‟s of an Honor Roll on the Green that Pre-registration required „Food for Freedom‟ rally.” fee charged for listed the men in the armed forces all participants and a parade celebrating the town‟s The unveiling of the Honor Roll commitment to agriculture. was an ecumenical ceremony with Catholic, Jewish, and Sunday, April 3 Protestant clergy participating. "Outlaws, Villains & Rogues" The 70 men in the services Musical Presentation who are listed represent only by Rick Spenser the men called up in the first draft in 1941. Some of the

1941 draftees were deferred Wednesday, May 4 ANNUAL MEETING because they worked in & Program defense industries. They were Going It Alone: called up in the second draft Lebanon Since 1804 in 1943. Presentation by The young sailor is Wilfred Chalifoux. All the Lebanon men and women Alicia Wayland Photo courtesy of Helen Krause who served in World War II are Officials in the parade included military, listed on the permanent monument You can always visit educational, agricultural and state erected at the east end of the driveway our website www. defense officials, joining with Lebanon‟s into Town Hall. There are four women historyoflebanon.org citizens to pledge their agricultural and 130 men on the list. Seven of the young men were killed in action. to see a list of our current strength to victory. The monument also includes a list of events and programs The rally was part of the national “Food the Lebanon men who fought in World for Freedom” program started by the War I. One Lebanon soldier was killed We would love to see U.S. Department of Agriculture. Ag in that war. you at our programs. department workers around the country How the permanent monument came If you have an idea for promoted increased food production about remains something of a mystery. a program or you to aid the war effort by staging special At a town meeting on March 7, 1949, events like the rally in Lebanon. would be interested in residents approved a motion “that the According to the Courant, Lebanon putting on a program, Town appropriate $600.00 towards the please let us know! was the leading milk producer in the creation of the Memorial to the state, making daily shipments to major Veterans of World Wars One and Continued on page 11 4Page Page 2 4 Winter Fall 20092010 Lebanon Lebanon Historical Historical Society Society Newsletter Newsletter

Farming with Horsepower LAST CHANCE, By Marie Reynolds TIME IS RUNNING OUT! Until the late 1930s and early 1940s many farmers used draft horses to perform their Don't miss out on this daily chores. The farmer depended on the opportunity to share horses to provide the power for moving a taste of your equipment and tilling the fields. The horses family's heritage. were hitched to the equipment using leather harnesses and were FAMILY controlled using a bridle RECIPES and reins as well as voice commands. DUE BY The harnesses in this photo Dec. 31, 2010. were found at Oak Leaf Dairy in a barn attic during a Reconnect with your renovation project in the heritage by writing summer of 2010. Stephen your recipe and and Anna Kurcinik Horses with harnesses in action. The pictured harnesses include a family purchased Oak Leaf Dairy in were recently donated to the historical society photo or a special 1922 where they raised their memory of your family family, Stephen, Joseph, Kalmon, Helen and Emil. This farming family used horse making or enjoying power to clear the land and take in the harvest. The leathers, hames and traces in your favorite dish. these photos were used on Tom and Dick, the last team of horses at Oak Leaf Dairy. The Historical Society Tom and Dick were used for plowing the fields in preparation for planting vegetable will create a book of crops. They were also used for mowing, raking and taking in the hay. When the these Heritage recipes vegetable crops were harvested, the horses pulled a buckboard to Willimantic to for purchase. deliver the produce to local markets. The horse drawn buckboard was also used for shopping trips and taking Anna to the American Thread Company where she worked We have received for many years. Oak Leaf Dairy, located on Bogg Lane in Lebanon, is owned and operated many delicious recipes by Mark and Jackie Reynolds, who are fourth generation family members. from "soup to nuts" but would like to State Historian Walter Woodward is coming to Lebanon include more. By the 1760s, Lebanon residents (like folks from towns around the colony) began All Lebanon residents leaving and moving north and west. For almost a century thousands of families left and former residents economic uncertainty at home for the greener pastures they hoped to find in are invited Pennsylvania, Vermont, New York and the Western Reserve of Ohio. Dr. Woodward to contribute. will explore how these emigrants transferred Connecticut culture and values to new parts of America and how they influenced the development of the new nation. To get your recipe Walter W. Woodward is Connecticut‟s fifth State Historian and an assistant professor form just contact the of history at the University of Connecticut. A scholar of early American and Atlantic museum 860-642-6579 world history, he has recently published a book, Prospero’s America: John Winthrop Jr., or Claire Krause Alchemy and the Creation of New England Culture 1606-1676. Before becoming a 860-423-0468 historian Woodward was an Emmy-winning country music composer and a Clio- Forms are available winning advertising person. at the museum Tony Brooks, director of the Luzerne County Historical Society (LCHS) which is and senior center. located in the Wyoming River Valley in northeast Pennsylvania will also be in Lebanon on November 14. Following Dr. Woodward‟s talk, Mr. Brooks will briefly describe the collections at LCHS and the community‟s roots in eastern Connecticut. Lebanon Historical Society Newsletter Fall 2010 Page 5

LHS Featured Volunteers - Marge & Bill Jahoda Thank You By Jacy Worth to all of our Our featured volunteers are Marge and Bill Jahoda, who Antiques Show recently welcomed me in to their volunteers and lovely home in the woods for an all of our friends interview. I spent the afternoon behind the scenes. listening to wonderful stories of their history together and of the productive lives they have led. Each year we bring Their home reflects the depth of the show together their accomplishments. It is filled in a seamless way, with artifacts from their travels and Bill‟s research; there is even a creating a Lebanon picture of a paramecium, named tradition. for Bill, by a former student, hanging on the wall. Photos of

nature and of their cherished The Lebanon family are all around. Trophies Marge and Bill Jahoda after Marge received the 2010 Historical Society from Marge‟s days of playing Lebanon Citizen of the Year award looks forward to tennis as well as awards for their many persuaded Marge to fly out to Tucson and next year's accomplishments are proudly displayed. These are well-deserved accolades for a they were married in the University of 45th Annual couple who have devoted a great deal Arizona chapel in 1942. The couple had Outdoor of time to their community as well their first son, John, in Texas during Bill‟s Antiques Show. as to conservation and land preservation. work as an aviation instructor, prior to his being sent abroad. After his deployment The sum of the parts Bill was born in New York City in 1917, Marge went back to New Hampshire with but his family moved to Fairfield in 1920. equals the whole. their son and Bill was sent overseas to This is where his appreciation of the India and Burma where he flew supplies outdoors developed as he spent much and fuel over the “Hump” from India to Again thanks of his time at local estuaries and enjoying Kunming, China. He used a 4 engine & Tallyho! the woods in the area. He served in the transport aircraft. He served for several Civilian Conservation Corps after high Keith LaPorte, years, ending up as a Lt. Colonel and school and then earned a degree in receiving two Air Medals and the Community Events forestry at the University of New Distinguished Flying Cross. Bill earned a Chair Hampshire. He met Marge, who was BS and MS in forestry from UNH. After the sister of a classmate, while they were The Antiques Show the war, he was released from active duty both studying at UNH. Bill entered the is always held the last and obtained his PhD in biology from Air Force during the Second World War. Saturday in September Ohio State University. The Jahodas' He received his wings at Parks Air College so mark your calendar daughter Judy was born while they lived in St. Louis, then went to Tucson, Arizona, and tell your friends! in Ohio. Bill became a biological science to be trained as a B-17 bomber pilot. He Continued on next page

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Johoda continued LHS Featured Volunteers - Marge & Bill Jahoda A favorite inspiration Continued from previous page of Dr. Jahoda's professor at New Paltz State Teacher‟s go on to college. She spent three years The Crucial Resource College in NY and their third child, Janet, at the University of New Hampshire, then By Nancy Newhall From was born. When the Korean War began life took over with marriage and four This Is The American Earth he was recalled to active duty with the children and the Jahoda motto, “family Air Force. Bill was assigned to UConn‟s first.” Marge was able to continue her Of all resources, the most ROTC as Professor of Air Science and schooling when, in 1958, Bill‟s mother crucial is man's spirit. Not dulled, nor lulled, Tactics. This is what brought the Jahodas came to live with them, and helped with supine, secure, replete, to Lebanon. They consider themselves so the children. does man create fortunate to have found such a wonderful Marge obtained her teaching degree from but out of stern challenge, place to live. Lebanon was a small rural Willimantic State Teacher‟s College and in sharp excitement, community back then, very much like the taught at the Lebanon Elementary School with a burning joy. town in New Hampshire where Marge prior to her retirement. Man is the hunter still, grew up. Everyone knew their neighbors though his quarry and always helped out when necessary. be a hope, a mystery, The move took place in 1951. Their a dream, house was just a cottage then. Bill added from what immortal rooms and received much advice from Bill hungers, what sudden Buckley regarding plumbing. They raised sight of the unknown, their 4 children in this home, their surges that desire? youngest son, Jim, was born at this time. What flint of fact, Like their parents, the children developed what kindling light of art a great appreciation for nature on the or far horizon, property. Bill planted many trees on ignites that spark? what was open land when they What cry, what music, purchased the property. what strange beauty, strikes that resonance? Marge (Johnson) was born in 1921. Marge in colonial dress She hails from Pittsburg NH and grew up On these hangs the future on the family farm in a rural community. After UConn, Bill became a biology of the world.

She has an extensive New England family professor at Eastern CT State University We are all learning lost, tree with German, Irish and English roots. until he retired at fifty-five. He wanted to all music stilled, Marge‟s parents met in Pittsburg NH, devote more time to his many interests, man, if these resources where her mother worked for 35 yrs in a including photography. An enthusiastic still remained to him general store owned by Frank Baldwin. photographer, Bill did work in both still could again hear singing She was the town clerk and notary public photos and in cinematography. His in himself And rebuild anew as well. Marge‟s father ran the family still photos were marketed by Photo the habitations farm. Marge took commercial courses Researchers. As a cinematographer, of his thought. in high school and had initial plans to he produced Nature's Ways, Coral World of become a career woman. After Bermuda and Bermuda, Land and Sea, and Tenderly now, let all men graduation Marge was offered a job in a lectured internationally, on the Audubon turn to the earth! bank but her Mother encouraged her to Wildlife Films lecture circuit. Continued on next page Lebanon Historical Society Newsletter Fall 2010 Page 7

Featured Volunteer continued

A wonderful time Continued from previous page was had Once retired, and with the children on back to 1705. A book signing took place their own, Marge and Bill found more after publication and was hosted at the by all at… time to get involved in community Governor‟s mansion by Mrs. O‟Neill. An activities. Their good friend Dolle Mrs. O‟Neill, Rev. Milne, Dolle Fischer, Fischer enticed Evening at the them to join the Museum Lebanon Historical Society. Together Fundraising Event they were responsible for the Lebanon Historical

THE DATE Society's Yearbook SAVE publications from August 27 1984 until 1993. Marge became For next years' the Chair of event the Publications Committee. Bill Dolle Fischer, Mrs. Milne, Bill Jahoda, Marge Jahoda, Mrs. O'Neill Governor's wife and Rev George Milne at the book signing contributed much of the artwork for the publications. Edith Prague and Marge and Bill were In 1986 the committee published a present. This was a great highlight for book written by George McLean Milne, the committee. They also published titled Lebanon: three centuries in a small booklets such as “Touring with Connecticut hilltop town. The book Henry” and “Recollections.” The included a collaboration of sources Jahodas wanted to point out the within the community contributing lovely illustrations by Billy Dougal in to the research of the final product. “Recollections”. These books are This book still stands as an accurate still available in the gift shop account of the town‟s development. at the museum. The Jahodas were In discussing the rediscovery of a local awarded the Lebanon Historical landmark, Bill asked that I note that Society's Second Annual "Volunteer Teddy and George Randall had an idea of the Year Award" in 1994. While of the location of Five Mile Rock. involved in the Society they enjoyed With Rev. Milne and the Jahodas, they volunteering at the antiques show, went searching for it. By accident they putting on educational programs and came upon the location when Bill fundraising with bake sales. Marge was spilled some powdered chalk which a docent for a period of time. They brought out the rock‟s inscriptions. truly “had fun” during this period of This discovery is featured in the book. their lives. They are generously handing Five Mile Rock is one of the most over years of published material to the ancient landmarks in Lebanon, dating Continued on next page 8PagePage 82 Winter Fall 2010 2009 Lebanon Lebanon Historical Historical Society Society Newsletter Newsletter

Johoda continued Galapagos Islands and Bermuda. The Don't miss out Continued from previous page family enjoyed skiing both cross country on our continuing Historical Society to archive. and downhill with their children amongst and very popular many other outdoor activities. Marge Along with their many years of series of involvement and contributions to the reminisces of the many wild animals they Preservation Historical Society, the Jahodas have rescued and nurtured back to health and Workshops served their community as volunteers the interesting „items‟ she‟d discover and our town is a better place for their from the woods in her children‟s rooms. Saturday, efforts. Bill (along with Russell Tollmann) Marge also loves her flower gardens and January 15 was a Boy and Marge a for years provided the Historical Society 10:00am -12:00pm den mother for many years. They are with table arrangements for our annual Textiles: Clothing & Household Items remembered fondly by those boys meeting. She was quite an athlete and Lebanon Historical played tennis until just a few years ago. who were lucky enough to have been Society director Donna Scouts at that time. Marge served on Bill proudly produced a photo of her Baron will demonstrate the Zoning Board of Appeals and with her high school basketball team! common problems created when storing also was responsible for typing state Last year they were taken by their family heirloom textiles (from to Washington, D.C. where they regulations regarding recycling, an wedding dresses to important subject to these conservation- received the American Forest crocheted doilies) and minded people. Bill and Marge were Foundation, National Conservation explain simple at-home solutions and remedies. Deacons at the First Congregational Forestry award. This award was for Registrants are invited to enrollment of their 400 acres in New Church and were also very involved bring one heirloom with with the completion of the Rails to Hampshire called the Johnson Memorial them to discuss with Trails project. Marge told me that Forest, in the Forest Legacy Program. the group. Registration Required their love of hiking prompted them This is a land conservation program

which is so important to the Jahodas. Saturday, they received the American This is just a small slice of a very rich February 12 Forest Foundation, and rewarding life this unique couple 10:00am -12:00pm National Conservation continues to lead. They feel fortunate Metals: Silver, Forestry award. This to be able to remain in their own home Pewter Copper, Brass & Iron with their family‟s assistance. John, Judy, award was for enrollment Many families have.; of their 400 acres in New Janet and Jim have given them seven inherited metal artifacts Hampshire called the grandchildren and 4 great grandchildren and then struggle with who bring them great pride and joy. issues about cleaning, Johnson Memorial Forest, polishing, and storing. The Jahodas feel so fortunate to have in the Forest Legacy Donna Baron will lead a Program had a very fulfilling life and many dear workshop investigating friends in Lebanon. the causes of corrosion, to embark on that endeavor. Bill was I thank them for the opportunity of products to clean and protect and effective named Citizen or the Year in 2006 and spending time with them. The Lebanon storage techniques. Marge received the award in 2010. Historical Society is so appreciative to Participants may bring Together they have enjoyed extensive Marge and Bill for their many years of one item for specific care advice. travelling experiences throughout the service to the organization as well as Registration Required U.S., South America, Africa, Europe, the the community.

Lebanon Historical Society Newsletter Fall 2010 Page 9

“Be Prepared” & “Do a Good Turn Daily” A Good Read Continued from page 1 Prospero’s America: John Winthrop Jr., Alchemy, Scout great pride in having many . of its former members now in active and the Creation of New John military service or now serving as fire England Culture, Champe department members. 1606-1676 recalls Lebanon‟s first Boy Scouts recall by Walter W. Woodward an early attending Camp Quinebaug in Preston service Woodward, who is during the 1930s and 1940s. Early project Connecticut's State photographs and movies show boys burning Historian, has written a new swimming and boating in the lake. tent biography of John Winthrop In 1964, Troop 58 headed north to caterpillar Jr. that brings out the multi- John Champe Ashford, Connecticut to spend a week nests and the at a new and as yet unnamed Scout dimensional nature of the challenge of mastering fire-starting skills. camp. Known then as “Ashford 1”, man who talked King During its 76-year history, Troop 58 this facility has been the regular summer Charles II into giving has been sponsored by the First camp for Troop 58 ever since. The Connecticut its remarkable Congregational Church and has facility was named June Norcross royal charter in 1662. expanded to include Pack 58. Webster Scout Reservation in 1966. Winthrop, who was In 1985, a second troop formed in Troop 180 has been to Camp Webster governor of the colony at Lebanon to provide boys with a choice and now uses Camp Yagoo in the time, had founded the when selecting their path through Rhode Island. town of New London in Scouting. Troop 180 is sponsored by Each year boys and leaders from Lebanon 1645 in hopes it would American Legion Post 180 and started pack their gear and head to summer become a center of with equipment from Troop 158 camp. Everyone bunks in canvas tents alchemical studies. (a short-lived Lebanon troop) and the on wooden platforms and many meals Winthrop was deeply Willimantic Fire are served in involved in the study of Department Troop the mess hall. alchemy, the precursor of 1440. Troop Swimming, modern chemistry. activities have boating, A learned and focused on marksmanship compassionate physician, camping, outdoor and Scout skills skills and Winthrop was also an are part of confidence building. entrepreneur who initiated every day. The troop takes iron mining and salt making Scouts work projects. His broad religious on merit badges, tolerance, his support for Camping then and now skill awards and generally have the Pequot tribe, and his a great time. Evening campfires with refusal to execute so-called skits and music and morning and evening witches show he was a giant flag ceremonies are still part of the among men. Not an easy daily tradition. read but worth the effort Lebanon Scouts have also participated for a new understanding of in regional camporees and national 17th-century New England. . At least twice, in 1986 and Continued on next page 10PagePage 10 2 Winter Fall 20102009 Lebanon Lebanon Historical Historical Society Society Newsletter Newsletter

Patriotism, Food and Monuments Become a History Mystery Exhibit News Continued from page 4 Long, Two.” This was a time when Selectmen and other agencies did not have to keep minutes of their meetings so there is no town record to show how the idea came Long Ago: about and who carried it out. However, in the Town Reports for the year ending Lebanon’s History August 20, 1949, there is a record of checks paid during that fiscal year. In the month through Music of April, it is recorded “paid Order No. 5803 American Legion, appropriation 1875-1940 $600.00.” This is the only $600.00 check made out in that fiscal year so it appears that Thanks to a recently the Legion was responsible for the erection of the monument. awarded grant from the American Legion Post 180 was organized in September of 1948. Unfortunately, their Connecticut Humanities early records have been lost so there is no way to record and salute the members who Council, 2011 will be a may have instigated and carried out the erection of that beautiful monument to musical year at the Lebanon‟s veterans. Lebanon Historical Society Thanks to Gary Littlefield, who sent us the Courant article from Sept. 20, 1942, that as we plan a new exhibit started us off on this hunt. If anyone has any information about the monument, we and associated programs. would appreciate hearing from you. Inspired by May Taylor‟s sheet music collection, “Long Long Ago” will “Be Prepared” & “Do a Good Turn Daily” explore the many ways Continued from previous page music touched the lives of 2006, Boy Scouts from Lebanon have dramatize the many significant Lebanon residents traveled to the BSA high adventure contributions the town had made during between 1875 and 1940. facility in northern New Mexico. the American Revolution. The Boy Former LHS collections Founded in 1938, Scouts participated for at least eight years manager Sarah Griswold has welcomed more than 930,000 (1948-1956) by holding a “Pilgrimage and will serve as researcher/ campers who hike, camp and master Camporee.” In 1951, more than 1,050 curator and work with the skills in its 214 square miles in the Scouts attended. They camped on the Exhibits Committee on Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Green and participated in the parade and technical aspects of Lebanon boys and leaders participated demonstrations which included ox teams, planning. However, help in the trek, a program that lasts 10 days fife and drum bands and military units. from the local community and covers from 50 to 103 miles of trail. The Boy Scout event was sponsored by is urgently needed. If you Each group or “crew” plans its own the Lebanon Foundation, Inc. and are a musician, love old route, backpacks its gear and food, and included Governor John Lodge presenting music, like to sing in the visits established camp sites. During the awards for essays and troop attendance. shower or would like to trek boys receive training in adventure For more than fifty years Lebanon boys learn more about “times skills like rock climbing, spelunking, and have grown up as Boy Scouts, challenging gone by,” please consider horse-back riding. Crews also learn themselves to learn and master new skills. volunteering. We need about the traditions of Native Americans Today, computers and technology are as help cataloging the sheet and skills such as black powder musketry, much a part of the program as music, locating musical advanced archery and advanced woodcrafts and camping. Even with all instruments, a Victrola or woodcraft. the many other activities and distractions jukebox, and ideas for In the late 1940s and 1950s Lebanon Troops 58 and 180 and Pack 58 continue performances and residents presented an elaborate to be an important part of life in Lebanon. programs. historical pageant on the Green to Lebanon Historical Society Newsletter Fall 2010 Page 11

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Every day, people from all Greener Pastures walks of life make gifts to charity through their wills, making a tremendous Connecticut's Western Settlements difference in the world they leave behind. Talk given by State Historian If you are interested in leaving Walter Woodward a legacy of your own, please visit www.leavealegacyct.org or contact the Lebanon Historical Society.

12Page 2 Winter 2009 Lebanon Historical Society Newsletter