lonnedticut Bicentennial GAZETTE

The Charter Oak

VOLUME IV NUMBER SEPTEMBER 1975

CONNECTICUT TATE LIBRARY

SEP 1 8 1975 HARTFORD, •CONNECTICUT

ENCAMPMENT AREAS BICENTENNIAL WAGON TRAIN PILGRIMAGE ACROSS CONNECTICUT Conestoga wagons from all six New England states will join together next June to cross Connecticut on the final leg to Valley Forge, Pennsylvania.

CONNECTICUT UPDATE STATE WAGON MASTER ON THE WAGON TRAIN LIFE-LONG HORSEMAN The route of the Bicentennial Wagon Train Pilgrimage Elmer Gladding, the friendly "sheriff" who appears with resembles a watershed map of the United States, with the wagon at state fairs, parades and festivals, works close­ every state and Bicentennial Community in the nation ly with the Pennsylvania, New England and national co­ participating. Already rolling in the western states, the ordinators. A one-man committee, he has arranged the fifty state wagons will all gather at Valley Forge, Pennsyl­ campsites, obtained road permits, scheduled appearances vania on July 4, 1976. Sponsored by the Pennsylvania and is now involved in all the additional planning required ARBC, the Wagon Train Pilgrimage honors Pennsylvania's for next summer. Often accompanied by his wife Ruth, he contribution as the starting point for westward expansion. has taken the wagon to more than a dozen events since It is the largest people-to-people project planned for the July 1. For a parade, he sometimes calls on Sydney Smith Bicentennial and is possibly the largest activity of this na­ of Southbury for oxen to draw the wagon. He really is a ture ever recorded. sheriff (honorary) in two state counties. His Wagon Train outfit was recently made more authentic with the addition CONNECTICUT FIRST IN THE EAST of a Colt revolver, on loan from Colt Firearms. On June 30, Connecticut was the first state east of the continued on page 4 Mississippi to receive its wagon. It was delivered by Gemme Movers, the local Mayflower Van Line agent. The national Mayflower company will transport wagons to ev­ ery state and back again after next summer's encampment. PRESIDENTIAL CONGRATULATIONS The Connecticut Wagon is now scheduled to meet the FOR CONNECTICUT Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Rhode Island President Gerald Ford has sent a letter to Connecticut wagons at the CT-R.I. border on or about June 2, 1976. Governor Ella Grasso extending his congratulations to her Vermont will join this northeastern leg at the first encamp­ and ". . . the communities of Connecticut for having be­ ment. Four sorrel horses, donated by John Kriz of Bethany, come the first state in the Nation to have attained full will pull the state's wagon, which will be under the community recognition under the American Revolution Bi­ direction of Elmer Gladding of Southbury, State Horse centennial Administration Bicentennial Communities Pro­ Chairman for the project. Overnight encampments are gram." planned in Lebanon, East Hampton, Meriden, Waterbury, He further stated: "This certainly is in keeping with the Southbury and Danbury. The New England Train will history of your great state and with the spirit of your com­ then hook up with the New York contingent and travel on munities to assure Bicentennial identification and activities 0 to Pennsylvania. In Connecticut, every town is within one in the development of programs commemorating our Na­ hour's drive of this route. tion's 200th anniversary." FW5 cV><> v/ H Ho. d stores and the Bicentennial headquarters at 181 Main Street. Mail orders will also be accepted. Write to P.O. Box 1776, Middletown, CT 06457. The l%" silver medal is sold for $12.50, the Us" bronze medal is $3.00. When ordering by mail, add $1.00 for each medal for postage and handling (orders over 3 medals add $3.00 only) and include name, and zip code. ft ft ft ft NEW HAVEN'S "DIALOGUE '76" Based on the American Issues Forum, New Haven's Di­ alogue '76 has been awarded a $10,000 grant from the Connecticut Humanities Council. The series of Town-Hall type forums will bring a number of prominent educators to New Haven. Nine monthly seminars, to be held on Wednesday evenings through May 1976, begin Septem­ ber 3.

Looking as though it has always been there, the new Clinton bandstand is flanked by statues of two noted town residents, Charles Morgan and Abraham Pierson. MIDDLETOWN MEDALLION MINTED Outstanding architectural landmarks and the commercial CONNECTICUT'S FIRST and industrial achievements of Middletown are subjects of LASTING REMINDER? the city's newly struck Bicentennial medallion. The coin re­ The Town of Clinton's new bandstand may be the first flects Middletown's history as a Connecticut River port "lasting reminder" project to be completed in Connecticut. city, and depicts the changing forms of river transportation. An important part of the ARBA Bicentennial Communities Proof of the success of the city's merchant ships is the program, a lasting reminder is a Bicentennial project that house of Samuel Russell, one of Middletown's leading in­ is planned as a permanent contribution to the community. ternational traders. The house, built in 1828, is now the The Clinton Bicentennial Committee is co-chaired by property of Wesleyan University. As can be seen on the Daniel A. Vece and Ernest C. Burnham, Jr. Mr. Burnham medal, it is Greek Revival in style and has been noted as writes about the history of the bandstand project: one of the finest examples of that style in American domes­ "Clinton's Bicentennial Committee decided that they tic architecture. The Bussell House is listed on the National wanted to build a gazebo or bandstand in the traditional Register of Historic Places. The prize-winning Arrigoni fashion, and further, to complete it early in the celebra­ Bridge, another of the four landmarks depicted, spans the tion, so that it could be used and enjoyed during the Bi­ river between Middletown and Portland, and since its dedi­ centennial. It was built with virtually all volunteer labor cation in 1938 it has become another symbol of the city's and was dedicated in June of this year with a band con­ link to the river. cert put on by the local high school. Weekly concerts have The other two buildings featured on the medal are the been held since its dedication. The gazebo stands where County Court House and the former municipal building. the former Morgan High School stood, which was donated The Court House is in the Greek Style, in contrast to the to the Town of Clinton in 1871 by the financier and owner 1893 municipal building, which has a facade of local Port­ of many steamships and rail lines, Charles Morgan, a na­ land brownstone and rounded towers, one of which holds tive of Clinton. In front of the school there were two large the town bell and clock. life-size statues in bronze, one of Charles Morgan and the The medal went on sale for the first time on July 25th other of Abraham Pierson, the first rector of Yale Uni­ at the city's Main Street festival. Designed by Richard versity. The first classes of Yale were held in Clinton near Kelsey, a member of the MARBC, the work was com­ this site. These statues cost $10,000 apiece in 1875. Al­ pleted under the direction of Sybil Paton, MARBC Co­ though the old Morgan School was torn down in 1950, the ordinator and John Pickett, chairman of the Middletown statues remain, setting off and enhancing the gazebo, Committee. It is on sale in Middletown banks, Jewelry which stands on Main Street in this historic location." 2 GUILFORD—A TOWN TO REMEMBER Inside the van, to a background of Revolutionary War An architectural montage of 25 historic buildings in music, a visitor can look, listen and absorb at his leisure Guilford, landmarks spanning four centuries, has been documents, maps, art, artifacts and models of Connecticut printed by the Guilford Bicentennial Committee. Guilford's 200 years ago. variety of distinctive architecture in schools, churches and Dramatic actions taken on behalf of the patriot cause private homes is brought together on the montage. The are highlighted. An animated map shows the route of East town was founded in 1639 and what is probably the oldest Windsor's Israel Bissell as he spread the news of the Lex­ stone house in the country was built by Henry Whitfield ington alarm through the colonies. The story of another that same year. It is now open to the public as a museum messenger is told; that of 16-year-old Sybil Ludington, of the Connecticut Historical Commission. Another out­ who rode thirty miles through Putnam County, New York, standing example of architecture is the Edwin Leete House mobilizing aid for Connecticut at the burning of Danbury. (1865), one of the few octagon buildings in the state. The Benedict Arnold's taking of the keys to the New Haven finely detailed sketches were drawn by artist J. A. Raynor, Powder House is the subject of a diorama, and a facsimile and are tinted with the soft golds, browns, grays and reds of Nathan Hale's obituary notice is a part of the tribute of early America. to Connecticut's famous patriot spy. The four state signers of the Declaration of Independence and Governor Trum­ The montage, which measures 18" x 24", is available bull's Council of Safety are subjects of other displays. from the Town Clerk's Office, Guilford; or by mail from H. M. Bullard, Jr., Chairman, Guilford Bicentennial Com­ Impressive facts about Connecticut's contributions to the mittee, P.O. Box 38, Guilford, CT 06439. The cost is Revolution stand out. The great importance of the state $5.00. as a source of provisions for the Continental, French and # <* « « Connecticut militia is documented. Also, Governor Trum­ bull commissioned more than 200 vessels as privateers and in eight years of war these ships captured nearly 500 Brit­ ish vessels and their cargoes. An authentic model of a brig that served as a privateer is on display. The only three recipients of the Badge of Military Merit (counterpart to today's Purple Heart) were all from Connecticut, and a replica of the award is shown. Also on display is a sample

SNET introduced its Bicentennial Caravan to Connecti­ cut on July 3 in Lebanon. The trailer contains 12 exhibits on the state's role in the War of Independence.

SNET CARAVAN-DIRECT LINE TO HISTORY Irv Schlesinger (left) SNET vice president-public rela­ Connecticut Revolutionary War history goes "on the tions escorts Jack Warner, director of the American Rev­ road" in the Southern New England Telephone Bicenten­ olution Bicentennial Administration through the phone nial Caravan. The multi-media display, carried in a 65' company's Bicentennial Caravan in Hartford, July 3. trailer, is titled: "Connecticut—Its Role in the Birth of Our Nation." The eleven exhibits emphasize the interesting, of ore of the type used in the Salisbury Iron Furnace, a little-known and unusual aspects of Connecticut's partic­ reminder that the foundry cast more than 1,000 cannons ipation. The van has been endorsed by the American during the Revolution and the anchor of the U.S.S. Con­ Revolution Bicentennial Commission of Connecticut as an stitution as well. outstanding educational project. It is one of the major con­ SNET will consider requests for the caravan at major tributions to the Bicentennial made by a Connecticut events throughout the state during 1975 and 1976. In business. Created by SNET as the company's contribution order to provide a balanced geographical coverage of the to local Bicentennial celebrations, the caravan will be seen state, each request will be considered in terms of the na­ by thousands of people in the months ahead, appearing at ture of the event, its size and the audience it will serve. fairs, events, major public centers and regional SNET Requests for caravan reservations or additional information offices in the state. should be directed to local SNET business office managers.

3 WAGON TRAIN continued from page 1 WINDSOR LOCKS ARBC TO CONVERT A life-long horseman, Elmer Gladding is in his 17th BOAT TO CANAL BARGE year as leader of the largest mounted horse club in the A Brockway lobster boat has been purchased by the East,, the Oxbury 4-H Riding Club, and has served on Windsor Locks Bicentennial Commission, and it will be many county and state 4-H advisory boards. He has al­ converted into a barge for use on the Windsor Locks Ca­ ready organized the Connecticut portion of the "Spirit of nal during the May '76 festival. The barge will be horse- '76" ride, a re-enactment of Paul Revere's Washington drawn, like the original ones used when the canal was in journey. Also, he took charge of the mounted troop ride its heyday prior to the coming of the railroad. from Sherman to Granby, part of the commemoration of The theme of the Bicentennial program for Windsor George Washington's passage through the state on his Locks is "Transportation," and the barge is only one of the way to accept command of the Continental forces in Cam­ many modes of conveyance from bygone days that will be bridge. Elmer is chairman of the Bicentennial Committee featured during the town's celebration. Mr. Paul H. O'Don­ of the Defense Contract Administration Services, where nell, Mr. Thomas Lilliendahl and Mr. Cornelius O'Leary he has worked 29 years. The committee is co-sponsoring are in charge of the transportation project. his Wagon Train activities. 9 # # e

MANY OPPORTUNITIES TO PARTICIPATE Many forms of participation in the Pilgrimage are open to state residents. Most important is the Bicentennial Scroll program. The scroll carries a statement of reaffirma­ tion of faith in the founding principles of the coun­ try and, before being sealed in a time capsule in Valley Forge, will be signed by millions of Americans. Connecti­ cut towns will each receive a supply of the scrolls for sign­ ing by town residents and the signatures will be gathered by students. In June of 1976 the signed documents will be carried to the wagon train by a relay system of outriders from each of Connecticut's 169 towns. Towns may also provide entertainment at the campsites to supplement the wagonload of talented Pennsylvania college students who will be travelling with the train. Individuals and groups may take part in the actual trip on horseback or as walkers. Wagons, carriages and other CLASSROOM ENVIRONMENTAL non-mechanized vehicles are also invited to join. Participa­ LEARNING GUIDE tion may be for a short distance, across the state or for the A new publication containing more than 100 suggested entire trip to Pennsylvania. However, those who join must environmental projects and activities for elementary school agree to abide by rules established by the wagonmaster. children is available to teachers. The booklet, titled "A Strict equine health requirements have been established Better Place to Be," was developed by the Johnny Horizon for the entire Pilgrimage and applications will be required. Program. It is suggested that organizations wishing to reserve the The Guide to Environmental learning in the classroom wagon include it as part of a planned festival or parade. is a compilation of ideas for involving students in first hand It is available for one to two days, preferably on week­ experiences with their environment and in the preserva­ ends. If the budget for the event is sufficient, cost of trans­ tion and improvement of their own homes and neighbor­ portation (25?!/mile) and overnight accommodations, if hoods. For more information write: "A Better Place to Be" necessary, will be charged. Contact Elmer E. Gladding, U.S. Government, Superintendent of Documents, Govern­ Bucks Hill Bd., Southbury, CT 06488. Phone: 264-5627 ment Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402. The cost (home) or office 244-3302. is $1.25 per copy, and the ordering stock number is 2400­ s « a » 00805. VICTORY FOR STONINGTON # # ft # The coastal village of Stonington was the scene of the BICENTENNIAL RESOURCES FROM first military action of the Revolutionary War in Connecti­ THE NATIONAL TRUST cut on August 30, 1775. The port was bombarded by the The National Trust for Historic Preservation has de­ frigate H.M.S. Rose in retaliation for the village's refusal veloped and is distributing two Bicentennial information to surrender provisionary goods and cattle. Only muskets sources, the Bicentennial Kit of the National Trust for defended the town, fired by the Long Point militia led Historic Preservation and Directory for Bicentennial Plan by Captain Oliver Smith, and Captain William Stanton's ning. The kit's six 4-page organizational and planning company. Shooting from behind the point's rocks and guides are written by persons experienced about or experts guarding the wharves against the tenders sent out to come on the topics: "Bicentennial Walking Tours," "How to Plan ashore, the Stonington men were successful in turning the a Bicycle Tour of a Historic District," "Oral History and Rose away, but not before the heavy assault severely dam­ the Mythmakers," "Bicentennial Hospitality" and "Ideas aged the town. A full account of the battle was carried in for Bicentennial Programs." The 20-page "Event Planning the Connecticut Gazette and is reprinted in "It was News Workbook," sponsored by ABBA and written by two staff 200 Years Ago." members of the Mayor's Office of the Boston Bicentenniaf The battle was heroically restaged in Stonington on is another invaluable aid to planning, from brainstorming August 30, with The 2nd Connecticut Regiment and the to clean-up. The manual is specific and informative, and 64th Regiment of Foot as participants. The Mystic Marine an appendix lists technical specifications for determining Museum loaned boats for the occasion. visitor circulation, parking capacity, food service require­ 4 ments, sanitation facilities, child care and fire prevention regulations. Information on funding sources, a "how-to" on evaluating historic sites and buildings and the Trust's own SOUTH ACTION > preservation pamphlets and newsletter complete the kit's contents. The Directory lists names, address and telephone num­ mmai bers of those persons important to preservation planning in < all 50 states; the chairman and director of the Bicentennial Commission, the State Historic Preservation Officer, mem­ bers of the National Trust Board of Advisors, the National Trust Regional Office, and the American Institute of Archi­ tects State Preservation Coordinator. The Directory is $1.50 (postage included). Kits are $3.00 each, $2.00 for 10 or more, and $2.00 plus postage rAfOLIDV HLTK)>? in orders of 100 or more. The Preservation Bookstore Cat­ alogue is available for 25^. Payment must accompany all orders. For this material and membership information, SCOUT AMBASSADORS write to: Four Senior Girl Scouts from Troop 2227, Haddam- Mrs. Helen B. Byrd Higganum, recently visited the English town of Hadham Bicentennial Coordinator as official Bicentennial ambassadors to the Connecticut The National Trust for Historic Preservation town's sister city. In a ceremony on July 24, they presented 740-748 Jackson Place, N.W. a Bicentennial flag to the town of Hadham. The Scouts Washington, D.C. 20006 also visited Hertford, capitol of Hertfordshire, and were given a tour of Hertford Castle by the Lord Mayor. Re­ * # » # turn hospitality will be extended by Haddam to nine Eng­ The film, The American Super 8 Revolution (16mm, 31 lish visitors, members of the District Council of East minutes, color, $380) documents a classroom production Hertfordshire and their wives when they arrive in Haddam of an 8mm film on the Revolution. Students are shown on October 3 for a two-week stay. planning, discussing, organizing into committees, and film­ ing their project. An under-achieving 5th grade student a a # » initiated the idea and the theme of the documentary is that film-making makes history lessons exciting. It is in­ FOR STUDENTS ONLY tended to inspire 8mm film-making on any subject. Write Varied on and off field activities of the National Foot­ to International Film Foundation, Inc., Room 916, 475 ball League and high school students writing "Bicenten­ Fifth Ave., N.Y., N.Y. 10017. Phone: (212) 685-4998. nial Minutes" for network television have recently been designated as national Bicentennial programs by ABBA. During the NFL season, young Americans between the > . I *!< # ( ages of 14 and 18 are invited to play a major role in the celebration with their entries in the NFL Bicentennial Essay Contest. College scholarships totalling $25,000 will go to the 12 leading contestants who will write 500-to­ 700 word essays on the topic: "The NFL's Role in Ameri­ can History." ® : The first-prize winner will receive a $10,000 college scholarship and an expense-paid trip for himself (herself) and parents to Super Bowl X in Miami on January 18, Oly'W 1976. The winning essay will also be displayed at the Pro • I. g % ;< Football Hall of Fame. A $5,000 college scholarship will ( t,'\ ni'MTAX: hAAmm'i * • f be awarded to the first runner-up and $1,000 scholarships will be granted to the next ten finalists. j JL * jjW | The "Bicentennial Seniors" program is a project to gather two high school students from each state and the District of Columbia together in Colonial Williamsburg to discuss significant educational and social issues facing the United States, to hear prominent speakers and to benefit from the historical experiences of Colonial Williamsburg. Participants for the program, to be held January 16-19, I >1: > 1976, will be selected by state selection committees using ' — three levels of criteria: local school, state and national. MILITARY STAMPS BY WESTPORT ARTIST Applicants will write copy to be broadcast on CBS Tele­ Edward Vebell, Westport artist-historian, is the designer vision's "Bicentennial Minutes;" compose a 300-500 word of a block of four 1975 commemorative stamps honoring commentary discussing the relevance of the minute for the 200th anniversary year of the U.S. Military Services. today, and take a current events examination. The stamp designs depict uniforms worn by the Continen­ Contacts for program information are: The National tal Army, Navy, Marines and Militia during the Revolu­ Football League, 410 Park Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10022. tionary War. Phone: (212) 758-1500, and Bicentennial Senior Program, A member of the Company of Military Historians, Mr. Dr. Owen B. Kiernan, the National Association of Sec­ Vebell's specialty is portraying and collecting uniforms and ondary School Principals, 1904 Association Drive, Reston, accoutrements from both Europe and America. Va. 22091. Phone: (703) 860-0200. 5 BICENTENNIAL HAPPENINGS SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER

SEPTEMBER Adult Education Kick-Off 27 Muster and Mock Battle 4 DANBURY State Fair 13 Mayor's All-Americans Festival Bicentennial Horizons Program Nayaug Fife and Drum Corp SNET Bicentennial Caravan Ethnic Foods, Displays "The American Revolution" NORTH HAVEN 42nd Royal Highland Rgt. 4-13 G. Fox & Co. Lecture Series TOLLAND HARTFORD CROMWELL 1 Connecticut Day 13-18 Dates T.B.A. Conihecticut Conestoga Wagon Eastern States Exposition Opera at Keeler Tavern SOUTHBURY Training School SPRINGFIELD, MASS. RIDGEFIELD 1 Connecticut Conestoga Wagon 15 "Religion and the American 27-28 Revolution" NEWTOWN WETHERSFIELD House Tour 19 GUILFORD Fair Lecture-Central CT State Parade—19 Tour of Historic Homes College 5 LEDYARD Fair Bicentennial Fashion Show—19 EAST HADDAM 5 Russell Library Centennial NEW BRITAIN Second Ct. Regiment Bake Contest Parade, Speakers, SNET Bicentennial Caravan 19-21 Colonial Fair Festival 5-7 Citizenship Series—Elections Country and Colonial Music, MIDDLETOWN Youth Government Day "Oliver Cromwell Days" 20 Colonial Dinner Crafts, Antiques, Circus The dramatic story of regicide John Dixwell is heard NORTH HAVEN on a cassette tape by visitors to the Dixwell monument on 1776 Dancing, Music—5 18th Century Costumes, Special Bicentennial Events Haddam-Higganum Beer Fest, Schooner Parade—6 Food, Music WESTPORT the New Haven Green. Photo by T. Hanson. Fife & Drum Corps Muster Schooner Races—7 VERNON 16 The Company-A Play 15 Towns to Participate STOP, LOOK AND LISTEN­ ESSEX 28 Bicentennial Church Services and Horizons Tours HADDAM ON NEW HAVEN'S GREEN Connecticut Conestoga Wagon TOLLAND NORTH HAVEN A new cassette-guided tour of the New Haven Green 6 Observance of Battle of Groton HARWINTON 7 Air Force Academy Cadet Choir offers the opportunity to become introduced to, or reac- Heights A Day in the Life of a Bicentennial Marketplace Southern CT State College quainted with, the area's churches, fine old buildings, mon- Fort Griswold Park 21 Harpsichord Concert Continental Soldier uments and burial ground. The Green has a wealth of his- Crafts, Baked Goods, NEW HAVEN GROTON EAST HADDAM Flea Market, etc. ELLINGTON torical associations and it has been a constant presence TOLLAND since the city was founded in 1638. 13 TERRYVILLE Country Fan- Congregational Church Anniv. Beginning at the corner of Church and Chapel Sts., the "Profile '76" Film 17 Salute to Industry Special Bicentennial Events Tour tour covers four blocks of the city center. The circuit can Connecticut Conestoga Wagon Enrico Fermi High School Booths, Displays 13-14 LEDYARD be made (by individuals or up to ten people to a cassette) NORFOLK ENFIELD SNET Bicentennial Caravan in an hour or an hour and a half, depending on individual NORTH HAVEN pace. Pick up and return points for the cassette recorders ORANGE Fair SEYMOUR Pumpkin Festival are the Bicentennial Visitor's Booth in the Chapel Street ONGOING "America-Revolutionary Society?" Connecticut Conestoga Wagon Connecticut Conestoga Wagon mall (Hours: 11:30-3:30 Tues.-Sat.), the Phelps Gateway Bicentennial Reading Discussions 13-14 Lecture Series 19 Colonial Dinner Dance to Yale on College St. and the Kops-Monahan Travel Public Library ifartford College for Women 23 BRISTOL Mum Festival EAST HARTFORD Agency. The rental fee is $3.50, with a percentage of the 14 "1776 Revisited" CROMWELL Connecticut Conestoga Wagon HAiRTFORD proceeds contributed to the New Haven Bicentennial Music, Games, Crafts of thr|ugh November 16 Commission, which has endorsed and supported the pro- Revolution 23 Citizenship Series—Town ject. A credit card or driver's license is the only deposit Bicentennial Crafts: Costume VERNON 2 4 OCTOBER Government required. Sewing Seminar 10 Autumn Festival NORTH HAVEN The tour was written and implemented by Marcia Bab- 1 Treasured Recipes from Early "W e the People" Flower Show G. Fox & Co. Historic Exhibits, River Races, bidge and is narrated by her husband, Homer Babbidge. New England Kitchens Bicentennial Exhibits, Awards HARTFORD Parade, Concert Mr. Babbidge, well-known in the state, is a former Presi- G. Fox & Co. 24 Illumination Night Blue Cross Bldg., MYSTIC dent of the University of Connecticut. A recent editorial HARTFORD Re-enactment of Celebration 370 Bassett Rd. 2 5 "Eighteenth Century Revisited" 10-13 in the New Haven Register praised the tour as "pleasantly of Surrender of Cornwallis under-produced" and one which ". . . keeps your walk NORTH HAVEN Lecture Series Mohegan Community College SNET Bicentennial Caravan Connecticut Conestoga Wagon calm, contemplative and in reasonable scale." It has great 11 Bicentennial Freedom Festival WASHINGTON appeal as an "on the spot" encounter with the heritage Bicentennial Book—Author Tea NORWICH WATERBURY Train Band Concert, Liberty of the Green. From Valley Forge to Freedom through November 1-2 Pole Raising, 18th. c. Dancing, by E. Merrill Beach Food, Connecticut Conestoga ONGOING EVENTS "Spirit of 76" Ball BEECHER FAMILY SYMPOSIUM TRUMBULL 26 Symposium on the Beecher Wagon Canal Programs TOLLAND Family Tour of Restored Section of The ticket request deadline is September 20 for "Por- ELLINGTON traits of a 19th Century Family—A Symposium on the 17 Bicentennial Crafts: Connecticut Historical Society/ Farmington Canal Beecher Family", to be held October 3-4, 1975. Contact "Rug-Hooking" DURHAM Agriculutral Fair Stowe Foundation Slide Presentation—Booklets Earl A. French, Symposium, The Stowe-Day Foundation, G. Fox & Co. SNET Bicentennial Caravan HARTFORD 12 ELLINGTON Sings Out PLAINVILLE 77 Forest St., Hartford, CT 06105 for a descriptive bro- HARTFORD 26-28 3-4 Combined Church Choirs through June 1976 chure or reservations.

6 7 Among the veterans that Hillard visited in 1864 were two who were born in Connecticut and who had served in Connecticut regiments. These two veterans, Daniel Waldo and Lemuel Cook, lived in upper New York State with their son's families, and were staunch supporters of the North with regards to the Civil War. Waldo, who lived in Syracuse, had suffered a fall just prior to Hillard's visit and was near death. Daniel Waldo was born in Windham, Connecticut in 1762 and drafted into the militia in April 1779. He was among the troops who were called upon to erect a fort near New London that he and the other soldiers dubbed Fort Nonsense. He later served as a guard near Green­ wich where he was taken prisoner in 1780, sent to New York City, and then exchanged for British prisoners in February 1781. At the completion of the war Waldo at­ tended Yale College and was ordained a minister of the Congregational Church. He served at several parishes in Connecticut including eighteen years at the West Suffield Congregational Church. He died on July 30, 1864 at the age of 101.

Member of the 2nd Connecticut Regiment of Ledyard, Ronald Stazick was standing at attention when his photo was taken by a Newsweek photographer. Ron proved to be just the man for the cover of the July Bicentennial issue.

ANOTHER "LAST MAN" OF THE REVOLUTION by David O. White, Director, Connecticut State Library Museum The advent of photography made it possible to make a better visual record of historical events. One of the first photographic historical essays was done by Matthew Brady who plodded camps and battlefields with Northern troops during the Civil War and recorded scenes that could never have been captured on canvas. Other less ambitious photo­ graphic projects were also done during the war, and one by Elias Hillard is of interest during the observance of the American Revolution Bicentennial. In early 1864 the United States Pension Office in­ creased the allocations it made to veterans of the Revolu­ tionary War to $100 a year. This was not an enormous amount of compensation, even for that period, but it was Benjamin Denslow (1760-1851), a native of Suffield, a greater recognition by the federal government of the soldiers of its first war. What is significant about this in­ was a young soldier in the American Revolution. His da­ crease in the veterans' pensions is that the Pension Office guerreotype portrait provides a rare glimpse of the Revolu­ listed only twelve men still alive in 1864. The impact tion. upon Hillard of this revelation led to his determination to Lemuel Cook, the other Connecticut veteran inter­ visit these men, interview them, and take a photograph of viewed by Hillard, was born in Plymouth, Connecticut each one. He quickly discovered that the list was out­ around 1760. He enlisted with Sheldon's Second Regi­ dated and that actually only six of the veterans remained. ment of Dragoons in 1780, served at Brandywine and Thus, there was a greater urgency for Hillard to complete Yorktown, and was discharged in 1783. Cook died on the project. Fortunately for him, most of the six men lived May 20, 1866. in the northeast and this made it easier for him to travel Undoubtedly, other photographs were made of veterans to their homes. The result of Hillard's endeavors can be of the Revolutionary War. Whether any that have sur­ found in a book, The Last Men of the Revolution, which vived to the present time will surface during the Bicen­ was published in Hartford in 1864 and is now quite rare. tennial remains to be seen. Among the collections of the In 1968 the volume was republished by Wendell D. Gar­ Connecticut State Library Museum is a daguerreotype (an rett who included additional information on each veteran. early form of photography) of one such veteran, Benjamin 8 Denslow of Suffield, Connecticut, who fought in the war their faces in spite of the murderous bugs which con­ with three different State regiments. The picture was stantly troubling him. taken around 1845 when Denslow was 85 years old and He was somewhat revered in the towns where he lived and its style resembles those taken nearly twenty years later at the Independence Day celebrations he was "the central by Hillard. The picture was donated to the Museum in figure on the platform as a wounded veteran of the Rev­ 1956 along with Denslow's cane which can also be seen in olution." the daguerreotype. Benjamin Denslow died on April 13, 1851. An obituary Benjamin Denslow was bom in West Suffield on May of the man simply stated: "ANOTHER REVOLUTION­ 10, 1760 only a few months after his father died. At the ARY PATRIOT GONE: BENJAMIN DENSLOW, the age of seventeen he indicated his support for the American only surviving hero of the Revolutionary days in our midst. cause by taking the town's oath of fidelity and by enlisting . . ." The daguerreotype and cane of Denslow were pre­ into the army. His three stints in the military were all on served by his family and donated to the Museum by his a short term basis and his total time spent fighting in the great-granddaughter, Anna Phelon of Hartford, at the sug­ war was just under a year. His first tour of duty was in gestion of another descendent, George Roberts. Roberts 1777 with the regiment of Col. Thaddeus Cook, and he did an enormous amount of research on Denslow and in fought at Saratoga, New York in October when the Ameri­ 1932 provided the State Library with over 900 pages of cans defeated the British and captured Burgoyne's army. typewritten and photocopied materials relating to Dens­ During a confrontation on October 7 Denslow was hit in low's life as a soldier and a citizen. Although the likeness the hand by a musket ball and spent several days in a of Denslow was reproduced with the materials Roberts hospital before his term of service expired. This wound donated to the Library, it is probably published here for restricted his abilities as a soldier, and it somewhat ham­ the first time. As such, it represents for Connecticut an­ pered him for the remainder of his life. Nevertheless, in other "last man" of the American Revolution and makes 1779 he again entered the army, this time in a company one wonder whether others may also exist. under the leadership of Suffield's Simeon Sheldon. He was used as a guard along Long Island Sound and may have been a participant during the British invasion of New Haven on July 5, 1779. Afterwards, he enlisted for six more months and was at West Point, New York when the British spy, Andre, was kept prisoner there. Thus, al­ though his terms of service were brief, Denslow witnessed several important events as a soldier. Because Denslow was regarded as a war casualty he received an invalid's pension at the end of the war. The amount of this pension was small, but during the follow­ ing decades it was gradually increased by the government despite that he had put in less than a year in the armed forces. In 1783 Denslow married Ruth Spencer at West Suffield and they eventually became parents of three boys and a girl. In 1794 he sold his property in the town to NEW-LONDON, September 15 Timothy Smith and around 1798 he and his family moved to Litchfield, New York. A sidelight to the sale of this Stonington Long-Point, in Connecticut, August 30, 1775 property is that Daniel Waldo, who began his ministry in This Day, before 7 o'clock in the Morning, a light Sloop, West Suffield in 1792 and who undoubtedly knew Den- supposed to be with Ballast only, put into this Harbour, slow, purchased the property from Simth in 1796. There­ and came to Anchor some Distance from the Wharves- fore, two of the three men being considered in this par­ Three Sloop Tenders, being about half a League behind, ticular study whose photographs have survived to the all coming in, without any Colours, appearing to be full present time, owned the same piece of land. Denslow of Men, and sounding the Water as they came by the visited Suffield in 1845 to secure additional documenta­ Wharves, where some People of the Point has assembled tion so that the status of his pension could be changed with their Arms, others omitting to take that Precaution, to provide him with more income. A resident wrote upon believing them to be vessels fitted out by our friends at seeing the 85-year-old veteran: Providence for the Protection of their Trade; Major Smith .. . I went to the door met Mr. Denslow should not ordered them to be hailed, which was done three Times have been more suprised if one had risen from the distinctly, fairly with their hearing, they then not be­ dust he and brother Isaac went the next day about town ing above 30 Bods from us, to which they returned no to make inquiries found he had not served long enough Answer but a fire of their Cannon or Swivels at our People, under captain Sheldon to be entitled to a pension. the shot coming very near some of them, and striking the In Litchfield Denslow operated a general merchandise Houses just over their Heads, when some of our People store and a tavern. He was appointed by the town as a returned the Salute with Small Arfns from the Shore, the commissioner of highways and a constable. In 1840 he and Tenders pushing out of the Harbour, but continuing their his wife moved to Cherry Valley, New York to live with Fire; they had not sailed but about Half a Mile, before their daughter and son-in-law, Alcena Anna and Joseph the Ship Rose, commanded by Capt. James Wallace ap­ Phelon. Mrs. Denslow died in 1844 and the old veteran peared, coming round Watch-Point, and standing in for married 72-year-old Eunice Owen the following year. One the Harbour, and being join'd by the Tenders, all made of his grandchildren wrote of him in 1848: the best of their Way in, the Ship coming too in the Mouth . . . Grandpapa is the happiest man that ever lived since of the Harbour, about a 100 Rods distant from the body greens have made their appearance so he keeps the of the Town, and while getting springs to her Cables, the three Tenders went up the Harbour and boarded the dandelions cowslips croped close to the ground and Sloop they had chased in, and a Schooner belonging to manages to get time to coax a few cucumbers to show 9 Petuxet, loaded with Molasses, she being grounded by en­ may benefit them in particular, and the public in general. deavoring to get up the Harbour, where Maj. Smith with Take a Spider's webb sufficient for three pills, rolled well a few Men immediately repaired to guard the vessels at together, about the size of a large pea, drink them off in the Wharf and prevent their carrying off the Schooner, a gill of good spirits, just as the chill commences. hailed her, and forbid the Tender's People attempting to carry her off, on pain of being fire upon; they replied, that September 1775 passed into the stream of history they found her to be from Antiqua, and would send a Boat with a minimum of ripples. Yet almost imperceptibly on board Commodore Wallace and advise him thereof, the forces which divided England and her colonies and would not in the Interim attempt to carry her away continued to broaden and deepen, as men on each or fire on our People, until the Boat returned (there then side of the Atlantic sought to forge armies in the having been no Guns discharged in either Side, from their event the issues would be resolved on the field of coming in the second Time), the Tenders being then battle. drawn up in a Line of Battle, about 25 Rods distance In London, the King refused to respond to the from our People, who were on the Wharf, which obliged so-called Olive Branch petition submitted by the them to seek Cover behind the Wharves, where they re­ Continental Congress. His time and energies were turned the Fire; But the Tenders and Ship, by keeping devoted chiefly to formulating strategy for the 1776 up a constant Fire, effected their Purpose in carrying off campaigns in America and augmenting the military the two aforesaid Vessels, a light Schooner belonging forces. here, and a small Schooner which lay at Anchor nigh the In America, the Continental Congress reconvened Ship; we have nothing but the fire of Musquetry to pre­ on September 13. The shortage of military stores vent them, which was kept up, as was the fire from the was felt in every part of the country. American ves­ ship and Tenders on our People and the Town, till towards sels scoured every continental and West Indies port 12 o'Clock, when a flag was sent off by Major Simth, to hoping to purchase arms and powder. Every colony the Commander of the Ship, acquainting him of the con­ made a start toward encouraging the development duct of the Tenders before his coming in, and remonstrat­ of a domestic armaments industry. The Congress ing against their Proceedings; at which Time the Tenders elected a Committee to contract for the importation drew out of reach from the Wharves, and the Fire ceased of large quantities of military stores. for an Hour or Two, when an answer was sent to Maj. Royal authority had completely vanished in the Smith, that it depended on his Pleasure whether it should colonies. Four governors were in asylum on board entirely cease; but soon after, the Tenders again proceeded warships. Washington, now secure behind his en­ up the Harbour, nigh to Maj. Smith's Wharf, where they trenchments, still had to contend with the awesome were civiiy hailed by our People and requested to keep ordeal of forging an effective continental fighting further off; they answered that their Orders were to take force. The colonies were increasing the number of the Schooner that lay at Maj. Smith's Wharf, and on being armed privateers. The Continental Army now oper­ told they should not have her, they then said they would ated the schooner Hannah in patrol of the sea lanes fire the Town and immediately began their third Attack, to Boston. Broadside after Broadside on our People. Thus the firing On the last day of the month, General Mont­ continued till nigh Night, when the Tenders (being pre­ gomery was in Canada; Benedict Arnold's troops vented taking any Vessels from the Wharves) all stood were struggling up the Kennebec River toward Que­ down for the Ship, and the Ship falling further out, all bec. It snowed on his advance party, an ominous Firing ceased on both Sides. . . . Thus ended their Can­ omen. nonading a defenceless Town, whose Inhabitants had done Bicentennial Daybook nothing to provoke them to so cruel and cowardly an At­ National Park Service tack, in which our Enemies, at the most moderate Account, U.S. Department of the Interior fired nearest a Thousand Cannon and Swivel Guns, be­ sides Small-Arms, damaged a great many Houses, killed not one Person, and wounded but one of our Men, tho' it is imagined that we killed and wounded a considerable Number of theirs. It may be noted that the Day of this Action, was the Most heavy and Constant Rain of any that is remembered to have been this Year, and that from the firing of the Tenders, (which put the Women and Children in great Terror), it did not exceed half an Hour before the firing of the Whole Fleet on the Town, when many of the Women and Children were obliged to quit their Habita­ tions and travel miles on Foot in the Storm, carrying some two, others three Children in their Arms, while those that The New England Drum Corps Federation is a non­ were sick were carried off, greatly exposed to the Storm, profit parade, exhibition and contest service. Members are among whom were two Women who had been newly put ancient fife and drum, modern fife and drum, combination, to Bed; some of the Children who had fled to the Woods and drum and bugle corps, from Connecticut, Massachu­ were not found during the Day. setts, Rhode Island, New York, Maine and Canada. In the THE COURANT (Hartford) past, the N.E.D.C.F. has participated in the Suffield and MONDAY, September 25, 1775 Simsbury Tercentenary parades and the Newington Cen­ Mr. Watson, tennial parade. I am informed our army to the Northward, are distressed For more information, contact Mr. Kenneth S. Dow, 91 with the Fever and Ague: if so, the following certain cure Sunbright Drive South, Meriden, Conn. 06450. Phone: may be depended on, which by inserting in your paper, you 203-235-2120. 10 BICENTENNIAL COMMEMORATIVE NEW 1975 SERIES PLAQUES THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION BICENTENNIAL MONOGRAPHS Dr. Glenn Weaver, Trinity College, General Editor

Vol. XI Connecticut's First Family: William Pitkin and His Connections by Brace Colin Daniels.

Vol. XII Connecticut Signer: William Williams by Bruce P. Stark

Vol. XIII Connecticut's Revolutionary Cavalry: Shel­ don's Horse by John T. Hayes

Vol. XIV Connecticut's Revolutionary Press by Charles L. Cutler

Vol. XV Connecticut Women in the Revolutionary Era by Catherine Fennelly • Gold plated • Three dimensional Order now from The Pequot Press. Each book is $2.50 less a school and library discount of 20% and normal ® Mounted on satin finish natural wood trade discounts. • Full 5" x 6" THE PEQUOT PRESS - Chester, Connecticut 06412 PLAQUES FOR FUND RAISING Copies Amount Copies Amount Bicentennial Committees, organi­ zations, clubs, etc. may order / j » A » i % Vol. XT Vol. XTV plaques in lots of 50; plaques of V m^CL' : the United States, Connecticut, or f JSf TO, Vnl. XTT Vol. XV any combination of the Thirteen % jsj a^ Original States at $7.00 each \ J&> Vol. XTTT TOTAT, (shipping and handling included). \ Available from INEMCO, 69 Wood- > land Street, Manchester, CT 06040 •fc/r-rrtr Name INDIVIDUAL ORDERS An official project Single plaques at $10.00 each of The Bicentennial Address (shipping, handling and sales tax Council of the Thir­ included) may be ordered from: teen Original States City State Zip "BICENTENNIAL" P.O. Box 1976, Manchester, CT 06040. Note: Connecticut residents add 7% sales tax

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ADDRESS Connecticut. You deserve e medal. . ZIP THE OFFICIAL CONNECTICUT BICENTENNIAL MEDAL. AMOUNT ENCLOSED: $ While they last, you can now order the only Connecticut Bi­ centennial Commemorative Medal authorized by the State's Bicentennial Commission. The medals offered on WTIC radio RENEWAL and Channel 30 TV can now be ordered through the mail. But (and/or) I wish to receive the following information: hurry. The supply is limited. They're struck in two beautiful finishes, bronze and silver, and in two sizes. This medal will in­ Connecticut State Map showing Revolutionary crease in value and become a family heirloom. And remember, yourpurchase helps support ourState Bicentennial Commission. War Sites & other Historical Points of Interest Give your family an American heirloom. Do it today while the supply lasts. Send your check or money order to: Brochure, "The Bicentennial in Connecticut— BICENTENNIAL MEDALS What's Happening" P.O. BOX 1776 • GLASTONBURY, CONNECTICUT 06033 Fine Silver (.999 Fine) 2" diam. High Relief Art Medal* $55.00 I wish to learn of opportunities to participate 1'/2" diam. Coin Relief Art Medal 20,00 •Edition limited. in the Bicentennial celebration in my locale. Antique Bronze V/2" diam. Coin Relief Art Medal 3.00 (Your name will be forwarded to the chairman (All prices include Sales Tax and mailing charges) The Complete Set 75,00 of your town's Bicentennial Committee.) To carry on the ideals for which the Revolution curriculums in tremendously exciting ways. was fought requires active participation plus dedi­ Colleges and universities have an opportunity for cated commitment by the nation's educational insti­ a rather special type of participation through the tutions. Students returning to classes this month be­ Bicentennial College and University Campuses Pro­ gin the year when the Bicentennial will have the gram. Southern Connecticut State College in New greatest impact on their lives. Schools, colleges and Haven was the first to receive the designation of Bi­ universities can show them the way toward making centennial College in New England and be awarded the principles conceived of at our birth as a nation a Bicentennial flag. These colleges and universities relevant for today and meaningful for tomorrow. are planning lecture series on American history, oral Much of the responsibility for accomplishing this history projects, and creative involvement in drama, rests with individual teachers. They must make the music, the dance and interdisciplinary projects, final selection from the myriad events and ideas of among other activities. We hope to have all of Con­ our heritage and choose those which truly bring the necticut's eligible colleges and universities flying the past to life. Bicentennial flag by the end of 1975. The impact on the Class of '76 is particularly im­ Ideas for opportunities for student participation in portant. They are special and will want to lead their the Bicentennial come from many sources. On the Bicentennial school programs and leave a legacy for national level, the Johnny Horizons program, the future classes to study. On the high school level, Bicentennial Junior Committees of Correspondence Connecticut is fortunate to have excellent leadership. and other ARBA-endorsed projects are designed for Much credit must be given to Dr. Franklin Gross the country's youth. Professional organizations such who pioneered the nationally recognized FERMI as the NEA are also prepared to assist. Our office '76 project and is now establishing a Bicentennial will provide resources and ideas as well and may be program at Bacon Academy. Many schools and contacted by phone or letter. school systems in the state have incorporated the Start now to get your classes and schools involved. Heritage, Horizons and Festival themes into their Join in the Bicentennial.

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