The Old Saybrook Historical Society

D e d i c a t e d t o P r e s e r v i n g , P r o t e c t i n g a n d P r o m o t i n g t h e H i s t o r y o f O l d S a y b r o o k Winter 2015 Wrapping up 2014 with Best Wishes to All in 2105

Student volunteer Reagan Mason portrays Lady Fenwick during the Cypress Cemetery tour in October. See Page 3. (Photo: Tedd Levy) Marie McFarlin welcomes guests to the Wassail Party. (Photo: Lynn Riemer)

The Hart House tree, donated by Mar. Floral and Botanicals, glows. (Photo: Bill McLaughlin)

Kunsang Dorjee, our student volunteer “musican in residence,” entertains at the Wassail Party. (Photo: Bill McLaughlin)

Society members and friends marched in Old Saybrook’s Torchlight Parade in December, including Torrance Downes’ granddaughter, Eva Louise Downes Deb Pegnataro crafted (looking at camera), black-hatted Society her creation at Sherry Secretary Judith Chase and be-hooded Eldridge’s November The October Annual Meeting drew a large number Barbara Maynard. (Photo: Torrance wreath-making event at the of Historical Society members who were updated Downes) Hart House. (Photo: Linda on the latest news and 2015 plans. ((Photo: Bill Kinsella) Roberts)

1 Dedicated to Preserving, Protecting and Promoting the History of Old Saybrook

Officers Marie McFarlin, President President’s Message Ed Mosca, 1st Vice President Linda Kinsella, 2nd Vice President Ellen Lepak, Treasurer The two-year term for our officers camaraderie. Our coming spring and Judy Chace, Recording Secretary ended Oct. 31. Bob Pedemonti, our summer events will provide further Trustees dedicated treasurer for nine years, exciting times. Our membership J.H. Torrance Downes retired. The Nominating Committee renewals, coming from all over the Tedd Levy asked all other officers if they would take country, are inspiring. Carol Manning another term. After much reflection, they Donna DiBella, former president William McLaughlin Matthew Rubin all accepted the nomination. and outstanding “Ways and Means” Arlene Sakatos The slate of officers, with the Chair, recently received a message to Thomas Stevenson addition of our new treasurer, Ellen share from Elizabeth Titus Putnam, a Lepak, was approved Oct. 15 at the direct descendant of Gen. William Hart Chairpersons Annual Meeting. We all realize our and founder of the prestigious Student Administrative Assistant Archives Diane Hoyt tremendous responsibility, and with Conservation Association. our dedicated officers, trustees and “Please extend my congratulations Archivist Greg Thompson volunteers, will work tirelessly to to everyone on having been named the Facility Manager continue the Society’s mission. non-profit of the year by the Chamber Ed Armstrong The fall programs (Chapman of Commerce,” she wrote. “What you Gardens and Grounds Lecture, Cypress Cemetery tour, have done is truly extraordinary… and Linda Kinsella Bushnell Farm Open House and wreath- to think that this has all happened due to Hart House making weekend) were great. The the dedication of volunteers.” Donna DiBella Marie McFarlin Wassail Party, with our largest crowd May you have a wonderful 2015! Hospitality ever, filled the Hart House with joyful -- Marie Drinagh Garofalo Catherine Logiudice Christine Yanelli 350 Years Ago: Saybrook & Lyme’s Insurance Stanley Prymas “Loving Parting” Investment Arlene Sakatos (Acting Chair) Lectures In 1631, the Earl of Tedd Levy Warwick granted lands at Membership the mouth of the Carol Manning River to several friends, Newsletter including Viscount Saye Bill Roberts and Sele, Lord Brooke and Public Relations Colonel George Fenwick. Tedd Levy These worthies chose John Registrar Diane Lyons Winthrop as governor and Assistant Registrar hired to build a Marie Vasile fort and lay out a town on the School Liaison west side of the river, which Deb Pegnataro he did in 1635. Winthrop Student Volunteers named the town Saybrook in Marie McFarlin Wendy Mill, Youth & Family honor of its founders. To conclude the process, Settlers gradually moved across the Ways & Means representatives from both sides of the Donna DiBella river to an area known unofficially as East river signed an agreement February 13, Webmaster Saybrook, establishing themselves over 1665, in an event known as “The Loving Jim Rothgeb a wide-ranging area, including today’s Parting,” due to its amicable nature. The Layout and Printing Old Lyme, Lyme, East Lyme and part name Lyme – attached to this new town Essex Printing of Salem. In 1665, they petitioned and in 1667 – is likely taken from Lyme Regis received permission from the Connecticut in England, a town from which some of General Court to establish their own town settlers may have had ties. (J.H. Torrance covering the area described above. Downes is Society liaison to “The Loving www.saybrookhistory.org Parting” initiative.) 2 Dedicated to Preserving, Protecting and Promoting the History of Old Saybrook

Student Volunteers ‘Stand In’ for Noted Residents at Cemetery Tour

On a bright October afternoon, Historical Society Meyden), Eric Mitchell (Gen. William Hart), Adam Nucci trustee Torrance Downes led a lively, informative tour (Giles Ward) and Jonah Nucci (Elisha Hart). of Cypress Cemetery, one of North America’s oldest, Historical Society president Marie McFarlin noted that continuously operating burial grounds. It was originally all of the students participate in the Society’s volunteer laid out in 1635 as part of the Saybrook Colony. program. “They are outstanding representatives of the Old The event was highlighted by presentations from Saybrook Public Schools. All of us in the Society appreciate seven Old Saybrook Public School students, each of whom their valuable contributions.” related the background of a notable individual buried in “It was a lot of fun,” said Reagan Mason in a the cemetery. follow-up email to Marie. “Thank you very much for the Standing beside the gravestone of “their” person, the opportunity.” Adam Nucci agreed. “I liked it very much. students gave informed and knowledgeable presentations It was a wonderful experience and I got a lot out of it.” in a poised and thoroughly enjoyable manner to an Angela Gaidry, Olivia Gaidry’s mother, said, “Thank audience of more than 100 area residents, including you for asking Olivia to participate; she truly enjoyed it. several beaming parents and grandparents. Also, my best friend (Olivia’s godmother) and her 10-year- The students participating in the event, and the old daughter (Alix) were visiting from France. So it was a historic figures they portrayed:Reagan Mason (Lady very special treat for them, too!” Fenwick), Ruthie LaMay (Lynde Family), Olivia Gaidry The Society also thanks Starbucks for its generous (Miss Anna James), Kyle Jackson (Louis Von der support of the event.

Ruthie LaMay (Lynde Family) Kyle Jackson (Louis Von der Meyden)

Eric Mitchell (Gen. William Hart)

Jonah Nucci (Elisha Hart) Olivia Gaidry (Miss Anna Louise James) (Photos: Tedd Levy) 3 Dedicated to Preserving, Protecting and Promoting the History of Old Saybrook

What’s Happening in the Archives

Visiting researchers from Wisconsin, California, Saybrook families, map of New Haven Green, letters Colorado and Montana came to the source of their and genealogical research on Scovill family. From American ancestry this fall. I will never tire of their Mark Sanner. reactions upon seeing the records from so long ago. • Various Whittlesey letters given by Scott W. A couple from Montana came to our shoreline for a Brinkerhoff. family reunion not knowing that his ancestor was from • The family of Henry Austin Clark, Sr. has given two Old Saybrook. They received a call only that morning large Bibles, and a binder with handwritten family- from a relative who informed them that Capt. David tree records of Clark family. Newell, who was killed by slaves aboard his ship, was • Two newspaper articles about 18th century West their direct ancestor. They drove here on a whim and, Indies trade in the CT Valley and slaves, merchants as luck would have it, found it open. The Hart House, and crafters. Rae Ann Ferrialo, contributor. which has a portrait of Captain Newell, will be on their • Six binders compiled by David Naumec, agenda when they return next spring. Mashentucket Pequot Museum, from Anne Sweet’s Visitors from Colorado, who had only started their life-long research on early , Old research three weeks previously, contacted us after Saybrook, and Native Americans. Each binder has finding old records his father had kept. Doctor Leonard a different subject and has at least 75 pages. We are was a dentist from 1880s to 1904 in Old Saybrook. He expecting six more. What a treasure for us. married the daughter of D.C Spencer, a descendant of the Chapman’s, a founding family. They explored cemeteries, Fenwick (home of Dr. Leonard), Town Hall Library records, and old maps. Found photo of Spencers and info Donated by Gregory Thompson: in newspapers. • Booklet, “100 Years in Newspaper Clippings,” Avery A family researcher from California was here to Family & Avery Family Association. flesh out her Shipman family tree. We were able to help • “Thanksgiving”, a detailed, nonfiction recounting of her sort out the connections and show her who she was the first Thanksgiving. actually descended from. • “Without Reservation,” detailed account of the starting of the Foxwoods Casino, its trials and Newest Contributions tribulations. Once again, the vault swings open to welcome the Donated by Elizabeth Manning: newest donations to the Society and there are many. We • An account book from the Saybrook National Bank, are overwhelmed by the generosity. 1879-1881. • Papers pertaining to people who gave money ($15) • A book, “Early Domestic Architecture of to obtain use of upper meeting rooms of the Central Connecticut” (1924). School Academy for religion, singing schools, etc., for one year, commencing December 1838. Donated by Donated by Scott Brinkerhoff: Elsie Manning. • “Memorials of the Whittlesey Family,” an old copy • Pen-and-ink portrait of the second Chapman of the Whittlesey family genealogy. No publication homestead built by Caleb Chapman in 1740 and date. destroyed by fire in 1871. Given by Ann Boyer. • Girl Scout photo with list of names; Say & Seal school Donated by Rae Ann Ferrialo: newspaper, 1966 & 1967; High School Program of • “Lyme, A Chapter of American Genealogy” (1976). Studies, 1966-67; original Pep group Rooters button & • “Donnelly, Dynamic Leadership”. decal, 1965; and Freshman beanie, 1964. Janis Esty, • “Military Collector & Historian, Vol.XXXIV #1” donator. • “Connecticut Industry: Key to Prosperity” (1960) • Letter found in a home in Darien, Conn., written • “Valley Shipyards.” Four large pamphlets on in 1894. “Slice of life” mentions of high school shipbuilding with photos. graduation and parties. Mentions Beebe, Chapman • “Shipbuilding Communities in the and Pratt. Unfortunately, last name of writer and Valley” by Conn. River Foundation. receiver unknown. From Maeve Zanesky. • “Bulletin of the Archeological Society of • Photo, 1925 Girl Scouts with names. From Julie Connecticut.” Three booklets concerning Native Perkins. Americans. • A collection of miscellaneous books pertaining to Old -- Diane Hoyt

4 Dedicated to Preserving, Protecting and Promoting the History of Old Saybrook

Saved from Landfill, G. Fox Mannequins Go Back Home Again

After the legendary Hartford, and “iQuilt,” an organization seeking Conn., department store G. Fox closed to revitalize downtown Hartford, its doors more than a dozen years ago, arranged their return to the G. Fox holiday decorations and mannequins windows, now home of Capital used in the store’s celebrated window Community College and several display were headed for landfill until business offices. Historical Society member Donna With a large rental truck and DiBella came to the rescue. She took hearty volunteers, the old G. Fox them in and provided a warm “home” family was retrieved from Donna’s in her garage and the Hart House garage, the Hart House attic and attic. the Society’s storage shed to make This unique collection included their journey back to their Hartford Mr. and Mrs. Santa, an ice-skating homestead. couple, happy children, a horse and They have been lovingly sleigh, elves, mice, evergreens, bags of rejuvenated and now are displayed snow and assorted holiday props. In once again to admiring spectators. the winter of 2000, Donna and more It’s not always easy when your grown than 70 volunteers organized and children leave, but we know they’ll be exhibited their newfound friends at just fine in their new life. the Hart House. -- Tedd Levy The successful event was titled “Animated Memories of Holidays Donna DiBella and the team loaded the holiday Past” and was hosted by dozens items for their trip back to Hartford. of Society volunteers and their (Photo: Tedd Levy) mechanical mannequins who welcomed visitors to each Wisconsin Visitors room. Not long after, the mannequins were stored away. Find History & They received a new lease on life this fall when Donna Camaraderie Volunteers Tidy and Put Hart House Gardens to Bed

Diana and Ron Bliss traveled from Madison, Wisconsin, to find the records of Thomas Bliss, an early settler, who followed Rev. Fitch, Saybrook Colony’s Congregational minister, to found Norwich in the 1600’s. The Bliss’s so enjoyed their visit that they extended their stay to attend the Chapman Lecture In November, Hart House Garden volunteers were already prepping for the spring. Joanne Goduti and on Connecticut and the Civil grandaughter Amelia plant spring bulbs while Jim Platt, founding member and past president, helps with War (see Page 7). (Photo: Bill the fall cleanup. Also set up: A new sign recognizing Marianne Pfeiffer, founder of the Wildflower Garden. Roberts) (Photos: Linda Kinsella) 5 Dedicated to Preserving, Protecting and Promoting the History of Old Saybrook

Poetry Inspired by Historical Welcome Historical Society’s Society’s Chest Newest Members (Jan.-Dec. 2014) With its bold design and vibrant colors, the Historical Society’s chest CONNECTICUT was a natural on-loan Nancy Fuller West Hartford addition to last summer’s Linda & Norman Lagassie Old Lyme exhibit of Connecticut Isaiah Griffith Old Lyme shoreline painted chests John Newman Deep River at the Florence Griswold Steve Lutar Guilford Museum. John Donnelly Old Saybrook The collection served Patricia & David Demay Old Saybrook as a focal point for the Joanne Goduti Old Saybrook Guilford Poets’ Guild and Elizabeth McLaughlin Old Saybrook the Connecticut River C. Marston Ladd Old Saybrook Poets, who conducted a Nancy Walsh Old Saybrook Sept. 14 workshop at the Dina Blais Old Saybrook The Historical Society’s chest museum Sept. 14. The Curtis Wendler Old Saybrook was featured on the cover challenge was to pick Nancy Hoffman Old Saybrook of “Thistles and Crowns, a painting or chest and Erin Colwell Old Saybrook The Painted Chests of the compose a poem based Cynthia Wrightsman Old Saybrook Connecticut Shore” by Benjamin on their reflections. Paula Kay Old Saybrook Colman. (Photo: Bill Roberts) Connecticut River Kim Curry Old Saybrook poet Jane D’Arista’s Edward Armstrong Old Saybrook inspiration came from the Saybrook chest: Dolores Britt Old Saybrook Richard Cerimo Old Saybrook Marie Vasile Old Saybrook “The Painted Chest” Sally & Sal D’aquila Old Saybrook Kevin Masci Old Saybrook Aunt Jenny cried when the chest Anne Evola Old Saybrook moved from the house where she grew up Maureen Auger Old Saybrook to her sister’s new home. There, Kay & Don Brigham Old Saybrook it stood in the upstairs hall Diana & Joe Marino Old Saybrook where her younger niece, Mary, Marilyn Kalal Old Saybrook often sat and ran her fingers John Kennedy Old Saybrook across the painted ribbons on its front – Ellen Lepak Westbrook stopping, starting again – until Carol Brevard Westbrook her mother saw she was trying to count Catherine & John Doane Westbrook and began to teach her. Later, the child traced the figures of vines and roses, imagining summer on a winter day. Joan Smutko Arlington After the wedding, the chest would be gone, filled with soft new linens and blankets Jane Ford Cofer Marietta Mary’s sister would take to her Dr. Theodore John Kopcha & Family Bishop new home – a loss that might be felt by yet another sister in years FLORIDA to come – one who also would learn Valerie Griffiths Rivera Beach to count by tracing ribbons on the chest and satisfy her need for beauty by touching the painted flowers there.

6 Dedicated to Preserving, Protecting and Promoting the History of Old Saybrook

Society to Support Film Company’s Feature on Saybrook Family

The trustees and officers of the Historical Society While the film profiles one have voted unanimously to provide support to family, it is a prism through Searchlight Films, a small, highly accomplished film for viewing Connecticut life, company that specializes in making documentary films community, and race relations for television, which plans to produce an hour-long from the post-Civil War era documentary about the noted James family, an African- through the early 20th century. American family that rose from , triumphed over Much of this family story can be racism, and produced a number of “firsts” for women found in “Can Anything Beat and African-Americans. White: A Black Family’s Letters” Among Old Saybrook’s by former Old Saybrook resident most distinguished 20th century and author Elizabeth Petry, Ann residents was best selling Petry’s daughter. African-American author Ann Searchlight Films was Petry. Many area residents are founded by Kathryn Golden and Anna Louise James (Photo: Schlesinger Library, more familiar with Petry’s more Ashley James and specializes Radcliffe Institute, Harvard locally famous aunt, Miss Anna in making documentary films University) Louise James who operated her for television. Their films are pharmacy for many years. Ann designed to illuminate America’s diverse communities Petry also trained as a pharmacist, and their clients have included PBS, CBS, the Canadian but made major contributions to Broadcasting Corporation, and BBC. Additional Ann Petry American culture through her information is available on its website: www. compelling novels, short stories SearchlightFilms.org. and works for children. The film will be designed for broadcast television and for distribution through libraries, museums, community Chapman Lecture: Noted organizations, and digital Internet streams. The core of the film is presented via letters, historical Historian Recalls “Forlorn Soldier” documents, and archival photographs handed down through five generations of the James family and Prof. Matthew preserved by Ann Petry in old cookie tins and boxes. Warshauer, Professor Interviews with prominent historians and scholars will of History at Central provide context and evaluation of the themes presented. Connecticut State University, author of “Connecticut and the American Civil War,” and Society Ornaments Hot Sellers co-chair of the Connecticut Civil War Commemoration at Bushnell Farm Open House Commission spoke to a standing-room-only audience Visitors to the Bushnell Farm Open House purchased about the evolution of post- more than $600 worth of Historical Society ornaments in war statuary in the North. November. The professor’s Sale of the 2014 custom-made pewter ornament, presentation, part of the featuring the Bushnell Farm and House, is part of the Historical Society’s Chapman Audience members were eager Historical Society’s fund-raising efforts. The handcrafted, Lecture series, focused to converse with Professor decorative piece is made by Woodbury Pewter, on Connecticut’s central Warshauer following his Woodbury, Conn., from the highest quality pewter and role in the manufacture of presentation. (Photo: Bill Roberts) continues a series of comparable ornaments that have commemorative statuary. been offered over the years featuring other historic His research led to the rescuing of an ignored, Saybrook sites. deteriorating soldier carved from Portland brownstone by The 2014 ornament is available for $12 at Saybrook a leading Hartford monumental works. Long thought to Hardware or by contacting the Historical Society at (860) have been a mistake, investigation found it to have been a 395-1635. A limited number of earlier ornaments, priced prototype on which many similar granite statues were based. at $10, also are available. It is now in the rotunda in the State Capitol in Hartford. 7 Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Old Saybrook, CT Permit No. 52 The Old Saybrook Historical Society 350 Main Street Post Office Box 4 Old Saybrook, CT 06475 860.395.1635 www.saybrookhistory.org [email protected]

Address Service Requested

This newsletter is generously sponsored by

Mark Your Calendars

Genealogy Roundtable is an ongoing program for all levels academic dean and lecturer emeritus in history at of family historians and genealogists. They are held the Trinity College, Hartford. third Tuesday of each month from 7 to 8:30 p.m. in the Stevenson Archives. Professional genealogist and Historical May 30: 3rd Annual Antique Sale & Appraisal Day on Society archivist Gregory Thompson moderates. our 350 Main Street Grounds

Chapman Lectures are sponsored by the Old Saybrook June 27: “Hosting For History” benefit party on Historical Society in conjunction with the Acton Public Grounds, including wine-tasting, New Haven Pizza Library. All presentations are free and open to the public. Truck and music For further information, contact the Historical Society at 860-395-1635 or [email protected]. July 11: Civil War reenactment on Grounds • Feb. 26: Anne Farrow -- The Logbooks: Connecticut’s Slave Ships and Human Memory. Ms. Farrow is Upcoming Exhibit: First World War posters and coauthor of the bestseller Complicity: How the North memorabilia Promoted, Prolonged and Profited from Slavery. • March 26: Donald E. Williams, Jr. -- Prudence Please Vote For Us! Crandall’s Legacy: The Fight for Equality in the 1830s, If you have an account at Essex Savings Bank, Dred Scott, and Brown v. Board of Education. Senator please consider voting for us during the Williams is president pro tempore of the Connecticut Community Investment Program survey between State Senate. He holds a J.D. from Washington and Feb. 1 and March 15. Any funds received will Lee University School of Law and a B.S. in journalism be given in the form of small scholarships to our from Syracuse University. outstanding senior student volunteers who have • April 16: J. Ronald Spencer -- Connecticut Yankee helped us during the course of their entire high in Lincoln’s Cabinet: Navy Secretary Gideon Welles school term. Chronicles the Civil War. Mr. Spencer is associate 8