D v. 3 no,: THE . onneccicut Bicentennial L. GAZETTE

VOLUME III SPRING 1974

CONNECTICUT ASSOCIATION OF SECONDA^/t/, e^jing week that foretold the success of future work in SCHOOLS CRITICIZED FOR REFUSAL TO debates, which will be run through 1981. •Nl^f gear's debaters will include students from states ENDORSE BICENTENNIAL PROJECT carved from the original thirteen, for a total of twenty-six, Xaverian Brothers High School of Westwood, Massachu­ and by 1976 it is hoped that high school teams from all setts was the team adjudged the champion in the first an­ 50-states will compete. nual National Bicentennial Debate competition, held in Williamsburg, Virginia February 5-9, 1974. The Massa­ chusetts team, made up of two high school boys, was pitted against St. Brendan High School of Brooklyn, New York, a team of two girls. Twelve of the Thirteen Original States were represented in this first annual national competition, sponsored jointly by the Virginia Independence Bicentennial Commission and the Bicentennial Council of the Thirteen Original States. The only State not represented in this year's com­ petition was Connecticut, and the blame lies directly on the shoulders of the Connecticut Association of Secondary Schools, which refused to allow Fairfield Prep and Stam­ ford Catholic (Connecticut's representatives for the 1974 competition) to participate. The American Revolution Bicentennial Commission of Connecticut voted to endorse this project and appropriated the necessary funds to send the two high school teams to the Williamsburg debates, with all expenses paid. When it was realized the Connecticut Association of Secondary Schools would not allow the schools to make the trip, there were countless efforts to pursuade this organization to re­ verse their decision. However, the CASS hierarchy refused all efforts by members of the Bicentennial Commission to get the group to let Connecticut participate. Jay Brown, President pro-tem of the Connecticut Speech and Debate Association, writes that the Williamsburg de­ bates would have served as a project which "would have contributed immeasurably to the growth and culture en­ richment of four deserving youngsters and their coaches." Brown continued his letter to CASS by saying, "I simply cannot accept the premise that Connecticut is so singular and sovereign a state that it can be governed in matters like this in such a way that the CASS officers can, with impunity, make decisions (the results of which are) dia­ metrically opposed to what you say your membership wishes for the youth of Connecticut." Brown concluded Whitney L. Brooks of Torrington his letter to Thomas Flanagan, Chairman of CASS, at Hamden High School:". . . your interest in our association The American Revolution Bicentennial Commission of (Connecticut Speech and Debate Association) and in its Connecticut is under the direction of Whitney L. Brooks attempted activities, has not only failed to translate itself of Torrington, following an appointment made by Harlan into positive, declarative action; in addition, it has effec­ H. Griswold, Chairman of the Connecticut Historical Com­ tively aborted an activity that would have climaxed a lot mission and the A.R.B.C. of Connecticut. "Whitney Brooks of hard work for a lot of dedicated people, and that needed will continue his duties as Vice Chairman of both State only from you some words of encouragement, and a sup­ Commissions", Chairman Griswold said, "but his primary portive executive consent." responsibility will be to direct the work of the Bicentennial 0 Commission staff." Mr. Brooks has requested that all Bi­ The two dozen teams that did participate in the first centennial-related business be brought to his attention, and annual National Bicentennial Debates took home, along not to Mr. Griswold. with their awards, the memories of an interesting and v l rw.vS The Stars and Stripes may be dipped in courtesy to an­ other nation, but unlike other national flags, it is never dipped to an individual, including the President of the Events United States. The American flag is our national emblem . . . the banner of freedom . . . our love of liberty . . . the world's grandest way of life. We can show our love and respect for "Old Glory" by raising it on a pole in front of our homes, as it should be. It is one flag which should be seen waving every day, instead of being tucked away in closets except for special occasions. Friday, June 14th, 1974, Philip Daigneault of Newing­ C.A.R.B.C. TO HOLD FLAG DAY CEREMONIES ton and the American Revolution Bicentennial Commission AT STATE CAPITOL JUNE 14th of Connecticut will sponsor a flag exhibit in front of the June 14th marks the 199th anniversary of the founding of State Capitol in Hartford. We are hopeful the Daigneault the U.S. Army. On this date in 1775, the Continental Con­ collection and display this year will be the beginning of a gress authorized the recruiting of ten companies of rifle­ drive for dedication to our flag, as well as display the flags men to serve for one year .. . an authorization that was of all fifty states, its territories and possessions, plus the later extended indefinitely. flag of any foreign power which, at one time or another, It's interesting to note, also, that two years later . . . had ever held an interest in these United States. June 14th, 1777 . . . the Continental Congress officially a a a • adopted the Stars and Stripes as our National Flag. COVENTRY TO OPEN BICENTENNIAL WITH Historians say that Betsy Ross, a Philadelphia seam­ NATHAN HALE HOMESTEAD SHOW stress, actually made the flag with thirteen red and white stripes, as well as thirteen stars, set in a circle, on a blue On Saturday, June 1st, 1974, Coventry's Nathan Hale field. However, it must be emphasized that, factually, NO Homestead on South Street will resound with the reverber­ ONE KNOWS THE EXACT ORIGIN OF THE STARS ations of Musketry, Cannon-fire and the martial music of AND STRIPES. Betsy Ross DID make flags for the Con­ Fifes and Drums as the Nathan Hale Ancient Fife and tinental Army, but she DID NOT . . . according to all Drums and its associated units, Knowlton's Rangers, First historical evidence . . . make the first "Old Glory." Artillery Detachment and the Company of Artificers set In 1782, the U.S. State Department explained the up a campsite in the historic flag lot at the homestead. The reason for the three colors they selected: red for hardiness show, which gets underway at 10 a.m., will provide the and courage . . . white as a symbol of purity and innocence stage for the presentation of their show, "A Day in the . . . and blue for vigilence, perseverance and justice. Leg­ Life of a Colonial Soldier", in which all phases of camp end has it, however, that George Washington had his own activity come to life; reveille, fatigue duties, rookie drill, version of what the three colors of the flag meant. The musket and cannon drill, the training of musicians, and the first President is recorded as having said: "We take the Artificers setting up and working at their field crafts. stars and blue union from Heaven, the red from our Mother During the routine of camp duty, pickets will alert the country, Britain . . . separating it by white stripes, thus camp because an enemy foraging party has entered the showing we have separated from her. The white stripes," area. A call to arms . . . the troops form up for battle . . . George Washington is quoted as saying, "shall go down and a rousing skirmish will ensue. After the skirmish, a to posterity representing liberty." series of parades and formations ending with a "Feu-de- The name "Old Glory" is purported to have come from Joie" closes the show. The continuity is to be controlled by the nickname given to our flag by a salty sea skipper a narrator who describes the action as it unfolds. from Salem, Massachusetts named William Driver, who The Coventry Bicentennial Committee is proud to start was presented with the Stars and Stripes by a group of its program of activity with this authentic presentation Massachusetts citizens in 1831. Thirty years later, during and cordially invites the public to enjoy a day, or a couple the Civil War when pro-unionist William Driver was living of hours, at this historic site and see history come to life. in Nashville, Tennessee, he had the flag sewn into a bed In case of rain, the event will be held on Sunday, June 2nd. quilt to keep it hidden from searching Confederate sol­ a « a a diers. In 1864, the rebels tried to storm the new Yankee stronghold in Nashville, and Driver hoisted the flag to full HELP!! ! view . . . threatening to "shoot up" the Confederates if an The American Revolution Bicentennial Commission of attempt was made to haul down "Old Glory." No attempt Connecticut is trying to compile a file of newspaper clip­ was made during that assault! pings of stories relating to the Bicentennial celebration, and President Wilson designated June 14th as Flag Day we are requesting your help. back in 1916. It's not a national holiday, officially, but the Bicentennial committees in Connecticut's cities and President-in-office proclaims public observance every year. towns are requested to forward copies of any clippings Only one flag may be displayed in a position of higher which might appear in local newspapers on Bicentennial prominence than the Stars and Stripes in the United matters. You may forward the newspaper or magazine States, its territories or possessions: the U.N. flag, which clippings to David O. White, Connecticut ARBC, 59 South flies over the United Nations headquarters building in New Prospect Street, Hartford, 06106. York City. a a a •

2 CONNECTICUT TO RECEIVE LIBERTY TREE June 1, 1774, Great Britain closed the port of Boston and isolated its inhabitants in retaliation for the Boston Tea Party the previous December. The act had unforeseen consequences as other colonies, including Connecticut, were angered by the harsh punishment inflicted by the King of England. The Boston port closing served as an instrument to unite the colonies, for they forgot their differences and shared food and supplies with the belea­ guered Bostonians. Soon the 1st Continental Congress was formed and England was forced to deal with the united colonies for the first time. FEBRUARY ARBA MEETING SEES 19-MORE In commemoration of this bicentennial observance, the CONNECTICUT BICENTENNIAL State of California will officially enter the Bicentennial COMMUNITIES NAMED celebration and on June 1, 1974 the Bicentennial Commis­ sion of the Golden State will send each of the thirteen Prior to February 15th, 1974, Connecticut had only nine original states a west coast redwood or giant sequoia Bicentennial Committees officially designated by the ARBA seedling. The California Bicentennial Commission has sug­ in Washington, but the February 20th ARBA meeting saw gested these trees be designated "Liberty Trees" in honor this number increased by nineteen. The Regional Coordin­ of the trees which served 200-years ago as meeting places ator in Boston, Mrs. Georgia Ireland, believes this is the for colonial patriots. largest number of communities to be approved nationally Connecticut's "Liberty Tree" will be placed in front of at any one time and, if true, is a feather in Connecticut's the State Capitol in Hartford on the first day of June, 1974, tri-cornered hat. with appropriate ceremonies conducted by the Connecti­ Those Connecticut communities designated by the cut Department of Environmental Protection. The D-E-P ARBA prior to February 15th, 1974 included: Danbury, has reached an accord with Connecticut's Public Works Hebron, Newington, Norwalk, Old Saybrook, Middletown, Department, under the direction of Commissioner Paul Roxbury, New Haven and Windsor. February 20th, the Manafort, which will see the D-P-W hold responsibility for ARBA approved these nineteen Connecticut communities: planting and maintaining the California tree. Barkhamsted, Berlin, Bloomfield, Cornwall, Cromwell, East Haven, Enfield, Glastonbury, Litchfield, Milford, Morris, Newtown, Norwich, Old Lyme, Orange, Suffield, Torring­ ton, Windsor Locks and Woodbury. March 20th, the A.R.B.A. nodded national approval to three more Connecticut Bicentennial communities: Groton, Plymouth and Waterford. April 17th saw Chester, West Haven, East Hampton, Shelton and Essex added to the growing list. This puts Connecticut third in the country, behind Louisiana and Massachusetts, in the total number of nationally recognized Bicentennial communities. Let's make Connecticut #1! • • • • Help in finding material for children on the American Revolutionary period is forthcoming from the new Con­ necticut Children's Services Bicentennial Committee. As its first project, the committee is compiling materials lists for librarians on various topics pertaining to American History from 1763-1789. Some of the subjects are CRAFTS, GAMES & TOYS, EDUCATION and BIOGRA­ PHY. Lists will bear the Bicentennial Committee's emblem, Jamestown, Virginia: Appropriately costumed, with hal­ a drum and an oak branch, and when ready it will be sent berdiers and fife and drum escort, as she raises the Con­ to all Connecticut public libraries. necticut flag during ceremonies on the Mall at Jamestown To stimulate children's interest in the exciting Revolu­ Festival Park February 8th, Debbie Ziegler of Wheaton tionary period, the committee plans to undertake two High School, Maryland, is shown here with (from left) projects. They will develop model programs and projects Brian C. Dow, Program Coordinator of the Connecticut that suggest types of activities that can be done with chil­ Bicentennial Commission, and Lewis A. McMurran, Jr., dren in libraries to celebrate the Bicentennial. The com­ Chairman of the Virginia Independence Bicentennial Com­ mittee also intends to gather and disseminate information mission. The event was held during the first annual Na­ of activities and places of historical interest in Connecticut tional Bicentennial Debates in Williamsburg. communities, and in such agencies as museums, parks and 9 a o e libraries. Within the next few weeks they will sent ques­ Alistair Cooke's "AMERICA" film series will now be tionnaires to libraries to find out about local activities. sent all around the world for the Bicentennial. The U.S. Suggestions for Bicentennial Committee activities will be Information Agency has begun distribution overseas of welcomed by Sylvia A. Schulman, Chairwoman, The "AMERICA" and the film series has been solidly booked Ferguson Library, 96 Broad Street, Stamford, Connecticut by USIA posts abroad through 1975. 06901.

3 MARINES IN HARTFORD RESEARCHING The Principal of the West Main Street School in Mil­ "ORIGINAL EIGHT" ford, Stuart G. Sears, has been visiting the 5th grade During the decade from the end of the Seven Year's classes in many of that community's schools, with mini- War to the eve of the American Revolution, events caused reenactments of the life of a Revolutionary War soldier. the American colonials to clash with the British in battle. Mr. Sears, who is also a member of the Milford Bicen­ The first military confrontation, a year before the signing tennial committee, describes the clothing and equipment of the Declaration of Independence, took place early in carried by a Revolutionary War soldier and, weather per­ the morning on April 19th, 1775 in Lexington, Massachu­ mitting, fires his "Brown Bess". He is assisted on occasion setts. Nearly a month later, on May 13, 1775, three days by his son, 2nd Lieutenant S. R. Sears, and they dress after the capture of Fort Ticonderoga and Crown Point, authentically as soldiers of the 6th Connecticut Continen­ information was received in Hartford saying that the garri­ tal Line. Both are members of the Brigade of the Amer­ son at Ticonderoga was in a "feeble state" and that "men ican Revolution and the Company of Military Historians. and money" were desperately needed. The Continental Congress, sitting in Philadelphia, also received appeals for assistance from these two garrisons, and resolved that "the Governor of Connecticut be re­ quested to send a strong reinforcement to those garrisons". With this request, a reinforcing expedition was immediately organized and soon left Hartford for the besieged garri­ sons. With the expedition was "money escorted with eight Marines" of Connecticut, "well spirited and equipped". At Albany, additional troops joined the expedition which soon arrived at Ticonderoga after passing through hostile territory, infested by Indians and treacherous renegades. The Connecticut Marines, who were part of the reinforcing expedition, have traditionally become known as the "Origi­ nal Eight." The Marine Club of Hartford, under the direction of its President, Tom Caldwell, is busy searching known records and periodicals in an effort to fully identify the "Original Eight". If you have any documents or information which might be of assistance to the search, please write to the Editor, Connecticut Bicentennial Gazette, or to Tom Cald­ well, Corporation Counsel's Office, City Hall, Hartford, Governor Meskill reactivates Connecticut regiment for Conn. • • • • Bicentennial. GIRL SCOUTS LAUNCH 3-YEAR February 13th, 1974, Governor Thomas J. Meskill issued BICENTENNIAL PROGRAM Executive Order #22, which reactivated the Third Con­ The three year Bicentennial project initiated by the necticut Regiment of the Continental Line, under the com­ Girl Scouts Connecticut Valley Council will include a mand of Sgt. Richard C. Newell of Glastonbury, specifical­ search for women's household journals, diaries and per­ ly for the Bicentennial celebration. The reactivation was sonal papers that reflect our nation's life and times. The the result of a bill drafted by State Representative Jean Girl Scouts will work with professional archivists, mem­ Thornton of Glastonbury, Public Act Number 73-220. bers of historical societies, the ARBC of Connecticut, Governor Meskill's Executive Order is as follows: museums, libraries and universities to uncover the names and contributions of American women. WHEREAS, The State of Connecticut played a dom­ The Girl Scouts will explore their own communities to inant role in the American Revolution, furnishing discover worthy contemporary young and adult women, leadership as well as generous and abundant contribu­ as well as those of the past. They will conduct oral history tions of men, arms and money; and projects, interviewing older people about older times, to WHEREAS, The American Revolution Bicentennial locate material about local "heroines". If you have con­ Commission is currently planning and coordinating tributions to make to the Girl Scouts, or if you want addi­ the State's commemorative activities as an integral tional information regarding this Bicentennial project, con­ part of the national celebration; and tact Girl Scout representatives in your community. o » o a WHEREAS, Public Act 73-220 authorizes the Gov­ ernor to reactivate any military unit of the State or of Mr. Ralph Parker, who is a member of the Stratford the Colony of Connecticut for participation in the Bicentennial Committee, has come up with an interesting United States Bicentennial celebration; idea: high school students in each of the State's 169 cities and towns can gather research material as part of the NOW, THEREFORE, I, THOMAS J. MESKILL, town's Bicentennial effort. Parker suggests that the re­ Governor of Connecticut, do hereby reactivate the search data concentrate on that community's American Third Connecticut Regiment of the Continental Line, Revolution War activities and he says an example of this under the command of Sgt. Richard C. Newell, effec­ comes from Stratford, which supplied corn and duck to tive this date (Feb. 13, 1974) for the purpose of George Washington's army in addition to also supplying cooperating in such activities as may be appropriate troops during the War for Independence. to the celebration of our Bicentennial Anniversary. CONNECTICUT BICENTENNIAL MEDAL The seminar is the first college-credit course to be AWARDED TWO NAVY MEN offered at the Simsbury Historic Center and will offer participants an increased awareness through an educated understanding of past commemorations, and an oppor­ tunity to study historical data with contemporary purpose. It holds special value to graduate students and teachers continuing their education in fields of Speech, Education, History or English; under-graduate students, and residents responsible for Bicentennial planning in individual towns or areas. Applications, information and registration should be directed to the University of Hartford. e » o »

Under Secretary of the Navy Middendorf, General Mize, Brian Dow (l-to-r).

The Marine Club of Hartford presented its first annual Gideon Welles award, March 30th, to The Honorable grams that have been developed by two Connecticut resi­ Under Secretary of the Navy, J. William Middendorf, dur­ dents, which are worthy of consideration during the Bicen­ ing a Joint Services Dining-In in Hartford. The Gideon tennial era if clubs, schools and other organizations are Welles Award, named in honor of President Lincoln's looking for material. secretary of the Navy who was a publisher-editor of the Mrs. Frances Kelsey of Sharon has one color slide pro­ Hartford Times and a resident of Glastonbury, is to be gram entitled, "Birth of a Town", which is about an hour awarded annually to a native or resident of Connecticut in length. The documentary presentation relates the origin who contributes to the honor, advancement or prestige of of the town of Sharon, Connecticut, and the crucial part the U.S. Naval Service. The award is an 1851 Colt Navy its citizens played during the War of Independence. There Belt Presentation cap and ball pistol made by Colt Fire­ is some emphasis on an old grist mill (a secret mill which arms. the British never uncovered), at which grain was ground Brian C. Dow, representing the American Revolution for the armies and populace of western Connecticut and Bicentennial Commission of Connecticut, presented the eastern New York State. Mrs. Kelsey completes this pre­ Under Secretary with one of the silver Connecticut Bicen­ sentation with a lively question and answer session, and tennial Medals, and a set of the first Bicentennial Commis­ the cost for this presentation is $50.00. sion Monograph Booklet Series, as a remembrance of his Also, Blaine and Eleanor Cota of Milton Society, near visit to Hartford. Mr. Dow also made a similar presentation Litchfield, are busy showing another documentary slide to Major General Charles D. Mize, Director, Naval Disa­ show of life in Litchfield County during the War for In­ bility Evaluation Office, USMC. 0 0 0 0 dependence. The Cotas own and reside in the original (17th-18th Century) Deacon Buell house in Litchfield, Doctor H. A. Hawken of Granby, a research specialist where the grounds, gardens and woods, and "soldiers" in on Commemorations during the National Period, 1780­ various uniforms give an exciting demonstration of those 1860, is completing a book which will be published for dangerous times. the 1976 Bicentennial. He has built a Seminar-Practicum Mr. Cota has also been presenting a course of lectures upon this source material which will focus in part on a and demonstrations on "Creative Survival"—life in the 17th study of rare and recently discovered manuscripts of both and 18th Centuries in New England, based on the life of obscure and historically famous figures. their home in which they recreate living in the 17th Cen­ The Seminar and Practicum is an interdisciplinary, tury (fireplaces, betty lamps, canvas floor cloths, hand- multi-level study of past commemorations, with practical dyed and stenciled textiles, and strings of dried pumpkin, emphasis on individual planning for and participation in etc.). Mr. Cota is a graduate and post-graduate of Yale the 1976 Bicentennial celebration. Giving 3-credit hours, University School of Design, and Mrs. Cota can weave, the class size is limited, with admission by consent of the dye, paint, stencil, preserve and cook almost anything from instructor. those past centuries. He has been giving his course of The regular 8-week summer session will be held June lectures at the University of Connecticut and various com­ 3rd through July 25th, Tuesday and Thursday evenings, munity colleges and to historical societies, and he is a beginning at 7:00 p.m., at the Simsbury Historic Center witty and interesting lecturer. The cost for the course of (Massacoh Plantation) on Hopmeadow Street, in the his­ eight lectures is $500.00. toric meeting house. 0 0 0 0

5 Eric Sloane's most recent book, "THE SPIRITS of '76", is a highly personal essay on the meaning for America of the up-coming Bicentennial. Focusing on his belief that Americans today are an entirely different people, not older editions of earlier epochs, Sloane leaves few sacred cows in his provocative analysis. Sloane concludes his essay with the hope "that in living for today, we can dream for tomorrow and learn from yesterday." A valuable addition to anyone's Bicentennial library, you may purchase Sloane's latest work for $5.95 from Walker & Company, New York City. 0 0 0 0 BICENTENNIAL COUNCIL OF THIRTEEN ORIGINAL STATES ENDORSES USA-200 A publication which is familiar to many people involved in the Bicentennial . . . USA 200 . . . has been endorsed as "official publication" by the Bicentennial Council of the The General William Hart House (1767) was recently Thirteen Original States. acquired and is being restored by the Old Saybrook His­ As a result of its association with the BCTOS, USA 200 torical Society. In addition to housing the Society's collec­ has expanded its coverage to include a special section in tions and work rooms, it is the headquarters of the town's each monthly issue on the activities of the Council and its Bicentennial committee. General William Hart (1746­ member states. At the same time, the annual subscription 1817) was a merchant and an officer of the State Militia. price has been reduced from $25.00 to $12.00. Several times a candidate for Governor, he was a large investor in the Western Reserve. USA 200 is unusual for its longevity, having survived lean years of the Bicentennial. In February of this year, it began its fourth year of publication. In announcing the affiliation, Clifford M. Clarke, Execu­ tive Director of the BCTOS, said that instead of starting Jt was hews* ^ up a new (and possibly competitive) publication, the BCTOS felt that "it's a better service to the public to £0 0 t/ears a< enter into this relationship with a going publication . . . one that has a fine national reputation for editorial integ­ rity and journalistic excellence." A Recently, USA 200 announced that it would publish (in May, 1974) a "1974 Bicentennial Yearbook and Direc­ tory" which will contain detailed information on the plans of 20 Federal agencies and all 50 states. The yearbook (Editor's note: This issue's column was written by Con­ will be sent free to all subscribers and will be sold on necticut Historical Commission staff member David O. news-stands for $3.95. White, who is also the author of one of the first books in To subscribe to USA 200, send a check for $12.00 to: the Bicentennial Commission's monograph series, "Black USA 200, P.O. Box 200, Glen Ridge, New Jersey 07028. Soldiers 1775-1783." Effective with the summer issue of 0 0 0 0 the Bicentennial Gazette, he will assume the duties of MUSIC Editor, and has requested that items of interest be sent to his attention.) An outstanding educational contribution of the Nathan Hale Ancient Fife & Drums has been their Bicentennial CONNECTICUT GAZETTE (New London)­ series of LP phonograph records, "Music of the American APRIL, MAY, JUNE of 1774 Revolution", created for the purpose of bringing the stir­ ring sounds of ancient fifes and drums, once heard only on April 1: (Items brought from England by Capt. Love) Six the parade route or the muster field, into American homes ships, from 400 to 500 tons each, are fitting out at and schools. Confining their music to the general period Portsmouth, for the purpose of importing timber from 1760-1790, they have, through the efforts of their music America, for use of his Majesty's dock-yard. master, brought to light from original sources, early ar­ chives and private collections, a vast assortment of thor­ The affairs of America, it is said, will not be taken up oughly documented fife tunes which they are arranging by Parliament until the sessions are pretty far advanced. with appropriate drum beatings, in the true ancient form. By varying their recorded presentation of the selections from solo to full regimental sound, they have enhanced the The following illustrious persons are busily employed listening quality of each recording. In addition, they have in studying the four rules of Arithmetic: included an occasional sequence of the sounds of battle, His Majesty, Addition—to his family; for added zest. For further information about the purchase The Ministry, Multiplication—of their party; of these recordings, write to The Nathan Hale Ancient The Parliament, Subtraction— from the public purse; Fife & Drums, Inc., P.O. Box 1776, Coventry, Ct. 06238. And the Patriots Division—among themselves.

6 Developments in Connecticut during the months of April, May and June, 1774, continued to concentrate on the Boston Tea Party and the British reaction to it. In addition, efforts were being made to form a postal system that would not depend upon England. When word was received of the British act closing the port of Boston, the immediate response was one of anger and a call for a meeting of the colonies. o e * » Chapman, Efqj of Eail-Haddam which weighed 27 Score and . LYME, March 17tb, i?74> 1 epmlay one William l.amfon, of Martba\-Vhcyard, 'carve ft tbis'ivivr. with a Bag of TEA, (about 100 Wt.) on Horfe-M, tel. lib he M patting si out the Country, It appeared thai he was about Bufsnef. ivhich (be f up t o fed) imitld render him obnoxious to tki People, ivbieh gave Reufin ti fujpeB that be had feme of the tlrcftable Tea lately landed at Cape Cod ; and upon Examination it appeared to the Satisfaction cf all prefent, to it part of that 'Very Tea ; (though he declared that he purchafed it of two Gentlemen in Newport, one of them Yisfiid is a Cujhm-Eoufe better, and the other Captain of the Tort,.) Whereupon a Number of the Sons of Liberty of entiled in the Evening, kindled a Fir

April 29: (Items from England) It is given out, and believed, that administration will enforce the duty upon Tea in America. Many of the principal persons now in office opposed as vigorously as possible the FORMER SECRETARY OF THE NAVY repeal of the Stamp Act, a spirited attempt to exact ASSUMES ARBA POST obedience, will, without doubt, bring the dispute to a decision. The Honorable John W. Warner, Secretary of the Navy, It is said that the Tea thrown into the sea at Boston has assumed the position of Administrator of the ARBA is valued at 18,000 £,, at l/6d. per pound. The whole in Washington. Nominated by President Nixon, Warner's sent to America is said to be about 300,000 £ worth, confirmation was quickly approved by the U.S. Senate. He which is returning home, not being suffered to be is a resident of the State of Virginia and is a graduate of landed. Washington & Lee University and the University of Vir­ ginia Law School. If the spirited measures at present talked of should take place respecting the Americans, the next cargo After graduation, Mr. Warner served as law clerk to the of a certain commodity may be called gun-powder tea, Honorable E. Barrett Prettyman, former Chief Judge of and they must take it with a little smack of British the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the District of Co­ spirit. lumbia. Admitted to the Bar in 1954, Mr. Warner served for a number of years as a Justice Department trial lawyer and in 1964 became a general partner in the firm of SPIRIT OF '76 MUST BE REKINDLED Hogan and Hartson, specializing in corporate and banking On Sunday, March 10th, President Nixon went on na­ law. As Secretary of the Navy, Mr. Warner was able to tional radio and television, calling upon all Americans to bring this experience to the contracting area and kept a put aside disagreements and disappointments and "rekindle sharp lawyer's eye on the procurement industry. the spirit that in 200 years built the thirteen colonies into Secretary Warner served as Under Secretary of the Navy the strongest nation in the world." from 1969 to 1972 when he was appointed Secretary of the On this date, the President announced the nomination of Navy. As Under Secretary, he was designated Head of the Secretary of the Navy John Warner to head the Bicenten­ U.S. Delegation which met in Moscow in October, 1971 nial administration, ordering him to accelerate planning and again in Washington in May, 1972 to discuss incidents for a "truly national celebration .. . a citizen celebration" at sea between U.S. and Soviet naval units. As Secretary of America's 200th birthday. of the Navy, he was a member of the Presidential Party "The Bicentennial is not going to be invented in Wash­ at the Moscow Summit Meeting and sighed, on behalf of ington, printed in triplicate by the Government Printing the U.S. Government, the Executive Agreement on inci­ Office, mailed to you by the U.S. Postal Service, and filed dents at sea between the United States and the Soviet away in your private library", Mr. Nixon said. Union in May, 1972. Secretary Warner was the first Under "Instead, we shall seek to trigger a chain reaction of Secretary and Secretary of the Navy to have served in the tens of thousands of individual celebrations—large and uniform of both the Navy and Marine Corps, and he is small—planned and carried out by citizens in every part the top civilian official of the Navy. of America." • • • • « » « » 7 (Editor's note: By the time this issue of the beginnings, we re-examine founding principles and Gazette reaches its readers, I will have resigned my apply them to our future. position as Program Coordinator for the A.R.B.C. of The citizens of this country make up an amazing Connecticut and Editor of this newsletter. When I diversity of ethnic, racial and social backgrounds. accepted this position with the State Commission Lifestyles differ widely throughout our geographic last Fall, one of my duties was to act as Connecti­ expanses. We are megalopolis, city, town and village. cut's voting delegate to the Bicentennial Council of We are rich and poor, young and old. We are the Thirteen Original States ... an organization farmers, factory workers, secretaries and clerks, ex­ which needs no introduction to those of us working ecutives and laborers. We are black, red, brown, full time on the Bicentennial. yellow and white. These differences make us the na­ Recently, I was asked by the Executive Director tion we are. of the BCTOS, Clifford Clarke, to join the Council's The Bicentennial affords us the opportunity to call paid staff in Atlanta, Georgia as Director of Public for a commemoration which is national in scope and Relations and Visuals, and after much consideration, which has appeal to every American. The Bicenten­ accepted the position, effective May 1st. nial era should be a period for reflection on events I cannot begin to list the friends I have met which led to, and through, the Revolution. It is a through my work for this Commission because of the time for all of us to review and reaffirm the basic Bicentennial, but I would like to take this forum to principles upon which this nation was founded. say "Thank You" for all the assistance I have re­ Connecticut's Bicentennial Commission is a cata­ ceived and, above all, for your friendship. I trust lytic agent, formed to coordinate, assist and encour­ that I am able to explain some of my thoughts on age significant projects throughout the State. By in­ the Bicentennial with the following editorial. Brian spiring citizens and communities to develop their C. Dow.) own programs, we will develop activities of the broadest possible appeal. Citizens, and students, and 1976 will mark the focal point of the 200th anni­ communities with different ideas hopefully will find versary of the United States of America and will projects which would "turn them on" to the spirit present an opportunity to unite all Americans as each and heritage that makes our country and State what makes his own contribution to the Bicentennial, gain­ they are today. ing a greater understanding of the whole by sharing It took twenty-four years (1765-1789) for Con­ the common Bicentennial experience with others. It's necticut to move from independence to national an opportunity to advance the American system union. At best, we have only a little more than two through reflection on how far it has brought us over years to conceive, plan, organize and produce a the last two centuries, and by using its basics to im­ meaningful commemoration which, hopefully, will prove the quality of life for our third century. counter much of the divisiveness fear and alienation Our goal for the Bicentennial should be to forge in today's society. We can do this ONLY if we be­ a new national commitment .. . a new Spirit for '76 come regenerated with the "can do" spirit of our .. . a spirit which will unite us all in purpose and fore-bearers. Your ideas, responsible help, and active dedication ... a spirit in which, as we celebrate our interest are needed and invited.

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Connecticut .^HSE^ GAZCTTE

published quarterly by S> I I 9 U '13 'Oeuilsvi The American Revolution Bicentennial Commission of Connecticut, • 3 A V 10 1 I DO 1 £ 3 William J. Morris, Director A a V H 8 I *l 3 I V i S Z0S NPI 1 0 3 5 Brian Dow, Editor s I«i»n 90o I M i w N.N ? <\ Oo Subscription: $1.00 annually