The Historical
Society board meetings are normally on the first Monday of the month at 7 p.m. at the Squire's
Tavern (100 East River Road, Barkhamsted). These are
business meetings with no program, but all are welcome,
especially if you would like to become active in the Historical Society. |
Barkhamsted
Historical Society - Barkhamsted, Connecticut
Below are upcoming, recent and
past activities of the Barkhamsted Historical Society (current and most
recent stuff at the top). For
additional information and photos involving work at the Squire's Tavern
and other happenings and issues, please visit our Historical Society Log.
 | 2008 program series continues with
May 9 discussion on herbs and Colonial use of herbs.
The Historical Society is pleased to announce our annual program series
for 2008 held on the second Friday of the month from February to May.
The programs are all at the Senior Center in Pleasant Valley, about a
mile up West River Road from the bridge. They start at 7:00 p.m.
and refreshments are offered at the conclusion of each program.
This year topics include:
Friday, February 8, 2008
Colebrook Forge Archaeology. Dr. Marc Banks will discuss the
Colebrook Forge and the archaeology work done on the site located near
Riverton. The forge was built in 1771 and operated for about 40
years. Pig iron was brought to the forge from an iron furnace in
Salisbury. The iron was then further refined at the Colebrook forge
and made into a variety of products including ship anchors. The site
also was one of the first to produce steel in the colonies.
Friday, March 14, 2008
The Forgotten Town.
Erik Landgraf will present the story of the community in Barkhamsted
Hollow where farms, businesses and a small village were located before
the Saville Dam was built, creating the Barkhamsted Reservoir.
Those crossing the Dam can look to the north and wonderful scenery
including water, trees and mountains. Erik will show us what was
there before the water.
Friday, April 11, 2008
People of Wattunkashausep.
Cynthia Griggs covers the culture of native Americans living in the
area of the Farmington River Valley. The Farmington River
has been a wonderful resource over the years, drawing recreational
users and providing water power for early mills. Cynthia will
cover the residents of the river valley living there in an earlier
time.
Friday, May 9, 2008
Colonial Herb Gardening. Mike Day will use potted
herb plants in a discussion of how they were used historically for a
variety of purposes. You will have a chance to smell or taste
the herbs and learn the many uses of these plants in the daily lives
of colonial Americans.
|
| Connecticut Open House Day - Saturday
June 14, 2008
Connecticut Open House Day is a special
state-wide event sponsored by the Connecticut Commission on Culture &
Tourism. On Saturday, June 14, 2008 a variety of cultural organizations
and tourism attractions throughout the state will be open to visitors,
inviting them to discover Connecticut’s fascinating world of art,
history and film. The Barkhamsted Historical Society will participate
with special hours on June 14. The Squire’s Tavern will be open from
1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. and will have a special exhibit of photos by
Paul Kramarchek. The photos are of historic houses from Pleasant Valley
up to Riverton (mostly on West River Road). In addition we will have
docents available to provide guided tours of the Squire’s Tavern.
Refreshments will also be available and there is no admission charge.
Please include us on your visits to the variety of participating museums
and organizations on Connecticut Open House Day!
|
| Christmas At the Tavern
On Sunday, December 2, 2007 the Historical Society held
a special open house and kickoff of our old time Christmas decorations
displays at the Squire's Tavern.
The day included refreshments and a short talk on some of the
Christmas decoration practices used by the families that occupied the
Tavern over the years. The decorations were on view during our open
hours up to December 23. The Squire's Tavern is located at 100
East River Road, about one mile north of the bridge in Pleasant Valley.
|
| Squire's Tavern open to the public
each Wednesday 9 to noon and Sunday 1 to 3 p.m.
The Squires Tavern is open
to the public on Sundays 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. This is in addition to
our current hours on Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to noon. The Barkhamsted
Historical Society is restoring the historic building at Peoples Forest
called Squire's Tavern. The work is well along and we invite you
to stop by to check it out. Although we are still working on the
project there is still a lot to see. Guides can show you around
the building and also give you some background on Barkhamsted history in
general. Stop by and take a look!
|
| Barkhamsted Anniversary Celebration
and Historical Society Annual Meeting - Sept. 10
Barkhamsted’s 228th
anniversary was celebrated on Monday, September 10, 2007 at the Squire’s Tavern. The
festivities included the traditional cake and
other refreshments. We will also had some special events honoring the
contributions of Walt Landgraf. A short business meeting business
meeting was held during which we will elected officers and gave a
summary of what the Historical Society has accomplished over the past
year and what our plans are for the future.
|
| Art at the Tavern - from Aug 12 to Sept 12, 2007
The Barkhamsted Historical Society hosted "Art at the Tavern", an
exhibition featuring paintings, photographs, jewelry, pottery and
abstract ceramic wall hangings. A reception at the Squire's Tavern
was held on Sunday, August 12, 2007 as the kickoff event. Hope you
were able to come in and view
this wonderful variety of art.
|
| Reservoir Tour Held September 15, 2007
For
several years the Historical Society has done a tour of Barkhamsted
Center, the Hollow and Saville Dam. This has been so popular that we
again offered it on September 15, 2007. It was always a favorite
event of Walt Landgraf’s and although we could not match Walt’s knowledge
and wonderful presentations, our participants enjoyed the tour and the
great scenery of the reservoir area.
|
| Barkhamsted resident Deidamia Shepard
died in 1903 but her voice lives on.
Deidamia Shepard
lived a simple country life on a small farm on Center Hill in
Barkhamsted. She died in 1901 but her voice lives on in the form
of her diary in which she recorded the routine events of everyday life,
her thoughts and concerns. The diary found its way by chance into
the hands of Dianne Thurston of Manchester. Dianne was poking
around items in a tag sale and was intrigued by the 103 page diary,
which she purchased for $2. The diary was in poor condition, and
it was not readily apparent just who made the entries or where they
lived. The story of Deidamia is intriguing because of the many
fascinating threads involved: the detective story of how Dianne found
the single clue that uncovered where Deidamia lived and who she was; the
glimpse into the life of a country women enjoying the small pleasures
and facing the hardships on a Barkhamsted farm; the end of life concerns
as she grows old.
Dianne has presented facets of the story in our Quarterly newsletter and
at a May 11 program. Recently she was interviewed for a
feature article
in the June 10, 2007 Waterbury Republican newspaper (a story which was
picked up by AP). The Historical Society is very pleased that
Dianne has brought to light Deidamia's story. Dianne has done
extensive research on the Deidamia Shepard and is considering recording
the story, possibly in book form.
Photo above- Dianne Thurston at the Squire's Tavern with the Deidamia
Shepard diary.
Photo above- Dianne Thurston inspects the house foundation where
Deidamia Shepard lived (located on MDC land on Center Hill,
Barkhamsted).
|
| 2007 Program Series completed.
The 2007 program series was completed on Friday, May 13 with a talk by
Dianne Thurston on the diary of Deidamia Shepard, a Barkhamsted resident
living on a farm in the late 1890s. Each year the Barkhamsted Historical Society sponsors a
program series held on the second Friday of each month from February to
May. The programs are held at 7:00 p.m. at the Senior Center on
West River Road, about 1 mile up from the bridge in Pleasant Valley.
Watch for information on our 2008 series. Below are the programs
from 2007 that we hope you were able to attend. Thanks so much to
Walt Landgraf, Mike Day, Linne Landgraf, Laura Mazza-Dixon and Dianne
Thurston for giving their time for these wonderful programs.
Friday, February 9, 2007Barkhamsted Products to the Sea. Walt Landgraf
focused
on the products from our forests, farms and industries that entered
the world economy via sailing vessels during the 1700's to
1800's. Many Barkhamsted families depended on this trade for part or
all of their income. Products included cheese, sheep, cattle, chairs,
wagons, barrels, farm tools and ship building materials.
Friday, March 9, 2007
Mike Day covered
The One-Room School House; What Was It
Really Like? Using excerpts from letters, official reports
and first hand accounts Mike provided a glimpse into the reality
of nineteenth century education. Questions about class size, age
range, building conditions, discipline, teacher concerns and the
treatment of young children were answered using the words of a
number of nineteenth century teachers including references to
Barkhamsted schools.
Friday, April 13, 2007
Music of Colonial America featuring Laura Mazza-Dixon on
guitar and viola da gamba and Linne Landgraf on flute and recorder
playing songs and dance tunes that would have been familiar to folks
in the colonies of the 1600's and early 1700's. Music was part of
community gatherings, story telling and family activities and came to
this country with the new settlers.
Friday, May 11, 2007 at 7:00 p.m.
Dianne Thurston
told the intriguing story of the long lost
Diary of Deidamia Shepard, who lived on a rural farm in
Barkhamsted during the 1800’s. When first found, the diary was
shrouded in mystery. It was not readily apparent who the writer was
or where she lived. Dianne told us how she discovered the person
behind the diary and some of the details of life on a Barkhamsted farm
over 100 years ago.
|
| Tag Sale -
May 17, 2008
The Barkhamsted Historical Society will hold
our annual tag sale on
Saturday, May 17, 2008 on Route 44 at the Town highway garage near the entrance to
the regional recycling center.
The event will start at 8:00 a.m. This is our main fundraiser and we
hope you can stop by to check out the furniture, tools, collectibles,
books and other items we will have for sale. (It is NOT the large
flea market event we have held in the past. That has been
discontinued and the tag sale in May will be comprised of approximately
ten or twelve tables of items and we do not anticipate outside dealers
or vendors will be present.) Funds raised from the
tag sale will help us do our work preserving Barkhamsted history and
culture for your enlightenment and for future generations to enjoy.
Please mark your calendar and check out our tag sale!
DONATED ITEMS are needed for the tag sale!
Yes...we are starting to collect items now. Please contact
us if you can donate furniture, tools, collectibles and other tag sale
items. Your generosity will be very much appreciated and will help ensure the success of our effort.
Items can be dropped off at the Squire's Tavern on Wednesday mornings
between 9 a.m. and noon, on Sunday between 1:00 p.m. and 3:00 p.m. or if you would like us to pick up your
items, please call Paul at 860 379-1861 or Charlie at 860 379-7362.
Events from prior years...
|
| Bus Tour of Barkhamsted Hollow and
Saville Dam - September 24, 2006
The weather was decent for our bus tour of Barkhamsted Hollow
and the Saville Dam on
September 24, 2006. There were just a few sprinkles here and
there. The tour covered historical sites in the
Hollow- sites of former cemeteries, tavern, churches, school and farms.
Also included was a walk through the lower gate house of the Saville
Dam. After the tour, many took advantage of the open house at the Squire's Tavern
to see the progress being made on the restoration of the building as
well as the Farmington River Coordinating Committee's display of photos
and artwork relating to the Farmington River.
Photos above- Visitors at the Squire's Tavern Open House held on
September 24, 2006.
|
| Old Home Day and Annual Meeting- Sunday, September 10,
2006.
The Historical Society celebrated the 227th
anniversary of the town of Barkhamsted on Sunday, September 10, 2006. Old
Home day is the traditional gathering of residents and former residents
to celebrate Barkhamsted’s birthday, a tradition that has been carried
on since the 100th anniversary held in 1879. We
continued this time-honored celebration with a pot luck lunch on the
grounds of the Center Congregational Church on Old Town Hall Road. After lunch, we walked to the nearby Center
Schoolhouse and held the Historical Society's annual meeting.
After
the meeting, Walt Landgraf led a walking tour of historic sites
down to the west side of the Barkhamsted Reservoir to visit a number of significant locations including the original sites of
the Center School, the Merrill Tavern, the Center Cemetery and militia
parade grounds and a view across the reservoir where Barkhamsted Hollow
farmhouses and other buildings once stood.
Photo above- the traditional Old Home Day group photo on the steps of
the Center Church.
Photo above- Annual meeting of the Historical Society at the Center
Schoolhouse. Walt Landgraf (standing in front of blackboard),
president of the Barkhamsted Historical Society, starts the meeting as
Town Historian Doug Roberts (in blue shirt) speaks.
Photo above- Walt Landgraf talks about historic sites at Barkhamsted
Hollow on the west shore of the Barkhamsted Reservoir.
|
| Charlie Lynes honored at
July 4th parade
The Barkhamsted
Historical Society marched in the Independence Day parade in Pleasant
Valley. During and after the parade we honored Charlie Lynes,
former Historical Society president and long time board member.
Charlie has played a critical role in Society activities for a number
of years. He is responsible for getting our Schoolhouse
restoration project reenergized in the early 1990s, and worked
tirelessly to keep the Hitchcock Chair Museum operating for a number
of years. For years Charlie has been in charge of our flea
market events, a major fundraising effort for the Historical Society.
Charlie has logged countless hours of volunteer work during the
restoration of the Squire's Tavern. His hard work and commitment
have long been appreciated by the Historical Society.
Photo above - Charlie Lynes (at right) receiving honors from
Barkhamsted Historical Society president Walt Landgraf at ceremonies
after the July 4, 2006 parade in Pleasant Valley.
|
| Open House at Squire's Tavern -
July 4, 2006
Hope you were able
to stop by to
see the progress we have made restoring the Squire's Tavern during
our July 4, 2006 open house. At the conclusion of the Independence day
parade in Pleasant Valley we opened the Tavern for visitors who took
advantage of guided tours and a number of photos on display.
|
| Special Program - The Cabin
Down the Glen by Odell Shepard
On Sunday, June 4,
2006 at 3:00 p.m. at the Riverton Grange, the Barkhamsted Historical
Society joined with the Winchester and Colebrook Historical
Societies to host a special program. Rick Sowash, a publisher
from Ohio, unveiled his recently published book The Cabin
Down the Glen by Odell Shepard.
Odell Shepard was a Pulitzer
Prize winning Connecticut author and renowned Trinity College
(Hartford) professor. He
was
the well-known publisher of Thoreau's journals. In the early 1930s,
he built a writing retreat in the woods of Winchester adjoining the
Robertsville section of Colebrook and Barkhamsted. During a
year-long stay in this cabin he wrote the manuscript for The
Cabin Down the Glen. The manuscript was never published and laid
hidden in the Trinity library until Rick Sowash discovered it.
At the book launching Dan
Ringuette sang three of Odell Shepard's poems set to music composed by Rick
Sowash. Copies of The Cabin Down the Glen
were available to the over 120 people attending, who learned about Odell
Shepard, his life and love of Connecticut.
Photo above- Barkhamsted Historical Society president Walt Landgraf
and publisher Rick Sowash address the audience at the Grange Hall in
Riverton.
Photo above- Rebecca Ransom and Walt Landgraf unveil
The Cabin
Down the Glen by Odell Shepard while Rich Sowash plays a flourish
on the piano.
|
 |
 |
Odell Shepard, author of The Cabin Down the Glen.
The Barkhamsted Historical Society has a limited number of the books
for sale.
|
| Historical Society’s big flea
market - May 20, 2006
Thanks again to all
the volunteers who made our May 20, 2006 flea market a success at the fairgrounds in Riverton. We
were very fortunate to get the event in without rain (there was just
a few drops). Also thanks to Dunkin Donuts for donating coffee
and donuts to us for the flea market.
|
| Historical Society’s 2006 Annual Lecture
Series Wraps Up
The Historical
Society annual lecture ended on Friday, May 12 with a program on
19th century chairs and chair makers from Barkhamsted and the
surrounding area. We hope you were able to attend one or all
of the programs. Next year we will again offer the series for
your enjoyment. Watch for details in late 2006 or early
2007. Below are the programs that were offered this
year. We would like to thank all those who presented the
lectures and thanks to Meg Wainman for handling publicity for the
series.
Feb. 10 Walt Landgraf- “Forest to Sea”
Landgraf’s presentation examines wood and iron resources that Connecticut
produces to manufacture warship, merchant vessels to rowboats.
Landgraf is a naturalist and the president the Barkhamsted
Historical Society.
March 10 Roxann
Lovell-
"Attracting
Hummingbirds and Butterflies"
She shows how to lure hummingbirds and butterflies to gardens
through fragrant plants.
Lovell
is a certified Master Gardener for the State of
Connecticut
specializing in colonial and Victorian plants and garden design.
She lectures for historical societies, garden clubs and the University
of Connecticut.
April 14 Mike Day-
"Dollhouses and
Furniture"
His presentation stresses basic concepts to help make
building your dollhouse and furniture easy to do.
Day is a published dollhouse enthusiast and has given
numerous talks on the subject. He taught himself the process
and with the understanding of a few concepts came to realize that
anyone can build their dream dollhouse complete with furnishings.
May 12 Paul Hart and Doug Roberts- "Chair Makers of
Barkhamsted"
Covers background information on the different chair makers’
styles, construction and stenciling techniques. Doug Roberts is an
authority on chairs, especially 19th century chairs made
in this region of the state.
|
|
Historical Society
Receives Grants for Riverton Historic District
by Rebecca Ransom
The Barkhamsted
Historical Society was recently given two grants, totaling
nearly $4,000, to complete the study and nomination for the Riverton
Historic District. In December, the
Historical Society was granted a $2,200 matching grant from the
Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation in cooperation with
the Connecticut Humanities Council. Under the grant, the society is required
to match grant funds. According to Society president Walt
Landgraf, the matching funds will be made up of a previously
secured grant of $1,750 from the Farmington River Coordinating
Committee and donations from the Society and other interested parties. The
total cost of the project is approximately $4,400.
The funds will go toward a study of Riverton’s historic
structures and their contribution to the town’s overall
ambiance. The study is in preparation for a nomination as a
National Historic District under the National Park Service.
The study and subsequent nomination will be performed by
professional consultant Jan Cunningham of Cunningham Preservation
Associates, LLC of Middletown. Cunningham is well underway
in the study process and it is estimated that the nomination will
be submitted for approval during the spring.
If approved, the National Historic District will include the
entire village center. Final boundaries of the District will
be determined by the study.
Although several buildings in Riverton village are on the National
Register of Historic Places, this designation would involve the
entire village community.
Designation as a National Historic District is different from a
zoning historic designation. First of all, National Historic
recognition does not involve regulatory measures and does not
impede property owners’ rights. Structures within the
district are not subject to restrictions on points such as paint
colors, lawn ornaments, maintenance and improvements, etc.
Benefits of the designation include the ability for non-profit
groups to access and obtain grant funding and tourism and
marketing tools for merchants. Landgraf also hopes the
designation will increase awareness about preservation of
Riverton’s historic structures.
In itself, the study is an important and useful tool for the
community. Previously, most of the information and research
involving historic structures in the village has been strewn
amongst various documents and books – whereas this study
assembles all the information into one cohesive record. It
both identifies structures of significance as well as documenting
the community as a whole.
The study will be a valuable instrument for continued research,
preservation, and a “jumping off point” for future
projects. Recently, there has been discussion within the
Historical Society to produce walking brochures of the village and
perhaps other tourist literature.
|
| Historical Society Receives Grant
On October 2005 the Barkhamsted Historical Society was
awarded a grant of $3,000 from the Connecticut Humanities Council (CHC)
for an important project involving the Society’s collection of
artifacts, documents and photographs.
The grant will be matched by resources from the Historical
Society and used to retain a professional archival consultant to
document and implement best practices in accessioning, cataloging
and preserving items in the Society’s growing collection.
In addition, catalog entries for existing collection items
will be migrated to an effective software package widely used by
museums and historical societies for collection recording purposes.
The Barkhamsted Historical Society appreciates the support from CHC
and is very excited about the project because it will enhance our
ability to preserve important pieces of Barkhamsted history and
culture. The work to be
accomplished is the first step in our plan to better utilize the
collection to inform people of the heritage and traditions of our
town. The work covered by the CHC grant will occur over the
next twelve months.
The collection is currently housed in the Squire’s Tavern,
headquarters for the Historical Society. The Historical
Society has been restoring the Tavern building, located on East River Road
in People’s
Forest
. In the spring of 2006 work will begin on an archival storage
facility at the Squire’s Tavern to house a large portion of the
Society’s collection.
|
| Historical Society Annual Meeting
Hope you were able
to attend our annual meeting at the Squire's Tavern on Saturday, September 10,
2005. After a short business meeting and election of officers,
Historical Society President Walt Landgraf lead a hike from the
Tavern down to the Farmington River. We learned about the land
near the tavern: from glacial times thousands of years ago down to
how occupants of the Tavern farmed the area. After the walk we
all enjoyed a picnic lunch on the grounds of the Tavern and
celebrated Barkhamsted's 226th anniversary with a huge cake.
Photo above- Walt Landgraf leads a tour of the area around the
Squire's Tavern including this spot on the Farmington River.
Photo above- A hungry group looks on as the Barkhamsted birthday
cake is cut. Where are the 226 candles?
|
| Flea Market held at Riverton
Fairgrounds
Our flea market on Saturday, August 27,
2005 at the Riverton fairgrounds
was our most successful such even yet. With a great location
and perfect weather we had very nice attendance and 70 vendors offering a wide variety of items
from furniture and plants to collectibles and tools. The flea market is the Historical Society’s major
fundraising event. Proceeds support the activities of the
Historical Society. Thanks to all who supported our event and
thanks to all the volunteers who worked to make this happen.
|
| Parade and Open House at Squire's Tavern-
Monday, July 4, 2005
The Historical
Society participated in the Independence Day Parade at Pleasant
Valley. Our special focus during the parade was honoring Doug
Roberts and his many years of service (since 1988) as Barkhamsted
Town Historian along with years of excellent service to the
Historical Society. After the parade we held an open house at the Squire's
Tavern. We were very pleased to see new friends and old who
stopped by to see what is new at the Tavern, including
the front parlor with wall stencils, liquor keep and "new"
floor boards. Historical Society guides were available to
answer questions and discuss plans for the future.
Below- photos from the July 4, 2005 parade in Pleasant Valley.
Marching in the parade on West River Road, Pleasant Valley.
Doug Roberts, riding
in the red car, was honored during the parade.
Marching near the bridge in Pleasant Valley.
Town Historian Doug Roberts.
Historical Society president Walt Landgraf presenting Town Historian
Doug Roberts
with a certificate of appreciation for his years of service to the
Town and Historical
Society at a ceremony after the parade. |
| Historical Society Program Series
The Historical
Society annual program series concluded with the May 13, 2005
presentation by Marc Banks some of his archeology work across
Connecticut, including some test pits done at the Squire's Tavern.
Join us in February 2006 for our next series. We offer four programs in the series each year, on the second Friday
of the month from February through May. The programs are free
and open to the public.
Our 2005 program lineup included:
Friday, February 11, 2005
Civil War Experiences.
Miles Messenger, member of the Connecticut Civil War Roundtable,
presented the Civil War experiences of Horace Messenger, his great,
great uncle.
Friday, March 11, 2005
Chinese Export Porcelain.
Chinese porcelain was the standard for the European porcelain
production in the 17th and 18th centuries. Mike Day shared
his research on Chinese export porcelain with us, relating it as
much as possible to what may have been used at the Squire's Tavern
and elsewhere in Barkhamsted.
Friday, April 8, 2005
Preserving Your Family Heirlooms.
It's time to clean out those family heirlooms to enjoy today and to
preserve for future generations. Learn how to deal with your
old family photographs and paper records using modern preservation
techniques to create your own family archives. Sarah Polirer,
a practicing archivist for over 18 years, discussed the issues
and ways to preserve these records.
Friday, May 13, 2005
Archeological
Explorations.
Archeologist Marc Banks discussed digs in Connecticut
and Barkhamsted relating to farms, old houses and taverns.
The glass, ceramics, bone metal and other objects found at
these sites were pieced together to tell a story of some of the
activities that occurred there and when they happened.
|
| Historical Society Annual Meeting
The Historical
Society annual meeting was held on Friday,
September 10, 2004 at 7:00 p.m. at the Squire's Tavern. During a brief business meeting we
reported
on the progress made during the last 12 months. Historical
Society officers were elected for the next year:
President- Walt Landgraf
Vice President- Shirley Coffin
Secretary-
Karen Ansaldi
Treasurer- George Terwilliger
Trustee- Mike Day
A slide show program covering four years of restoration work at the Squire's
Tavern was enjoyed by all. And what a coincidence! Our meeting date just
happened
to fall on the 225th anniversary of the Town of Barkhamsted
(incorporated on September 10, 1779). This event was
celebrated with birthday cake and stories surrounding the town's
incorporation.
|
| Independence Day Parade
Here in Barkhamsted
we love our Independence Day parade, even when it rains. The
Historical Society took part in the parade this year (2004) and of
course focused on the history of the parade itself. The parade has been held annually since the mid 1950's when the
Reverend George Ackerly got things going. Reverend Ackerly had
returned from India after many years there as a missionary.
Before going to India, he had been the minister at the Pleasant
Valley Methodist Church, and remembered that a town parade had been
held on the 4th of July. He wanted to revive this tradition,
so he grabbed his trombone, and, with a bunch of school kids from
the neighborhood, marched through Pleasant Valley.
Since then
the parade has grown in size. George would be proud.
Fifty some years later the Historical Society marches in the
parade and recognizes George's revival efforts during the 1950's.
|
Above- the Historical Society contingent in the Independence Day parade
at Pleasant Valley. Noreen Watson and Karen Ansaldi carry the
banner. They are dressed in 1950's era garb which is when the
town's parade was resurrected. Behind them is Historical Society
President Walt Landgraf (white shirt) and Erik Landgraf carrying a sign
noting the 1950s origin of the parade. In the yellow car ride two
parade marchers that participated in the first parades 50 years
ago.
Margo Miller Fenn (second from left) and Terry Montgomery (third from
left) were honored for their participation in the first town parades
resurrected in the 1950's. At the far left is driver Jim Fenn.
To the right of Terry are Historical Society marchers Noreen Watson and
Karen Ansaldi in 1950's era dress.
| 2004 Program Series concluded
The Barkhamsted Historical
Society completed a series of programs on May 14, 2004.
We want to thank Paul Hart (items from the Historical Society
collection), Mike Day (school text books before the Civil War),
Lynne Landgraf and Laura
Mazza-Dixon (18th century popular music) and Ken Chichester and
friends (a glimpse into lives of Civil War soldiers) for their
excellent presentations. This was the 7th year we have presented
the series for your enjoyment and education. |
Photo above- About thirty people attended a music program sponsored by
the Historical Society on 18th century popular music with Linne Landgraf
on
Baroque flute and Laura Mazza-Dixon on classical guitar on April 9,
2004. This was the third in our four program lineup which
concluded on May 14 with A Glimpse Into the Life of Civil War Soldiers
with Ken Chichester and company.
| Squires Tavern Open House held October 4, 2003
The Squire’s Tavern was open for inspection on
Saturday, October 4, 2003 and we had a good turn out. About
100 people stopped by to see the restoration progress on this
200-year-old building and exhibits pertaining to the history of the
Tavern. Several Historical
Society volunteers were on hand to answer questions from
visitors. George Hilton, co-editor of the Barkhamsted
Heritage, signed copies of the Heritage book. The open
house is in conjunction with the big celebration being held across
the street at the main area of People’s Forest: The Forestry
Centennial recognizing 100 years of forestry in Connecticut.
Photo above- visitors a the Squire's Tavern open house event held on
October 4, 2003.
|
| Historical Society 2003 Annual
Meeting
On September 10, 2003 the Historical Society had its annual
meeting at the Squire's Tavern. President Fred Warner and
committee chairmen outlined the accomplishments over the last
year. A new slate of officers was nominating and elected:
President- Walt Landgraf, Vice-President Shirley Coffin, Secretary-
Karen Ansaldi, Treasurer- George Terwilliger, and Trustee- Doug
Roberts. Following the meeting, a program highlighting several
items from the Historical Society collection was presented.
Refreshments were served including a birthday cake recognizing the
town's 224th anniversary (Barkhamsted was incorporated as a town on
September 10, 1779).
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| Flea Market Fund Raising Events
The Historical Society's main fund raising event is our flea
market at Mallory Brook Plaza (a.k.a. Ames Plaza). All our
volunteers come out and work hard setting up and staffing the flea
market. We were very lucky this year to get in two events
without being rained out- one on May 31, 2003 and another on
September 6, 2003.
Photo above- September 6, 2003 flea market. Look at that
beautiful blue sky. This flea market was one of our best for
attendance.
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| July 4th Parade and Squires Tavern
Open House
What a great day for the Fourth of July parade in Pleasant Valley.
The Star Band sounded great as always. Both kids and adults
had a great time
and it seems as if the whole community was involved.
This year (2003) the parade had added significance for
the Historical Society. Besides participating in the parade, we welcomed friends visiting for the event, including George Hilton, co-editor of the Barkhamsted
Heritage. The Barkhamsted
Heritage, a town history published in 1976, was a big project
organized by George Hilton and Dick Wheeler.
Dick died shortly after the book was published but we were joined by
his son Bruce. At the conclusion of the parade George and Bruce signed
Heritage books at a Squire's Tavern open house event.
Left to right- Jim Fenn, Bruce Wheeler, George Hilton and Fred
Warner at the conclusion of the 2003 July 4th parade at Pleasant
Valley. For more photos of the parade click
here.
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| 2003 History Program Series
Our sixth annual lecture series is now history. We hope
you were able to attend one or more of the four programs. We
want to thank our guest speakers: blacksmith Bob Valentine (Early
American Iron Hardware), Roxanne Lovell (Colonial and Victorian
Gardens), Walt Landgraf (As the Wheel Turns- Early Mills on the
Farmington River) for sharing their expertise with us. Also we
would like to thank all those who shared their personal experiences
during the Flood of 1955 at our program in February. Watch for
our publicity for the 2004 program series. All
programs are free, and refreshments are provided after each talk.
All are welcome including those who are not members of the
Historical Society. |
| Historical Society Adopts Revised By-laws
Updated by-laws were approved and adopted at a special meeting of
the Barkhamsted Historical Society on January 27, 2003. The
by-laws had been last updated in 1976. The by-laws feature new
and realigned standing committees, a three year term limit for the
President and updated mission statement and objectives. To
read the Historical Society by-laws click here. |
| Historical Society Annual Meeting -
2002
The Barkhamsted Historical Society held its annual
meeting at the Squires Tavern. Outgoing president Sharon Lynes
gave a report of the Society's accomplishments during the last year
to a gathering of about 29 members. The short business meeting
included an update on the progress at the Squires Tavern given by
Leslie Cosgrove, a discussion on the current quarterly Squires
Tavern publication by Walt Landgraf and election of a new slate of
officers headed by incoming President Frederic Warner. Walt
Landgraf then gave a tour of the Tavern touching on several
discoveries and work that has been completed over the last year.
September 10, 2002- Walt Landgraf pointing out 19th century
stenciling above the fireplace at the Squires Tavern during his tour
of the building following the annual meeting. |
| Squires Tavern
Much of the energy of the Historical Society is currently directed
toward our Squires Tavern project. For more information on
this work, see the Squires Tavern
page.
Photo- The Squires Tavern, June 2002 just after receiving a new coat
of paint. With the gleaming paint, repaired clapboards and
trim, new shingles on the roof and repairs to the chimneys
completed, most of the restoration work moved inside during the
summer of 2002. To follow the progress on the Squires Tavern, visit
our work log. |
| Flea Market -
Saturday, June 8 and September 8, 2002
The Historical Society held its main fund raising events:
two flea market at the Mallory Brook Plaza
in front of the Ames store, Route 44 near the Barkhamsted/Winsted
town line. The weather was perfect for both the June and
September dates as over 60 dealers and
vendors spread out their wares for the large crowds. We are
very pleased with the results and wish to thank all those who worked
to make these events a success.
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Photo- Historical Society flea market at Ames Plaza on June 8,
2002.
| 2002 History Program Series
Our fifth annual program series has just ended.
Hope you got a chance to attend one or more of these programs.
Each year we offer a series of four programs- one each month from February to May on the
first Friday of the month. Each program starts at 7:00 at the
Barkhamsted Senior Center on West River Road. The programs are
free and open to all. Watch for our lineup for
2003. We want to thank Fred Fenn, Harriet Winchenbaugh,
Fred Warner and Alicia North for their
participation.
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| Annual Meeting - September 10,
2001
The Barkhamsted Historical Society held its annual
meeting Monday, September 10, 2001 at the Senior
Center on West River Road. Barkhamsted's birthday is
celebrated on September 10- what a coincidence! About 20
members attended and after a short business
meeting and annual report to the members we enjoyed a program by
Walt Landgraf covering the Squires Tavern.
Annual Meeting photo- Historical Society President Sharon
Lynes cuts the towns birthday cake in celebration of the 222nd
anniversary of Barkhamsted's incorporation.
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| Flea Market on Sept 8 benefits
Historical Society
The Barkhamsted Historical Society sponsored a flea
market fundraising event at Mallory Brook Plaza (sometimes called
"Ames Plaza"- located on Route 44) in the parking lot near
Ames. It was held on Saturday, September 8, 2001 from 9
a.m. to 2 p.m. and we were very pleased with how the day
went. In one day we raised more funds from admissions and
vendor fees than we raised in any of our combined three day events
held in past years.
Photo- Tag sale fundraising event for the Historical Society at Ames
Plaza on September 8, 2001.
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| 2001 History Program Series
We just concluded our 4th annual program series with our last
program on Friday, May 4, 2001. Walt Landgraf showed slides
and talked about the results of months of research on the Squires
Tavern and Ullmann Farm (see photo below). We want to thank
Walt, Jim Smith and Melvin Brown for providing such interesting
programs this year. Watch for our program line-up next year,
starting in February 2002.
Walt Landgraf getting ready to start his Squires
Tavern program, May 4, 2001.
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| Annual Meeting and Walk to
Historic Sites
If you missed our annual meeting and Reservoir walk on
September 10, 2000, below are a few photos of events from the day.
Above- photo of the crowd at the annual meeting of the Barkhamsted
Historical Society held in the Center Schoolhouse.
Above- the meeting is over, and the hikers gather together outside
the Schoolhouse for the walk to the Reservoir.
Above- Walt Landgraf talks about the Constitution Oak which is
located about 200 feet from the water's edge. The tree is in front of the
former location of the Center Schoolhouse. The Schoolhouse was
moved to its current site on Route 181.
Above- Walt Landgraf pointing out Barkhamsted Hollow locations (some
of which are under water) at the edge of the Barkhamsted Reservoir.
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| Fifth Grade Students Visit Old
Schoolhouse
An annual event, one day each June, fifth graders from the Barkhamsted
Elementary school spend a
day "attending classes" at the Center Schoolhouse and
experience first-hand what education was like years ago. Definitely different!!!
The photo below shows students on this special
day at the Schoolhouse on June 7, 2000.
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Members Present Papers at Iron Masters Conference
We want to congratulate Walt Landgraf and Fred Warner for their
participation in the Iron Masters Conference at Saugus Massachusetts on May 6,
2000. A total of nine historians
and archeologists from around the country were invited to present papers at the
conference, which is held by the Iron Masters group of the Society of Industrial
Archeology . The Historical Society
is proud that not one but two of our members made the cut for this important
conference.
Walt presented a paper documenting Richard Smith’s forge at Colebrook.
This has been an exciting subject as a great deal of information has only
recently been uncovered showing just how important this site was. Not only was this forge a very early (1770) and very large site,
information has come to light indicating that it was one of the first sites to
produce steel in the colonies.
Fred presented a paper on the restoration of the Beckley
Iron Furnace in Canaan. He has
worked hard on this important project, and has documented the discovery of an
unusual air ventilation system found in the base of the furnace.
Congratulations to Fred and Walt for their role in the Iron
Masters Conference and their work in advancing the knowledge of the iron
industry in northwestern Connecticut.
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