Barkhamsted Historical Society

May 2009 - Busy month for The Barkhamsted Historical Society

The Barkhamsted Historical Society was very busy during the month of May 2009.

May 8th was the culmination of this years educational outreach lecture series. Local historian Paul Hart gave an excellent oral presentation on the history of Barkhamsted Center. Mr. Hart described the history of what was, not only, the geographic center of Barkhamsted, but also the municipal and community center of town. Combined with a Power Point slide show, Mr. Hart described many of the historic buildings and places that collectively made up the Barkhamsted Center. Some of these included the Town Hall, Merrill Tavern, Center School, Center Church, The Cash Store and Hotel, The Constitution Oak, Animal Pound, Cemetery and the Militia Parade Ground. Mr. Hart also describe some of the many historic events that took place in Barkhamsted Center such as the Barkhamsted Centennial celebration and the impact the construction of the Saville Dam had on the community and town center. The program was well received and well attended with about 40 people in attendance.

Paul Hart - History of Barkhamsted Center Program

History of Barkhamsted Center Program - Barkhamsted Senior Center

On May 16th, The Barkhamsted Historical Society participated in Barkhamsted's first volunteer day. Barkhamsted Volunteer Day was sponsored by the Barkhamsted Lions Club and was designed to provide an opportunity for Barkhamsted organizations to solicit and recruit new volunteers. The event was held at the Elementary School on Saturday, May 16th 2009. The Historical Society is in need of volunteers in a number of areas. Our most pressing need is for docents, or museum tour guides for Squires Tavern and the Center School House. Complete docent training is available. Docent trainees will be paired with experienced docents until they are comfortable on their own. Volunteers are also needed to participate on the two archaeological digs the society is involved with this summer. Opportunities also exist for researchers, education outreach coordinators, website maintenance personnel and writers.

Charlie Lynes and Bob Judd staff the booth during Barkhamsted Volunteer Day

May 17th marked the opening day for the much anticipated Legend of the Barkhamsted Lighthouse Exhibit. The exhibit features the facts and the legend behind the famous site where James and Molly Chaugham's cabin once stood. Molly a woman of European decent and James a Narragansett Indian man, married and then fled to the northwest hills of Connecticut in the late 18th century. The Lighthouse and the community that grew up around it was located on East River Road between Pleasant Valley and Riverton and was excavated in 1990 by Dr. Kenneth Feder, an archaeologist from Central Connecticut University. In December 2008 the Lighthouse was designated as an Archaeological Preserve by the Connecticut Historic Preservation Council.

A full house was on hand for the unveiling of the exhibit. Archaeologist Ken Feder presented a lecture and slide show on the background of the Lighthouse community. After the presentation Dr. Feder led the attendees on a tour of the lighthouse community and described the various sites and the community life that existed at the time. The exhibit opening and tour were very well received with over 40 participants in attendance. BHS would like to thank the LeGeyt Bus Company for providing the transportation and also Selectmen Bill Downes for driving the bus. The exhibit is open to the public for the remainder of this year during regularly scheduled hours at Squires Tavern, 100 East River Road.

Archaeologist Ken Feder presented a lecture and slide show on the background of the Lighthouse community

Archaeologist Ken Feder

BHS would like to thank the LeGeyt Bus Company

Dr. Feder led the attendees on a tour of the lighthouse community

Friday May 29th, the Barkhamsted Historical Society hosted the Barkhamsted Elementary School third graders for an all day Barkhamsted History Day field trip. The students were divided into small groups and rotated between various historic locations around town and participated in a number of activities. Squires Tavern was the location for several activities. Students were taken on a tour of the Tavern by local historian Paul Hart. They learned about life at the Tavern as well as the early history of Barkhamsted. Each student also took part in two different craft projects. A sewing project and a tin art project, both of which were sent home as a reminder of the day.

The Center Church was the location for several other activities. Students created potpourri bags and played games outside. The students were allowed to shoot sling shots and rolled large hoops using sticks. There was a lot of laughing and fun happing at the church. Students were also shuttled over to the Barkhamsted Center Cemetery where they were told about the history of the cemetery and the Soldieries' Monument which is located there.

One of the highlight of the day for the students must have been the authentic one room schoolhouse lesson at the Center Schoolhouse by professional schoolmarm Susan Webb. Mrs. Webb did an outstanding job describing and illustrating what a typical school day would have been like for children in the 1800's.

Paul Hart led students on a tour of Squires tavern

Tin art activity at Squires Tavern

Students enter the one room Center Schoolhouse for a lesson

Professional schoolmarm Susan Webb give a geography lesson

Old time hoop and stick game at Center Church

Additionally, Barkhamsted Historical Society also hosted several out of town visitors. Jackie Slade Leach, from Cape Cod Massachusetts, visited to do additional research on the Slade family and to visit the site of a former Slade homestead. Bob Hart, of Avon Connecticut, visited his families old home-site not far from the historic Barkhamsted Center. Mr. Doug Hughes, from Saratoga Springs New York, visited the Tavern in search of gemological information about his Barkhamsted ancestors, Sylvester and Benjamin Andrews. Connie Lizak, of Fort Myers Florida, visited the Tavern with her husband Ed. Connie's father was Raymond B. Church, twin brother of Richard, and brother of Kenneth. Their father was Frank Jerome Church, who served as a representative in the CT House, 1921-1923 and 1937-1940. Frank's parents were Orville Church and Ellen Emily Case. Connie's uncles Richard and Kenneth both contributed to and published in 1975, The Barkhamsted Heritage. Connie was interested in anything we had in our collection relating to her family.

Paul Hart (left), Bob Hart (center) and Fred Fenn (right)

Photo of the "Old Hart Homestead" on location just outside of Barkhamsted Center.

Posted May 31 2009, 04:08 PM by Richard with no comments

Filed under: School, Hike, Squires, Archaeology, Center School, Barkhamsted Center, Lighthouse, Education

Press Release - Archaeological site in Barkhamsted earns State Archaeological Preserve designation.

Press Release

Archaeological site in Barkhamsted earns State Archaeological Preserve designation.

Barkhamsted, CT, January 15, 2009:

On December 3, 2008 the Connecticut Historic Preservation Council designated the Lighthouse Archaeological Site, located in People’s State Forest, Barkhamsted, Connecticut, as a State Archaeological Preserve.

The Lighthouse site is the location of the legendary “Barkhamsted Lighthouse,” home of James Chaugham, a Narragansett Indian, and his wife Molly, a woman of European descent. They were early settlers in Barkhamsted, probably coming to the town in the 1770s. One version of the Barkhamsted Lighthouse Legend tells of stagecoach drivers on the Albany to Hartford route passing the cabin at night after traveling a long stretch of the journey through desolate forest. Seeing the faint light from Chaugham’s cabin, they would announce to the passengers, “there’s the Lighthouse, five more miles to port!” The “port” referred to by the driver was New Hartford, the next stop on the route, where passengers could get refreshment and take a break from the bumpy ride.

The Lighthouse site is an important part of Barkhamsted history not only for the popular legends, but also because the community that became established there was a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic group of Native American, African American, and Euro-American settlers that lived a different life than that of most of the other residents of the town. The Lighthouse community persisted until the mid-1800s. All that is left now are a few small cellar holes and a tiny cemetery with simple grave markers.

In 1990, Central Connecticut University archaeology professor Ken Feder conducted field work at the Lighthouse site and later published the book A Village of Outcasts on his findings. The site was nominated and approved for the National Register of Historic Places. Feder was instrumental in initiating the process to designate the site as an archaeological preserve. The approval of the Lighthouse Archaeological Site as a State Archaeological Preserve is an important development because it recognizes the significance of this historic location and will foster the continued preservation of the site with an additional level of protection, including significant fines for unauthorized excavation or other disturbances. The site is part of the People’s Forest and is administered by the State Department of Environmental Protection.

The Barkhamsted Historical Society is pleased that the Lighthouse Community site has been designated as a State Archaeological Preserve. The Historical Society plans to seek funding for a study and further research at the site. The goal is to publish a booklet on the Lighthouse Community that will document and enhance the interpretation of this important part of Barkhamsted history.

For additional information see the Barkhamsted Historical Society website at http://barkhamstedhistory.org .

Posted Jan 27 2009, 10:10 PM by Richard with no comments

Filed under: Archaeology, Lighthouse

German Christmas at the Tavern presented by Patti Kierys

This year's "German Christmas", an educational and Christmas social, sponsored by the Barkhamsted Historical Society and presented by Christmas expert Patti Kierys was a huge success. The program was both educational and fun. Patti is well versed and well qualified on the subject of Christmas traditions and shared her vast wealth of knowledge with approximately 60 people who were in attendance.

(photo) Patti Kierys during her presentation of German Christmas at the Tavern.

Patti's qualifications include designing Christmas trees during the Weiker and Roland years at the Connecticut Governor's Mansion. She has designed ornaments for the Mark Twain Christmas Tree. Patti created two trees for the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. Patti decorated the Connecticut Christmas tree for two years that was part of the National Tree ceremony on the Eclipse of White House. Patti also took part in the Wasdworth Festival of Trees for several years. In addition to her extensive experience, Patti is also a featured artist in the book Christmas in Connecticut.

(photo) Christmas in Connecticut - Examples of Patti Kiery's hand-made ornaments

Patti shared many stories about the origins of the Christmas tree, Christmas tree decorating, hand made ornaments, gingerbread and other Christmas traditions. It is widely believed that the Christmas tree tradition emerged in Germany in the 16th century. However, the Yule or winter festival celebrated on the winter solstice can be traced to Roman times and also involved the decorating of a tree.¹ The Egyptians, even though they did not decorate a tree, would bring a green date palm tree into their homes to symbolize life's success during the solstice.² One of the stories Patti shared was that during early colonial times, Christmas trees were actually outlawed because of their association with these earlier pagan rituals. The Puritans considered Christmas to be sacred and believed it should only be observed with a religious service.

(photo) The Christmas tree used during the German Christmas at the Tavern program by Patti Kierys.

"The pilgrims' second governor, William Bradford, wrote that he tried hard to stamp out "pagan mockery" of the observance, penalizing any frivolity. The influential Oliver Cromwell preached against "the heathen traditions" of Christmas carols, decorated trees, and any joyful expression that desecrated "that sacred event." In 1659, the General Court of Massachusetts enacted a law making any observance of December 25 (other than a church service) a penal offense; people were fined for hanging decorations. That stern solemnity continued until the 19th century, when the influx of German and Irish immigrants undermined the Puritan legacy."³

John Ullmann, a former owner of the building we refer to as Squire's Tavern, was one of these immigrants. He and his family immigrated from Germany in 1884 and purchased the former Squire's farm in 1885.

(photo) Ullmann Family portrait. John and Augusta, Johanna-Oswald and thee girls.

"Most 19th-century Americans found Christmas trees an oddity. The first record of one being on display was in the 1830s by the German settlers of Pennsylvania, although trees had been a tradition in many German homes much earlier. The Pennsylvania German settlements had community trees as early as 1747. But, as late as the 1840s Christmas trees were seen as pagan symbols and not accepted by most Americans."⁴

(photo) Table top Christmas tree used during the German Christmas at the Tavern program by Patti Kierys.

Patti explained that early American Christmas trees were very often small table top trees. These trees were placed in a room and kept off limits while being decorated. They would not be displayed until Christmas eve. The trees would have had hand made ornaments. Many were figures comprised of paper faces and cotton batting. Sweetmeats and gingerbread were baked and hung on the tree. Guests would have been invited to take these baked treats. Popcorn garlands would also adorn early trees. Some hand blown glass ornaments, imported from Germany may also have decorated these early trees.

(photo) Hand-made ornament used to decorate the Christmas tree during the German Christmas at the Tavern program by Patti Kierys.

(photo) Hand-made ornaments used to decorate the Christmas tree during the German Christmas at the Tavern program by Patti Kierys.

(photo) Hand-made ornament used to decorate the Christmas tree during the German Christmas at the Tavern program by Patti Kierys.

(photo) Hand blown glass ornaments or Kugels, used to demonstrate German Christmas at the Tavern program by Patti Kierys.

Another story Patti shared was about the origin of tinsel on a Christmas tree. The story goes something like this: A woman was cleaning her house in preparation for the Christmas celebration. She swept her house so well that the spiders had no place to hide. Somehow they ended up hiding in the Christmas tree and when the tree was lit, the webs shone in the candle light. Gold and silver tinsel are meant to represent the spiders web.

The lighting of the Christmas trees was not without risk. Early trees were decorated with candles and lit for only a short period. A bucket of water would have been kept on hand since the chance of a fire was a very real and a dangerous possibility.

(photo) Hand-made ornament collection used to demonstrate German Christmas at the Tavern program by Patti Kierys.

Patti displayed and discussed her vast collection of Christmas ornaments. She also discussed the origins of our modern day Santa Claus and many other interesting facets of Christmas traditions. From Christmas trees atop of buildings and construction sites to the origins and purposes of both the greeting card and calling card.

If you missed this great and informative program, mark your calendars for next year. You can also head over to Squires Tavern to view the decorations and exhibits until the end of the year.

Thank you Patty, on behalf of the Barkhamsted Historical Society, for sharing your time and expertise to present a very informative and enjoyable program.

(photo) Gingerbread replica of Squire's Tavern (front view). Created and donated by Richard, Colleen and George English.

(photo) Gingerbread replica of Squire's Tavern (rear view). Created and donated by Richard, Colleen and George English.

The Christmas Tree was donated by Homegrown Farms, Route 44 in Barkhamsted. The wreath was donated by Aerie Mountain, Route 44 in Barkhamsted. Gingerbread houses created and donated by Richard, Colleen and George English, Barkhamsted.

Sources:

1. Wikipedia - "Yule".

2. Christmas Tree Farm Network - "Christmas Tree Tradition has Ancient Origins".

3. History.com - "Christmas, How It All Got Started".

4. History.com - "Christmas, How It All Got Started".

Posted Dec 13 2008, 05:50 PM by Richard with no comments

Filed under: Program, Squires, Christmas, Ullmann

Open House at the Barkhamsted Center School

On Saturday, September 20, 2008 the Barkhamsted Historical Society held an Open House at the Barkhamsted Center School. Historical Society member Mike Day was on hand to greet visitors and discuss a typical school day in the early 20th century and before. Mike had on hand a number of school text books and games used during this period. Over 30 visitors stopped in to see the building and the displays.

The Center School was one of 12 schools located in Barkhamsted during the 19th and early 20th century. In those days the town was split into this many districts, each with a school, so that children could more easily walk to class. The Center School was moved in 1980 by the Historical Society from its original site on the west side of the Barkhamsted Reservoir. The building was with a hundred feet of the edge of the reservoir, and had been used as a maintenance building by the MDC until the Historical Society moved it.

The schoolhouse was built in 1821 as a two story structure. In 1880, repairs were made and the building was converted into a one story structure. Most of the first floor was removed at that time. The current classroom had originally been the second floor.

Photo above - Historical Society volunteer Mike Day greets visitors to the Open House on September 20, 2008 at the Barkhamsted Center School.

Photo above- busy "students" at the Open House, Barkhamsted Center School.

The Barkhamsted Center School- it was a beautiful day on Saturday, September 20, 2008 for the Historical Society's Open House. Over 30 visitors stopped in to take a look at the building and exhibits.

Posted Sep 28 2008, 09:19 PM by Paul with no comments

Filed under: one room school, Center School, schoolhouse, Barkhamsted Center

Locally Grown History

The Barkhamsted Historical Society is proud to be participating in the first annual, "Locally Grown History - It's In Your Backyard" program. The program is designed to promote historical resources as well as agricultural assets located within Litchfield County. The project is being led by Robert Forbes, an assistant professor of history at the UCONN Torrington campus. Forbes has organized a group of educators, directors, curators, and volunteers from many local historic and cultural organizations to collaborate on the event.

Since Litchfield County is geographically large, the project packages the area’s historical assets (historical societies, museums, historic sites, and traditional artisans) and agricultural resources (vineyards, orchards, farms, farmers markets, and farm stands) into a “trail” so that visitors can easily move from one to another as a day or weekend destination.

The idea is for participants to travel to the various venues with a "Locally Grown History Hunt Passports" and have the passports stamped after visiting the site. Visit 10 participating sites for a chance to enter a prize drawing. Visit 15 participating sites for a chance to enter the grand prize drawing. Prizes include: Bed and Breakfast getaways, Jewelry, Ski Passes, Fine Local Wines, Memberships to Historical Sites, Dinner for Two, Tickets to the Warner Theater and many more.

Locally Grown History Maps and Passports are available at Squires Tavern or any of the other participating sites. Stop by to have your passport stamped!

The program culminates at the UCONN Torrington campus on Sunday, October 19th, 2008 with a forum, "Locally Grown Stories: Context and Connections". A keynote address will be presented by Carl Nold, President of Historic New England and then move into concurrent forums focused on the following topics:

From Hills to Mills: The Power of Geography in Connecticut History
Religion's Role and Impact on Connecticut History
Immigration in Connecticut
Stories Told Through Letters

Between sessions forum attendees will be able to view table top displays from participating sites. The forum will conclude with a Round-table discussion, "Teaching with Local Treasures: The World In Your Backyard", moderated by Walt Woodward, Connecticut State Historian.

For more information please see the Locally Grown History Website. Be sure to check the events page for specially scheduled venue events and links.

Posted Sep 17 2008, 09:15 PM by Richard with no comments

Filed under: Program

Archaeology Volunteers Sought

The Barkhamsted Historical Society in cooperation with the Colebrook Historical Society is actively seeking volunteers who are interested in working on an archaeological dig. The Revolutionary War era Richard Smith forge is of significant historical value because of its role during the Revolutionary War. The forge, built in 1771, was one of the first in the Colonies to produce steel. Steel was used to produce drill bits capable of drilling the barrels of canons used during the war. Production of steel was a British secret which Richard Smith carried with him from England. Iron was also produced at the forge.

The dig is being led under the direction of archaeologist Marc Banks and is being cooperatively financed by Barkhamsted Historical Society, The Colebrook Historical Society, The Colebrook Land Conservancy, and The Farmington River Coordinating Committee. The site is located just over the Barkhamsted line in Colebrook. The project is dedicated to the memory of Walt Landgraf.

If you are interested in participating please contact rich@barkhamstedhistory.org for dates and times.

Attached at the bottom of this post, as a PDF file, is the 2007 Archaeological Investigation Interim Report for more information.

Below are some photos of the artifacts recovered from the dig.

The Still River provided the power to turn wheels used to operate the hammers and bellows of the forge. A race on the other side of the rock outcrop in the right of the picture diverted water to wheels on the west side of the forge.

Lamp glass (upper left) and various bottle glass shards

Iron Fragments

Kaolin Pipe Fragments

Shoe buckle fragment

Cuff link

Wrought nails

Fleur-de-lis cuff links and base

This is not the actual coin found as it is still being cleaned. Marc Banks removed some of the dirt from the coin and while it is very corroded, it appears to be a variety minted between 1746-1754 (GORGVIS on obv.). This photo is of a British half penny of that vintage.

Posted Aug 13 2008, 11:35 PM by Richard with 9 comment(s)

Filed under: Archaeology, Richard Smith, Forge

Historical Society Program on CCC and Visit to Camp White

On July 19, 2008 the Barkhamsted Historical Society hosted a program on the Civilian Conservation Corp in Connecticut, and toured a CCC camp that was located in Barkhmasted. Marty Podskoch was the featured speaker. Marty is currently gathering information on the CCC program in Connecticut and gave a slide show and talk at the Barkhamsted Senior Center. About 30 people attended the program, which covered CCC life and the many CCC camps located in Connecticut. After Marty's program, we toured Camp White, located about a mile up the road from the Senior Center, in American Legion State Forest. There are still remnants of the buildings and parade grounds that can be seen at Camp White, which was opened in late 1933 and closed in early 1942.

Photo above- Marty Podskoch discusses the Civilian Conservation Corp in Connecticut on July 19, 2008 at the Barkhamsted Senior Center. Marty is currently researching the topic and plans to publish a book on the CCC. After the program the group toured Camp White, a CCC camp that was located in Barkhamsted and was active from 1933 to 1942.

Posted Jul 25 2008, 07:37 AM by Paul with no comments

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