March, 2015
Good Food and Fond Remembrance: This Year’s Annual Meeting and Dinner is April 21 Make Your Reservation Today! This year’s Annual Meeting and Dinner for the Society’s membership will be held Tuesday, April 21, at First Congregational Church on North Granby Road. Appetizers will be served starting at 6 p.m. As is the custom, we invite folks to bring an appetizer. If you can, let Bill Ross know what you’re bringing (860 653 7366). We’ll sit down to dinner at 6:45 p.m. The annual business meeting will follow, including the election of officers and board members and presentation of the annual Linnell Award honoring extraordinary volunteer service to the Society. The list of officer and board nominees recruited by the nominating committee and approved by the Board of Directors can be found elsewhere in this newsletter. Whitey Johnson will share stories about three late Salmon Brook Historical Society members – Polly Hall, Jane Haslun and George Tuffin – who gave so much of their time and talent to us. It is sure to be a sweet trip down Memory Lane. Following the business meeting, we’ll hear from the featured speaker of the night, Diana McCain of Durham. She will give a light, fun talk titled “It Really Happened in Connecticut,” based on two books she’s written: “It Happened in Connecticut” and “Mysteries and Legends of New England.” Her presentation has been well received at historical societies and libraries around the state. Admission to the dinner and annual meeting is $20 per person. Payment with the coupon on page 9 should be sent to Bill Ross, 239 Salmon Brook Street, Granby CT, 06035. Deadline, April 14. Spring Flea Market May 16, 2015 (see page 5)
Historical Author Lesley Gordon, May 20, 2015 (see page 7)
1
Archivist Report by Carol Laun, Archivist and Acting Curator
Before Christmas, Santa left some jugs and a crock on the Preservation Barn steps.
We are delighted to have
them – but will the donor please tell us your name so we can thank you? Before the endless snows came, we hired Lee Hamberg, of Southwick, to work in the Tobacco Barn Museum. We asked him to look for duplicate or inappropriate items and help organize our exhibits. One goal was to find space for the new red Peddler’s Wagon. Lee did an excellent job. When the snow melts, the Thursday volunteers will complete their work on the large barn door and evaluate the items Lee gathered. An auction is planned for early June to sell duplicate items, some items left from the May Flea Market and also items brought in by members. Then we can move the Peddler’s Wagon to the Barn, where it can be easily taken out for parades, Flea Market and other occasions. Despite being closed on Tuesday for six weeks in a row, we have been busy. Sally Markey and I set up a toy exhibit in the Granby Public Library in December, which was very popular. Jim Allen donated his snow blower and the Thursday men have managed to keep the paths open. Several of the women volunteers are working on organizing our collection of sewing items. I have been working several months researching the Dibble brothers of Granby for a university professor in North Carolina who is working on a scholarly article. Paul Nuckols donated the newspaper clippings of Granby news written by his late parents (Dottie and Bob) for the Hartford Times 1957 to 1965. Also, I gave an illustrated talk, with the tech help of Chris Klemmer, about Granby’s 14 smaller cemeteries at the March Men’s Breakfast. Thank you to all who have already sent in their dues.
In Memoriam George E. Tuffin 1917 – 2014
by Carol Laun
George Tuffin, who died Dec. 29, loved the historical society – especially the Tobacco Barn Museum. He delighted in finding treasures to add to the barn exhibits. He enjoyed sitting around the wood stove in the school with the Thursday volunteers, cleaning up these items and sharing stories. He was involved in every aspect of the Society from serving as President and then on the Board of Directors, to organizing our early Flea Markets, moving buildings, arranging for necessary repairs and doing many of the repairs. George was happiest during the time a group of volunteers spent many months planning and setting up exhibits in the Tobacco Barn. It is the finest memorial he could have.
Jane Haslun 1929 – 2015 Jane Haslun, another active, enthusiastic SBHS volunteer, passed away on Feb. 17 at the age of 86. She and husband Bill were longtime members. Jane was a former director and over the decades served our organization in innumerable ways. She was an essential part of the Flea Market crew and could be counted upon to contribute refreshments for so many Society events, including the Wassail Party and the annual dinners. Her generosity of spirit toward the work of the SBHS and her tirelessness joined to support the Society’s major achievements over her long association.
2
Calling All Boy Scouts! We have a special request from Kurt Bryant, a First Class Scout and troop historian in Troop #125 in Granby. Kurt’s scout troop will be putting up a display in our Preservation Barn for the Summer 2015 tours of our Society. According to scoutmaster Troy Chicoine, “We hope to display a collection of Boy Scout memorabilia and artifacts with the goal of connecting with people and reminding/informing them of the goals and benefits of Boy Scouting on the lives of young people in our community, from the past to the present.” Included in the display will be a journal with a sign that says “what is your favorite scouting memory?” Kurt is looking for items for the display that will show scouting as far back as it goes. The troop members have quite a few articles but are looking for more. That’s where you come in. If you or family members were in scouting and have some items to share for this display, please bring items to the SBHS on Thursday mornings in the next few months. There will be a login sheet for you to tell what you are lending for use in the display. Please contact Kurt at 860 653-555 with questions or email Kurt at yinyangkrb@gmail.com .
Newsletter Delivered By E-mail? The Historical Society’s board wants to know if there is any interest among members in receiving the quarterly SBHS News by e-mail instead of by snail mail. The idea is to better serve members and save paper and postage costs. Members who are not online or who otherwise prefer to get the newsletter the old-fashioned way, through the post office, could still do so. At this point, we’re just gauging interest. If you would be interested in receiving the Society’s newsletter by e-mail, reply to Ken Kuhl (kennykuhl @ gmail.com), Bob Schrepf (rschrepf70 @ gmail.com) or call the Society’s office at 860 653 9713. Leave a message with your name if no one’s there.
Have you renewed your membership in the Salmon Brook STUDENT $3.00 INDIVIDUAL $15.00 Historical Society for the calendar year 2015? We have attempted to keep the dues at a reasonable level. If you FAMILY/GROUP $20.00 SUSTAINING $30.00 haven’t renewed for this year or owe back dues, please send us a LIFE MEMBERSHIP $300.00 check. Your continued support is welcome and appreciated. To those of you who have already paid your dues, many thanks.
Send your name and address with a check made payable to: Salmon Brook Historical Society and send to the society at 208 Salmon Brook Street, P.O. Box 840, Granby, CT. 06035
3
A Letter From the President As I complete my fourth and final year as Vice-President / President of the Salmon Brook Historical Society, I'd like to reflect on some of the events that we have had and what we have to look forward to in the coming years. I am looking forward to remaining on the Board and being very active, and want to give a shout out to ALL volunteers who made these events possible. Flea Markets (Fall and Spring ) A Granby tradition that keeps getting bigger and better each year. Todd and Lisa Vibert and Dave Laun are among the many volunteers who put countless hours into this event in which all of the proceeds go back into the Society. Even if you don't have an eye for antiques or used "stuff �, just walking around with a hot dog cooked to perfection by Whitey Johnson or eating a Lost Acres Cookie and seeing neighbors and friends is worth the price of admission...FREE! Music - We have had a very well-known Civil War singer as well as a men's choral group from West Hartford singing numerous barbershop tunes entertaining at our annual meetings as well as experts on drums and canals. Holiday House Tour - We had one during my tenure and it was enormously successful with 6 homes (5 in the Historic District on Salmon Brook Street ) decorated and on display for everyone to see. The choir from GMHS sang at several of the homes and most homes had holiday treats to share. What made the event so special was that it took place just weeks after the October snow storm that inflicted so much damage in Granby and surrounding towns. Ken Kuhl and I organized that event with the cooperation of the home owners and we would love to do it again. Summer Tours - Another Granby tradition which lasts from the first Sunday in June through September. Ginny Wutka has taken the reins of this ongoing event and we will be focusing on a special display in the Preservation Barn which will draw young and old alike. Stay tuned for announcements in The Drummer. Second Grade Tours - A very fun time! I worked the event last year and was sad to see it end. You see, I was a second grade teacher and still get excited when I see children listening, learning, and absorbing history. What makes the event even more special is when students bring their parents back during the summer, which happened numerous times last year. A special thanks to all of the volunteers who participated in this event. Special exhibits - Downton Abbey, WW I, Quilts, Families of Granby ..........Just to name a few. Carol Laun and the volunteers put a lot of time and effort into these and the effort is much appreciated by visitors. Ginny Wutka and Jean Potetz have also done quilt turnings which are attended by "quilt people" from all over the Farmington Valley. One Room School House Reunion - A well-attended event held on a sunny September Sunday afternoon which drew over 50 people who had either attended the Cooley Road School or a one room school house. Letters from the Civil War - What a great event this was. Organized by Carol Laun and Patty Sansone, we filled the Holcomb Farm Workshop and involved teachers and students from Kelly Lane School. The students brought Granby history to life. Summer Garden Tour - Another Ken Kuhl and Bill Ross event which was a huge success. Over 10 Granby gardeners had their flowers, plants, and garden beds ready for hundreds of visitors. We are blessed with some beautiful gardens in Granby and every gardener answered questions and guided the visitors through. Ellen Cunha spent hours readying the colonial garden next to our houses for guests and she had quite a few.
(President’s letter continued on page 7)
4
Spring Flea Market
Checks paid to Salmon Brook Historical Society Include name and phone number and send to: Dave Laun 16 Hummingbird Granby, CT 06035 Any questions call: David Laun 860 653 3965 (leave message) or Todd Vibert 860 653 9506
After the Snow, The Flea Market Looking at the Historical Society two weeks ago, it was hard to imagine we would have a flea market in two months. However, the snow has melted and we will have our flea market rain or shine and we will not be snowed out! That’s right! Saturday, May 16th is the SBHS Spring Flea Market. Anyone interested in having a 20 X 20 foot vendor space, please contact Dave Laun at 860-653-3965 or Todd Vibert at 860-653-9506. The cost of the space is $30 and after May 9th, the cost is $40. With this cold and snowy winter, many people have been inside. If you have started a very early spring cleaning and would like to donate items to the Historical Society so we can sell them in the Preservation Barn, that would be great! Starting in April, items can be dropped off at the Society on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 am to noon. Please do not drop off plastic toys or children’s clothing. Anyone willing to volunteer to work the flea market please contact Todd Vibert. You can work as little as two hours -- or more if you wish. We could use help with parking, setting up the flea market, taking down the flea market at the end of the day, help with selling items in the Preservation Barn; and if you are an early riser, you can help lead vendors to their spaces between six and seven o’clock in the morning. The more volunteers we have, the more successful the flea market becomes. We look forward to seeing you at the Spring Flea Market. It has become a Granby tradition.
55
Textiles Update Summer Exhibits – Dressy Fashions and the Stars and Stripes! by Jean Potetz
What a winter we’ve all had. Despite the tons of snow, beyond
frigid temperatures and numerous storms that fell on our workdays, we still managed to make some progress in documenting and storing more of the Collection. In the process we uncovered some beautiful dresses to include in our upcoming summer exhibit that have never been on display. Textiles’ contribution to the Society house tours this year will be entitled Steppin’ Out and will focus on what Granby residents were wearing as they left their houses for a variety of outings – the movie theater in Hartford perhaps, an afternoon tea on The Street, or maybe a gathering of friends for a summer picnic. Whatever their fashion era or destination, these ladies knew how dress! In addition, in honor of the 150th anniversary of the Civil War’s end, we will once again exhibit Estelle H. Holcomb’s Stars & Stripes Quilt, circa 1861. Estelle lived at what is now 134 Simsbury Road in West Granby. She was seventeen years old when Granby’s young men left to fight for the Union in May 1861. Estelle made her 34-star quilt using a pattern published in the July 1861 issue of Peterson’s Magazine, a popular ladies periodical of the time. The thirty-four center stars acknowledge the official July 4, 1861 entry of Kansas as the Union’s thirty-fourth state while the quilt’s pattern honors the distinctive flag that flew over Fort Sumter during the first battle of the war. You won’t want to miss this historic quilt — it holds a lot of history in its tiny stitches. Many thanks to committee members who continue to devote time to preserving these fragile items from our past: Alberta Dinella, Betsy Henebry, Lucille Ladden, Sally Markey, Pam Palmer, Patty Sansone and Ginny Wutka.
Summer Is Coming: We Need You! Never been a tour guide in our houses or barns, a greeter, a door unlocker, a telephone caller, or an advertising assistant? We can help you become one of these very important people because we need you. Our Summer House and Barn Tours start the first Sunday in June and go through the end of September. The Second Graders from Kearns School come for their field trip in late May. We need you to help showcase to the public the wonderful things we have here as we work to preserve Granby’s history. We need house guides, barn guides, greeters, people to unlock the doors and telephone caller reminders, and someone to help with advertising. If you helped in the past, please sign up again. If you have never done this before we will train you by providing study materials and also schedule you to shadow our experienced guides/docents. We often don’t realize how many wonderful things we have here until our guests arrive and are in awe when they see our collections. An “extra” attraction this summer will be the “History of Boy Scouting in Granby” exhibit in our Preservation Barn. Please offer to help with our Second Graders Field Trip in late May. Please call or email Ginny Wutka 860-539 2556 or ginny@lostacres.com to help us. We ask that you help us only one or two Sunday afternoons from 2-4 p.m. during the summer. The second grade trips are just two mornings from 8:45-11:30 am.
We’re at our best when we all work together!
6
The Salmon Brook Historical Society Presents Lesley Gordon, author of A Broken Regiment: The 16th Connecticut's Civil War Wednesday, May 20th, 2015 at 7:00 PM Granby Senior Center 15 N. Granby Road, Granby, CT Tickets: Members $3, Non-Members $5, Students $2 Proceeds to benefit The Salmon Brook Historical Society of Granby Light Refreshments Included
A Broken Regiment recounts the history of the Union Army’s 16th Connecticut Volunteer Infantry. Organized in the late summer of 1862, the unit was unprepared for battle when, only a month after its formation, it entered the fight at Antietam. The results were catastrophic, with nearly a quarter of the men killed or wounded, while the rest fled the field, participating in minor skirmishes before surrendering in North Carolina in 1864. Most of its members spent months in southern prison camps, including the notorious Andersonville stockade, where disease and starvation took the lives of over one hundred members of the unit. The soldiers in the 16th came from towns all over Connecticut, including Avon, Barkhamsted, Bloomfield, Canton, East Granby, Farmington, Hartland, Simsbury, Suffield, Windsor, and Granby, which provided twenty-one men, who stayed together from Antietam to Andersonville. Over time, competing stories emerged as to who and what the men of the 16 th were, and how they should be remembered. A Broken Regiment illuminates the unit’s complex history, resulting in a fascinating, heartrending, and important story of one regiment’s wartime and postwar struggles. Lesley J. Gordon, a graduate of East Granby High School, received her B.A. from the College of William and Mary, and her M.A. and Ph.D. from the University of Georgia, and is presently Professor of History at the University of Akron.
President’s letter continued… Volunteers - We have been blessed with so many volunteers over the past 4 years...too many to mention individually...but they have done tours, moved items in and out, decorated for the annual Wassail party, shoveled snow, helped park cars, taught second graders how to play colonial games and write cursive. G is for the GREAT volunteers that support our Society with their time and talents R is for REWARDING. Being a part of the Society can be so rewarding and we'd like to invite you to participate is you are not already involved A is for ANTIQUES that have been carefully displayed for all to enjoy N is NEED. We need more members and I encourage each member to invite 2-3 families who are not members to join B is for BE involved. Y is for YOU. You are what makes this Society what it is today
See you all at the annual meeting on April 21st at First Church. Bill Ross, President, Salmon Brook Historical Society
7 7
A Good Old Fashioned Country Auction!
By Ken Kuhl
As you may have read in Carol Laun’s Archivist ‘s report, we have been doing some thinning around the Salmon Brook Historical Society. The items include old tools, farm equipment and other items out of our farm museum exhibit in the Colton/Hayes Tobacco Barn. Additionally, after the spring flea market there are many times items left over that are too good to throw away but also for which we have limited space to store.. Well the board of directors think they have a solution…. A good old-fashioned country auction! A wonderful auctioneer from Hartland has volunteered his service and expertise to help make this a profitable fund raiser. As a benefit to our members or people from the community we will also offer an opportunity to clean out some unwanted tools, furniture, kitchenware, etc that you would like to get a few dollars for, bring them down and our auctioneer will see what he can get you for them. We would ask that 25% of the proceeds from any items contributed by members or the Granby community be donated to the work of the Society. The date will be decided at our next meeting but expect it to be in early June. If you have any questions please contact Ken Kuhl @ 860-836-0881 or e.mail : kennykuhl@gmail.com. ………………………………………………………………………………………………….
The Historic Beech Tree Did you know the SBHS has a tree with carvings made by Civil War soldiers? The images here were taken the day it was pulled out of the West Granby hills! 8
Proposed Officers, Board Members At the April 21 Annual Meeting, Society members will vote on the following names proposed by the nominating committee to be officers and board members:
Officers: President: Rich Zlotnick
2 Year Term
Vice President: Todd Vibert
2 Year Term
Secretary: Robert Schrepf
Discretion of the board
Treasurer: Roger Hayes
Discretion of the board
Archivist/Acting Curator: Carol Laun
Discretion of the board
Board Members: Bill Ross
3 Year Term
Ken Kuhl
3 Year Term
Ellen Cunha 2nd Grade Tour
Kevin Harter
3 Year Term
3 Year Term
………………………………………………………………………………………………….
Salmon Brook Historical Society Annual Dinner Tuesday, April 21, 2015 at First Congregational Church. Social Hour: 6 p.m. Dinner: 6:45 p.m. Please reserve ____ places at the Annual Dinner at $20 per person. I am enclosing $___ Name:____________________________Phone:________ Address:________________________________________ Please make checks payable to Salmon Brook Historical Society Send to: Bill Ross, 239 Salmon Brook St., Granby, CT 06035 Phone: 860 653 7366 or Call Ken Kuhl @ 860 836 0881 Deadline: April 14
9
Salmon Brook Historical Society 208 Salmon Brook Street Granby, Connecticut 06035 860-653-9713 Or go to: www.salmonbrookhistorical.org Hours: Tuesday 9:00 to Noon Genealogical & Archival Research
Thursday 9:00 to Noon Thursday Morning Group Follow us on:
Granby, Connecticut 06035 PO Box 840 The Salmon Brook Historical Society
Calendar of Events Calendar of Events Annual Meeting and Dinner Spring Flea Market Author Lesley Gordon Memorial Day Parade Summer SBHS Tours begin
Who We Are
April 21 May 16 May 20 May 25 June 7
Board Members: Wayne Cahoon, Kevin Harter, Dave Laun, Lynn Lochhead, Phil Main, Karen McNey, John Morgan, Pat Sansone, Heather Tomasetti, Todd Vibert, Ginny Wutka, Rich Zlotnick
Officers: Bill Ross, President Ken Kuhl, Vice President Bob Schrepf, Secretary Roger Hayes, Treasurer Carol Laun, Archivist and acting curator
March 2015 Issue •SBHS Newsletter Publishing Committee Leila Hawken and Bob Schrepf •Layout: Ken Kuhl •Photography: Peter Dinella