Newsletter September 2015

208 Salmon Brook Street Granby, Connecticut, 06035

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September, 2015

Coming Soon: Fall Flea Market!

By Todd Vibert

Saturday, Oct. 17

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is the Salmon Brook Historical Society’s annual Fall Flea Market, one of our premier fund raising events. The show begins at 9 am and ends at 4 pm.

Those Society members who are interested in having a 20 x 20 ft. space to sell goods to the public may contact Dave Laun at 860-653-3965 before October 10 to reserve a space for $30. Those reserving a space after October 10th will pay $40.00.

Members wishing to donate items to the Society for sale by the Society at the Flea Market may drop off those items at the Society on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 9 am and noon.

We are seeking volunteers to help with the flea market. Any members who would like to help with parking, cooking, selling items, pricing items, or leading vendors to their spaces should contact Todd Vibert at 860-653-9506. If you are an early bird, the first shift starts at 6 am and the last shift is at 2 pm. The more volunteers we have, the more smoothly the show will run. Most shifts for each task assignment are two hours in duration. Those two hours usually fly by because it is such fun to work.

Please urge your friends to come to this fabulous event, a Granby tradition.

Peddler’s Wagon Update (see page 4)

Steppin’ Out In Lace (see page 7)

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A Letter From the President I am often reminded about the concept of community as I participate in various functions of the Society and other organizations I’m involved with. This is not something we invented here in Granby. In fact, the book of Exodus 36:8 tells of the efforts by many to build the tabernacle with ten curtains of finely twisted linen and blue, purple and scarlet yarn. The Apostle Paul in Romans 12:5 explains that we who are many form one body…..and that we all have different gifts to offer, so let them do it cheerfully.

So it is with those involved with the Salmon Brook Historical Society. There were memorable experiences this summer as our guides provided visitors a glimpse into Granby’s history. The crew that gathers on Thursday mornings performs maintenance, works on cataloging our collection, prices flea market items, and other tasks that need to be done and matches skill sets of the various volunteers. Twice a year we put on a flea market, the preparation for which begins weeks earlier and culminates with about 50 volunteers serving the Society throughout the day of the flea market.

But there is more…. hundreds of people and families support the Society through their annual dues. In some cases they are actively involved in the Society, in other cases they are not, perhaps because no one asked them or perhaps because their gifts don’t fit the needs of the Society. Nonetheless, membership is important and the associated dues helps the Society pay the bills. So if we can increase membership, our finances would become more stable and allow us to offer more programs to members and visitors alike. So how do we grow stronger?

Well, there is this thing called email and beyond that there is social media. I wonder what would happen if existing members put out a challenge to their friends to join the Society as a favor to them, maybe in lieu of a birthday gift? Or if our programs and events were highlighted on social media the publicity would have indirect benefits. What about naming the Society as a beneficiary in your will or trust? What may seem like a token bequest to you, when combined with like minded citizens in the community, could position our Society to accomplish more for Granby.

So call a friend, send out emails, and think about other ways you can help. The exciting part about expanding membership is that hidden in those numbers are people who at some point will offer us their gifts by volunteering and so the Society becomes even stronger. That’s a legacy we can all celebrate.

Richard Zlotnick

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Bill Hart and The Fence

by Carol Laun

Imagine our surprise and delight when the Society received a donation from member Bill Hart to cover the entire cost of our new split rail fence. When thanked, he modestly said that since his 93 year old knees won’t let him volunteer any more, this is his way of helping the Society.

Bill is much more than a generous benefactor. He is a man who sees a need and does something about it. He has been involved in replacing an important state boundary in Granby, in replacing stolen copper water pipes on Simsbury’s Flower Bridge and, more recently, in trying to preserve a neglected gravestone in Simsbury. He is willing to give both time and money.

He was a Thursday morning volunteer for many years and also served on our Board of Directors. He still attends our Thursday morning coffee break (starting the hot water for coffee) and willingly shares his knowledge of Granby history. He is an accomplished writer, poet, artist and speaker.

Bill had been telling us for quite some time that the fence really needed to be replaced, and the Board finally made the decision. Now if only I can find some other project that Bill thinks we should do.

In Memoriam With sadness we note the loss of the following members and friends of the Salmon Brook Historical Society. Their support strengthened the Society immeasurably; their generosity of spirit will forever encourage us onward.

Ruth Milkey, a long-time member who helped us acquire and display the large doll collection from the Williams sisters.

Carolyn Leach, another long-time member who was instrumental in the creation and organization of the Tobacco Barn Museum.

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by Dave Laun

Building and Grounds Report Building and Grounds workers have been busy.

Wayne Cahoon had a vital nut made for a wheel on the Peddler’s Wagon, which made it possible to be moved. With the help of a friend of Wayne’s (who has a flatbed trailer) the wagon was moved from Bob Schrepf ’s shed to the Tobacco Barn. The wagon still needs some repairs for safety in use and in towing.

Salmon Brook Historical Society signs will be added and some decorations will be restored.

Meanwhile, the Thursday volunteers have been working on making the large tobacco barn doors “user friendly,” adding cables and braces for safe operation.

An Indian Bar latch is installed on the inside. A poured concrete threshold is planned for easier access.

Meeting to discuss options for increased security were Rich Zlotnick, Dave Laun and Steve Stupienski of S&S Wireless Systems. An estimate for an upgrade was received.

Wayne Cahoon is working on restoring the Rowe attic windows and the volunteers have to rehang the large flag in the tobacco barn. (Images by Peter Dinella)

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Our Old Map Needs a Modern Printer Does anyone in the membership have access to a color printer that can print paper at least 13 by 19 or larger? We have a digital image we can send to the printer. We need about 15 copies of a digital photo of our 1735 Simsbury map.

We will pay for the good quality paper. This is one of the items in our Museum Store and we only have one left. If you can help, please leave a message at the Society 860-653-9713. Thank you.

Newsletter Delivered By E-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.

SBHS Newsletter back issues are always available (in color) by going to:

http://issuu.com/kenkuhl/docs

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

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Recent Donations

by Carol Laun

Author Lesley Gordon donated her book about the 16th CT Volunteers, A Broken Regiment.

Bill Lanigan gave us a CD of Charlie Katan talking about WWII and Korea.

Melba Griffin donated two Route Books from the Spring Glen Dairy and a repro book of children’s games and songs. David Allen gave two copies of Echoes of the Past, written by his father. Rosalie Bale brought in some old gravestone rubbings and Ken Kuhl gave a Granby Bicentennial phone book.

Many South Church items were received from the Redi Leake estate. Some family photographs, a Girl Scout knife and an autograph album came from the Byron Barnes estate. Pat Vibert bought three Granby postcards at the Flea Market and donated them. Mike Heiland of Fine, NY sent an 1898 booklet Newgate of Connecticut by A. B. Phelps. He bought it at a tag sale so it wouldn’t be thrown away.

The Town Hall donated an album of old letters and envelopes that was left there by a former school employee. Half of the letters were from other towns or states, but 30 letters were addressed to Porter Godard when he attended Yale in the late 1800s. We donated the rest of the letters to the appropriate town’s historical society. Cossitt Library received a box of old photos from Joann Arnett of Ohio and donated them to our archive. Many are from the Spring and Gilbert families.

There were some Southwick photos in the collection which were given to the Southwick Historical Society.

We purchased the book published by the Hartford Courant, Telling Connecticut’s Stories. Jim Holcombe of GA sent a copy of Ancestry of American Presidents. Bill Hart donated his book of poetry, Walk a Ways in My Shoes, a new book on Tobacco Sheds and a CD of his recent television interview. He also gave us 40 Godard family photos (sadly, no identification) from the 1860 to 1880 period. They are cartes des visites in excellent condition.

An anonymous donor left three crocks and a jug at our door. We received several Mason items that had belonged to the late Robert Hahn. Steve Hastings donated a treasure trove of Wilcox family clothing including dresses, petticoats, child’s coat and a corset cover. Cheryl Klemmer gave a c.1920 travel iron and Paul Willis brought in Raggedy Andy. Sally Markey added some hairnets to our women’s collection and Roger Young donated an Avery Store ruler.

Pat Vibert gave a children’s book, Holland Kiddies, that once belonged to Evie Tuffin. We received a spelling book and reproductions of four children’s books from Kay Woodford. Gemma Baker donated a magazine featuring her former home at 45 Bushy Hill Road and five very early religious and school books from 1792 to 1838. Chris Rice of Simsbury brought in a DVD of film from a Granby boys' day camp in the 1930s.

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Book Talk in Simsbury Deborah Child, author of “Soldier, Engraver, Forger: Richard Brunton’s Life on the Fringe in America’s New Republic,” will speak about her research and tell Brunton’s story on Sunday, Oct. 4., at 2 p.m. at the Ellsworth Center, Simsbury Historical Society, 10 Phelps Lane, Simsbury.

Brunton was a British grenadier who fought in the American Revolution before deserting in 1779. A trained engraver and die-sinker, his works include some of the earliest pre-printed family registers in America. Despite his talents, Brunton was imprisoned at one time in Newgate Prison for counterfeiting banknotes. He is also known for a large engraving of life at the prison. Books will be available for purchase.

Members $4; non-members $5

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Stepping Out! Of Lace, Trim, Ruffles and Fringe Spanning the years from the 1890s through the 1930s, the eight vintage dresses and various accessories on exhibit throughout our historic houses allow a glimpse into women’s fashion over the years. This exhibit remains open on Sunday’s from 2:00 4:00 until September 27. Photos by Peter Dinella, unless otherwise noted.

Please go to our Facebook page for full sized color images.

Dresses similar to this airy white eyelet dress, circa 1915, were very popular in the warm weather and meant to be worn to teas, garden parties, sporting events and other such daytime functions. Photo by Jean Potetz.

Brown silk day dress trimmed with bands of cream tatting. Circa 1890-1915.

Amanda wears a beautiful 2-piece dress of wine brocade.

The lace bodice and high collar are trimmed with red silk.

Circa 1898.

The child's dress is of white pique’ cotton, circa 1870-1880.

The fabric in this circa 1908 day dress is woven of a coarse metallic silver and silk thread.

Left to Right: Black lace dress with blue floral print, circa 1920; Black lace dress with attached caplet of matching lace, circa 1930s; Cream lace evening dress with matching jacket, circa 19301935.

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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 Summer Exhibits Sundays, June 7—Sept. 27 Fall Flea Market, Oct. 17 Wassail Party, Dec. 6

Who We Are Officers: Rich Zlotnick, President Todd Vibert, Vice President Roger Hayes, Treasurer Bob Schrepf, Secretary Carol Laun, Archivist and Acting Curator

Board Members: Wayne Cahoon, Ellen Cunha, Ken Kuhl, Dave Laun, Lynn Lochhead, Phil Main, Karen McNey, John Morgan, Bill Ross, Pat Sansone, Heather Tomasetti

September 2015 Issue •SBHS Newsletter Publishing Committee Leila Hawken and Bob Schrepf •Layout: Ken Kuhl •Photography: Peter Dinella