In the August 20, 1962 Norwich Bulletin was this announcement that would have wonderful potential today. Maybe the Chelsea Botanical Garden folks could erect something like this as a temporary structure on their cleared land? One step toward the environmental education of the public to their own goal of a butterfly pavilion? This would be a temporary structure that could be a demonstration of their environmental education, as well as financial and management skills.
The article was titled Glass Aviary to Shelter, Show Mohegan Park Birds.
“The glass aviary to shelter and show off birds at Mohegan Park is planned to be erected this week.
The aviary is practically all glass so that persons can view it from any direction and have a clear look inside. It is a ten-sided structure, ten feet in diameter and ten feet high. Its roof is glass and cone-shaped.
Public Works Director Harold M. Walz said Monday that stocking the aviary with some 20 to 30 different colored finches and canaries may begin next week.
The setting inside the cage will be made as natural as possible. A tree will be planted in the center of the aviary, and grass will also be planted. It will be furnished with a birdbath, feeding facilities and a nesting box.
The aviary design is the idea of William Haskell of the All-Time Manufacturing Company of Montville, who describes it as a “living Christmas tree.” The same type of bird house was also erected recently at Bates Woods Nature Center in New London.
Haskell said the aviary is an excellent place for all types of exotic birds. It’s circular shape he said, permits freedom of flying because birds fly in a circle and if it was a square structure they would smash into the walls.
He said there are vents that can be opened to allow cool air to enter, and that there was no heating problem in the winter. He said a light will supply all the heat necessary and this light will also provide longer days for the birds.
Birds, he said, fly south because of the shorter day in the winter, not because of the cold weather.
Walz said the outside of the aviary will be landscaped to provide the proper setting for the birds. He said it will be located across from the old monkey house next to the parking lot.”
What do you say Chelsea Botanical Gardens? A temporary round green house could be a start to building community confidence in your abilities.
Thank you for reading and sharing my history and Norwich Community blog freely with your family or friends or anyone you think might be interested or in a position to take on some of the suggested projects. Don’t hesitate to contact me for further information. I am happy to pass along anything I can. Together we can make a difference. Email comments on this blog to berylfishbone@yahoo.com View my past columns at http://www.norwichbulletin.com/section/blogs.