Monthly Archives: September 2017

Towers of Franklin

Franklin Connecticut is an adjacent neighbor of Norwich, Connecticut so I imagined that I knew the locations of most of the important landmarks. Once more I was proved wrong by an article in the September 8, 1906 Norwich Bulletin newspaper.

I can’t wait for the trees to lose their leaves so I can travel on route 32 not far over the border to the parking lot of a Subaru dealership and look to the west. I should see in the distance at least one of what the article called, The Towers of Franklin. While once there were two, now only one remains according to the Franklin Town clerk.

There is a long and lovely description of the typical New England beauty of the area and then, “ For many years past the attention of the passersby has been attracted by two peculiar formations of rock on the summit. Easily recognized as the work of man, and not of nature, they are somewhat pyramidal in form, having bases of perhaps twenty feet square and apexes about thirty feet in height.” So who built them and why and when?

“To the questions of the curious are returned answers vague, indefinite and unsatisfactory. A good honest ‘I don’t know’ would be more satisfying.” So the article turns to the year 1846 and a man named William Varnum of Essex, Massachusetts. Varnum was described as a seafaring man who had crossed many stormy seas and visited numberless strange lands before arriving in New London and somehow making the acquaintance of Mary A. B. Brewster of Franklin, CT. Their marriage on March 23, 1847 is documented in the records Rev. Samuel Nott of New London. Both must have thought they had hit the jackpot. Mary was a lineal descendent of the Mayflower, William Brewster and a famous ruling elder of Plymouth (Massachusetts) . Alas Mary, thought her new husband would return to the sea, where he could earn more money than he could on land, the opportunities for spending were less and she could continue her life as it had been. But, Varnum remained in Franklin doing odd jobs, farm work and general labor building a reputation as an industrious and hardworking man.

At various times between 1851 and 1867 Mrs. Varnum was able to purchase a house, barn and an acre and a half of land. Then on February 4, 1875 she was able to purchase the land on which the towers were to be built from John T. Ladd. They were first known as the monuments, sometimes the pyramids and then the towers.

As time passed new stories of why the towers were built emerged but according to the article, one of the neighbors asserted William Varnum erected the towers to rid himself of the stones as he cleared the land. That could well be the case as Varnum also built numerous stone walls where none were needed.

There was no doubt the monuments were intended as memorials of himself and his wife perhaps modeled after the pyramids of Egypt he might have visited as a sailor. Sadly he made no provisions for tombs within the towers but during his lifetime frequently expressed the wish to be buried near them on the hill.

His requests, however, were ignored after his death from pneumonia, January 6, 1879 at the age of 65. He was buried in the Yantic Cemetery in Norwich. Mary survived for many years and died at 95 years old on January 14, 1905 and is buried near her husband. Ask to see their graves when you take the guided tour of Yantic Cemetery. I know they will be happy to be remembered.

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.

A Harbor Parade

I was certain I had a brand new, never done before in Norwich, CT idea to celebrate any holiday of choice. Something unique and different from any other celebration in eastern Connecticut or western Rhode Island. AND I was wrong.

According to the Norwich Bulletin of July 8, 1903 there was an Old Home Week Harbor Parade and Fireworks. A “Brilliant Parade of Illuminated Launches in River Followed by Fine Pyrothechnic Display Witnessed by Large Crowds.”

The article went on to say that one of the most pleasing features of Old Home Week was the harbor parade. There were special late trains so out of town visitors could enjoy it, crowds of people were packed on every vantage of Laurel Hill, Thames Street and the wharf by 8 p.m. The merchants reported doing a brisk business as people arrived and waited for the festivities to begin .

The moonlight was a little too bright but the air perfect for the forty or so launches with their glowing lights as they glided down from Thamesville where the line was formed. There were rockets from strategically placed throughout the city and from a floats in the river while fire balloons from Thamesville and Tubbs’ Band on the wharf entertained the waiting crowd of the water carnival. On the land were electrical displays of incandescent lights strung between the trolley poles on Main and adjoining streets giving the main part of the city a brilliant appearance. A number of merchants, including Cranston and Company, Mohican Co, Somers Brothers and others had pretty electrical displays on their store fronts. Lee & Osgood had a collection of curiosities and relics in one of their windows which attracted considerable attention. Many other merchants displayed bunting and in several windows were seen portraits of Mayor Thayer. Across the front of the city hall building was the illuminated sign “Home Week 1903.”

About 8:30 p.m. Commodore Henry G Peck’s pretty launch was seen rounding the bend in the river from Thamesville leading the first of two divisions, about twenty-five small crafts looking like a spectacle from a fairy land with each boat trimmed with Japanese lanterns of various colors, red being the predominate shade, and hung as they were in different forms, making a most picturesque sight, swinging to and fro as the launches moved along. Some of the boats launched their own fireworks adding a variety of colors to the parade.

As the procession passed along the east bank of the river rockets exploded with sprays of various colors, some with tiny strings, tiny balloons, and loud reports for over an hour from a midstream float under the direction of fireworks expert Mr. Gerhard of New York

The launches turned at the steamboat wharf and passed the west side of the river before disbanding. At the head of the harbor was ex-Mayor F. L. Osgood’s handsomely decorated yacht Tillie.

Worn with panache and pride by over 100 visitors who had registered at Old Home Week headquarters on Broadway were the simple yet very neat in design badges “Guest, Old Home Week, July 3-6, 1903,” printed on red, white and blue ribbons, The badges or members of the committee ribbons were white. G. E. Bachelder and E. P. Slocum were the chairmen.

Over 100 years has passed so can Norwich, CT please have another Harbor Parade? We don’t have to have all the participation and an Old Home Week Celebration but wouldn’t a parade of boats be a sight to see in the harbor? What organization wants to work on this? Somebody? Anybody? Is anybody out there? Does anybody care?

David Torrance

Are you looking for a Greeneville hero? How about the late David Torrance? When the Honorable Judge Torrance died on
September 5, 1906 he was the Chief Justice of the Connecticut Supreme Court of Errors. But there is a bit more to his story. At least according to the article in the September 6, 1906 Norwich Bulletin.

David Torrance was born March 3, 1840 in Edinburgh, Scotland to Walter and Ann Torrance. His father died when David was nine years old and his mother, he and four brothers and sisters all moved to the United States to settle in Norwich, CT. David attended the Norwich Public Schools for five years and at the age of 14 began working in the cotton mill. At 15, he began to learn the trade of papermaking at the Chelsea Paper mills in Greeneville.

He remained there until July, 1862 when he enlisted as a private in Company A, Eighteenth Connecticut Volunteers. He was quickly promoted to sergeant and on December 22, 1863 he became a captain of Company A, Twenty-ninth Connecticut Volunteers. This regiment was composed of colored men recruited in Connecticut. Torrance continued to rise in rank becoming major and lieutenant colonel of the regiment before mustering out in 1865.

At the close of the Civil War he began to study law in the Derby office of Col. William B. Wooster with whom he had served in the army and joined Wooster in his practice in 1868.

In 1871 he joined the Republican Party and was elected to the General Assembly from Derby and again in 1872. Torrance used his time, good sense, attention to detail and practicality well in committee work and on the floor of the house. In the fall of 1878 he was nominated and elected Secretary of State twice. In 1881 he was appointed Judge of the Court of Common Pleas of New Haven County but before he began a second term he was made Judge of the Superior Court of the State. In 1890 he was advanced to the Supreme Court of Errors. In 1899 he was elected Chair on Evidence at Yale University. On October 1, 1901 Torrance was appointed Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of Errors of Connecticut.

Judge Torrance married Annie France of Norwich on February 12, 1864 while home on leave from the army and they had three children Margaret G., Walter S., and James F. He was a popular speaker for dinners and anniversaries and was a dedicated and active member of a number of organizations including the Masonic fraternity, a distinguished member of the Army and Navy clubs of Connecticut and the G.A.R. And he never forgot those he served with. It’s not where you begin, but where you end.

Cornerstone of New Synagogue

September 16, 1906 was a big day for the Jewish population of Norwich, CT. The day was the laying of the Cornerstone of the New Synagogue.

Quite a crowd had gathered at 2:30 pm for the laying of the cornerstone of the new syangogue on the south side of High Street just opposite the summit. The dignitaries sitting on a raised platform were acting chairperson Louis Wechsler, Rev. Max Stamm, rabbi of the congregation; Rev. B. Sachnowitz, Mayor Charles F. Thayer, Rev. J. F. Cobb, Congressman E. W. Higgins, Representative F. T. Maples, Sr. Alderman Dr. N. B. Lewis, Judge of Probate N. J. Ayling, Councilman H. M. Lerou, Dr. J.J. Donohue, Ellis Raphael, Jacob Simon and the Tubbs Band. Any of those names sound familiar? Maybe some of their words will.

The opening speeches were by Rabbi Stamm speaking in Hebrew followed by Rev. Cobb who said in part: “ We may be of different nationalities here today and the place of birth of one may be far from that of another, but we all have the same Father and we lift up our prayers to the same God. These services are not for the interest and good not only of the Hebrews but of the whole city, and in the spirit of brotherhood we extend to you the hand of goodfellowship in your effort.”

“The Hebrew people came to Norwich to make it their home and the municipality is to be congratulated upon that fact.” said Mayor Thayer “ Just as congratulations should be bestowed upon those who have come to a city so well known for its hospitality.” Then there was the usual variety of speakers with congratulations, best wishes and the hope for greater growth of the city and its residents.

But after all the welcoming speeches Chairman Wechler called upon Ellis Raphael, as one of the oldest Hebrews of the city to speak. Mr. Raphael told that he could remember when there were not more than eight or nine Hebrew families at the most in Norwich, and when the first celebration of the Jewish New Year was to be observed it was held in the home of Levi Spier on Broadway. Mr. Raphael said he was glad to see that this new synagogue was being built in strict adherence with Jewish Law, standing due east and west.”

As Mayor Thayer skillfully laid the cornerstone in position a tightly sealed copper box was also placed in a specially prepared cavity at the northwest corner of the building containing a list of the fifty-five members of the congregation, a list of those present and those speaking at the ceremonies, the passage of scripture referring to the entrance of Solomon into the temple, a special memorial to Jacob Simon, through whose assistance the synagogue was being built, and the names of the Norwich Bulletin and the Norwich Evening Record.

The article closed saying that for the past year the congregation of fifty-five members had been worshipping under Rabbi Stamm in a hall at No. 6 Cove Street and that they holed to be in the structure by the first of the year under the leadership of Max Silberman, Chairman, and building committee Rev. Max Stamm, David Pressman, Benjamin Pressman, Israel Henkin, Morris Levin, Max Silberman and Arthur Swatzburg.

Two Summer Coaches

July 28,1906 had really big news for the residents of Norwich, CT. The travel and tourism season had arrived and on this day the additional cars for the area would arrive too. It would be really nice if someone would consider that same transportation route to be important today. Not everyone had a horse or a car so mass transportation was important to get to work, to shop, to get home, to vacation, to spend a mental health day away. The transportation was not for the select few. It was not expensive. It was easy to find. It had a dependable schedule and it was talked about. I wish the same could be said today.

Two summer coaches for the Norwich-Westerly Road promised for the morning – will be running next week.

On Friday night, two of the summer cars on the Norwich-Westerly trolley road were due in Willimantic and the officials of the road were promised that they would be delivered to the company this morning. The cars have come from High Point, N.C., and because of clearances, they have been a long time on the road. The cars will be brought here on a special and switched off at Fort Point, and immediately taken to the car barn near Hallville. The trucks for the cars are already to receive the bodies and the wiring is also completed so that very little work is necessary to get them into motion.

The car barn is not completed as yet as the roof trusses have only arrived this week for the roof. As soon as they are in place the work will be rushed along on the building, but it is not anticipated that it will be required especially now.

There is every reason to believe that the cars will be running over the line the coming week and then it will be but a short time before the company has the railroad commissioners approve the road bed and cars run between here and Hallville.

Besides the two summer cars due here today, there are two more on the road of the same type. Besides these there will be two combination baggage and passenger cars and two combination passenger and smoking cars. These will be delivered later and it is intended that they be used with the summer cars if desired, running two cars at a trip.

The cars are each 48 feet long and with full vestibules. All the cars are closed as the time which will be made will not allow open cars, the danger of falling off is too great. There will be four 65-horsepower motors on each car and the distance between here and Westerly about 20 miles, will be made in about an hour, although it is claimed it can be done in forty-five minutes.

The appearance of the cars is shown on the accompanying cut, and an outline of the baggage and smoking combination cars are also shown. In the combination cars will also be toilets. The cars are expensive ones and more elaborate than any others seen in the vicinity. They are up to date in every particular, with cross seats and fitted up in railroad coach style.

Carrie Nation Visit

Norwich, CT has had some amazing visitors in the past. Individuals such as Carrie Nation who was a leading radical member of the temperance movement. She opposed alcohol before Prohibition and is famously known for attacking alcohol-serving establishments with a hatchet.

Her visit to Norwich was reported in the Norwich Bulletin of September 13, 1905. Mrs. Nation spent three days traveling to Norwich from Ohio and included only Danielson and Berlin in her Connecticut tour.

Mrs. Nation expressed great pleasure at being able to give her opinions to the people of Norwich and hoped to speak to a great number of them about the evils of the drink habit and especially of the harm done by the cigarette habit to the youth of America.

In response to a question regarding her future conduct concerning the stamping out of the liquor trade in the United States she stated that she had given up the work of closing out the saloons with the aid of a hatchet and had come to the conclusion that the redemption of the country was not in the hand of one person, but could only be accomplished with the aid of the ballot. It was stated that by the time of her visit to Norwich she had been in jail for her work twenty-five times, which did not include the number of times that she had been arrested and allowed her liberty on bail or in default of complaint.

According to the Bulletin article when Nation started for Norwich she sent the following telegram to the directors of the fair association: “ Get me a room at a hotel with no bar,” but as Norwich did not have such a place she had to be accommodated in a private family. She was of the opinion that a person could run a hotel, cater to his guests and serve them in proper shape without drugging them.

Excellent Coon Supper

I have often printed an unusual recipe or three in this blog but I don’t believe I have ever talked about a critter dinner being served quite like this one from the September 5, 1907 Norwich Bulletin. I am pretty certain you would not find me in attendance at the dinner either but the reading of the article gave me a different point of reference of a fine dinner being served in 1907.

Maybe it is time to re-examine the historic suppers of the past. Was this notable because it was a friends and family tribute to past suppers? Were coons a rare treat? So many unanswered questions.

Excellent Coon Supper Served in Fitchville – Delightful Gathering at Home of Mrs. J. C. Allyn. –

At the home of Mrs. J. C. Allyn in Fitchville, Wednesday evening an excellent coon supper was served by Mr. and Mrs. J. P. Allyn to a party of friends and relatives.
Among those present were Mr. and Mrs. E. A. Allyn and family, Raymond Keables, James Murphy, the Misses Murphy of Norwich Town, Carl D. Sevin, I. L. Hamilton, Herman Hellen, John Carroll of Norwich, John Ramage and Mr. and Mrs. Alex Ramage of Greeneville; Miss Anna Hedler of Taftville, Mr. and Mrs. Paul Etter and family of Baltic and Timothy Fields of Fitchville.

The two coons were caught by Messrs Keables and Murphy.

Music was furnished for the evening by a fine male quartette, accompanied by Mrs. Emma Robinson on the piano. The supper was served on the piazza, which was artistically decorated with potted plants and Chinese lanterns.

Before the Elms of Broadway

A sweet, romantic, wonderful gift was given to the history lovers of Norwich through a Letter to the Editor that appeared in the Norwich Bulletin on July 12, 1906 and titled The Elms on Broadway. This is a story for the leaders of the walks to re-tell when they speak of the majestic elms that once lined the street.

Mr. Editor: – While I was walking down Broadway recently with an old gentleman residing on that street our conversation began about the elms there, as his attention was directed by me to one of them that is dead and to the leaves of another which were largely scattered on the sidewalk by the ravages of the beetles.

I asked him whether he knew the age of the elms: for I had heard, from time to time, different ages given to them.

“Yes.” said he, “I can tell you that. When I came to Norwich in 1842, about the time of the Witter robbery at the railroad station, buttonball trees [Another name for Buttonball Tree is American Sycamore] stood where those elms do; but in 1851 the buttonballs were supplanted by the elms.”
“Are you sure of the date?” said I.
“I am,” said he, “for I was then in love with the girl who afterwards became my wife; and the elms were set out at that time, as a memorial to Joseph Williams, who lived further down the street.”
“I know not what relation Mr. Williams had to the land.” he continued, “but I do know the date of the setting out of those trees; for when a man in giving his little attentions to the girl he loves all important changes on the line of his travels are linked together with those attentions and cannot therefore possibly be forgotten by him.”

Quite a happy thought to associate elm trees with family tree, and thus make them evergreen trees in memory!

Truly, love is a magician, and all men with a predisposition to poor memory should not be without the remedy. – C. H. Talcott Norwich, July 9, 1906

I hope this made you smile for a moment. 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.

Mrs. Maria D. Gorton

On October 13, 1890 a very important notice appeared in the Norwich Bulletin regarding the death of Mrs. Gorton of Norwich, CT.

Mrs. Gorton was another female leader of Norwich who is mostly forgotten and certainly overlooked in the history of Norwich. She began a tradition of kindness and cheer that is still seen in 2017 whenever you stop by to visit family or friend at the Eliza Huntington Memorial Home on Washington Street. Wouldn’t it be nice if her tale was added to the stories told on the Washington Street walks of Norwich?

Death of Mrs. Gorton

Mrs. Maria D. Gorton, the matron of the Eliza Huntington Memorial Home for Old Ladies on Washington Street, died Saturday morning after an illness of nearly two years, at the age of 82. Mrs. Gorton took the home when it was opened in October, 1872, under the provision of the will of the late Jedediah Huntington, and managed the affairs of this beneficient institution with conscientious fidelity until the feebleness of old age required her retirement, when her daughter, Miss Adelaide M. Gorton, who has been an efficient assistant, assumed the responsibilities of the institution, and has since conducted its affairs with the same kindness, prudence and faithfulness that marked Mrs. Gorton’s management, and made the home a model institution and a real home to its inmates. Some of the best years of her life Mrs. Gorton devoted to cheering and making more comfortable the declining years of her own sex, and although aging herself, she mainatined an even disposition and an impartial regard for those in her keeping and care which few can command in youth and visor of life. Miss Gorton will prove a worthy successor to the matronship, and with the training she has had will keep the institution a model home. The funeral will take place Tuesday afternoon at 2 o’clock.

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