I was one of the hundreds(?) that watched the 2017 Winterfest Parade in Norwich, CT on November 25th. One of the finer bits of the Parade was the lead in by the Norwich Police Department and Color Guard.

They marched in unison and with pride. You know already what Norwich story I will be re-telling because you all know what a huge laugh I received when I read about it for the first time in a copy of Old Home Week printed by the Bulletin in 1901.

Old Home Week took place September 1st thru the 7th and with grateful thanks to the Bulletin we can read and see photographs of the events of the week and hear their stories.

The detailed description and photographs of the parade take up about six pages of the book and I encourage everyone looking for some new old tales of Norwich, CT to read it. It is available for reading or download at http://www.ebooksdownloads.xyz/search/old-home-week-norwich-conn-september-1st-7th-1901 so you don’t even have to go to Otis Library, unless you want to of course. Otis Library is located on Main Street, Norwich, CT with convenient parking in the lot just across the street.

Anyway, back to the parade. It was just after 7 AM on Tuesday morning that the Antiques and Horribles Parade began to assemble and larger than any other parade that had ever been formed in the City including the demonstrations of July 4th, 1891 and 1895. According to the information located on page 22 “The procession of frights was headed by a platoon of police, all drafted from the supernumerary list. The bluecoats were the only thing in the parade that looked decent. Everything else was hopelessly dilapidated, and most of it was of a style that would have been appropriate to the days of Noah’s Ark.”

Those that followed our modern day “bluecoats” were not at all dilapidated, frightening or hopelessly out of date. They were clean, fresh, talented, happy and proud to show off their uniforms, costumes and talents to all who lined the streets for the forty minutes to smile, wave and call to their friends and family members. As a way to thank the observers there was lots and lots of holiday candy being handed out to the public.

You cannot tell me there is nothing to do or see December 1st in Norwich. It’s a Friday night with a run for the Tommy Toy Fund, Performances at both theaters, The Public School Follies at Kelly Middle School. Downtown First Friday is at all FIVE of the downtown galleries with a very special juried show at the Gallery at the Wauregan. Some new stocking stuffers are for sale at the NAC gift shop. Don’t forget to check out the Art on the Walls at Epicure Brewing (They also have the best socks for purchase anywhere.), These Guys Brewing serves an excellent acorn squash dish. Harp & Dragon will be featuring local artists work on their walls during the month of December. Looking for a more international flair for your meal how about Korean, Mexican, or Asian? They are all downtown with convenient parking. If you are thinking of just a brew and wings there is always Billy Wilsons.

When I hear you say there is, “Nothing to do. Nothing to see and No one to talk to in Norwich.” I know you haven’t been to Norwich, CT lately. Visit Norwich on First Friday to see for yourself.

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.

This is my all-time favorite Norwich Bulletin story appearing first on November 6, 1895 and picked up by the New York Times which printed it on November 10, 1895. Following the trail of the deer will make a wonderful Thanksgiving Day walk.

What to do with the multiple sets of dishes you just inherited? No one seems to want the cherished dishes any more. So here are a few of the solutions I am going to be using to clear some shelves in my home. A few you will recognize and a few I hope are new.

First write a few details about the source of the dishes. Who owned them. When they were used. How they were used. Tell a memory or a story if you can. For example “On the night before (a holiday) we ate (fill-in name) special hot dogs and beans on these plates.” Ask for help from friends and family. Maybe there is a recipe or a tradition that can be shared. Then include the information and stories when you share different pieces with different friends and families. Think of it as small sets become a treasure while the complete set is a burden.

So what makes a set? Almost anything. Think about the likes and loves of the individual owner and build from there. For example: The person was great with advice: Two cups, two saucers, and a dinner plate. For those special conversations requiring a cup of tea/coffee and a plate of cookies.

A bowl can be used for growing herbs maybe paired with a recipe.

A saucer with a cup or mug turned on its side and hot glued makes a wonderful summer bird feeder.

A dinner or a salad plate can become the plate used each year for Santa’s Snack.

A wine glass can become Elijah’s Cup.

Broken plates can be set in cement and become garden tiles and stepping stones to tomorrow.

Silverware can be fashioned into chimes.

The most well worn pots and pans tell the story of being favorites. Let them continue to tell their stories and to help others continue their legacy. That battered pot, with the scratches on the inside were from (fill in a name) trying to make Stone Soup for the first time when he was (fill in an age). Stories can be happy, sad or poignant. The point is to not let the person and the story be forgotten or set aside. Treasure all the memories you can, for as many generations as you can.

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.

Another study has been done and Norwich, CT leads the state. Well that’s a significant occurrence. Because it is one that does not happen often. In what can we lead the state? Minority stops by police officers. Really, that is what we are a state of Connecticut leader in? Minority stops by police officers.

O.K. I read the articles with interest. Norwich stops more people, more minorities and for lesser infractions than other cities. Can this really be a bad thing? Shouldn’t our streets be safer? Our drivers have fewer accidents? Who are the people being pulled over?

A few weeks ago I was one of the people pulled over. It was about 8:45 PM and I was entering the downtown after dropping off a friend after we had been to a meeting and then stopped for dinner. I had no sooner pulled onto Main Street when I was pulled over in front of the Post Office.

I am a short, messy haired, senior woman who drives slowly and carefully because I know on the route I am taking there can be pedestrians in dark clothing walking on the edge of the road on their way home from being dropped off by their ride.

I was pulled over because I was driving a little too slowly and carefully. It made the officers suspicious. Was I looking for something or someone? When the Officer saw me he knew I had not been drinking, was not on drugs nor being carjacked. He checked my license and registration while we had a nice friendly chat. He also gave me a very nice card with instructions on filing a complaint if I believe I had been stopped, detained or subject to search solely on the basis of my race, ethnicity/ancestry, age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or membership in a protected class, or to file a commendation. Before he returned to work and I continued on my way home. Just as slowly and carefully.

I didn’t do anything more than file the instruction card away and forget about it until I read the article. Of course, I read the article after first reading about one crash after another on the safe streets of Norwich. Officers, please feel free to stop any drivers you are curious about. The life you save could be mine, a loved one or a perfect strangers. Thank you. All lives count.

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.

The chill in the air and prediction for more cold days ahead reminded me that on January 3, 2017 at a meeting of the Norwich, CT City Council Hot Cocoa was proclaimed the official hot drink of Norwich, CT.

The occasion provided a much needed laugh and a reminder that there are alternatives to the warm drinks of coffee, tea, and the occasional hot cider. Norwich, CT has a much neglected history with the processing of the cocoa beans during the time of the American Revolution but we have not done much with it since then.

What I would like to see in restaurants and at fundraisers, is the simple offering of a hot beverage, coffee, tea or cocoa and a choice slice of various cakes and pies. When I am out and making the rounds of the events about town that is really all I want for a snack or lunch. The large meal sized offerings are wonderful and delicious but honestly all I really want is a snack. OK I am hungry while I am writing this and really in the mood for a slice of cherry pie and a cup of cocoa. It is not going to happen but thats what I am in the mood for.

Anyway, I would like to see the restaurants get behind the cocoa movement and use it to their advantage. I am also issuing my first snowperson challenge before the very first snowflake flies. Let us the residents of Norwich, CT populate our yards, public parks and greens with snow statues. Be creative. Make them large and make them small. Be creative and let your imagination be your guide.

Cold weather and snow happen every year about this time. This year lets use the weather to our advantage and make Norwich, CT the place everyone imagines their hometown to be.

We, can be responsible for making Norwich, CT interesting, warm and friendly starting in five, four, three, two, one, NOW!

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.

In 1770 John Bliss successfully raised enough funds for Norwich to build its first fire engine. (You can see the actual record of the promised donations at the Leffingwell House Museum and the actual fire engine is on display at the Central Fire House.) The engine was pulled by a single horse and pumped by hand. Around 1773 Thomas Harland built a similar machine for use at Chelsea Landing. On Novenber 26, 1793 was a fire that destroyed the buildings on Water Street including six shops, four homes, four barns, and the meeting house of the Second Congregational Church. The total loss was a little over $40,000 with no insurance.

At a town meeting held Monday, December 29, 1794 the Mutual Assurance Company was formed and on May 18, 1795, the committee members petitioned “the Honourable General Assembly now sitting in Hartford,” for an act of incorporation “for an act of incorporation “for the purpose of rendering any future loss which may happen to them by fire, as light as possible to individuals sustaining such loss,” and for the purpose of mutually insuring each other and was granted the second Thursdayof May, 1795 thus becoming the first incorporated insurance company of Connecticut.

The first policy, was issued on February 16, 1795 as No. 1, Norwich Mutual Assurance Company, For Insuring Buildings from Loss by Fire. This policy witnesses, that Christopher Leffingwell having become and by these presents becoming a member of the Mutual Assurance Company of the City of Norwich, pursuant to a Deed of Settlement, bearing the date of the fifteenth day of December One Thousand Seven Hundrred and Ninety-Four. Read more of the actual policy in its framed display at the Leffingwell House Museum.

Time has marched on but the need for equipment to save property and lives from fire and other disasters has not. New and updated fire and rescue equipment is desperately needed. The lives protected could be yours, your loved ones or a strangers. But is whose life is saved really the issue? Vote on November 7th, 2017 and please vote on the referendum items located on the far right side of the Norwich, CT ballot.

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.

Welcome to Norwich, CT a great place to eat! There is a brand new double sided guide to fine dining in Norwich, CT available soon. On very high quality paper on one side is a map of the Greater Norwich Area with 30 restaurants restaurants and their locations in Norwich, and Uncasville CT listed. While it is far and away from a complete list of eating places; it is a good demonstration of some of the varieties of food available in Norwich.

When there was a question as to the type of food served its called American. There are 6 American restaurants. 3 Italian restaurants. 9 Pizza restaurants. 1 Peruvian. 2 Bakeries. 1 Indian. 1 Mexican. 1 Chinese. 1 Mediterranean. 1 Japanese/Sushi. 1 Cheesesteak. 1 Steak House. 1 Asian. 1 Barbecue. 0 Fast food restaurants. 0 Vegetarian restaurants. 0 Diners. 0 Seafood. 0 Coffee or Tea Houses. I mention the 0’s in case there is a reader or two looking for a place to open a restaurant or two. I know of some great available spots for sale and for rent. I also can highly recommend any meal and the Dim Sum at the Golden Elegant , 437 W Main Street, Norwich, CT . (The same plaza as Sherwin Williams Paint Store.) and the fish and chips at Johnny’s Clam Shack, 184 N Main Street, Norwich, CT. Across the street from the Norwich Public Utilities . He is open after 4 PM and seasonally for outdoor and take away which were not listed.

On the flip side of the paper are the ten dining establishments of Downtown Norwich. These ten are not listed on the other side. They are Billy Wilsons Aging Still, American. Epicure Brewing, Brewery. Harp & Dragon, Irish Pub. Ice & Fire Asian Cuisine, Chinese & Sushi. La Stella, Pizza. Marina at American Wharf, Seafood. Mi Casa Mexican Restaurant, Mexican. Namoo, Korean. Sunrise Chinese Restaurant, Chinese. These Guys Brewing Company, Brew Pub.

Most of the places serve a variety of brews, wines, carbonated drinks and waters both foreign and domestic but please make a point of asking for and trying our locally made in Norwich or nearby whenever possible.

Eat, Drink and be Merry all year round in Norwich, CT!

Hebrew: לְחַיִּים!/L’Chaim! (Le Hy-em)
Hungarian: Egeszsegere! (Egg-esh Ay-ged-reh)
Italian : Salute! Cin cin! (Salu-tay/Chin Chin)
Japanese: /Kampai! (Kam-pie)
Korean: 위하여 (Gun-bae)
Latvian: Prieka! (Pree-eh-ka)
Lithuanian: i sveikata!(Ee sweh-kata)

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.