I read the same information over and over and am still amazed when I learn something new. Something in front of my nose but I did not see it until just now. It was in the Friday, July 3, 1908 Norwich Bulletin titled, ‘Old Home Week. Completed Programme as arranged by various committees for four days.’

The Fourth of July was celebrated over four festive days. Did it take a lot of cooperation and coordination? Probably. But there are plenty of hints that say the work load was shared by many resulting in a lighter workload for all.

On Friday, July 3,1908 at 2:30 p.m. There was children’s entertainment at the Auditorium. So in 2021 couldn’t something be arranged for the children. Here is the chance for the bouncy house, the vendors, the fire departments, the police department, and other children services to get to know the children in a more relaxed and friendly setting.

At 3:00 p.m. Was a “Trip Around the World,” under the direction of Y.M.C.A. Women’s Auxiliary. In 2021 this could be an opportunity for Global Norwich to sparkle and shine with a show, displays, products, or foods from around the world or just the various cultures that can be found in Norwich area.

3:30 p.m. Was a State League Baseball Game: New Haven vs Norwich at Sachem Park. In 2021 Norwich has a wonderful stadium that could easily handle all of this days activities and more!

Saturday, July 4, 1908 was packed with activities. Beginning at 7:30 A.M. Was my personal favorite event, the Parade of Antiques and Horribles through the principal city streets. A bit like one would imagine a parade in New Orleans. Its loud, its proud, it appears a bit disorganized, its pure, unadulterated fun in the streets with lots of laughter, music and mayhem and yes at 7:30 in the morning! In 2021 Norwich, CT makes a great show of lining the parade participants up in order and lines and escort them across the street to Chelsea Parade.

10:30 a.m. Another State League Ball Game: Norwich vs. New London at Sachem Park. In 2021 if the stadium has another event we have a little league field that could use a bit of action.

1 p.m. Was a Parade of Automobiles through the principal streets of Norwich, CT. Can you envision a parade of automobiles in 2021 stately driving through various neighborhoods with drivers and passengers smiling and waving to the residents? Areas such as Thamesville, Laurel Hill, Taftville, Occum and some of the more rural areas of Norwich. Being certain that the route went through some of the senior housing developments that Norwich has hidden away and because of issues with public transportation whose residents never get to participate in these parades and celebrations.

2:30 p.m. Were horse races, automobile races, wrestling match and athletic contests. The 2021 could be very different but surely our inventive residents could think of something.

4:00 p.m. Was a very special time. It was the unveiling of the Hubbard Gates at Norwich Town Burying Ground with addresses by Mayor Thayer, Jonathan Trumbull, Mrs. Sara T. Kinney, George S. Porter, Capt. Henry P. Goddard and Rev. Neilson Poe Carey. In 2021 the Norwich Historical Society could have a much shorter ceremony at the gates and give tours, and perhaps demonstrations of stone cleaning for donations.

6: p.m. Illuminated Harbor Parade of Launches, Display of Fireworks and Band Concert. In 2021 wouldn’t this be wonderful?

On Sunday, July 5^th at 7:30 p.m. Was the Union Old Home Week Services at Broadway Congregational Church with addresses by Rev. James Coote, D.D. And Rev. S. H. Howe D.D. In 2021 is there a speaker you would like to hear?

On Monday, July 6^th at 6:30 p.m. Was a Launch Race in the Harbor. In 2021 how about a kayak, row boat, raft or canoe race?

For a simpler time and place the residents of Norwich, CT were certainly busy and its sad in 2021 we are not similarly occupied.

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

When there is a book written about the mills and the workers of Norwich, CT I can only hope that Miss Julia C. Corcoran is given more than just a passing mention. She deserves discussion and a chapter, at the very least, of her own. “Miss Corcoran was born and brought up in Norwich and has had wide experience among women employees in the area mills.”

I learned the very basics of her story in the October 2, 1907 Norwich Bulletin in a lengthy and glowing article announcing her appointment as Woman Deputy Factory Inspector for the State of Connecticut. Who are the other women of Norwich, CT that have made a difference in history? Not a difference by marriage but by their own dedication, labor and truth.

That date is correct. It was in 1907 that George P. McLean, state factory Inspector announced the appointment of Miss Julia C. Corcoran of Norwich as the woman deputy factory inspector on his staff of deputies through the passage of a legislative bill. Governor Woodruff appointed a commission of three women, Mrs. Frank C. Porter of New Haven, Eleanor McCann of South Manchester and Anna L. Ward of Waterbury, to consider the hundreds of applications for this position. The position held the same powers and authorities as the factory inspector, “except as to machinery, appliances, and fixtures, and shall serve under the direction of Mr. McLean as do the other deputy inspectors.”

The lengthy exemplary letter of recommendation was printed in full as follows:

Mr. George P. McLean, Factory Inspector of Connecticut:

Dear Sir:- The commission appointed by his excellency Governor Woodruff to select a woman deputy factory inspector under the provisions of section 5 of chapter 241 of the public acts of 1907 hereby recommends in accordance with the provisions of said section for appointment to that office the name of Miss Julia C. Corcoran of Norwich, Connecticut. In recommending this name the committee begs to state the method and principles on which the selection has been based and to present a brief record of the experience and special qualifications of this candidate.

It has been the single aim of the commission to find the woman who unites the highest qualifications, both of personal character and experience for this office. To this end they have investigated hundreds of references which have accompanied the very large number of applications from all parts of the state, many of these references having proved to be purely conventional and based on no personal knowledge of the applicant. No recommendations of this sort from whatever source, no prejudices or preconceived opinions have been allowed to influence the commission in its choice. After thus sifting the references, personal interviews were accorded the most promising candidates.

Among the qualifications which the commission deemed necessary were absolute integrity of character, good judgment, sound common sense, justice to both the employer and employed, such tact and personality as should win the respect and confidence of both, and an earnest, unselfish interest in the work itself. A knowledge of factory and store life was also felt to be desirable.

Among the applicants were some who possess more of these qualifications but the one to whom the commission, after most careful investigation, believes to possess more of these qualifications and in fuller measure than any other candidate is Miss Corcoran.

The Woman for the Place.

Miss Corcoran was born and brought up in Norwich, her father having been an engineer in one of the mills. His death by accident when she was about 14 cut short her hopes of a college training, for which her unusual intelligence had caused her to aspire, and she became an employee of the Norwich mills. Here she was employed for a number of years, becoming familiar with every detail of the work and rapidly rising to the first place among the women employees. She also took a course in business college. Her Norwich employers have written of her brightness and capabilities and of her broad mindedness which kept the interest of the employers and employees equally in view. They declare her to be “to be one woman in a thousand for the place.” It was during this period of her career that the late General Ely of Norwich remarked that if there were ever a woman factory inspector in Connecticut, Miss Corcoran was the woman for the place.

She was president of ta working girls’ club and because of her helpfulness and true womanliness she was greatly beloved by them and considered as of great value in the community by many of the best known women in Norwich.

The remarkable value of Miss Corcoran’s services both to her employers and among her fellow workers became known to a well known member of the labor bureau in Washington D.C., who was the means of her being recommended for an important position in one of the largest department stores in Boston. This firm, which is known throughout the entire country for its remarkably just and fair treatment of its employees was seeking a woman who might be, in a sense, a go-between for the firm and its employees. Miss Corcoran in this position was a member of the employees council and the president of the co-operative benefit association of the employees.

Confidential Advisor.

So valuable were her services considered in this double capacity when, after a few years, a member of the firm started a factory in connection with the department store he chose Miss Corcoran, of all the emplyees, to help organize the undertaking and occupy a similar position there. She has been for several years in this factory, being the confidential advisor of the firm, engaging all help but the heads of departments and at the same time as the head of the co-operative association winning the affection and confidence of the hundreds of women for whom she has secured many benefits. Her employers say that they cannot speak too strongly in her favor and that the loss of her services to them would be simply inestimable. Miss Corcoran is a Roman Catholic of Irish parentage. The commission believes that this record, together with many other outside testimonials, nearly all of which were unsought by her, and acquired by the commission without her knowledge, as to her sterling character, highprinciples and devoted interests in the work of bettering industrial conditions, but especially her own personality, which is the chief requisite combined to render her the best fitted candidate for the office of woman deputy factory inspector in Connecticut. The commission feels furthermore that Connecticut is to be congratulated on again securing in so important a position the services of one of her own daughters which have proved of such signal value in a neighboring commonwealth.

The commission therefore recommends to you for trial Miss Julia C. Corcoran, and hopes that she may prove an acceptable addition to your staff.

Although Miss Cororan has not lived here for many years she has many friends who will be pleased to learn of her appointment.”

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

On September 16, 1907 the Norwich Bulletin the results of a two day shooting contest were announced with congratulations to J.J. Murphy and Mrs. Krodel. I admit that my biggest giggles were from seeing how the men were addressed as opposed to the women in the article and then comparing their scores. Pardon me but whose scores were higher?

“Owing to the rain of Labor Day the shoot arranged by the Taftville Shooting club at the grounds in Lisbon had to be postponed, and it was arranged that it should take place on September 7 and 14. The weather was such that it was carried out as planned and on the two days set the shooters assembled at the grounds and had a delightful day at the targets each time. There were fourteen who shot on the mens targets, and the Ladies Rifle club had fifteen entries. On the former for the best three tickets John J. Murphy, one of Norwich’s best shots, won out, having a score of 206 for the three tickets, and A. E. Grimes was second with 204, and Richard Heller third with 203. As his prize Mr. Murphy received a handsome dinner set, Mr. Grimes received silver knives and forks and Mr. Heller a medal. The fourth prize was won by A. Wright, he having the highest score on two tickets, 185, was a mirror. The others also received prizes.

The following are the scores of the men. Those for the first three being on three tickets and the others on two tickets: J. Murphy 206, A Grimes 204, R. Heller 203, A. Wright 135, L. Krauss 128, C. Crodell 126, J. Volkman 123, J. Krauss 118, G. Meyer 117, R. Elver 115, J. Wieland 110, W. Post 105, W. Brocker 95, A. Crodel 95.

Among the women Mrs. A Krodel took the first prize, securing 216 on three tickets.Mrs. A. Ploss being second with 214 and Miss A. Hoefer third with 211. The first prize was a handsome rug. The participants and their scores were as follows, the first three scores being on three tickets, the remainder on two: Mrs. A. Krodel 216, Mrs. A. Ploss 214, Miss A. Hoefer 211, Mrs. J. Kraus 140, Mrs. P. Field 139, Mrs. G. Meyer 139, Mrs. J. Frohmander 138, Mrs. J. Hbevding 138, Miss K. Wieland 137, Mrs. R. Thoma 135, Mrs.W. Robinson 132, Mrs. H. Erlbeck 132, Mrs. Leathers 131.

Are any of the prize winning families still in the area? Are tales of their shooting prowess still being told? Is the silver ware still being handed down through the generations? The mirror? The rug?

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 following is a rather lengthy article, two columns in its day, printed in the Norwich Bulletin on Wednesday, October 18, 1905, titled “Black Knight Speaks in Norwich.” Would his speech be welcome or appropriate today? Would it be censored today? Judge for yourself. I did not change the words of the original article to make them politically correct by 2021 standards.

“Rev. John H. Hector Well Known Temperance Evangelist at Mt. Calvary Church Gives Much Good Advice.

A large and enthusiastic audience was present at the Mt. Calvary Baptist church Tuesday evening to greet the famous colored temperance orator, the Rev. John H. Hector, an evangelist of much note, known throughout the country as the “Black Knight” The treat to the Norwich public was obtained through the personal efforts of the pastor of the church, the Rev. J. Francis Robinson, and those who attended felt well repaid for going. Rev. Mr. Hector is a full blooded negro, a veteran of the union army in the war of the rebellion, and has a rich musical voice which never failed to hold the close attention of his audience throughout. Possessed of a fine physique, a good appearance and great earnestness in his work, he cannot fail to interest and convince his hearer of the truth of the message that he brings, and there is no doubt but what his address will be productive of a large amount of good. His address was one of the most powerful heard on a temperance subject in Norwich for years, and the alternating flashes of wit and pathos prevented interest from lagging at any time. His work in the cause of temperance and reform has made him loved the world over and he ahs the reputation of being the most popular and effective speaker of his race. He took as his subject last evening “Don’t, Don’t, Don’t,” and employed these three words in a scathing speech on many of the evils that exist at the present time and are doing much to pull down the moral tone of society.

Look Before You Leap.

The speaker did in part: A good motto is Don’t rush into a venture until you know where you’re at, and all of the ins and outs of the matter. Many a person is sorry for being where he is simply because he rushed into the venture before he knew what what the particulars of the affair were and before he had studied it from all sides. Many a time if the counsel and advise of father and mother were consulted it would be much different, as they have the best interests and welfare of their children at heart and would do anything to better their interests. But the children in their ignorance resent all the interference, thinking that they know best, and before they know it have got into some place where they are unable to get out. Many times they advise a course that seems utterly foolish and unreasonable at the time but which if followed will surely be for the best, and in after years the children can but acknowledge the wisdom of the choice.

Pie Eating Bad.

For instance, many children would like to live on a diet of nothing but pie and other pastry, and think that it is a great hardship to be forced to have plained food; but in after years good health proves which was the better course. The speaker inferred that at the present day the plainer and more nourishing foods have given way to something that perhaps looks a little more genteel and tastes better, but contains very little nourishment in comparison to the healthy food of our forefathers. For instance, the flour of years ago was not quite as white looking and perhaps much coarser, but a great deal more nourishing. Nowadays the health-giving qualities of the grain are sacrificed to give it color and lightness. The barley is rotted in order to mae beer, and the beer rots the drinker.

Served in Rebellion.

He showed that his fine health was in a large measure du to the tender care of his mother during his boyhood days. Always of a temperate nature, he was always in good health, and when the war of the rebellion broke out he enlisted, and survived the hardships of the march and camp in good condition, where men who were not temperate were not able to stand it and had to give up.

Another strong point brought up was “Don’t try to deceive your parents, as it is wiser and much more successful in the end to make them your confidant and to work in accordance with their advice and wishes.” Many times the children, thinking they are deceiving their father and mother, go ahead and do as they please, not knowing that the older folks are shrewder than they give them credit for, and in most cases are only looking on and watching, knowing full well that experience is a hard school master, but teaches lessons that will never be forgotten.

“Dude” Women Need Cooking Lessons.

The speaker’s description of a dude caused much amusement, and was as follows: A creature that dresses up in the latest fashion, won’t work, holds up the wall of a convenient building, smokes cigarettes and carries a cane. The term dude was applied in a general way, and the speaker stated that a dude man was not half as bad as a dude woman, inasmuch as to the woman belongs the responsibility of the home and its influences. No girl ought to think of getting married until she is competent to keep house and assume the management of one. The cause why so many men die a few years after getting married was attributed to the fact that the women have never learned how to cook. It was stated that the only thing necessary to give a man a fatal sickness was to give him the benefit of incompetent cookery.

The young ladies were warned against keeping company with men who do not respect them and their religion enough to go to church with them and to stay through. It was stated that in many cases the men were willing to escort the girls to the door of the church and then spend the intervening time until the close of the service in some nearby saloon. The speaker stated that it was not unlawful for the ginmills to keep open on Sunday, but that a large share of them were “closed in front but open on the side.” In closing, the speaker made an earnest plea for higher moral ideals and standards of living in daily work, and urged the practice of temperance in everything.”

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 my last blog I asked a few questions of the modern day reader. They were not the first time though that the questions were asked. You see on Tuesday, January 27, 1852 once more in the evening courier similar questions were asked and here is their response titled, “Death at the Almshouse.”

By the annexed communication it will be seen that the last surviving relative, in Norwich, of Arnold, the traitor, died at the almshouse on the 15^th last. Her removal to the almshouse, in November was mentioned in the courier, at the time, as were also one or two of the incidents of the removal. –

The writer of the communication below, seems to feel himself called upon to vindicate the late neighbors of the deceased from what he deems an unjust implication in the paragraph or two we then published. It certainly did not occur to us at the time that what we said was liable to such a construction as our friend and correspondent puts upon it; but if injustice has been done, or seems to have been done, to those neighbors whose charities were perseveringly extended to the deceased, in spite of the ingratitude with which those ministrations were but too frequently repaid, we most cheerfully give place to the corrective.

As to the circumstances of want and discomfort under which the unhappy woman was found, at the time of her removal, we had the direct authority of the Selectman who conveyed her to the almshouse, for what he stated. He may or may not possibly have been mistaken as to there being no fuel in the old house which had so long been her home; but as to the fact of her being destitute of fire, and this too, on one of the coldest days that had been experienced during the month, his positive statement is conclusive.

Still less room for doubt is there, if possible, in respect to the substantial truth of all that was said of the general sentiment or instinctive feeling of the community. Nor is this in any degree discredited by the fact the neighbors of the deceased made her, and her sister who died before her, objects of charitable aid for many years. – Ed. Courier

Died at the alms-house in this town, on the 15^th last, Elizabeth Arnold, age 92.

She was cousin to Benedict, and the last of his kindred in this vicinity. An article appeared in the Courier of Nov. 22, and was extensively copied into other papers, announcing her removal to the alms-house, which does great injustice, unintentionally, no doubt, to the neighbors of the deceased. It is there intimated that she and an aged sister who died in 1849, had long lived in seclusion, neglected and shunned as lepers, “beneath the inexorable ban of society;” that the last survivor was found on the morning of her removal, one of the coldest days in November, shivering and alone, with no fire in her miserable hut.

In all this there is more fancy than fact. It is true these sisters were poor, and did not mingle much in society. They were also eccentric in their manners, and not always grateful for the favors which they received. Yet they owned the house which for many years they occupied, and Lizzy had deposited with a trusty neighbor $50. to defray her funeral expenses. She was carried to the poor-house at her own request, that she might be more comfortable than she would be in her own house. There is evidence that on the morning of her removal she had a good fire blazing on her hearth, and plenty of wood in the house to make more. The immediate neighbors, and others more remote, were remarkably attentive to the wants of these unfortunate women, and had long furnished them from their own tables most of their living. So far from visiting upon them the sins of their traitor relative, they could hardly have been treated with greater kindness had he been the purest patriot of the revolution.

Some statement of this sort seems due to the many kind-hearted friends of the deceased, some of whom have gone to their final reward; and the more so, since they received little gratitude from the immediate object of their beneficence. “

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

Local newspapers of the past were proud to carry local news. News that may do nothing but mark the passage of time. For example, once, a long time ago in Norwich, CT there was a morning paper and an evening paper. On Saturday, November 22, 1851 the newspaper was called the Evening Courier.

As part of its community information was a short article titled, “Gone to the Alms House.” Was the Alms House something like a vacation resort for the wealthy? Was it in Norwich, CT? Have the local historians included it in a walking tour? Which books is it mentioned in?

The Alms House is no longer on Asylum Street. Near the site of the current Dog Park. There is a memorial stone but it is difficult to read as there are bushes covering the front of the tablet while the back side with no writing at all is open. I am certain there is an explanation but who should we ask as its been that way for years?

Sorry back to the article. Its interesting to note the tone of the article by the anonymous author. How would this same information be reported today? Would it even be reported today? Well enough about my questions. Here in full, is the article.

“The last remaining relative of Benedict Arnold (who honored Norwich by being born here) was carried to the Poor House three or four days ago by one of our Select Men. She was cousin to the traitor, and remembers him well – and spoke with seeming resentment and indignation of his having been “driven out of the country.” She is ninety-two years old, and when taken from the miserable hovel where she and a sister of hers who died three or four years ago, had lived, shunned, solitary, and in abject poverty for many years, the poor old creature was sitting, without a spark of fire to warm herself by, although the day was one of the coldest of the season.

We have never been able to learn that there was any reason, except in the leprosy which clung to the traitor whom it was their misfortune to be allied to, why this woman and her sister neither of whom was ever married, should have gone through life excluded from social life and intercourse by the inexorable ban of society. Yet such is the fact; and it furnishes a striking commentary upon the depth and strength of that feeling of loathing and execration with which the name of Benedict Arnold is linked, now and forever, in the popular mind.”

How do we treat the relatives of criminals today? How does the press report the actions of the uninvolved relatives of traitors today? What would you do if she were your ninety-two year old neighbor?

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

Well better late than not at all I suppose. Connecticut inhabitants are much better followers than leaders. I missed this one on State Flowers entirely until I read an article from the May 10, 1902 Norwich Bulletin.

In 1902, it had already been a decade since states had begun declaring a floral emblem for an individual state. Twenty states had completed the process but Connecticut was not among them. States had adopted the pine cones with tassels, oak branches and acorns, golden rod, the poppy, the sunflower, the rhododendron, two states had chosen the apple blossom.

According to the article three New England states, Massachusetts, Rhode Island and Connecticut were having difficulties choosing their flowery symbol.

Among those in contention for the Connecticut title, and not selected by any other state were the shad-bush and the marsh mallow. The what and the who you ask?

The Shad Bush is an early flowering shrub that was the signal that the ground had thawed and burials held off due to the winters frozen ground could now be held. Its a common shrub along the Connecticut River but not so much throughout the rest of the state. The marsh mallow can be found in the swamps of Connecticut. But the rest of the story is it was brought to America from Europe as a medicinal plant. The grayish, velvety leaves are a good way to distinguish this from other mallows. So not a good choice as a State flower.

It took a campaign of over 3,000 women to convince the Connecticut General Assembly in 1907 to choose the beautiful, native American, Mountain Laurel as the state flower with its strong fragrance and pink and white blossoms.

The explorer, John Smith first mentioned them in his 1624 “General History” but it was not until 1750 that specimens were sent to the famous botanist, Linnaeus by the Swedish explorer Peter Kalm.

It was Linnaeus who gave it the name Kalmia latiolia, honoring the name of the Swedish explorer and describing the “wide-leafed” characteristic of the plant. Sometimes Mountain Laurel is also called “the Calico Bush” or “Spoonwood.”

Mountain Laurel blooms with tiny sticky flowers of red, pink and white in May and June. Almost all parts of the bush are poisonous so while lovely to look at it isn’t a plant used for decorating tables. Hikers are cheered by their colorful displays beneath fir trees and along trails.

Mountain Laurel is also the State Flower of Pennsylvania where it grows freely in the Appalachian Mountains.

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 recent blog was from a Bulletin Letter to the Editor written by a boy of Laurel Hill but on May 9, 1902 a Laurel Hill Girl added her voice to the discussion.

“Mr. Editor:- The “Laurel Hill Boy” wrote a very good letter, for one idea only, and that boy; but there are also girls, and when the boy is older he may be aware of that fact from a different point of view.

Laurel Hill park was graded, fountain bought for it by subscription of residents nearby – over $300; the city contributing nothing. Settees were bought, shrubs and flowers planted, and cared for also at yearly expense of the people.

The park was used every afternoon by mothers with children, babies in their carriages and a goodly lot of girls. It was real nice, and that was what they wanted to use the park for. After a while some horrid man (or boy) sawed down the trees one night that the people set out there, for the people would not pay any more to take care of them. The city cut the grass, and the boys took possession – they spoiled the grass and took up all the room, for the mothers and girls and babies didn’t come any more. Some small boys used such big words it was just shocking, and the other girls had to go on the other sidewalk or stay at home. Now, Mr. Editor, the boys have had their innings, don’t you think it is time for the girls to have their outings?

And I want to write Mayor Thayer. He says he reads the Bulletin. He thinks there is plenty of water; won’t he have that fountain played this summer? It looks real nice when the sun shines, and it has not played a bit for three years or more. We want the settees and the fountain, and we will get out with the babies and have good times again.

If some good boys come there we won’t scare them away with big words, and when they see a park is good for others, as well as boys, they will be glad to have it public instead of a ball ground.”

Lets hear from some of the folks in 2021 that are using the park in 2021. What is being used today for? Come on! Don’t be shy! Tell us how a park near you is being used today.

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

Is the art of letter writing still taught in our schools? There is much said about e-mails and twitters but what about the mass communication from “Letters to the Editors?”

Before the age of electronic communications it was the newspaper that gave individuals a public voice. The Wikipedia definition is “A letter to the editor is a letter sent to a publication about issues of concern from its readers. Usually, letters are intended for publication.” In 2021, most of the printed letters concern candidates running for office.

But once upon May 2, 1902 in the Norwich Bulletin was a protest from Laurel Hill from “One of the Boys.”

Mr. Editor :- The Laurel Hill park has been for several years a place of sport for the boys, after the toils of the day at school. I dare say many a happy and exciting hour has been spent there by the very ones that are opposed to the boys using it for that purpose. People very often forget that they were ever young, and used the park for the very purpose that the boys of the coming generation are using it for.

Now, as the boy comes home, he finds the elders sitting peaceably smoking their pipes. This is the new occupation on the park. If the boy even laughs at a joke that has been cracked this new tenant of the park scowls and gives him a black look. This youth is expected to go quietly and sit beside his elders and watch them roll the clouds of smoke from the filthy weed into the pure and glorious air.

A boy, as everyone knows, will have to have something to do beside this new sport. He cannot play ball, and his mind at once turns to something else; is it to go behind some barn and learn to smoke, the way his elders do? Is it to tie tin cans on dog’s tails, and many other things? Or does he go home and go to bed and dream he is playing on that park?

At any-rate, I hope the committee on public grounds will reconsider the action taken by them, and give the boys a fair show.

One of the Boys. Norwich, May 1^st, 1902

In 2021 I am happy to report Norwich, CT has continued to expand its green spaces, parks and parades over the years. Since 1902, Norwich, CT has increased the number and sizes of small parks in residential areas throughout the city as well as a 500 acre woodland in its center with walking trails, a beach and a new disc golf course, dedicated recreation and ball fields, and tennis courts. For a fee the public can also enjoy a golf course and ice skating rink. Through a decision of the owners of minor league baseball, the city now has a newly renovated , but empty, baseball stadium available with plenty of parking, overflow parking areas, seating for thousands, multiple concession stands, meeting rooms, dining areas, gyms, changing rooms and more. My personal opinion is that the stadium would be a perfect Norwich Community Center if Southeast Area Transit ran a regular bus route to the area.

Let’s demonstrate the value of our Norwich, CT and area youth, residents and taxpayers by giving us all a place to safely meet, greet, stretch, work and play. There is plenty of room to build a public pool too!

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