Do you ever wonder what other cities do as promotions? One town in a nearby state that I was in left stacks of Scavenger Hunt Maps in stores, shops, gas stations, restaurants, diners, all three of their libraries, bars, taverns, drug stores at the registers and at the pharmacy counter. They were everywhere. Nine very simple Harry Potter-esque drawings. On a checked background.

The directions were simple. Figure out the clues on the game board and travel to each one. At each station there will be something to do or eat or take. It was most important to collect a stamp at each one and be entered into a drawing for some special prizes. Nope they didn’t list them.

The Grand prize was a pizza a month for a year at a local pizzeria.

On the weekend I visited on Friday night there was a young children’s story teller at the old fire station.

High school students interested in careers in early child education were on hand with additional activities.

Adults were welcome at other various sites for tours and short programs. In front of a colonial era home you were invited to join the chorus of singers. The mixed chorus of singers from middle school thru members of the senior center regularly present a variety of music at different local events. Non-singers served spiced cider.

Learn a trick or two about decorating a cookie? Play the marimbas? How about making a card for someone special? Do you have an interest in making a toy? How can you change a box package of mac & cheese into something spectacular? How will you carry all this stuff around? Stamp your own bag! You could even learn how to make your own logo stamp. So that the business people could meet and have discussions and problem solving sessions they also had short sessions in how to make logo stamps for business promotion during the year. They have also worked together to make pies to bake and drink coffee. Some had to learn how to work with their competition. It is a process.

At 5:30 and 6:30 there were fire spinners in one of the smaller parking lots. The lot can be difficult for cars to maneuver in at the best of times so the organizers like to use it as a stage. Yes, indeed, this town uses this event formula multiple times during the year.

The area is never really empty between stage acts as there are wandering magicians, and jugglers that appear from the crowd for longer acts of entertainment.

The local high school vocal ensemble performs in a variety of places during the evening. Did I mention the costumes? The town is close to the ocean so of course there is at least one group singing sea chanties. In one of the public parks local engineering students create a “machine” that humans must be a part of. Participants are each given a job of push, pull, lift, drop, pass and so forth. When there are enough participants doing their job properly the machine works well but when there is a even just one piece (person) missing . . . well there may be chaos or a mess that someone must clean up.

It is all great fun! The professor who teaches this design class to his entry-level engineers and to his graduate students said that the “engineering students understand the mechanics of why machines work but this reinforces how machines work.”

Most of the activities are located within walking distance but some were located further out and required personal transportation by car or bike. Why can’t Norwich, CT do something as inventive? Find a way to get people out to explore the nooks and crannies of the entire city?

All it would take is a central promotion of the various activities that take place across the city on the same day at the same time. Greeneville and Taftville have both been strong demonstrators of community activities and frequently have events at the same time and day. Instead of competing what if they promoted together and encouraged their supporters to participate in both events during the day? By working together they could become a destination to more supporters. If other parts of the city joined in the promotion the destination increases and so does the attraction of the city and its events and shops. The more limited the promotion of the event the smaller the number of participants.

It is also important to note that advertising is not the same as promotion. Support your local newspapers by writing short articles about the event. About the meetings that are held to work and plan always, always, always including the date, time and place of the events.

Talk about the events on radio, pod casts, social media. Don’t limit yourself to just one person. Have well informed team members help. Together we can make Norwich, CT the popular destination we want it to be.

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 .

There are times when I get a little overly enthusiastic about the freedom of the times we live in. On this beautiful November day, I rejoice in being able to walk the paths in Mohegan Park. To be able to sit and watch the children run and play on a variety of playground equipment.

Such was not always the case. In a Norwich Bulletin of September 12, 1911 I learned that the playgrounds and the equipment on them was seasonal.

“Last Saturday was the final day for the playgrounds about the city which were maintained by the Norwich Playgrounds Association for over two months, The swings were taken down and stored for the winter. It being found that a number of the swings were badly broken, In some of the schoolyards the sandboxes were allowed to remain. It is considered that the grounds were a success and were carefully looked after by Sr. Supervisor Irvin C. Elmer. “

When was the last time you read something nice about Norwich, CT with an individual or two publicly commended for their duty or service? I read the names of the Department managers often but rarely the names of the individuals who carry out the work. To all the members of the Norwich Public Works Department past, present and future, “Thank you! For the jobs that you carry out.”

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 .

According to even early newspapers, for example, the September 9, 1909 Norwich Bulletin, guns are dangerous. They are even dangerous to those who are comfortable with using them. Accidents happen. Accidents are not planned. Accidents just happen.

Give Mr. Calvin Burrows of Poquonnoc Bridge a thought. According to the article in the paper, Mr. Calvin Burrows was in precarious condition as a result of an accidental gunshot wound incurred Friday afternoon. Mr. Burrows who was one of the most prominent residents of that part of the town, had tried for weeks to shoot henhawks, which were making inroads on his poultry. Friday forenoon he was looking for the hawks, waiting for them on the steps in rear of his home in Poquonnoc.

Just how the accident occurred is not clear, Mr. Burrows was not in condition at the time to relate the particulars. But, it is known that at about 11:30 a.m. He turned on the back steps with the gun in his hand, probably picking it up from the steps by the barrel and that one charge was sent into his back. The trigger of one barrel is supposed to have caught on the corner of the steps as Mr. Burrows pulled the gun towards him.

The full charge struck Mr. Burrows in the back, making a raking wound some six or seven inches long in the region of his spine.

An operation was performed on Mr. Burrows Friday evening, splinters of bone being removed from the back bone and some of the shot taken out. It is feared his spinal cord has been affected. He is the father of Attorney Warren Burrows, who is assisting Attorney Hull in the Superior Court here.

More than just the life of Mr. Burrow’s was affected by this accident. If something happened to you, consider who else might be affected. Those in the present certainly but what of those in the future?

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 .

It’s November so it’s time to start looking at the old recipes again. This variety of recipes came from the Norwich Bulletin column called the “Social Corner.” This selection is from September 1909.

Cranberry Pie 1909 – Stew cranberries, sweeten them to taste: fill the pie and bake with two crusts.

Cranberry Pie 2021 – One bag of cranberries, one teaspoon of water, one cup of sugar and cook on low until all the berries have split, and all the sugar is melted. Stir regularly. Lay your favorite prepared piecrust in a pie plate, fill evenly with the cranberries and place a second piecrust on the top of the berries and flute the edges to form a seal. Slit the top in the center to allow the steam to escape while baking at 350 degrees until the top begins to brown. You may need to cover the sealed edges with aluminum foil to keep them from burning.

Cranberry pie 1909 No. 2 – Chop three cups of cranberries. Add three cups of sugar and one tablespoon of cornstarch dissolved in a little bit of water: fill cup with boiling water and mix together.

Cranberry pie 2021 No. 2 – Pulse the cranberries in the food processor with the other ingredients before adding to the pie crust as in Cranberry Pie 2021.

Cranberry and Raisin Pie 1909 – One cup of cranberries cut in halves, one half cup of seeded raisins, one tablespoon of cornstarch wet in cold water, one cup sugar, and a pinch of salt. Pour over all one cup of boiling water. This makes one pie.

Cranberry and Raisin Pie 2021 – Gently pulse one cup of cranberries, add one half cup raisins, one cup sugar and a pinch of salt. Dissolve one tablespoon cornstarch in two tablespoons cold water and pour onto mixture and then add one cup of boiling water before gently pulsing no more than five times. Pour the mixture into a prepared pie crust. An open or floating top crust is suggested so steam can escape freely while baking. The smell is divine!

Sponge cookies 1909 – One cup sugar, half cup butter, two eggs, three-quarters cup milk, two teaspoons cream of tartar, one teaspoon saleratus in two cups of flour. Save out whites of eggs, beat stiff and fold in last. Pour into a small baking pan, sprinkle with granulated sugar and nutmeg, When done cut into desired shapes.

Sponge cookies 2021 – Two room temperature, separated eggs. Gently beat the yolks and add one cup sugar, half a cup room temperature butter, three-quarters cup milk, two teaspoons fresh cream of tartar, (Lesson learned), one and a quarter teaspoon baking soda as a substitute for the teaspoon of saleratus. (I had to look that up), mixed into two cups of flour. In my next try, I will sift the two together and not just mix them. Beat the egg whites until they are stiff and then you can gently fold them into the mixture. Gently pour into a small low flat baking pan. Then sprinkle with granulated sugar with a hint of nutmeg. Surprisingly the nutmeg gave a better taste than cinnamon. I baked at 300 until I decided it was done by a tan bottom. When you decide cut into desired shapes like cookies or you can make squares or triangles.

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 .

Have you looked at the ‘Antiques, Consignment, Art & Artisan Guide?’ A pamphlet dedicated to Connecticut’s SE Shoreline & Thames River Valley’s Best Galleries and Shops.

Well you should check it out if you are looking for some lesser known places to shop for useful and unique gifts. The kinds of things that become treasures for generations to come and not yard sale items next summer. I found my copy at the Lyman Allyn Art Museum.

There is of course multiple listings of the vintage shops with antiques, collectibles, vintage and modern furniture. That’s where you will find the sole Norwich, CT listing. MC Modern at 50 Pleasant Street specializing in furniture from the 1950’s.

But then in Niantic there is the Cel Artifacts and Oddities, at 321 Main Street. Just poking around to see their rare and unique collections of fossils, wet specimens, mummified animals, rare scrimshaw, and a varied collection of antique medical and scientific instruments.

Is someone you know discovering vinyl? Tumbleweeds, 325 Main Street/ 9 Methodist Street has a large selection to choose from. This is where you can find that very special recording to bring back the memories of that special day, time or concert.

In Salem, you or a recipient of your gift certificate can take an exciting hands on class by one or more of the artists or artisans of the Red House – Cultural Arts Center, 22 Darling Road ( Rte 82). Visit first to experience the original fine art, one-of-a kind gifts and uncommon accessories made by local crafters.

Who does not enjoy a night out? Consider admission to a play, concert, exhibit, class or other event in New London at the Lyman Allyn Art Museum (not just interesting exhibits but fun classes too) I know some of you are all about Norwich, CT history so see the current Way Sisters Miniature Paintings Exhibit and take a close look at the needle point loaned to them by the Slater Museum. It is done in the very unique Norwich, CT style. Did you know that there is a style of needlework unique to Norwich, CT? The Leffingwell House Museum also has Sampler on display in this style.

But also in New London is the Garde Arts Center, and the Thames River Gallery. There are plays, concerts, recitals, movies, educational programming and exhibits. There is sure to be something for your special someone.

In Mystic, 2 Holmes Street & 25 Cottrell Street, you’ll find the Mystic Knotworks the 1^st and only handmade knotshop in the country. Not just sailors rope bracelets but other home accessories, table décor and doormats.

Visit the Studio Jeffrey P’An Glassblowing, 25 Roosevelt Avenue for a glass blowing demonstration and to see the hand blown vases, bowls, jewelry and lighting on display.

Not far away in Stonington at 530 Stonington Road is Glaze Handmade by Lyndsay Meiklem Dean, (bet you’ll recognize her as The Vegan Potter.)

It is safe now to venture out and about. To discover or re-discover the joy of wandering and searching for the special item for the special someone. Support your local small businesses and spread the smiles of the season.

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 .