Old Saybrook Historical Society
Spring 2008 newsletter
Summer Exhibit
Colonial and Victorian Girl Power
The Hart and Soul Of Old Saybrook
The Hart women are a story of the power of feminism in and of themselves. While the Hart men may be better known, the Hart women were light years ahead of the times. Join us on June 7 from 5-7pm for the opening of our current exhibit honoring these extraordinary women.
We will be honored by the presence of our special guest Elizabeth Titus Putnam, a direct Hart descendant. Elizabeth has devoted her life to founding and building the Student Conservation Association (SCA), an organization with over 50,000 alumni which has invested over $500 million in preserving our national parks.
DID YOU KNOW ?
Elizabeth Hart ran the Colt Firearms empire for 40 years after the death of her husband, Samuel Colt. She is also credited with extensive work with many Hartford charities, including the Wadsworth Antheneum.
Ann Hart married Captain Isaac Hull and traveled with her husband aboard the USS Constitution, the forerunner of our USNavy.
Maryann Hart’s beau was a traitor who led the British up the Connecticut River to burn 28 ships in Essex in 1814.
Jeannette Hart, whose family descended from a long line of Protestant Ministers, provided the land for St. John’s Roman Catholic Church.
Lucy Bushnell Lynde, wife of Samuel Hart, owned all the land from the Outer Light to Cornfield Point including Fenwick.
This exhibit includes photographs of 15 Hart family homes, descendants, portraits, furnishings and letters. One of the most horrific and violent events of the early 19th century, the burning of the fleet in Essex, partly instigated by a romantically involved Hart, is also featured.
Learn more about Elisha’s 7 beautiful daughters and their eventful lives and the profound impact Elizabeth Colt had on Connecticut. Not to be missed, the first opportunity for the public to view It Must Be In Their Genes.
L to r: Lisa LeMonte, Randi Bradbury, Jackie Sidle, Viola Tagliatela and Donna DiBella. Photo by Bob Czepiel
It Must Be In Their Genes
The Remarkable Hart Family of Old Saybrook
Bob Czepiel, Writer/Director/Producer/Editor/Filmmaker
The Board of Trustees is proud to present a video of the remarkable Hart Family. This 15 minute film has been meticulously researched, professionally scripted and includes interviews with William Hosley, Executive Dir. New Haven Museum, Brenda Milkofsky, Sr. Curator, Ct. River Museum, Dorothy Swan, OSHSLibrarian, and Hart descendents Liz Putnam and Ben Hobbs, among others. The video is a record of the significant contributions to the world by the Hart Family, from General Wm. Hart right up to the current generations. The video will be shown to visitors in the Hart House Library during the summer exhibit and thereafter. The exhibit will open with a special reception from 5:00-7:00pm at the Hart House on Sat. June 7, 2008 and Sat. and Sun. 1:00-4:00 pm through the summer.
The production started September, 2007 and features professional actors in period costume, in historical settings including the Hart House. The professional cast includes Jackie Sidle, John Cayer, E. Torrance Downes and Jim Graham, in addition to 12 local amateurs playing supporting roles.
The music is scored by Bruce Zimmerman who also scored “17 Miles”.
Exhibit Committee (l to r): Bob Czepiel, Dorothy Swan, Bob Lorenz, Irmy Hermanson, Bob Duncan (not pictured-Donna DiBella)Photo by Bob Czepiel
Calendar of Events
Wed. April 16 , 7:00pm, Acton Library, Lecture: “Genealogy & DNA: Tickertape from your Ancestors”, speaker Bonnie Cook. No charge
Sat. June 7, Exhibit Opening Reception 5-7pm “ The Hart and Soul of Old Saybrook” The exhibit will be open 1-4pm Sat and Sun day through the summer.
Sun. June 8, 12-3pm 7th Annual Over The Hill Dixieland Jazz Band Concert on the Green, Rain or shine. Food and beverage will be available for purchase. No charge for concert, bring a chair or blanket and all the family and friends.
Sat. June 14th 11-3pm Seaside Garden Event (details inside) tickets available.
Sun. June 15th 4-6pm Volunteer and Member Appreciation Event. No charge
Wed. July 30th, 7:00pm Acton Library, Lecture: “19th Century Saybrook Area Mail” Speaker Bob Lorenz. No charge
Fri. Sept 5th, 50th Cocktail Celebration (details to be announced) Mark your calendar!
Sun. Sept 7th 3-5pm 50th Anniversary and Annual Member/Guest Ice Cream Social on the grounds of the Hart House. No charge
Tues. Sept. 9th, Lecture to be announced
Wed. Oct, 29th, Lecture to be announced
Appreciation Party
Thank you to all the members and volunteers who have contributed so much to the success of the Society over the years.
Please join us for wine, cheese and soft drinks under a tent at “Great Spot” 192 North Cove Rd., Old Saybrook on Sunday, June 15th from 4 to 6pm.
See you all there!! Your Ways and Means Committee.
President’s Message
Happy 50th!
Historically speaking, 50 years isn’t all that long. Iwonder, when the founding members of the Society conceived and formally created the OSHSin Sept. 1958, did they envision the Society we know today?
Over the years we have grown from 8 members meeting in private homes to over 300 members, with headquarters at the General William Hart House and the Frank Stevenson Archives Building. These 2 properties house the Society’s extensive collections of antiques, art, artifacts, books, documents, furniture, manuscripts and textiles. Most of these collections have been donated by members and supporters who are passionate about preserving our history and sharing it with the public. In today’s world of internet access and video arts it is easier to reach more people than ever before. To that end we are actively working on several projects.
One of our newer members, Jim Rothgeb, has volunteered to help create a vibrant and user-friendly website. This project is a much needed public access point of contact for the Society. Thank you Jim for your help with this project. Much has yet to be developed but having someone to assist Warren Almquest with this daunting task is an asset indeed.
Another form of communication which has proven to be quite successful for us is the production of historical documentaries. These films have showcased segments of our history in a visually dynamic way. We are fortunate to have a Trustee, Bob Czepiel, who has a passion for not only filmmaking but also for our history. Bob has been working in conjunction with Dorothy Swan, Donna DiBella, Bill Hosley and Hart family descendants to create a short film on the Hart dynasty, which will be shown to guests as part of our summer exhibit and thereafter as part of the introduction to the Hart House and the Hart Family history. The film gives a timeline of the many significant contributions the Harts have made not just to our community and state but also to our nation.
Committee chairs have been very busy over the winter months putting together a wide variety of events throughout the spring, summer and into fall. Ilook forward to seeing you at one or more of these events!
Randi
Founders Recognition
September 11, 1958 Trustees’ Meeting
“The Old Saybrook Historical Society was formed by the following group of interested residents of the town.
Professor Herbert L. Seward
Frank Tinsley: elected Chairman pro-tem presided
Harry Acton
Margaret Potter Cox
Howard Chapman
Mrs. Richard V. Budington
Thomas J. Curran
Ralph A. Stephenson”
September 30,1958
“The charter members present were asked to affix their signatures to the Constitution in order to have a record of such.
Harry W Acton
Sarah Pratt Acton
John W. Anderson
Margery Anderson: Treasurer
Florence B. Bearse
Houghton Buckley
Virginia G. Buckley
Mary Budington
Florence R. Chapman
Howard W. Chapman
Nan H. Childress
Robert W. Childress
Margaret Potter Cox: Secretary
Thomas J. Curran: Vice President
Elizabeth L. Esty
Jean H. Fitch
Judd Fitch
Susan M. King
Herbert L. Seward
Elizabeth Shepard
Mia S. Stephenson
Ralph A. Stephenson
Emily Tinsley
Frank Tinsley: President
Francis J. Way
Clayton C. Welles”
Lecture Series
All lectures are held at the Acton Library, 60 Boston Post Rd, at 7:00pm. No Charge
Seating is limited, for additional information contact Linda Kinsella at 860/399-6263.
Wed. April 16th , Genealogy & DNA: Tickertape from Your Ancestors, guest speaker Bonny Cook. Learn about the DNAthat your ancestors passed down to you and how to find the stories recorded in it. This genetic tickertape contains thousands of years of your history. Uncover the clues to your family tree.
Ms. Cook, a retired vice president for Xerox Corporation, has studied genealogy for forty years in the Netherlands, England, Ireland and the U.S. She is a special projects assistant administrator for Family Tree DNAand a member of the International Society of Genetic Genealogy. Her engaging powerpoint presentation includes recommended books and websites.
Wed. July 30th, “19 Century Saybrook Area Mail” guest speaker, Bob Lorenz
This fun and interesting presentation grew from a young man’s interest in collecting old postcards, stamps and letters with early Saybrook postmarks. The Old Saybrook Post Office was established in 1794, one of the earliest in Connecticut. As the young country evolved, so did the postal system and the handling of letters. This fascinating segment of our history includes the content of old letters that reveal a diverse spectrum of human activity. Mr. Lorenz is a long time resident of Old Saybrook and is a professional photographer in NYC.
Tues. Sept. 9 Mark your calendar, speaker and topic to be announced.
Wed. Oct. 29 Mark your calendar, speaker and topic to be announced.
Appreciation Party
Thank you to all the members and volunteers who have contributed so much to the success of the Society over the years.
Please join us for wine, cheese and soft drinks under a tent at “Great Spot” 192 North Cove Rd., Old Saybrook on Sunday, June 15th from 4 to 6pm.
See you all there!! Your Ways and Means Committee.
Officers
Randi Bradbury, President
Robert Duncan, Vice President
Walter Osborne, Past President
Robert Pedemonti, Treasurer
Diane Hoyt, Corresponding Secretary
Edna Lorentson, Recording Secretary
Trustees
Robert Czepiel
Irmy Hermanson
Linda Kinsella
Marie McFarlin
Suzanna Otto
Barry Maynard
Bill Sage
Viola Tagliatela
Chairpersons
Archivist
Polly Timken
Archives Building Management
Elaine Staplins
Buildings
William Bernhart
Docents/Guides
Donna DiBella
Marie McFarlin
Exhibits
Bob Czepiel
Finance
Bob Pedemonti
Gardens
Audrey Goodhue
Grants
Bill Childress
Hospitality
Bill Sage
Insurance
Walter Osborne
Lectures
Linda Kinsella
Library
Dorothy Swan
Membership
Lisa LeMonte
Publicity
Lamar LeMonte
Membership & Volunteers
Warren Almquist
Randi Bradbury
Diane Hoyt
Lisa LeMonte
Dorothy Swan
Museum
Newsletter
Pearl Goesel
Registrar
Dorothy Swan
Ways & Means
Ronnie Pedemonti
Garden News
The Hart House Gardens will officially open on Tuesday, April 22, from 9:00 am to 12 noon to coincide with Earth Day and Clean-up. Once again, The Hart Gardeners welcome and encourage new members to join our group.
We plan to continue our sale of heirloom plants from our garden to yours. To help us enlarge our stock, as you dig and divide in your garden this spring, would you pass along extras to us? We appreciate your support and contributions.
The Society’s major fundraiser this summer is the Seaside Garden Party. The Bottoms Up Gardeners (B.U.G.s) will participate with the Garden Boutique in the garden shed.
We are asking for donations of any garden-related items that are in good condition: hand tools, hoses, clay pots, containers, garden or cook books, birdhouses, birdfeeders and garden ornaments. Please drop your donations off on Tuesday mornings at the Founders Shed beginning April 29th or contact me at 510-0669.
Come and enjoy the gardens and early blooms. Happy Gardening!
Audrey H. Goodhue
Chair-Grounds and Gardens
*please note, we are well supplied with plastic pots.
Hart House gardens. Photo by Randi Bradbury
Remains of an Indian Warrior
Some few months since, a complete skeleton was found about four feet below the surface, in a field belonging to George H. Chapman, Esq. in Saybrook. It appears to be that of a man above the medium height. The vertebrae are very strongly formed and the long bones remarkably large in proportion to their length. The articular surfaces, the depressions and elevations denote great strength of articulation, and unusual muscular power. From the appearance of the skull, it would seem that the death blow had been given in battle, as the lower jaw was broken, and the cranium immediately above, entirely crushed and driven into the soft parts of the brain. The teeth, when found, were with one exception, all in their places and remarkably perfect.
The lot in which these remains were found has been cultivated over 176 years and was anciently the seashore lot of Hon. Robert Chapman, who landed with Col. Fenwick in 1636. He found it occupied by the Nehantic Indians to which tribe this individual probably belonged. The age of these remains cannot be determined with certainty, but as the animal matter of the bones have almost all disappeared, the earthy part only being left, there is little doubt that they are several hundred years old. They are now in the possession of a gentleman of this city.
This story appeared in the local paper, the Saybrook Mirror, in 1852. The mystery is, where are these remains now? If you know what happened to them let us know.
Join Us for a Concert on the Old Saybrook Town GreenRain or Shine!Saturday, June 7
, 
Bill Phillips and the members of the Over Hill Jazz Band. Photo by Bob Czepiel
Sunday, June 8th, 12 noon
featuring the “Over the Hill Dixieland Jazz Band” of Houston, Mississippi.
7th annual concert on the green. Bring a chair, friends and family. No fee. Food and beverages available for purchase. The band is provided courtesy of Barbara Smith and Bill Phillips.
Celebrating 50 Years of Community Support
Mark your calendar and join us for an Ice Cream Social, Sunday Sept. 7, 3-5 pm on the grounds of the Hart House. There will be music, cake and ice cream and most importantly an opportunity for all to join us in the celebration of the first 50 years of the Society’s formation. This event is open to the public at no charge and we look forward to seeing the many friends and families who have supported us through the years. Bring a friend and introduce them to the history of our community.
Diane Hoyt, Ronnie Pedemonti, Donna DiBella and Marie McFarland
In addition mark your calendar for a Cocktail Celebration for Sept. 5 which is still in the planning stages but promises to be another festive gathering in honor of the 50 years of commitment to the community. Stay tuned for more info.
Wanted: Guides and Greeters
As you know, last year the Old Saybrook Historical Society revamped it’s “Guide Program” to include middle and high school students. This mix of adults and young people was truly a success. Those of you who graciously served as greeters and guides last year will be receiving a special notice with important information. This solicitation is for members who would like to be part of this special program for the first time. This year, the exhibit will focus on the incredible Hart Family from their arrival in the new world to the present. Bob Czepiel has produced a 15 minute documentary film on the Hart Family which will be used as part of our tour program. This is an exciting time for the Society as we celebrate our 50th anniversary. Come and join our group and learn more about the history of Old Saybrook and the Hart Family. For more information call Donna DiBella 395-1458 or Marie McFarlin 388-4147 before April 30.
Garden Party
The OSHSproudly presents a “Garden Party” event, overlooking the Ct. River, to be held on Sat. June 14, 2008. Aself-guided tour of the gardens as well as a tour of a neighboring “Sculpture Walk” begins at 11:00 am and will be followed by a catered luncheon under a tent at 12:30 pm. The Shops at Saybrook Country Barn will provide fashions during the luncheon. Following the luncheon, a noted local Rosarian, David Long, will speak and share his knowledge and love of roses. In addition, flower arranging demonstrations will be provided by the Old Saybrook Garden Club and a Vintage Garden Boutique will be hosted by the OSHSBottoms Up Gardeners (BUG’s).
Tickets are $60.00 and are available in the Apparel Shop at Saybrook Country Barn and at the Stevenson Archives, 350 Main St. The Archives Building is open Wednesday and Thursday 9:00am-12:00 noon. Parking and shuttle will be available from Saybrook Point starting at 10:30 am. Space is limited and no children under 12 or cameras please. This event will be held rain or shine.
The Society is grateful to our Platinum Sponsor: Hadass and Matt Rubin.
If you would like to sponsor at the Platinum, Gold or Silver Level or you would like more information, please contact us at (860) 395-1635.
Group Tours Available
We are looking to expand the numbers of visitors to the Hart House and Exhibit Gallery. If you know of groups or organizations looking for weekday tours we are happy to arrange a “Private Tour.” For example, a “Red Hats” group could tour our facility and then have lunch at the one of the many fine area restaurants. Since we are normally closed during the week we need an advance reservation in order to open the House and provide the guides. This community is rich in history and is often the reason why people visit Old Saybrook. Think of your Society when friends and family come to visit or if your organization is looking for a different venue to enjoy. For more details contact Marie McFarlin at 388-4147 or Donna DiBella at 395-1458.
Photo by Randi Bradbury
SCFA News
The OSHSBoard of Trustees has been working over the past few months in conjunction with SCFAPresident, Elaine Staplins, to encourage SCFAmembers to continue their relationship to the history of Old Saybrook with an invitation to join us. We look forward to hearing from SCFAmembers about how we can meet their membership needs. Ithink it’s fitting as we enter our 50th year that the two Societies embrace and strengthen the love of history that we share. Thanks to Elaine for approaching us with this opportunity. We are honored to continue the work of preserving our history and the opportunity to work with a broader audience.
Randi
04/30/2008 07:59:37 PM