Summer 2023 Meriden Historical Society Newsletter
Saturday 6/10
10-1:30 PM
CT Open House
EVERYBODY HAS A (HI)STORY
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Friday 6/16
HAPPY BIRTHDAY MERIDEN
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Wednesday, 6/21 INTERNATIONAL MAKE MUSIC DAY
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Thursday 6/29 6:30
STONE BREAKER AND THE HANGING HILLS
Join us here at the Historical Society to create a special memory with a young person who is special to you. The theme is Everybody Has a (Hi)story. We will provide a question template which you can use to write your story! It is a series of questions that a child can ask their special adult and can be done at home. The questions are on the last page. Our request is that the child(ren) along with their significant adult, visit us with their story on Saturday June 10th between 10 and 1:30. We will take your picture and story and turn it into a finished document and email it back to you or you can come back in a week and pick it up.
Join us for a scavenger hunt. Email director@meridenhistsoc.org to request a copy of the rules. (They will be emailed on Friday at Noon to all) Each riddle describes a Meriden landmark or site and has a point value. You can choose which questions you answer, but your goal is to earn as many points as possible by solving the riddle, going to the site, photographing your team in front of each, and returning your answers in person to 41 West Main Street by noon on the 17th OR emailing them by to director@meridenhistsoc.org The team with the most points and proper photographs at 12 noon on Saturday the 17th wins! Prizes will be awarded!
Come enjoy music from 11-7 in the plaza next to the Historical Society and look at our music themed window display. This event is presented by Meriden Parks and Recreation and the Olde Church Acoustic Series.
Join us at the Historical Society to hear Kathleen Housley, author of Stone Breaker: James Gates Percival and the Beginning of Geology in New England. She will be sharing the life of James Gates Percival. His love of the Hanging Hills was lifelong. It was his realization that the Hanging Hills were volcanic and far older than 6,000 years, the presumed age of the Earth during his time, that helped push geology forward as a science in New England.
Admission is free to members. Suggested donation is $10.00 for non-members.
Please contact the office to reserve your seat (203-639-1913) or by email: info@MeridenHistSoc.org or click HERE to reserve online.
Thursday 7/27 6:30
STRIKES, SPARES AND GUTTER BALLS
Tuesday 8/1 5-8
NATIONAL NIGHT OUT
There is no Thursday evening presentation in August.
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MEMBERSHIP
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Join us at the Historical Society to hear Art Dutra and Tony Ezzo. They will be sharing the history of bowling in Meriden and unveiling the model of the Ezzo Building.
Admission is free to members. Suggested donation is $5.00 for non-members.
Please contact the office to reserve your seat (203-639-1913) or by email: info@MeridenHistSoc.org or click HERE to reserve online.
Meriden’s 13th annual National Night Out being planned by the Council of Neighborhoods and the Meriden Police Department’s Neighborhood Initiative Unit will be held on Tuesday August 1st 5pm to 8pm at Hubbard Park. Rain date is Wednesday August 2nd. The event is free of charge including food and beverages, entertainment and children’s activities. Please bring your families and friends and join us!
COME SEE OUR WINDOWS
Flags are in our entryway. June Bride is in our eastern Window and Advertising in Meriden in our Western Window. The window facing the park features Music in Meriden.
Welcome to our new members
Stephen M. Clough, Sr. Rachel Nieland
Cheryl & Daimer Weston
ZEFFY – A NEW WAY TO MAKE RESERVATIONS, PAY DUES & MAKE DONATIONS TO THE SOCIETY
Welcome to Zeffy, our new online fundraising platform that now manages our event reservations, ticket purchases, donations, membership, volunteers and more. While other platforms take a portion of donations in fees, Zeffy gives 100% of all donations directly to nonprofits and relies on voluntary contributions as a source of income. When you use the platform it will ask you for a voluntary contribution to Zeffy, the default suggested is 18%. Just click on the 18%, scroll down and choose “other” which allows you to enter any dollar amount including zero.
If you prefer to use PayPal – we are subscribed to PayPal too.
Everybody has a (hi)story!
CT OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY JUNE 10 10-1:30
My important adult’s name is ___________________________________________________
Where was s/h born? _________________________________________________________
S/he is ______________ years old.
His/her favorite thing to do when s/he was my age was _______________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
S/he went to school at __________________________________________________________
His/her favorite thing about Meriden is _____________________________________________
His/her favorite thing about me is _________________________________________________
What’s one thing s/he wants me to remember when I am an adult _______________________
______________________________________________________________________________
What’s one thing about our [family] history s/he thinks I should know _____________________
______________________________________________________________________________
His/her favorite subject in school ___________________________________________________
His/her favorite place to visit as a child ______________________________________________
If s/he could do anything in the world what would it be? ________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________
Where should we email your picture and story?
Email address: _________________________________________________________________
Your name _____________________________________________________________________
PAST NEWSLETTERS:
May 2023 Meriden Historical Society’s Newsletter
News and Events
5/25/2023 6:30 PM
MERIDEN’S PEOPLE OF NOTE – With Justin Piccirillo
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ART AND ARTISANS OF MERIDEN
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MM&HC WINDOWS
FLAGS, MANSIONS, & THE THOMPSON CHOCOLATE CO.
Join Justin Piccirillo on May 25th in the Meriden Historical Society Lecture Hall to explore the topic of Meriden’s People of Note. This hour-long presentation will look at local influential people, from musicians and sport figures to visionaries and writers. This conversation will bring awareness to our city’s incredible history and its history makers. Admission is free to members. Suggested donation is $5.00 for non-members.
Please contact the office to reserve your seat.
(203-639-1913) or by email: info@MeridenHistSoc.org
Our current exhibit Art and Artisans of Meriden can be viewed at the Society’s Museum and History Center, 41 W. Main Street, downtown Meriden until the end of May.
Admission is free to members. Suggested donation is $5.00 for non-members. Please contact the office to schedule your tour.
(203-639-1913) or by email: info@MeridenHistSoc.org
Flags are at our entry way. Photographs of various Meriden mansions and the history of Meriden’s Thompson Chocolate Company are our feature window displays for the month of May.
6/3/23 1:00 PM
JUNE TEA
Fundraiser
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TOMIE DEPAOLA On Friday, May 5th, the US postal services issued a stamp honoring author and illustrator Tomie dePaola who was born and grew up in Meriden. On Monday, May 1, 2023 the City council declared Friday, May 5th Tomie dePaola day. In this photo taken at city hall, Joe Zajac (Meriden Hall of Fame, holding a facsimile of the new stamp), Judie (dePaola) Bobby (Tomie’s sister, holding the proclamation), Brian Cofrancesco (Kiwanis) and Ruth Borsuk (Meriden Historical Society), pose after having spoken at the event
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CLOUGH FAMILY DONATES FAMILY ARTIFACTS TO THE SOCIETY On Wednesday, May 3rd, four Clough family cousins gathered at the Meriden Historical Society to donate family records and artifacts produced by their great-grandfather Roger M. Clough (1852-1934), owner of the RM Clough company of Meriden and Tolland. The items will be displayed at our museum. Do you remember the Ray Clough gas station on N. Broad Street in Meriden?
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IN RECOGNITION & WITH THANKS We extend our heartfelt thanks to our members Bruce Rovinsky and Sherwin Borsuk for doing the lion’s share of the physical moving of the Bernice Morehouse Research Center and Annex to our new facility at 41 West Main St. They were assisted at times by other members and friends of the Society. By doing the move ourselves the society was able to save many thousands of precious dollars.
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MEMBERSHIP We note with sorrow the passing of Lucy Mickiewicz, a long time member and supporter of the Meriden Historical Society
What: June Tea – a fundraiser
Where: Andrews Homestead, 424 W. Main St, Meriden
When: Saturday, June 3, 2023 1:00-3:00
Price: $30.00
Number of seats: 40
Tickets must be purchased by Saturday May 27th. Call us for details. 203-639-1913.
April 2023 Meriden Historical Society’s Newsletter
News and Events
4/27/2023 6:30 PM
Phil Callan Talks to the Stars – an Evening with Radio Host Phil Callan
Join us at the Society’s Museum and History Center, 41 W. Main Street, Downtown Meriden for an Evening with Radio Host Phil Callan.
A graduate of Meriden High School (class of 1956), Phil enjoyed a 40-year career as a Radio host. From Meriden’s WMMW to WRCQ, WDRC and WJMJ, he interviewed many celebrities many of whom became good friends. Phil will share anecdotes from his many interviews and illustrate them with video clips.
Admission is free. Seating is limited. Reservations are recommended, by calling the office (203-639-1913) or emailing us: info@MeridenHistSoc.org
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Art and Artisans of Meriden – Exhibit
Close to 80 people braved the rainy day and attended the combined Meriden Historical Society and Gallery 53 March program and art exhibit: Art and Artisans of Meriden with Justin Piccirillo, rendering it a great event. Justin will be back to continue and cover more of the artists in his book.
Due to its popularity, the exhibit will remain open until mid-May.
Books are still available in our gift shop. Please call the office 203-639-1913 or email info@MeridenHistSoc.org to arrange for a tour.
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Benjamin Franklin Students Visit to the Andrews Homestead On April 4th , the 5th grade students of the Benjamin Franklin School and their teachers visited the Society’s Museum at the Andrews Homestead. Volunteer Christina Ruel relayed the history of the building and the Colonial and Revolutionary connection to the Andrews. Sherwin Borsuk and Ruth Borsuk walked the students through the different displays that highlight Meriden’s rich manufacturing history and illustrate the lifestyle of the building’s residents in colonial and Victorian times.
6/3/23 1:00 PM
June High Tea
A Fundraiser
What: June Tea – a fundraiser
Where: Andrews Homestead, 424 W. Main St, Meriden
When: Saturday, June 3, 2023
By Reservations only. Details to follow
Welcome to our new members, Jeff Griffin of Meriden CT,
Dale Hunter of Meriden CT, Donna Hunter of Meriden CT, Annamarie LaMontagne & Thomas Spratta of Meriden CT, Julie Larson of Meriden CT, and Chester Ryanski of Meriden CT.
Our display windows downtown no longer feature Napier (east window) or the Millinary industry of Meriden (south window). Our new display will feature the mansions of Meriden (west window) and the Thompson Chocolate Company (east Window). Support Meriden’s downtown; grab a cup of coffee at one of the coffee shops or bakeries and do some old-fashioned window-shopping.
Downtown gets a bad reputation on social media, but social media does not walk downtown.
March 2023 Meriden Historical Society’s Newsletter
News and Events
Arts and Artisans of Meriden with Justin Piccirillo – Exclusive Advance Introduction of Justin’s NEW book! An illustrated program and book signing
Where: Meriden Historical Society Museum and History Center, 41 West Main Street, downtown Meriden.
When: March 15 through the month of April.
In conjunction with the publication of Justin Piccirillo’s book “Art and Artisans of Meriden”, the Meriden Historical Society and Gallery 53 are showcasing a collection of images and artifacts highlighting Meriden’s artistic heritage. The exhibit can be viewed at the main gallery of the Meriden Historical Society’s Museum and History Center, 41 West Main Street, Downtown Meriden, Thursday evenings 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM with tours given at 4:00, 5:00 & 6:00; Saturday mornings 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM with tours given at 10:00, 11:00 & 12:00, and by calling ahead to schedule an appointment.
Saturday 3/25/2023 1:00 PM
Join us at the Meriden Historical Society’s Museum and History Center, 41 W. Main St. Downtown Meriden, for a captivating presentation by Justin Piccirillo, local artist, educator, and author, as he unveils his new book, “Art and Artisans of Meriden.” Justin will present an overview of his book, talk about prominent individual artists, and relate how this convergence of talent created a culture of creativity that remains part of the fabric of our community to this day.
Seating is limited and filling quickly. Please be sure to go to Gallery 53’s web site ( https://www.gallery53.org/artbookpresentation.html) ahead of time to sign up and guarantee your seat. Admission is free.
Arcadia Press made books available for the event at a special rate, proceeds of which will benefit both the Society and Gallery 53. Purchase your book from the Meriden Historical Society ($25.00 cash or checks) or, online on Gallery 53’s web site ( https://www.gallery53.org/artbookpresentation.html) . Call the office (203-639-1913) for details.
Meriden Show and Tell: What is it? Where is it? Who is it? – Thursday, 3/30/2023 6:30 PM
Join us at the Society’s Museum and History Center, 41 W. Main Street, Downtown Meriden and share your stories, discoveries and queries relating to Meriden and its history. A panel of members of the Society will be on hand to answer questions and present unusual items from the Society’s collection.
Seating is limited. Admission is free. Reservations are recommended, by calling the office (203-639-1913) or emailing us: MeridenHistoricalSociety@gmail.com
Membership:
Welcome to our new member, Emile Pierides of Meriden CT
We note with sorrow the passing of Frank Suzio, a longtime member and supporter of the Society.
CT Open House Day:
Saturday, June 11, 2022
11:00 am – 3:00 pm
Meriden Historical Society History Center
41 W. Main Street – Meriden
Free admission. Donations gratefully accepted.
Our June Program Presentation will feature Sylvester Poli Theater Magnate, his life and involvement in Meriden. Presented by Michael J. Zaffino.
Thursday, June 30th at 6:30 pm at the Society’s History Center
41 w. Main St., downtown Meriden
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GRAND OPENING REPORT
More than 200 people attended our 2-day grand opening celebration. The event would have not been the success it was if not for the dedicated volunteers – those who unpacked, cleaned, set up displays organizing all those items moved from the research center and those who organized the event itself. Such activities
included ordering tablecloths, enlisting sponsors to cover the cost of the opening night gala event, sending out invitations, lining up antique cars and setting up ice cream give-away coupons. Thank you goes to the Gala Committee: Lesley Carabetta, Deborah Patterson, Mike Rohde, Ric Suzio, Michael Zaffino and Mark Zebora. Another thank you goes to our worker-bee volunteers who prepared the building and the displays for the event: Chris Ruel, and Lesley Carabetta, Michael Zaffino, Barbara Austen, Sherwin Borsuk, Paul Butkus, A. Lee Campione, Rick Dickson, Lewis Kraft, Anna-Marie Lamontagne, Hunter McMahon, Deborah Patterson, Nancy Rohde, Bruce Rovinsky, Stacey Rovinsky, Lesley Solkoske and Phil Toussaint.
Heartfelt thanks to Eversource, Barker Specialty, Sherwin and Ruth Borsuk, Community Health Center, Inc., Cox Communications, Hot and Tasty Deli, Meriden Farmers Market, Meriden Puerto Rican Festival Committee, Meriden YMCA, Prentis Printing Solutions, Inc., Thompson Chocolate and the Record Journal fgor sponsoring the event and to all who came and made the grand opening truly grand.
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WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBERS:
Joshua Dumitt – Meriden, CT
David Grodzicki – Meriden, CT
Elizabeth Horan – Meriden, CT
Christine Ivers – Meriden, CT
David Ivers – Meriden, CT
Brian Lamphier – Middlefield, CT
Macri Enterprises LLC – Meriden, CT
The Donna & Frank Nedelka family – Meriden, CT
Sound Spectrum Entertainment of Wallingford CT
Robert W. Squire and Family of Meriden, CT
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IN MEMORIAM:
Gladys (Mike) Beloff
Vincent (Vinny) Spratta
Both were long time members of the Meriden Historical Society.
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WE THANK OUR CORPORATE SUPPORTERS
Jonal Laboratories
456 Center St., Meriden CT 06451
203-634-4444
Macri Enterpises, LLC
387 South Colony St.,
Meriden, CT 06451
203-600-5075
Mahon, Quinn & Mahon, P.C.
636 Broad St., Meriden, CT 06450
203-238-1010
Meriden Memorial Funeral Home
450 Broad St., Meriden, CT 06450
203-235-9181
Mule Security & Electric Inc.
113 Broad St., Meriden, CT 06450
203-238-7561
www.mulesecurity.com
New England Capital
Financial Advisors LLC
79 Main St., Meriden, CT 06451
203-935-0265
Plimpton & Hills Corp.
300 Research Pkwy, Meriden CT 06450
860-694-9180
The Russell Hall Company
19 N. George St., Meriden, CT 06451
203-235-6391
Sound Spectrum Entertainment
25 No. Plains Hwy
Wallingford, CT 06492
203-317-7129
Rozz1@aol.com
Suzio Insurance Center, Inc.
54 Chamberlain Hwy., Meriden, CT 06451
203-237-7403
Tuxis Ohr’s Fuel
80 Britannia St. Meriden, CT 06451
203-639-3513
Valentin Karate
75 S. Colony St. Meriden, CT 06450
203-238-0427
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IN RECOGNITION OF THE GENEROSITY OF OUR GRAND OPENING GALA SPONSORS
Our Title Sponsor:
EVERSOURCE
Our Gold Sponsor
BARKER SPECIALTY
800-277-5377
Our Silver Sponsors
COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER, Inc.
860-347-6971
COX COMMUNICATIONS
844-486-1256
HOT AND TASTY DELI
203-235-3190
MERIDEN FARMERS MARKET
https://www.meridenct.gov/visit/meriden-farmers-market/
860-841-0888
MERIDEN PUERTO RICAN FESTIVAL COMMITTEE
https://www.facebook.com/MeridenPuertoRicanFest/
MERIDEN YMCA
203-235-6386
PRENTIS PRINTING SOLUTIONS, Inc.
http://www.prentisprinting.com/
203-634-1266
THOMPSON CHOCOLATE
https://thompsonchocolate.com/
203-235-2541
Our Media Sponsor
THE RECORD-JOURNAL
https://www.myrecordjournal.com/
203-634-3933
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SPOTLIGHT ON A VOLUNTEER: Lesley Solkoske
How did you get involved with the Meriden Historical Society?
The catalogs from the silver companies are what drew me to the Historical Society. I had been collecting antique open salts since childhood but purchased my first one made in Meriden in Snohomish, WA in 1985. Shortly after that, I spent one happy afternoon at the Andrews Homestead pouring over catalogs that Allen Weathers (Curator of the MHS and a walking encyclopedia of all that is Meriden) patiently pulled out for me. At that time, I think they were all still in boxes in one of the upstairs rooms. At the end of the day, I discovered I didn’t have correct change to pay for Xerox copies, so I gave Allen $20 to pay for the copies and a membership. When my work hours changed, I was able to take Wednesday afternoons off. I spent those afternoons for the next 2-1/2 years going through all the catalogs, researching my salt collection. It was the best part of my week!
What activities have you helped with during your volunteer time?
At the end of the 2-1/2 years, I figured it was time to give back and asked Allen what I could do to help. He gave me a project collating 50 categories of the businesses in the city directories. I remember at the time thinking that no one would ever use the reference, but I have been amazed at how many times we have turned to that research for answers. The next big job was continuing to sort and organize the books in the library, after the previous volunteer was unable to continue. (The MHS holds a collection that deals with anything related to Meriden and the books written by Meriden authors.) It has proven to be an ongoing project.
Over the years, I have helped with packing and moving twice, driven a sag wagon during a parade, learned how to create a PowerPoint presentation, and been a Board member and held offices of Vice President and President. Other jobs have included doing inventory, filing, taking photos, researching telephone and mail requests, and hosting a fundraiser tea at the Homestead. There are so many ways for volunteers to help out, but for me, the best part is the researching. I love going through all the wonderful old catalogs.
When you are not helping out at the MHS, what other things do you enjoy doing?
When not at the Historical Society, I enjoy reading, knitting, and playing bridge. But my big passion is still collecting open salts. When I bought that first one back in 1985, I thought there might be a dozen or so made in Meriden. Today I have 450 – mostly silver-plated ones, but also some sterling, cut glass, and porcelain. With the catalog research, I have been able to identify and date many, which is importation information for collectors. Open salts were only a small fraction of the production of the silver companies. We are very fortunate to have such a rich manufacturing history in our town and the Historical Society to preserve it.
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