Featured Event Weekend Cemetery Tours Who’s Buried Where and Why Should We Care? Part 2
Join us for our second annual series of walking tours, led by current and former MHS members. We will visit a different cemetery every Saturday to “meet” residents who made Meriden great as well as look at some of our more unusual gravestones. We will meet at the entrance of each cemetery at 1:00. Tours are approximately two hours long. Registration is required for each event. You will receive an email with all the registration specifics next week. Check Facebook, here, or your monthly email for registration detials after September 4th.. We sold out last year. Please reserve early. Individual October 5th Walnut Grove – Part 2 South Colony Street October 12th Sacred Heart – Part 2 South Broad Street October 13th Temple B’nai Abraham Corrigan Avenue October 19th Saint Laurent Hanover Avenue October 26th Saint Stanislaus Ann St. Extension Series Get the series instead of registering individually
DOLLTOBER at the Andrews Homestead. Every Sunday in October 11-3 at the Andrews Homestead Please join us as the White Oaks Doll Club in partnership with the Meriden Historical Society presents an exhibit on dolls through time. From the handcrafted dolls of the early colonial period to the mass -produced plastic figures of the modern era, this exhibit features a diverse array of dolls that showcase shifts in design, fashion, and societal values. This is a self-guided tour. No registration is required, suggested donation $5. We will have a lecture on Dolls on September 26th at 6:30. See events.
Other Fall Events September 19th Annual Meeting (members only) 5:30-6:15 at 41 W Main Street Look for your invitation as the date draws closer. While we do not vote for officers and directors this year, we do present reports. The meeting will be followed by the soft opening reception for the East Gallery, What Meriden Made, Made Meriden. Delve into the rich industrial heritage of Meriden, and explore companies that shaped both our local identity as well as the broader American landscape. This gallery showcases not only the artifacts, but fascinating nuggets of information surrounding those companies. Please make sure you RSVP to your invitation next week so we have an accurate count for the wine and cheese reception that follows the business meeting. You may also reserve your place now at the reception by clicking here.
Thursday September 26th Dolls: More than Child’s Play 6:30-7:30 at 41 W Main Street Join Brayton Price as he shares how toys hold meanings for individuals, groups and communities that transcend generations and reveal insight into the era in which they were created and enjoyed. This is our introduction to our upcoming exhibit on Dolls which will open in October. Register HERE.
Starting Tuesday October 1st Adult Education Series: Meriden Past to Present Part II with Justin Piccirillo. As with the last series you may register individually by session or for the entire series at 41 W Main on Tuesdays from 6:30-8:00. Be sure to select the correct ticket for either in person or online for each ticket. Register for the Series HERE. All 8 sessions starting Tuesday Oct 1 and repeating weekly until Nov 19. $99 Individual Sessions $15 each Oct 1 Meriden and Music Register HERE. Oct 8 Meriden and Sports Register HERE. Oct 15 Meriden and War Register HERE. Oct 22 Meriden and the White House Register HERE. Oct 29 Meriden After Dark Register HERE. Nov 5 Meriden Legends Register HERE. Nov 12 Meriden and Ethnicity Register HERE. Nov 19 Meriden and Sibling Rivalry Register HERE.
Saturday November 9th Door Swagsat the Andrews Homestead Join us for a fall workshop making holiday door swags. Registration and pre-payment for materials is required as we do need to purchase the supplies ahead of time. Registration will open in October. Check Facebook, he monthly email for October or here after October 1st for details on price and the link to register.
Thursday November 21st Culinary Crossroads: Why Food Matters 6:30-7:30 at 41 W Main
Join us as Paul Freedman from Yale University highlights how diverse traditions, flavors and culinary customs serve as a window into local communities. Obviously, since we can’t survive without it, food matters in a fundamental, biological way. But food also is important as a cultural sign, both for good (curiosity about what other people eat) and for ill (as a symbol of despised otherness). People plan their trips on the basis of food cultures they want to experience. On the other hand, there is a long history of stereotyping food preferences as a way of showing contempt for nations and ethnicities, even hatred. Food is part of our identity and forms a key aspect of memory. For many people it has religious significance and rules govern what foods must be avoided. We will discuss these and other aspects of the cultural symbolism and significance of food, both historically and in the contemporary world. This night will kick off our 2024 community cookbook project as well. Click HERE to register.
Winter Preview December 1st COMMUNITY PROJECT Help us build our first cookbook, Historical Flavors: A Taste of Meriden. We will collect recipes to produce our first cookbook. Along with your recipe, we would like you to tell us why the recipe is meaningful to your family so we can get the full flavor of Meriden’s rich cultural landscape. We do ask that recipes, if possible, be sent in digital format so that we can edit for the cookbook more easily. We encourage pictures of the food as well. You may email your recipes, stories and pictures to info@meridenhistsoc.org with the subject line “cookbook.” Please be sure to give us your full name, the name of the recipe, the recipe itself, the story of why this particular dish is important to you and a picture if available.
December 7th Yule Fest 10-3 Make sure you stop by and get your stamp and see our exhibits.
December 14th Gingerbread House Workshop 10-1 at the Andrews Homestead Joins us for our second gingerbread extravaganza. We were at capacity last year so get your tickets early! Ticket sales will not open until November and will close on November 27th as we have to buy the materials far ahead of time. Check on Facebook, the montly email or back here for registration and pricing.
January 25th West Gallery Grand Opening INTERNATIONAL SILVER: An Odyssey of Shine and Story Join us at 6:30 for the opening of our new gallery devoted to the history of International Silver and stay for a great lecture afterward on Meriden’s early history with the Wallingford Historical Society.
January 25th Meriden in the 18th Century 6:30 at 41 W Main Join us at the Wallingford Historical Society presents our shared colonial past in the 18th century.
February 27th Sanctuaries of Diversity 6:30 at 41 W Main Listen as Martha Coloresi shares her research on houses of worship throughout the history of Meriden and how religion has played an important part in the development of our community.
New Exhibits Opening in the Spring Andrews Homestead PEEK INTO THE PAST: A Retrospective of Meriden History Walk through time starting before we were Meriden and end up in the 1940’s. It’s an all-new Andrews and you are going to want to see it!
Summer Events Recap Trail of Tears Trail of Tears Touring Company presented a moving dramatic presentation of Julian Water’s book of the same name. Adult Education Justin Piccirillo presented a series of eight lectures on Meriden’s History. See the details of his next series coming in October Puerto Rican Experience – Our August lecture on the history of the Puerto Rican diaspora. Education Initiative We continued our regular visits to grade 4 and 5 classrooms and had field trips to both the Andrews Homestead and the Connecticut Museum of Culture in June. We also worked with Meriden teachers at the New Haven Museum as they unpacked the new social standards for the state.
Please follow us on Social Media for the latest updates to our schedule.
New Members We welcome the following new members! Jeffrey Snow Sandra Ulbrich
Thank you for donating to collections! June 1-Aug 31 Sherwin and Ruth Borsuk Carol McCann Paul S. Butkus Alice Meigs Katherine Carpenter Lisa Mesite Samuel C Carr Jane Rancourt Mark Champion Chris Ruel Janet Chodkowski Chester Rynaski Gayle L. Gifford Brian Shea Joyce Gomez Sharon Smith Jeffrey Griffin Lesley Solkoske June Ann Hentz-Fike Thomas Wakefield Wilcox Nancy Jurgot Young
Meriden Museum 41 West Main Fall Hours through December 20, 2024 Tuesday 9:00-2:00 By appointment Wednesday 9:00- 2:00 Open, no appointment necessary Thursdays 1:00-8:00 Closed 1st Thursday (9/5, 10/3, 11/7 12/5) Friday 9:00-2:00 By Appointment Saturday 41 W Main Open the following Saturdays in September 9/14, 9/28. There are no October Saturday hours due to the Doll Exhibit on Sundays in October at the Andrews and the Saturday Cemetery Tours. Open 11/23. Closed for Thanksgiving Nov 28-Dec 2 Closed for Winter Holidays Dec 21- Jan 6
Our Sponsors and Supporters *APEC Electric * L. Suzio Insurance Center, 45 Shuler Ln 54 Chamberlain Hwy. Durham CT 06422 Meriden CT 0645 203-238-0427 203-237-7403 https://www.apecelectricct.com/ www.Suzioinsurance.com *Jonal Laboratories * Tunxis Ohr’s Fuel 456 Center St. 80 Britannia St. Meriden CT 06451 Meriden CT 06451 203-634-4444 www.tuxisfuel.com3 https://www.jonal.com/ LaRosa Construction, *Plimpton & Hills 538 Preston Ave #303 300 Research Parkway Meriden, CT 06451 Meriden, CT 06450 (203) 237-5409 www.plimptonhills.com860 http://www.larosaconstructionco.com/ *Mahon, Quinn & Mahon, P.C. *Mule Security & Electric Inc. 636 Broad St. 113 Broad St. Meriden CT 06450 Meriden CT 06450 203-238-1010 203-238-7561 WWW.mqmlawyer.com www.mulesecurity.com -639-3513 *Meriden Memorial Funeral Home John J. Ferry & Sons Funeral 450 Broad St. Home Meriden CT 06450 88 E. Main Street 203-235-9181 Meriden, CT 06450 www.meridenmemorialfh.com 203-235-3338 www.jfferryfh.com New England Capital -522-4233
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 _______________________________
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.
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.
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 withRadio 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, andChester 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.
Uniforms on Display – our salute to the people of Meriden and their service to the community and the countryMayor Scarpati delivers an address on behalf of the City of Meriden.Sunday visitors enjoy guided tours given by our volunteers.Neda Weathers, a long time volunteer and a past president of the Society, inspects small items in a state-of-the-art display case.
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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.
Our volunteer spotlight is on Lesley Solkoske, a 43-year resident of Meriden and a volunteer to the Meriden Historical Society since 1985. She is an avid collector of open salts. According to the Opensalts web site, “an open salt is a small dish used as a piece of tableware for holding salt that is not in a saltshaker.” I have had the pleasure of working with her since February and she played a large role in helping us move and get organized for our grand opening.
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.
James T. Powers, author of ShadowsOverDawnland will discuss the historical experience of the Quinnipiac people during the first fifty years of the English colonization of their ancestral home, the Dawnland, 350 years ago. Book signing following the lecture. This lecture is free and open to the public. Zoom registration is required.To register,go to our website https://MeridenHistoricalSociety.organd follow the link. Sincere thanks to the Meriden Public Library for hostingthe registration on their event scheduler.
GRAND OPENING & OPEN HOUSEOF THEMERIDEN HISTORICAL SOCIETY’S HISTORY CENTER
Sunday, April 24, Noon – 4:00 PM 39-41 W. Main Street, downtown Meriden – featuring displays ofMeriden’s Places, People & Products.Free ice cream cones to the first 250 attendees, courtesy of the YMCA and ZAHA Ice Cream Shop. This fun event is free and open to the public.
OPEN HOUSE AT THE MOSES ANDREWS HOMESTEAD, the Meriden Historical Society’s Museum
Every Sunday in May 11:00 – 3:00 located at 424 West Main Street, MeridenThe museumwill be open to the public May 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd& 29th..On display are items highlighting Meriden’s rich manufacturing history. Admission is free, donations will be appreciated.
MEET MIKE ZAFFINO OUR ADMINISTRATOR
Michael J. Zaffino came to Meriden Historical Society via the great resignation movement occurring in the U.S. during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Previously, he was a Reading Specialist at Bunnell High School in Stratford. He has over 30 years of experience in education, working in both private and public schools. He holds a M.S. in History from Southern Connecticut State University and has taught a variety of history classes to middle school, high school and college students. Mike resides in West Haven with his wife, Lynn, daughter, Michaela, and a mixed breed rescue named Oakley. He has officially adopted the city of Meriden as his personal sister city. In his spare time, Mike enjoys spending time with his family, walking, reading, movies, sports, gardening, and going to tag sales.
WE NEED YOUR HELP
As a result of moving, we have fallen behind on our responses to research inquiries and on organization of items. We could really use more volunteers. If you can help, please call Ruth Borsuk at 203-464-2751, or Mike Z, our administrator, at 203-634-1913 or 475-775-5049. Volunteers can now access our 41 W. Main location every day except Monday.
GRANTS
We’d like to recognize the following organizations for their generous grant contributions: The CUNO Foundation, Meriden Economic Development Co., and CT Humanities.
THE FACES OF HUBBARD PARK – The Men and Women Behind the Making of a Masterpiece
Join us on Thursday, May 20 at 6:30pm as Justin Piccirillo, author of the newly-released book “Hubbard Park,†tells the stories of the people who made this celebrated Meriden masterpiece a local landmark.
This program will be presented on Zoom and also streamed to the Meriden Historical Society’s Facebook page https://fb/me/e/GlwN7q4B
Registered attendees will receive a link to the program via email the day of the program.
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VICE IN MERIDEN – Smoking Drinking Gambling MERIDEN ITEMS For Bad Habits
is our current exhibit AT THE ANDREWS HOMESTEAD located at 424 W. Main Street and sharing a parking lot with Benjamin Franklin School. Designed as a self guided tour, the exhibit features items made in Meriden or for Meriden, for use with bad habits which, done to excess, are considered vices. The exhibit will be open to the public EVERY SUNDAY IN MAY – 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM & on Saturday, June 12th as part of the CT Open House program.
Observing COVID-19 safety recommendations, social distancing, wearing of masks and a limitation on number of groups in the building, will be strictly enforced.
A walk-through VIDEO of the exhibit, narrated by Sherwin Borsuk and captured by videographer Marcus Hamilton, will be available on our YouTube Channel
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LIVE THE STORY – A WALK THROUGH HUBBARD PARK With Justin Piccirillo is scheduled for Saturday, June 12 (rain date Sunday, June 13) 2021at 10:00 AM
Meet at Hubbard Park’s parking lot for a walk through the lower park. Justin’s newly-released book “Hubbard Park,†will be available for purchase.
This is a free program. Donations are welcome.
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THE MERIDEN HISTORICAL SOCIETY COMMUNITY TAG SALE FUND RAISER Will be held at the Society’s Bernice Morehouse Research Center parking lot (1090 Hanover Ave, Meriden) Starting on May 15th 2021 and every 2nd Saturday of the month starting June 12th on, weather permitting, with a rain date on the following Saturday. Setting up is open to the public at a cost of $15.00 per set-up ($10.00 for members of the Meriden Historical Society). For more information please contact our board member Peter Slavinski at 203-721-4640.
***
NAPIER BOARD OF DIRECTORS TABLE DONATED TO THE MERIDEN HISTORICAL SOCIETY BY ION BANK
In an extraordinary gesture, Ion bank has donated the exquisite board of directors table of Meriden’s Napier Company, thus returning the table to Meriden. Originally, the oversized table was given to Meriden’s Castle Bank where it was used until the bank was acquired by Ion (then Naugatuck Savings) Bank.
We hope to be able to display and use this historic table in the near future.
***
WE WELCOME OUR NEW MEMBER
Arthur Dutra III of Meriden CT
***
FOR THEIR GENEROSITY WE THANK
All who voted for the Meriden Historical Society at the Ion Bank Community Award Program. Thanks to your supporting vote, the Society received a $400.00 check from Ion Bank.
BUSTER KEATON – THE GREATEST OF THE SILENT CLOWNS Tuesday, March 17, 2020 6:30 p.m. Meriden Public Library 105 Miller St., Meriden, CT Three silent comedians ruled the silver screen before the arrival of sound to the movies: Charlie Chaplin, Harold Lloyd and Buster Keaton. Sherwin Borsuk MD, president of the Meriden Historical Society and a Keaton aficionado, will present Buster Keaton – his life and phenomenal acrobatic movie achievements. The talk will be accompanied by stills and short movie clips.
Admission is free. Refreshments will be served.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR – MERIDEN HISTORICAL SOCIETY’S UPCOMING PROGRAMS AND EVENTS:
• Historic Hubbard Park – Part I with Justin Piccirillo
Tuesday, April 21, 2020 6:30 pm at the Meriden Public Library.
• South Meriden’s Hanover Trolley Park with Lesley Solkoske
Tuesday, May 19, 2020 6:30 pm at the Meriden Public Library.
• Vice in Meriden – the Products and Services for Smoking Drinking Gambling and More in Meriden’s Past – Open House and Special Exhibit
Every Sunday in May (3, 10, 17, 24 & 31) 11:00 am – 3:00 at the Meriden Historical Society’s Museum, the Andrews Homestead, 424 W. Main St, Meriden, CT.
ANDREWS HOMESTEAD CELEBRATES CHRISTMAS – A FOLLOW UP Our Christmas Open House (12/7&8/2019) was a heartwarming success. Close to 200 people came through the exhibit, many visiting for the first time. Not only did they enjoy the decorations, but they also learned about the history of Meriden and its manufacturers. The door prize, a generous donation by the Thompson Chocolate Co. was won by Lynn Dean.
BEN FRANKLIN SCHOOL 5TH GRADE GIRLS CLUB HELP DECORATE THE ANDREWS HOMESTEAD The Society, in partnership with Ben Franklin School, welcomed the 5th Grade Girls Club. They brought with them a variety of hand-crafted ornaments to decorate our Christmas tree. They also showed an interest in hearing about Meriden’s past and were given a tour of the Homestead. In return, the Society gave them a souvenir ornament as a token of our appreciation.
LATEST ADDITIONS TO OUR COLLECTIONS
An acquisition fund has been established from the proceeds of the sale of items from The Lester Dequaine and Frank Chiarenza collections. Those collections were given to the Society for the purpose of fundraising. The Collections Committee has been busy acquiring items to add to our permanent collection. New additions to the Bradley & Hubbard display: We now have a 12†statuette entitled “le Gamin†which depicts a young boy who looks like a street urchin from the 1800s. There is also a cast iron, japanned finished shelf clock with gold and floral stenciling.
You may remember seeing a large, framed drawing of a clock in the form of a soldier wearing a wig and three-cornered or “cocked†hat, with his hands holding a clock face in his belly. This drawing was done in 1856 by Pietro Cinquinni and accompanied his patent application. These clocks were known as “Blinking Eye†or “Winker†clocks because the eyes moved via a connection to the clock mechanism. We have always wanted to find one of these clocks for our display and now we have one! Ours is missing its mechanism; however, it is the cast iron figure of “The Continentalâ€. It was manufactured by Bradley & Hubbard and is worth seeing.
Our clock was produced prior to the granting of the patent and is marked in the base as “Patent Pending 1856†and “PCF,†presumably signifying Pietro Cinquinni. Design Patent No. 916 was issued in 1857 and subsequent clocks were marked “Patented July 14, 1857.†The hat portion of the clock case is independent from the rest of the casting. This allowed B&H to substitute a different hat on the same body and offer the clock as “the Admiralâ€. An example of this design is included in the collections of the Smithsonian. New additions to the Silver City Glass Co. display caseinclude a frosted glass bowl & candlestick console set donated by a Society member. A black glass box in their early “Daisy†pattern was also purchased for the collection.
We have added a cobalt blue, medium sized dresser box with a “blown out†zinnia flower on the cover, done by the C. F. Monroe Co. This acquisition was made possible through the Don & Carol Lyle Fund. Thompson Chocolate Co.has generously donated some of their outdated candy molds. They are now on permanent display at the Andrews Homestead. These and other newly acquired items will be on display at our Museum’s upcoming May Open House & Special Exhibit event (Every Sunday in May, 11:00 – 3:00, at the Andrews Homestead, 424 W. Main St.).
HELP US PRESERVE MERIDEN’S PAST
There are so many Meriden related items waiting to be discovered. Items from any of the Meriden manufacturers, old sales catalogs and advertising items, photos showing street scenes and buildings are especially interesting. Even things that may seem insignificant can be an insight into the past. If you are in the process of downsizing or wondering what to do with Meriden related items, be sure to contact us at our email address: meridenhistoricalsociety@gmail.com or by phone: 203-639-1913 (please leave a message).
UNDERCLIFF SANATORIUM: INFORMATION WANTED Our member Eileen Sypher had sent us the following call for help: “I am writing a book on my father who spent a year at Undercliff in 1951-2 for his tuberculosis. He died in 1952 before he could tell me about his life there. I am eager to hear from anyone who had a relative or friend there while it was a tuberculosis sanatorium—do you have stories? Letters? Photos? Any tidbit most welcome! In my writing I will mention no names, of course, should you share with me. I am eager to restore these forgotten histories that are a part of so many lives and of Meriden’s past. Rev. Dr. Eileen Sypher. Email: esypher@comcast.net or call 860-391-1860 and leave a message.â€
We hope you or someone you know can help.
WE NOTE WITH SORROW THE PASSING OF OUR MEMBERS:
Lawrence McLane Morehouse
Walter Shamock
FOR THEIR GENEROSITY WE THANK:
Jacquelyn Beale, Sherwin & Ruth Borsuk, Bruce and Suzana Burchsted, Michael & Lizbeth Cardona, Ellen Carter, William Glick, Gregg D. Hugo, Judith Laczek, Robert Marchetti, Dan Metz, Diantha Morse, Joan M. Munger in memory of Leon Bartholomew, Robert B. Siegler, The Suzio Insurance Center Inc., Philip Toussaint, Tuxis Ohr’s Fuel, Suzanne Zajac, our anonymous donor at Your Cause, and the many visitors to the Andrews Homestead and to the Bernice Morehouse Research Center. Donations in Memory of Larry McLane Morehouse were received from: Arnold Bloch, Fitzgerald & Halliday, Inc., Joseph Lanterna, John & Martha McCarthy and Susan Webber
WE WELCOME OUR NEW MEMBERS:
Barbara Austen and Family, June Banack, Michael Banack, Michael Cardona & Family, Hergott Dental, Jonal Laboratories, Jocelyn S. Linnekin, Darrell Lucas, Robert Marchetti, The Russell Hall Co., Eileen Sypher, Cindy & Bob Tencza & Family, and Tuxis Ohr’s Fuel.
HISTORIC FICTION AS A PORTAL TO THE PAST: The Lyman Family of Lyman Orchards
Tuesday, November 19, 2019 6:30 p.m. Meriden Public Library 105 Miller St., Meriden, CT
Meet author Diana Ross McCain as she discusses her new novel Thy Children’s Children, based on the true story of the first five generations of the Lyman family of Lyman Orchards of Middlefield, CT, as an example of how well-researched historical fiction both entertains and informs. Books (hard cover, 634 pages) will be available for purchase and book-signing ($20.00 includes CT sales tax). This program is co-sponsored by the Meriden Public Library and the Meriden Historical Society. Admission is free. Refreshments will be served.
ANDREWS HOMESTEAD CELEBRATES CHRISTMAS
Join
us Saturday, December 7 and Sunday, December 8 from 3 p.m. – 7 p.m. to
tour one of Meriden’s oldest homes, all dressed up for the holidays.
FUNDrive – SAVERS FUNDRAISER
Thanks to your generosity, we collected and turned in over 700 lbs of soft items. Sincere thanks to all who dropped off clothing and other soft goods for this fundraiser.
FOR THEIR GENEROSITY WE THANK:
Arthur Bell, Ollie Collins, Mr. & Mrs. Mark Corte, Sandra Ennever, Eugene Glen, Don Lyle, Neda Weathers, Our Anonymous Donor at Your Cause, and to the visitors to the Andrews Homestead and the Bernice Morehouse Research Center.
MERIDEN HALL OF FAME:
George S. Jeffrey was inducted to the Meriden Hall of Fame in the Historical Person Category. Dr. Sherwin Borsuk, president of the Meriden Historical Society, presented and accepted the honor.
The three other inductees to this year’s Meriden Hall of Fame were Major Dr. E. Robert Bertolli O.D. in the category of Science and Medicine; Joan Edgerly in the category of Community Service, and Stanley Hancock in the category of Business and Commerce.
MAKING HISTORY / MAKING PLACE: A CELEBRATION OF CONNECTICUT MUSEUMS
Picture Show and Lecture with William Hosley.
Connecticut has 169 towns and as many community-based historical museums. Most are small. Many are run by volunteers. No two are alike. They preserve & present great local stuff and stories. They collect. They offer public programs. They advocate for preservation. They serve schools and greet tourists. They are a civic miracle. This is their story and why they matter.
This program is co-sponsored by the Meriden Historical Society and the Meriden Public Library. The program is free and open to the general public.
OUR MUSEUM’S OCTOBER OPEN HOUSE & SPECIAL EXHIBIT:
THOMPSON CHOCOLATE Celebrating the 140th Anniversary of Meriden’s Chocolatier
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 6, 13, 20 & 27
11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
The Andrews Homestead – Meriden Historical Society Museum, 424 West Main St., Meriden, CT
Andrews Homestead, Meriden Historical Society Museum, will be open to the public every Sunday in October from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Dedicated to the history of our city’s manufacturing era, the museum is chuck-full of examples of items made here in town. Come see our newest acquisitions.
OUR SPECIAL EXHIBIT THIS YEAR is dedicated to THOMPSON CHOCOLATE in conjunction with the company’s 140th anniversary.
The Andrews Homestead shares a parking lot with Benjamin Franklin School. By permission of the Police Department, for this exhibit – Sundays only, you may disregard the “do-not-enter†sign posted at the entrance to the parking lot.
We will be raffling a Thompson Chocolate basket on each of the open house dates.
Admission is free – donations are always appreciated.
A LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT:
I am writing to introduce myself, Sherwin Borsuk, as incoming president of the Meriden Historical Society (The Society), and to let you know what we are up to this year.
Our board of directors is engaged in the revision of the bylaws and the formalization of the standing committees.
The standing committees will be:
Marketing and Public Relations – promote and publicize events, provide access to media, and maintain The Society website and bulletin.
Membership – promote new membership, maintaining member records and renewals, as well as thanking donors.
Collections Management – acquire items for The Society’s collections, keep records of holdings, and sell or donate items not related to the mission of The Society.
Programs – arrange for 5-6 speaker programs yearly, coordinating site, equipment and refreshments, as well as arranging exhibits at The Society’s museum (Andrews Homestead).
Facilities – maintain and improve The Society’s properties.
Grants – apply for grants as directed by the board of directors and report the status of grant monies to the board and grantor(s).
Nominating – nominate board members and officers annually and provide biographies to the Secretary.
Tag Sales – coordinate, staff, and publicize the summer tag sale fundraisers.
Finance – steward the financial assets of The Society, investments, real estate, etc.
You, as a member of The Society, are encouraged to join any of the standing committees that appeal to you. Your participation will enhance the vitality of our organization. The work of The Society is never-ending and the various committees outlined above can always use more hands.
If you are interested in joining one of the committees, please e-mail me at meridenhistoricalsociety@gmail.com or leave me a message at 203-639-1913
We will be having a continued series of talks in partnership with the Meriden Pubic Library. Please see our newsletter or our website (www.meridenhistoricalsociety.org) for updated details.
Our Fall exhibit at the Andrews Homestead is devoted to Meriden’s Thompson Chocolate Company, founded in 1879. Rumor has it that there will be free samples of Thompson products (according to Mayor Kevin Scarpati). You are encouraged to come and enjoy it!
Finally, we are currently looking for a larger home for our research center here in Meriden, as our research and other materials have us bursting at the seams. Sometime in the near future we hope to find a suitable solution be it a new location or a major expansion and we’ll likely need to have a fundraising campaign to enable us to afford a larger home.
As always, your support of the Meriden Historical Society is, and will be, greatly appreciated.
Sincerely,
Sherwin Borsuk
NEWS FROM THE ARCHIVES: Rockwell and silver city Overlay by: Paul S. Butkus
Meriden was home to several silver overlay companies, most notably the Rockwell Silver Company and the Silver City Glass Company. There are references to other companies producing silver overlay in Meriden but none to the same extent or notoriety. Overlay companies did not produce their own glass but rather decorated pieces made by the large glass, china or ceramic companies and the same blanks were frequently used by competing overlay companies. The use of the same blanks, paper labels or similarly themed designs can often complicate the proper attribution for some pieces. As a result, collectors often identify a piece simply by the glass manufacturer due to the greater availability of information on those companies. Another complicating factor in overlay identification is the way in which some patterns were adapted to varying sized pieces. The overall composition was cropped as needed to fit smaller pieces.
Don Lyle for his donation of C. F. Monroe Co. research material. The comprehensive research material came from the collection of Don’s wife, Carrol of blessed memory.
Andy Piatek who lent us some of his Silver Overlay catalogs so that we could digitize/copy them and add them to our collection of reference catalogs.
All our friends who have been bringing items of Meriden interest to the Research Center.
All who supported us by bringing items for our tag-sale booth and for our Savers Fund Raiser event.
Our Anonymous Donor at Your Cause.
MARK YOUR CALENDAR:
Our November Lecture will take place on
Tuesday, November 19, 2019
6:30 p.m.
Meriden Public Library, 105 Miller St., Meriden, CT
HISTORICAL FICTION AS A PORTAL TO THE PAST.A PROGRAM ABOUT A NEW NOVEL BASED ON THE TRUE STORY OF THE LYMAN FAMILY OF LYMAN ORCHARDS with author Diana Ross McCain.
In 2020 we mark the 100th anniversary of women’s suffrage in the United States. The fight for women’s right to vote was long and took many twists and turns. Join us to learn about the Connecticut women who fought on a local, state, and national level and on whose shoulders we stand. Be inspired by their stories to use your vote to give a voice to women. This program is co-sponsored by the Meriden Historical Society and the Meriden Public Library. The program is free and open to the general public.Â
*****
MERIDEN HISTORICAL SOCIETY COMMUNITY TAG SALE
SEPTEMBER 14. 9:00 am – 1:00 pm
LOCATION: Meriden Historical Society’s Bernice Morehouse Research Center’s parking lot 1090 Hanover Ave. Meriden, CT 06451
RAIN DATE: the Saturday following the original date
COST TO SET UP: $15.00 donation to the Society per set-up ($10.00 for members).
CONTACT: Bill Siegel 203-237-2217
As in previous years, the Meriden Historical Society will set up its own booth in the shed. Â We hope to see you there.
*****
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
We are looking for dedicated volunteers for the following projects:
Cataloging and organizing our collection of photographs
Photographing and cataloging items in our collections
Researching (doing detective research work) to help answer the many queries addressed to the Society
Greeters/docents for our open house events at the Andrews Homestead
Come meet our volunteers at the Bernice Morehouse Research Center, 1090 Hanover Ave. in South Meriden on Wednesdays between 1:30 and 4:00 pm.
*****
FUNDrive – FUNDRAISER THROUGH SAVERS
SATURDAY SEPTEMBER 14Â
9:00 AM – 1:00 PMÂ
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 18
1:30 PM – 4:00 PM
AT THE RESEARCH CENTER 1090 Hanover Ave. Meriden CTÂ
Your no longer needed, gently-used clothing, linens, jewelry, shoes, accessories (such as belts and purses), and small household goods can raise funds for us. We have teamed up with Savers Stores and their fundraiser program. Â Savers will pay us 20 cents per pound of soft goods and 10 cents per pound of small household goods we bring to them, so PLEASE think of us when you clean your closets.
*****
CUNO FOUNDATION GRANT
We were delighted and honored to receive a $2000 grant from the Cuno Foundation. This grant allowed us to purchase a new, state of the art new computer/Work Station complete with a new wide screen monitor and will allow us to purchase more, much needed, acid-free, storage materials. While the first will consolidate all our digitized archival records and facilitate research, the latter will help preserve many of our fragile paper, cloth, and photographed materials.
Our heartfelt thanks to the Cuno Foundation for their continued support of our mission to preserve Meriden’s past for future generations and our purpose: being an active research center disseminating information on Meriden’s industry and Meriden’s History.
There’s a word for it
And words don’t mean a thing
There’s name for it
And names make all the difference in the world
The lyrics above, from a song by the Talking Heads released in 1985, illustrate one of the frustrations with identifying cut glass patterns. With hundreds of patterns introduced by each glass company, developing unique names must have been a challenge and many times only numbers were used. Are the names we commonly use today to describe some of the more collectible patterns their original names?
Several Meriden Cut Glass Company designs are among the most collectible patterns. Names like “Alhambra†immediately bring to mind pieces with a crenelated rim and a series of interlocking hexagons. The original patent, numbered 41,091 and issued to Thomas A. Shanley on January 17, 1911 does not list a name for the pattern but the Alhambra name appears in multiple company catalogs and period advertisements that exist in reference collections throughout the country and in reprints of some of those catalogs. For other patterns where documentation has not been readily available, some names may have been invented by those who were compiling pattern guides. As research continues and new evidence is discovered about pattern names, will collectors adopt the original names or hold onto the names they have been comfortable with for decades? “Names make all the Difference.â€
Recently acquired printed catalog materials from a number of wholesale and retail companies has shed light on the original names for the highly collectible patterns known in the trade as Theodora, Byzantine and Cetus. By cross referencing documented pattern names and images from Meriden Cut Glass Co. materials in the Meriden Historical Society’s collection and patent records with these advertisements, it was possible to identify which groups of cut glass items were made by Meriden (and also J.D. Bergen) even though not labeled as such. The wholesalers and retailers were relying on their own reputations for presenting the quality of goods instead of offering a branded product.
The following illustrations are from the “13th Annual Illustrated Catalogue and Price List of A. C. Becken, The Chicago Wholesale Jeweler, 1904.â€
Commonly referred to as Theodora, this pattern by Wm. R. Eliot is described in patent No. 32,211, Feb 13, 1900: “springing upward are feathers . . . giving them the semblance of peacock- feathers.†Printed name is FEATHER.
***
Commonly referred to as Byzantine, this pattern by Wm. R. Eliot is described in patent No. 32,210, Feb. 13, 1900: “As herein shown, the design comprises four bands festooned, the surfaces of which are checkered, and on each band is a series of punties, differentiating in size.†Printed name is GARLAND.
***
.
A variant of the GARLAND pattern has a characteristic miter cut in place of the terminal punties and is named LONGWOOD.
***
Commonly referred to as Cetus, (a name apparently ‘made up by the Pearsons’ according to CriticalGlass.com), is actually named CLUNEY.
.
***
Other illustrated patterns in this catalog correlate with well documented MCG Co names so it is unlikely that the names shown with these particular bowls were made up. Based upon the findings, we should give them back their names.
*****
WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBERS
Karen Erasmus, Dave Fugge, Laureen Galayda, Joan Kilby, Justin Piccirillo
Architectural art can be found throughout
Meriden. Amy Prescher, an art and architecture historian and a faculty member
of Connecticut State University, will present us with a program on the treasures
of stained glass windows found in our city.
The program is co-sponsored by the Meriden
Historical Society and the Meriden Public Library; it is free and open to the
public.
****
GARDEN TOUR – POSTPONED
We regret to announce that due to the unexpected passing of the organizer of this event, the Garden Tour fund raiser, originally scheduled for June 1st this year is postponed and will take place next year at a date yet to be determined. If you are interested in getting involved with this event, please contact Martha Colarese , the Meriden Historical Society’s president, at the Meriden Historical Society.
Click on title above to view the latest article by Paul Butkus, our board member and researcher. Paul has just finished digitizing our Wilcox loose catalogs and has dedicated his article to the Meriden Cut Glass Company and the identification of “Fanned Hobstarsâ€.
****
MAY OPEN HOUSE & SPECIAL EXHIBIT
Every Sunday in May
At the Andrews Homestead
424 West Main St. Meriden CT
11:00 am – 3:00 pm
RECENT ACQUISITIONS: NAPIER, ROCKWELL, WAVE-CREST AND MORE
As in previous years, the Andrews Homestead
will be open to the public from 11:00 till 3:00 every Sunday in the month of May.
On display will be some of our recent acquisitions, all by Meriden artisans and
manufacturers. The exhibit will feature silver on glass items by Rockwell
Silver; Jewelry and more by the Napier Company; boxes and plaques by the C. F.
Monroe Company and more. Admission is free, donations will be much appreciated.
****
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
We are looking for dedicated volunteers for
the following projects:
Cataloging and organizing our
collection of photographs
Photographing and cataloging
items in our collections
Researching (doing detective
research work) to help answer the many queries addressed to the Society
Come meet our volunteers at the Bernice
Morehouse Research Center, 1090 Hanover Ave. in South Meriden on Wednesdays
between 1:30 and 4:00 pm.
****
CONVERT YOUR PHOTOGRAPHS, SLIDES AND VIDEOS TO DIGITAL FORMAT
As a service to the community, The Meriden Historical Society is offering to send your VHS videotapes, photographs slides and even music to Innovative Document Imaging (http://idiimage.com/) to be digitized. A tentative collection date is scheduled for June. Look for more details including a price list in our May newsletter.
****
YOUR
OPINION MATTERS:
A
survey is coming your way.
The
Meriden Historical Society’s history spans a whole century (and
more). With its eyes to the future, the Society’s board of
directors is interested in your opinion as to the direction the
Society should take.
We
are in the process of composing a brief survey. The survey will be
mailed to all members. We hope you will give us 5 minutes of your
time. We
need your input.
****
WE NOTE WITH SORROW THE PASSING OF OUR MEMBERS:
Nancy Laurentano – December 2018
We’ll miss Nancy for her generosity and for her love for all that is Meriden.
Frank
Chiarenza –
June 2018
We’ll
miss Frank for his knowledge of glass and for his generosity to the
Society.
Emily
Belanger
– February 2019
We’ll
miss Emily for her generosity and her love for all that is Meriden.
and
Agnes
Baur –
March 2019
We’ll
miss Agnes for her extensive knowledge of the painter Frederick
Matzow and
for her generosity to the Society.
****
FOR THEIR GENEROSITY WE THANK:
Lynn
Boyangut; Alice Meigs; Suzio Insurance Company; Philip Toussaint;
and our
anonymous
donor
at Your Cause.
ARCHITECTURE OF MERIDEN: –Lorenzo Hamilton: – Architect of Meriden’s Notable Early 20th Century Homes.
Designed by Lorenzo Hamilton
Marcus Hamilton, a life-long Meriden resident, will present a program on the life and works of his grandfather, Lorenzo Hamilton, a grandson of H. Wales Lines. The program will include a bit of history about this storied Meriden family and examples of the homes Lorenzo Hamilton designed throughout Meriden.
Tuesday, March 12, 2019 – 6:30 p.m. At the Meriden Public Library 105 Miller St. Meriden CT
The
lecture programs are co-sponsored by the Meriden Public Library. Free
admission. Refreshments will be served.
Platt And Maloney High School Students Research Meriden Personalities for Meriden Hall Of Fame Nominations
Students researching for their Hall of Fame project
The Research Center was host to Platt
and Maloney High School students in conjunction with their research for
candidates for the 2019 Meriden Hall of Fame. About 15 students from Platt High
School rotated through our Bernice Morehouse Research Center in December, and,
in January about 20 students from Maloney High School were hosted. The students
came to do their research and were showed how to access our inventory of
information on Meriden’s people from the past. They were asked to give us
copies of their research to be added to our files. Our members, Ruth Borsuk,
Sharon Deming, Dan Metz, Jane Mulligan, Deborah Patterson, Chris Ruel and Allen
Weathers volunteered their efforts to make it a success.
Items wanted for a Dedicated Napier Co. of Meriden Display Case.
Napier Bar Items
We are planning to
setup a permanent display case at the Andrews Homestead featuring The Napier
Company. For that reason, we are
reaching out to our membership asking for permanent donations of Napier
cocktail items, barware, cigarette related items, banks or jewelry. We look
forward to being able to give the proper attention to one of the most
well-known manufacturers in Meriden’s history. Please contact us by phone at
203-639-1913 or email us. If possible, please attach a photo or give a
description of the item. Thank you.
WANTED: Product Catalogs and information related to Meriden Glass Companies
As part of an ongoing research project and possible future exhibit, the MHS is asking its supporters if they have any early original catalogs from the various glass companies that operated in Meriden around the turn of the 20thcentury up until WWII. Specifically, we are interested in companies such as the Rockwell Silver Company, Silver City Cut Glass Company and the Silver City Glass company during their early period (well before the introduction of the ‘Anniversary’ themed silver overlay pieces). We are also interested in the companies that produced cut glass during the American Brilliant Period 1876-1918 such as J.D. Bergen Company, J.J. Niland Company, C.F. Monroe Company, Meriden Cut Glass Company and the Meriden Flint Glass Company. Any other glass companies that operated in Meriden that you have documentation on would also be greatly appreciated. We have several reprinted catalogs at the MHS for some of the cut glass companies but we are hoping that some original materials may still be around in people’s attics and basements. If you know that family members worked for any of these glass companies and could take a look through your family archives to see if you have any information it would be greatly appreciated. We know that there are descendants of glass cutters and decorators who still live in the area and would love to hear stories about what their families did and see any examples of their work. Donations of materials related to Meriden companies are always welcomed by the MHS but we would be equally grateful for the opportunity to review and scan the materials to include in our archives. Please contact Paul S. Butkus at the MHS who is organizing this project.
We Note with Sorrow The passing of our volunteer and board member, Sharon Louise Robarts Deming.
Sharon worked to organize, catalogue and conserve our image library. The Research Center won’t be the same place without her, nor will our table at the Hanover School holiday fair. We will miss her gentle presence and her expert driving skills in the Memorial Day Parade. We were fortunate to have had her with us, however briefly — and Meriden is fortunate to have her as part of its history.
For Their Generosity we thank
Michael Barker, Jacquelyn Beale, Ellen M. Carter,
Ruth Ann C. Davis, William Glick, Nancy Gluck, Judith Laczek, Daniel Metz, Joan
M. Munger for her donation in Memory of Leon Bartholomew, Robert and Judith
Panciera, Janet Pestey, Robert R. Siegler and the Mahon, Quinn & Mahon
Professional Corporation for their donations to the Society.
Welcome to our new members
David Grodzicki – winner of Christmas in the Village raffle. Carol Hilton of Parkton, MD Sara Hilton of Baltimore, MD The Mahon, Quinn & Mahon Professional Corporation of Meriden, CT David Pare for the Record Journal The Spoonshopppe Brooke Deli of Meriden CT
Commonly referred to as Theodora, this pattern by Wm. R. Eliot is described in patent No. 32,211, Feb 13, 1900: “springing upward are feathers . . . giving them the semblance of peacock- feathers.†Printed name is FEATHER.
described in patent No. 32,210, Feb. 13, 1900: “As herein shown, the design comprises four bands festooned, the surfaces of which are checkered, and on each band is a series of punties, differentiating in size.†Printed name is GARLAND.
place of the terminal punties and is named LONGWOOD.
Commonly referred to as Cetus, (a name apparently ‘made up by the Pearsons’ according to CriticalGlass.com), is actually named CLUNEY.
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