HEAR YE, HEAR YE….UPCOMING EVENTS!

Saturday, December 15th thru February 3, 2013– The Avon Free Public Library will present a national travel-

ing exhibit entitled ‘Lincoln: The Constitution and the Civil War.’ This exhibit will be in the Community Room

and is a walk-through history depicting the struggle Lincoln faced having to stay within the framework of The

Constitution yet deal with the problem of slavery which eventually led to the passage of the 13th Amend-

ment.

In the Gallery leading to the Community Room, the Avon Free Public Library will feature an exhibit ‘Words

and Images of the Civil War’. This will be a visual display including photographs, illustrations, and quotations

depicting the life and times during the Civil War.

The Sesquicentennial Committee of the Avon Historical Society will present ‘Lincoln and Connecticut’ in the

glass case outside of the Marian M. Hunter History Room. This display will incorporate six themes covering

much of Lincoln’s interaction with our state.

Inside the History Room, the Special Projects Committee of The Avon Historical Society will present multiple

Lincoln-related exhibits. There will be a representation of an elegant dining table in the Lincoln White House

at Christmastime 1861. Companion exhibits will focus on the Lincoln’s children, their family pets, and holiday

fare.

‘Selections from the Life of Our Most Revered President-Abraham Lincoln’ - a pictorial and quotation display

will be located directly to the right of the glass display case outside the History Room.

Join us at 1:00 p.m. on December 15th, 2012 for opening of all these exhibits at the Library. There will be a

wine & cheese reception, music and a lecture by Dr. Matthew Warshauer, CCSU and Chairman of the State’s

Sesquicentennial Committee for the Civil War. Ongoing lectures and a film series will be offered throughout

the exhibition. Avon Historical Society is pleased to partner with the Avon Free Public Library in the Civil

War commemoration. We hope you stop by and perhaps learn something you didn’t know about Lincoln.

The beauty of Avon in the winter is awesome….snow glistening in the early morning light like sugar,

the smell of wood smoke from chimneys, the joyful sounds of music everywhere! This newsletter is

about the sights, sounds and smells of the winter season. So snuggle up by the fireplace and enjoy

reading!

AVON HISTORICAL SOCIETY, INC.

WINTER NEWSLETTER 2012

The West Avon Congregational Church on Country Club Road has in it’s belfry a cast bell with historic connec-

tions. The bell was cast in 1837 in the foundry of J. Ward Doolittle per it’s inscription. James W. Doolittle was the de-

scendant of Isaac Doolittle of New Haven, CT whose foundry was one of only three known bell makers in New England

during Colonial times.

The casting of bells is an art form and crowds would gather at the foundry to witness the pouring of the molten

metal into the mold. An interesting side note is that Paul Revere would obtain cannons from the military to melt down

for use in the casting of bells during Revolutionary War days. Brass cannons and bells are made from a similar mixture

of copper and tin and the bell founding process is an art. When the clapper strikes the interior of the bell, it actually

sounds a chord of notes. Each separate tone emanates from a different part of the bell. Much expertise is required in

tuning a bell so that each tone sounds a perfect chord.

The bell of the West Avon Congregational Church did not ring for a period of five years in the early 1920’s when

the Church was closed due to bad circumstances at that time. But the antiquated Church reopened and the old bell

sounded its beautiful tones once again.

The lovely tones of Church bells travel especially far on a crisp, cold winter’s day and have an almost haunting

sound quality. The old bell at WACC was eventually replaced by a carillon which served the congregation for twenty

years and today the music that you hear ringing from the belfry is actually from a digital carillon. What a fascinating

history of the sounds of the season in Avon! Drawings courtesy of: Chester Case, Avon

The Bobsled…

Expansive farms required the mobility of people throughout all seasons. During the winter months when there

was snow on the ground, a bobsled was THE mode of transportation. Usually a wooden bed was located in the back to

move supplies, hay or wood while the front had seating for the driver and other passengers. The sled was typically

hitched to one or two horses, depending on the weight of the load.

But the bobsled was more than a service vehicle. It was also a vehicle for pleasure use. Families boarded the

sleds for trips into town, to friend’s homes for social events, and to church on Sundays. One can imagine being piled

under layers of woolen blankets or furry animal hides, gliding along the snow-covered ground as bells jingled in the win-

ter stillness.

The bobsled was uniquely qualified to handle fairly deep snow as back then roads were not plowed. This was a

great ‘vehicle’ for dashing through the snow, across fields, and through the woods to grandmother’s or someone else’s

homestead. Imagine how crisp and clear the air was in those days before factories and autos so one could clearly see

the stars on a moonlit winter’s eve. How wonderful it must have been to arrive at the destination to warm frost-nipped

toes by the roaring fire and to drink a hot chocolate. A winter ride in a bobsled made being cold fun!

The Derrin House was recently gifted an antique bobsled from the C.F. Woodford Farm donated by Bill Walsh.

The sled, transported to Avon in pieces, will be reassembled and will be on display on the grounds of the Derrin House.

THE HISTORY CORNER...

There Were Bells...

Rain forced the Antietam Day event indoors, but that is why contingency plans are made! The weather did not

keep the public from turning out in impressive numbers at The Avon Free Public Library. There children and adults

could try Civil War-era games and a roving musical troubadour delightfully entertained all on the second floor in the Chil-

dren’s/Teen area. In the Community Room, Mr. John Banks, civil war enthusiast, gave an inspired presentation on the

valor and loss of the men from Connecticut who participated in the battle of Antietam…the bloodiest single battle in

American history to date.

In the beautiful glass display case outside of the Marian M. Hunter history room is a marvelous civil war exhibit

entitled: “Avon Men in the Civil War: Connecticut’s Sacrifice at Antietam’”. This exhibit was the collaborative effort of

the Avon Historical Society’s Sesquicentennial Civil War committee. The display showcases artifacts including a reproduc-

tion Union woolen uniform and cap, a reproduction flag representing the 11th Connecticut Volunteer Infantry Regiment,

an original saber sword and a bullet, as well as maps, photographs and illustrations of the battlefield.

The extensive work that went into the conception, planning and execution of the exhibit makes it worth a closer

look. The Avon Historical Society committee met multiple times to flesh out ideas. They spent many hours selecting

civil war photographs, lithographs and maps in support of the historical aspects of the battle at Antietam. From there,

committee members researched for historically accurate text relative to the 11th, 14th and 16th Connecticut Volunteer

Infantry Regiments. In conjunction with the above, an artistic member of the committee created the title banner,

mounted materials and added captions. Their hard work, talent, and passion are reflected beautifully in this dramatic

display.

The Antietam exhibit will remain on display until mid-December. It is hoped that viewing the exhibit in the dis-

play case will convey the monumental impact this day in American history had on Avon. It is because of the heroism

and sacrifice of those men who gave ‘their last full measure of devotion’ as stated by Abraham Lincoln, that we all live in

a united and free country today.

The Avon Historical Society showcased seven historic quilts at the Avon Congregational Church’s Harvest Quilt Show in

mid-October. The quilts that were on exhibit are known as: ‘The Harold E. Case’ quilt, the ‘Derrin Quilt’, ‘Child’s Quilt’,

‘Thompson Family Bedroll’, ‘Homespun Coverlet’, ‘Discovery of America by Christopher Columbus’, and ‘September 11

Honor Quilt’. Photo credit: Nora Howard, Town Historian.

Susan Elliot, member of the Avon Congregational Church and her committee did a marvelous job of displaying

the quilts in the church over pews and hanging them from the balcony as well as upstairs in the hallway and in some

rooms. In addition, there were several vendors who offered their wares for sale such as quilt fabric quarters, placemats

and runners, felt kits, sewing accessories, etc. The church also offered some nice Fall food and drink including country-

style cinnamon donuts and hot chili.

The quilts on display in the church were so colorful and added so much cheer to the church collectively creating

a beautiful tapestry for the eye to behold. Oftentimes bits and pieces of garments worn by ancestors were pieced into

quilts which passes down family heritage and preserves memories from generation to generation. These lovingly made

quilts of ancestors leave tangible pieces of history for the public to remember the early families of Avon by. They are

truly priceless!

AHS EVENTS…

Antietam Day Event at the Avon Free Public Library September 8, 2012

Harvest Quilt Show at the Avon Congregational Church

October 13th and 14th, 2012

A Tribute To Ginny Voccelli - Retiring Director of the Avon Free Public Library

People ask Ginny Voccelli what she will do when she retires. As Director of the Avon Free

Public Library for the past 24 years, she will now check herself out of the Library, so to speak, and

return to private life.

Perhaps Ginny will climb Talcott Mountain and yell at the top of her lungs. After all, she has

had to use her ‘inside voice’ for so long! While Ginny is atop the mountain, perhaps she can look

down upon our quaint village and see her beloved Library. Maybe a tear will come to her eye think-

ing about her long, successful career. Maybe there is a sense of uneasiness as she transitions from a

working woman, to a lady of leisure. Most importantly she can look down on the Library with a great

deal of pride and satisfaction for a job well done. Through all those years, through all those seasons,

through all those days, Ginny was at the helm, steering her crew, who have dutifully served the pub-

lic all these years. She can also be so proud of her contributions to the grand, newly-remodeled Li-

brary that now is so spacious and contemporary.

Perhaps most of all, she can be proud that her strong belief in the continuing work of the

Marian M. Hunter History Room led to the beautiful new history room we have today. Without Gin-

ny’s own interest in local History and her intrinsic understanding of the importance of our town’s his-

tory preservation and perpetuation, this new room might never have been realized. The new history

room is a modern research center which benefits all who come seeking answers from the past.

So in closing, with special gratitude from The Avon Historical Society, let us all extend our

thanks to Ginny Voccelli and wish her the best in the coming years. Now go ahead Ginny – yell at the

top of your lungs on the mountain – you deserve it. And please, come back down and visit us some

time!

A SPECIAL THANK YOU….

The Avon Historical Society wishes to thank the following Boy Scouts for their help on these projects:

Robert Sanford, Eagle Scout of Troop 274 who worked at the Derrin House. He covered the concrete side

porch with a wooden deck. He also covered the front concrete porch with a Trex (registered trademark) deck.

In addition, he constructed a blue stone walkway from the brick walkway between the kitchen gardens to the

front porch.

Justin M. Alessio of Troop 170 Unionville. His project was with the Horse Guard State Park behind the Derrin

House. He cleared and marked a trail from the area around the Derrin House to the highest point in the park.

He also built an informational Kiosk at the beginning of the trail for the public to learn about the park.

We thank these Eagle Scout candidates for choosing the Avon Historical Society for their requirements and for

contributing to the community. Also thanks to AHS Board member Len Tolisano for his oversight on these

projects!

WORTH NOTING...

Kid’s Page –Winter Newsletter 2012

Dress the snowman! Use items from the list on the left and draw them onto the snow-

man. Then you can color them in.

black – hat

Red – scarf

Brown – twig arms

Orange – carrot nose

Yellow – corn cob pipe

Unscramble Thanksgiving Food Words

__Y_ _T__ _K__ _U__ _R__ _E__

_R__ _A__ __R_ _C__ _R__ _B__ _E__ _N__ _Y__

_U__ _P__ _I__ _P__ _K__ _M__ _N__ __E_ _I_ _P_

_O_ _E__ _P__ _T__ _O__ _T__ _A__ _S__

_N__ _G__ _E__ _E__ _R__ _S__ _N_ _B_ _A__ _E_

Riddle:

What falls from the sky as a liquid in warm weather, but as a solid in below freezing temperatures?

Winter Craft: Using safety scissors, cut out pretty shapes from folded white paper to make snowflakes. If mommy

says okay, you can use white craft glue and glitter to make them sparkle!

President Abraham Lincoln Loved Gingerbread!

Historically there exists a story mentioned during the Lincoln-Douglas debates about Abraham Lincoln’s love of

gingerbread. He said: “when we lived in Indiana,” Lincoln said, “once in a while my mother used to get some sorghum

[today this would be molasses] and ginger and make some gingerbread. It wasn’t often and it was our biggest treat.”

“One day I smelled the gingerbread and came into the house to get my share while it was still hot. My mother

had baked me three gingerbread men. I took them out under a hickory tree to eat them.”

During present day holidays, many families still make gingerbread men both to eat out of hand and to hang on

the tree. The smell of fresh gingerbread baking epitomizes family and home, warmth and love, and stirs pleasant

memories—gingerbread it timeless!

Welcome to the winter adventures of Abigail Fieldmouse who lives under the floor boards of Pine Grove School House in

Avon.

BRRRRRR...it’s really cold outside as it is now winter in Avon. Luckily Abigail is all stocked up with food for the

long winter and has cozy hay to sleep in. Abigail snuggles in her bed under the patchwork quilt she sewed from rem-

nants she found in her scavenging travels.

So much to do! The holidays are approaching and she has to finish her handmade gifts for her family. For her

brother Fenwick, she knitted a scarf from a long piece of wool yarn she ‘borrowed’ from the spinning wheel room of a

nearby farm. For her little sister Rebecca, she made a rag doll out of scraps of fabric. For Mother, Abigail made a dain-

ty handkerchief embroidered with the letter “S” for Sarah. Papa’s gift was still in the making—she decided to gnaw a

piece of wood to fashion a cane as he was having a bit of trouble walking at his age. Making this gift really made Abi-

gail’s teeth and jaw tired, but she loved her Papa so dearly, it was worth it.

Abigail’s family lived a short distance away at the West Avon Congregational Church. They made their home

under the pulpit. From this spot they could hear the beautiful choir singing to the music of the pipe organ and there

was always ample food made by the Church ladies. It was now the Sunday before the Eve and Abigail pulled on her

golashes over her little woolen socks to keep her four paws warm in the snow. Then she put on her small woolen green

coat, her scarf, and her best Sunday red velvet bonnet. Her plan was to hitch a ride to the church on the Thompson’s

wagon. She must have perfect timing to jump aboard at just the right time when the horses were given the

“Yaaaaaaaah.” Abigail hid under the edge of the horse blanket in the back of the wagon. She wanted to visit with her

family for Sunday supper and hoped to bring home luscious homemade cookie crumbs in her little basket. Once inside the Church, she had to be very cautious as not to be discovered by the Church people. The Church

was filled to capacity with everyone standing and singing lovely carols. So crowded that Abigail feared getting stepped

on. But how would she join her family in the pulpit? She had an idea. She ran along the wall’s baseboard to the front

of the Church where the pipe organ with it’s big pipes was being played. She stealthily climbed up one of the pipes and

was going to hop from one to the other to get nearer the pulpit while the organist rested in between songs. But all of a

sudden, the organist struck a resounding chord and the vibration made Abigail fall into the vent hole. Oh my gosh!

Now what? On the very next song, the exuberant organist hit the expression pedal of the steam-powered pipe organ

and POOF!!! -out popped Abigail with such force, she was like a rocket on the Fourth of July! Up, up, up she sailed

tumbling tail over bonnet with all her petticoats for the whole congregation to see! Miraculously, Abigail landed on one

of the Church’s candelabras. She was unhurt, but perplexed as there was no safe way down from the ceiling. She no-

ticed a small hole at the base of the candelabra and crawled up into the hole—up into the bell tower that is! What a

strange place this was and cold. Abigail looked around and saw huge wooden beams supporting a huge brass bell with

a rope around the bell wheel. Abigail did not know what to do. Suddenly, the bell began to sway and the clapper fell

against the side of the bell as it was pulled. The sound was both beautiful and deafening. Poor Abigail! When the toll-

ing stopped, Abigail felt so alone she began to sob loudly. Thankfully, as mice have quite large ears and excellent hear-

ing, her Papa heard his daughter’s cries. He climbed the rope to the bell tower and rescued Abigail who was overjoyed.

Together they shimmied down the rope and joined their family in the pulpit and Abigail was safe in the arms of her fam-

ily. She was truly blessed on that cold winter’s day in snowy Avon.

*********************************************************************************

Come back in the Spring to find out what happens to Abigail next year! Sneak peek: Abigail meets a new friend in the

vegetable garden-a baby bunny with only one front tooth! Oh my!

Abigail—The Pine Grove School House Mouse

Officers: Terri Wilson, President

Pam Fahey, Vice President

Wendy Zacchera, Secretary

Satvinder Mayal, Treasurer

Directors: Ben Isaacson

Glenn Lawrence

Liz Neff

Krystyn Hasting Silver

Len Tolisano

Peter Wright

Mary Margaret Stoll

Chung Lee

Eric Throndson

Jennifer deSimas

Helaine Bertsch

Sebastian Saraceno

Avon Historical Society 860-678-7621 ahs.mail.1830@sbcglobal.net

www.avonhistoricalsociety.org

The Mission of the Avon Historical Society, founded in 1974, is to

identify, collect, preserve, utilize, publish, display and promote

the history and heritage of Avon.