USA > Connecticut > Windham County > A modern history of Windham county, Connecticut : a Windham county treasure book, Volume I > Part 10
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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY
look to suggest it from Mr. Buck or Mr. Dean, and the acquaintances formed in those early days, in more than one case, ripened into friendship in more mature years. Somehow we can not forget the kindly greetings of Mr. Buck or the cordial handshake of Colonel Dean.
Woodstock seemed always fortunate in having a good supply of excellent local teachers, many of whom continued to live in Woodstock after giving up teaching. Some of those of the '70s and '80s were, Lewis J. Wells, William W. Webber, judge of probate C. H. Child, Henry W. Hibbard, town clerk Frank E. Barrett, Senator Henry J. Potter, Charles M. Perrin, William R. Barber, Josephine (Perrin) Frost, Angie (Kenyon) Tatem. Select schools were maintained for a while at Woodstock Valley and at West Woodstock, where Elisha M. Phillips conducted a very successful school for several terms, followed by Rev. Mr. Kingsbury, who was at that time pastor of the Congrega- tional Church, Mr. Kingsbury had over sixty scholars, several coming from adjoining towns.
WOODSTOCK TERCENTENARY Mrs. Elizabeth F. Bingham
The Woodstock Tercentenary Celebration which was held at Roseland Park upon the afternoon of August 25, 1920, was a memorable occasion to a great throng of enthusiastic visitors, many of whom came from the surrounding towns.
The event was eminently characteristic of the patriotic old town and of the beautiful park from whose midst so many stirring messages of the past have echoed and re-echoed throughout this whole broad land.
In recognition of the tercentenary year, and as the crowning feature of a union Sunday school picnic, to which all the churches of the town were invited, the monster pageant was carefully planned weeks ahead by an efficient commit- tee, prominent members of which were Mr. George Hamilton and Mr. Albert Wil- liams. Miss Insa Heinrichs was leader of the chorus.
Much research was made regarding the early history of the Pilgrims. Pains- taking selections of characters were made to fill the important roles and deep interest was awakened in the aproaching pageant throughout the entire town of six villages.
"Attic treasures" were proudly brought forth to grace the rare occasion -- great-grandfathers' and great-grandmothers' possessions in some cases were triumphantly brought to light for further service.
Hon. Oliver A. Hiscox, the officer in command of the Colonial troops, wore an interesting relic in the form of a Napoleonic hat, ninety years of age, which had once graced the head of Benjamin Chamberlin-a captain of the militia. It is a noteworthy fact in the group of Colonial soldiers that one member, named Luther Place, carried the very same flint-lock gun and powder horn which had been used by his great-grandfather-Ansel Marcy-in the Revolu- tion ; while nearly all of Mr. Place's comrades as Colonial soldiers were also direct descendants of revolutionary soldiers and bore weapons that had seen service either in the Revolution or Civil war or else as "fowling pieces."
Under such circumstances is it any wonder that with inherited zeal and patriotic fervor the "Spirit of '76" was splendidly enacted in the old historic town which has ever responded nobly to all calls to the colors and proudly cherishes today its valued traditions.
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The long-anticipated day was blessed with propitious skies and the inviting park made an ideal gathering place for the vast throng which came from all directions to drink in not only the historic lesson of the day, but also its charm- ing setting of picturesque scenery.
Promptly at the appointed hour of two, a bugle call signalled that the pageant would begin, and a "scene in Merrie England" was introduced, por- traying the trials of the Pilgrims in their efforts to conduct worship according to the dictates of their own consciences. As their leader with his devout group of Pilgrim followers about him read aloud that portion of the Scripture which contains the words "Blessed are they who are persecuted for righteousness' sake," a group of unsympathetic members of English gentry, gaily clad in luxurious apparel forced their way into the meeting. By all manner of ridicule and even by pelting the Pilgrims with small objects, the English merry-makers tried to put a stop to the devotions.
Failing in their purpose, they summoned red-coated soldiers to make an arrest. Mr. Philip Dean, acting the part of "James Chilton" was seized and thrust into the stocks to the great distress of his helpless fellow worshippers, but amid the prolonged applause of the English tormentors. The saddened band of Pilgrims then formulated the resolve to leave England.
The second episode portrayed the Dutch setting to which the Pilgrims were transplanted. Here we find them disgusted onlookers in the midst of a drink- ing revel, where huge jugs and steins with their flowing contents are very much in evidence. One Dutchman is voicing his depraved taste in a drinking song, and a cock fight is in progress. In utter distress at the hilarious pro- ceedings the group of Pilgrims stands apart, and at length, pointing to the water as their way of escape from such uncongenial surroundings, decide to make preparations to embark for America. As the little group lingers there in silence, a ladies' chorus sweetly sings a verse or two of the hymn begin- ning "Jesus Saviour pilot me."
The third episode is enlivened by the appearance on the lake in the dis- tance, of the Mayflower-in miniature-cleverly rigged up and fitted out by its local captain-Harry Wells. From the topmast the English flag is flying. As the strange craft rounds the point supposed to be a portion of Cape Cod peninsula, numerous red men gaze with awe and wonder upon the surprising spectacle. A gun is fired from the Mayflower, which served to intensify the bewilderment of the Indians, whose curiosity and excitement are depicted in a very realistic way.
The most carefully elaborated episode of all was perhaps the fourth which was written and arranged by its gifted director, Hon. Frederic Hinrichs, who himself impersonated Elder Brewster. Mr. Hinrichs ably led the discussion conducted on the boat house piazza-supposedly the Mayflower's deck-the participants including the most prominent passengers of the Mayflower. Two clergymen and a former United States minister to Persia and Venezuela helped verbally to make impressive the reasons for the long voyage across the Atlantic and the necessity of the exercise on these shores of religious freedom. The signing of the compact by the entire group of men emphasized their unity of purpose as they were about to disembark upon untried soil. At the close of this scene, the East Woodstock orchestra played, "Oh God beneath Thy guid- ing Hand" which was followed by the singing of the Tercentenary Hymn.
In the fifth episode the women of the Mayflower are about to set apart,
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by conspicuous example, the day following Lord's Day as "wash day." Two boats are seen approaching a little promontory-supposed to be a portion of Cape Cod. In these boats Pilgrim women with bundles of clothing, kettles and clothes-baskets are being conveyed to the shore to take advantage of a fresh water lake. Pilgrim men help the women disembark and erect a tripod with a huge brass kettle, build a fire beneath it and, their part of the washing program having been accomplished, stand guard while the women after re- peated dippings of garments, in kettles and lake, spread them upon the bushes to dry. Lurking Indian women behind the bushes peer at the white people cautiously and slyly appropriate some of their apparel.
Conspicuous in the foreground a little Pilgrim girl-impersonated by Rox- anna Child-sits on an antique cricket warming herself by an old fashioned foot-stove. This little maid is wearing a large handkerchief about her neck, once the property of one of her great-great-grandparents. In the child's arms may be seen what appears to be a Pilgrim doll if one may judge by its exterior but which in a twinkling is transformed into a closely wound scroll of white, which, when unrolled, bears in quaint black letters the teaching of the episode that "Cleanliness is ye next thinge to Godliness."
Scene six reveals the Mayflower as it approaches the spot designated as Plymouth. Here a large rock had been previously camouflaged and one of the most impressive moments of the entire pageant was witnessed when, leaving the Mayflower at anchor, the Pilgrims were conveyed to the shore in boats. As Elder Brewster in his long robes stood upon the rock with hand uplifted to Heaven and his devoted flock fell on their knees in gratitude to the great pilot whose "Guiding Hand" had led them to this shore, it made a memorable picture the effect of which was still further deepened as the sweet strains of "America" floated out over the water.
In the eighth episode, friendly Indians appear at the white man's settle- ment bearing gifts of corn and woven work and by many gesticulations they try to express their kindly feeling of friendliness to the newscomers. Massasoit. impersonated by Mr. Benjamin Ritch, and Samoset, by Lester Gallup, are two conspicuous members of this group. The Pilgrims invite the Indians to be seated and share their simple meal with them.
The scene of "The Pilgrims going to Church" follows. Like the famous picture of that name, the vanguard carries guns for protection while the sedate company of Pilgrims follows two by two, some of the band carrying their Bibles. Near the church the company breaks up in little groups.
Spectators have been watching with keen interest the approach on the lake of five canoes of feathered occupants as they quietly glide to the shore and stealthily scale the bank on hands and knees. They then indulge in a very realistic war dance at the close of which with piercing yells and uplifted tomahawks they rush upon the unsuspecting white settlers and are about to carry some away as captives when Massasoit and his band of friendly Indians rush to the rescue, interfere with the carrying out of the plot of the hostile Indians and compel them to release the captives.
In the final episode-The Pilgrim's Vision-red-coats with haughty bear- ing are at first very much in evidence. At length in the distance is seen the little band of Colonial troops to which allusion has already been made. As they steadily advance, the red-coats retreat amid noise and smoke. The figure of General Washington upon a spirited white horse-the rider impersonated
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by Mr. Lowe of South Woodstock-is included in the "vision," and the "Spirit of '76" enacted by three musicians is a thrilling feature as they advance in perfect time to the patriotic melody of their instruments.
After votes of thanks were heartily accorded the leaders, who had worked untiringly for the success of the Pilgrim pageant, the audience joined in the singing of "The Star Spangled Banner" and the occasion closed with a parade of all who had participated in the pageant, headed by the East Woodstock orchestra. As the bright and sombre costumes mingled beneath the grand old trees, the effect was strikingly pleasing and colorful.
The Pilgrim pageant was to many appreciative observers a fitting celebra- tion in a long processional of similar gatherings which have served to voice the loyalty, affection and abiding gratitude of Woodstock residents for the privilege of citizenship in this "land of the Pilgrim's pride," illumined as it is with the incomparable blessing of "Freedom's holy light !"
Following is the cast of characters :
FIRST EPISODE
"Merrie England." Director, Rev. Fosdick Harrison. A scene portray- ing some of the experiences of the Pilgrims while in England. The resolve to go to Holland.
SECOND EPISODE
Holiday in Holland. Director, Blanche Stoutenburgh. A scene of revelling that causes the disgust of the Pilgrims and they plan to sail to America.
THIRD EPISODE
The Mayflower. Director, Harry E. Wells. As the Mayflower sails around . the point and anchors, Indians steal to the shore to view her.
FOURTH EPISODE
Signing the Compact. Director, Frederic W. Hinrichs. Principal Characters :
William Brewster Frederic W. Hinrichs
Gov. John Carver .Herbert W. Bowen
William Bradford. Fosdick Harrison
Myles Standish William M. Gallup
John Alden. Henry Baker
James Chilton Philip R. Dean
William White.
Charles M. Perrin
FIFTH EPISODE
First Washday. Director, Elizabeth Bingham. Scene-On shore of Cape Cod. Enacted on south side of boathouse.
SIXTH EPISODE
Plymouth Rock. Director, Philip R. Dean. Scene-Landing of the Pil- grims. Enacted on lake shore north of boathouse.
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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY
SEVENTH EPISODE
Indian Friends. Director, Rilla Child. Scene-Plymouth settlement, staged northwest of boathouse. Friendship formed with Indians.
Characters, Entire Group of Pilgrims :
Samoset Lester Gallup
Massasoit . Benjamin Ritch
Squanto Winthrop Butts
EIGHTH EPISODE
Pilgrims Going to Church. Director, Arthur G. Morse.
NINTH EPISODE
Indians on the Warpath. Director, Owen White. Scene-The Indian foes come to shore in canoes. After landing they hold a war dance, then proceed to attack the Pilgrims who are saved by the timely appearance of their friends, Massasoit and his tribes, who entreat the unfriendly tribe to leave.
TENTH EPISODE
"The Pilgrim's Vision." Director, Richard Hicks. A look in the future. "The Birth of the Nation."
Characters :
George Washington. R. Hicks
Officer in command of Colonials . Oliver Hiscox
Officer in command of British. Michael White Three Patriots to represent the "Spirit of '76." Indian Scout. . George Hamilton Scene-British take up position. Campfires in front. Fife and drums heard in distance. British prepare for attack. Scout and skirmishers sent forward and soon fall back when all the British flee and George Washington and his troops appear as victors.
The Grand Parade-Led by Geo. Washington.
Dutch Men-William Howard, S. H. Peckham, H. L. Sanger, Douglas Pierce, George Spalding, Robert Lowe, Frank Anderson, George Carlson, Wayland Harris, Martin Nelson.
Dutch Women-Mrs. Frank Carlson, Mrs. Carl Eke.
Girls-Alice Butler, Alma Carlson, Constance Williams, Elizabeth Harrison, Carolyn Harrison, Mollie Hicks.
Boys-Fred Berger, Clarence Anderson, Carl Carlson, Alfred Eke, Cedric Child, Wallace Child.
Gypsies-Janet Sheppard, Blanche Stoutenburgh, Jean Mcclellan, Myrtle Lilligren, Rose Bellerive, Miss Shenning, Mabel Johnston.
Pilgrim Men-N. Tracy White, Leader; Allan W. Upham, Arthur G. Morse, Harvey Lawson, Louis H. Lindeman, Clayton Peckham, John Killiam, Willie Farrows, George Neeley, George Neeley, Jr., Clifford Farrows.
Pilgrim Women-Mrs. George Bosworth, Leader; Stella Frink, Sarah Pike, Constance Wetherell, Rebekah Hibbard, Clara Eddy, Flora Danielson, Annette May.
Indian Friends-Leader, George Hamilton, Edwin Howard, Fred Williams, John E. Williams, Hobart Sanger, Quentin Sanger, Fred Wilcox, Windsor
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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY
Clark, Carl Nelson, Freeman Nelson, Clarence Williams, Eric Erickson, Ernest Peckham, Warner Peckham, Sam Cross, Edmund Anderson.
Indian Foes-Fosdick Harrison, Carl Feiler, Donald Williams, William Hughes, Harry Rutishausser, Robert Scranton, Adrian Phaneuff, Gerald Phane- uff, Stanley Sheldon, Leland Butts, Henry Safford, Burton Harrison, Spencer Collins, Walter Filer, Roger Keeney, Harold Shanning, Henry Shanning, Henry Joy (leader), Robert Jordan, George Hitchcock.
Indian Maidens-Group Leader, Julia Johnson ; Anna Nelson, Blanche Ship- pey, Florence Dean, Elizabeth Rollins, Frances Wells, Laura Cross, Astred Erickson, Gladys Harrington, Lois Harrington, Gladys Young, Margaret Minno, Esther Johnson, Elsie Johnson, Helen Johnson, Sarah Healey, Edna Andrews, Carolyn Anderson, Myrtle Ware, Miriam Ware, Beatrice Sheldon, Bernice Sheldon.
English Gentry-Dorothy Bundy, Leader; Maud Healey, Beatrice Healey, Myrtle Barrett, Bessie Lucia, Mrs. Mills.
English Yeomen-Carl Anderson, Max Gordon, George Deane, Manford Blanchard, Lyman Hibbard; L. H. Healey, Sheriff; Leslie Cummings, Herald.
English Cavaliers-William Mills, Wallace Frink, J. Elbert Barrett, Harold Hibbard, Cyril Paine, Allison Potter.
Colonials-Winfield S. Kenyon, Winfield A. Kenyon, Ferdinand Kenyon, Luther Place, Charles Place, Albert Perrin, Harley Perrin, John Perrin, Frank Harris, Randall Davis, Arthur Eldredge, Raymond Blackmar, Clarence Lyon, Ernest Whitehouse, Elmer Davis, Leonard Sumner, Paul Williamson, Bruno Rich, Lewis Staples.
British Redcoats-Michael White, Jr., Leader; Windsor Clark, Harry Clark, Wm. Flanagan, Ewart Healey, Andrew Lowe, Charles Shelton, Geo. Place, Frank Perrin, Milton Perrin, Walter Lindeman, Wentworth Johnson, George Davis, De Witt Miller, Clyde Miller, J. O. Wood, D. Aultman, Charles Peckham, Merrill Healey, Merrill Erickson ..
WOODSTOCK IN PUBLIC LIFE
Woodstock men who have been prominent in state and county affairs from 1859 to date, are as follows :
Ezra Dean, 1861-62, state treasurer.
George A. Paine, state commissioner of the school fund, 1866-71.
Officers of the Windham County Medical Society, from Woodstock, 1859 to date, have been as follows: 1905, C. C. Gildersleeve, vice president, East Woodstock; 1917-18, Ernest Pike, East Woodstock, vice president, and in 1919 president of the society.
George A. Bowen was at one time president of the Patrons' Ins. Co., Hartford. Rufus S. Mathewson, 1865-67, was bank commissioner.
WOODSTOCK
The members of the Senate (14th district ) were : 1859-1860, George A. Paine; 1873-1874, Samuel M. Fenner; 1885-1886 (16th district)., James B. Tatem; 1899-1900, Frank R. Jackson ; 1907-1908 (28th district), Henry J. Potter. The representatives were as follows: 1859, Benjamin Works, Joseph Mc- Clellan ; 1860, George Bugbee, Abiel May; 1861, Milton Bradford, Rufus S. Mathewson; 1862, Nelson Morse, Rufus S. Mathewson; 1863, Oscar Fisher, Chester Child; 1864, Abel Child, Alba Hiscox; 1865, William Paine, Shubael
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HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY
Day ; 1866, William Chandler, James Kenyon; 1867, Stephen L. Potter, William D. Carroll; 1868, Samuel M. Fenner, Hartwell Lyon; 1869, Ezra Dean, Wil- liam H. Church; 1870, Findly M. Fox, John H. Stetson; 1871, Joseph M. Morse, Marquis Green ; 1872, William B. Chamberlain, Ebenezer Bishop; 1873, E. H. Pratt, Joseph R. Barber; 1874, George W. Child, Erastus H. Wells; 1875, Francis L. Corbin, Anson Barrett; 1876, George S. F. Stoddard, Jeremiah Church; 1877, George S. F. Stoddard, George W. Hill; 1878, Irving E. May, James B. Tatem; 1879, Stephen D. Skinner, Martin Payne; 1880, Amasa Chan- dler, John M. Paine; 1881, Elisha Child, Alexander M. Bancroft; 1882, Henry Bradford, Zenas Marcy ; 1883, Lewis J. Wells, Nathan Morse; 1884, Vernon E. Walker, Calvin Arnold; 1885, Thomas A. Lake, John F. Hibbard; 1886, Stephen Morse, Erastus Blackman ; 1887-1888, John M. Allen, Albert A. Paine; 1889- 1890, Henry T. Child, James P. Morse; 1891-1892, William B. Lester, John F. Chandler ; 1893-1894, Ezra C. May, Oliver A. Hiscox; 1895-1896, Frank R. Jackson, David T. Goodwin; 1897-1898, George M. Sampson, Francis B. Chaffee ; 1899-1900, Luther J. Leavitt, Jarvis T. Hall; 1901-1902, Waldo L. Carpenter, Henry W. Hibbard; 1903-1904, Geo. Austin Bowen, Henry J. Potter; 1905- 1906, Hezekiah P. Hibbard, Perlin S. Butler; 1907-1908, Mowry Ross, Armin E. Brunn; 1909-1910, Melancthon Riddick, F. Olin Chaffee; 1911-1912, Charles M. Perrin, Winfield S. Kenyon; 1913-1914, Prentiss W. Morse, Amos M. Paine; 1915-1916, Benjamin R. Ritch, Chester E. May; 1917-1918, Irving A. Paine, Oliver A. Hiscox ; 1919-1920, Albert N. Hammond, Clarence H. Child.
WOODSTOCK
The judges of probate were the following: 1859-1864, Stephen L. Potter; 1863-1866, George A. Paine; 1867-1879, Oscar Fisher; 1880-1890, Oliver H. Perry ; 1891-1902, Lynde A. Catlin; 1903-1920, Clarence H. Child.
WOODSTOCK LAWYERS
Woodstock lawyers, 1859 to date, have been as follows: 1859-68, Judson M. Lyon, also commissioner of the Superior Court; 1859-87, George S. F. Stod- dard, also commissioner Superior Court; 1859-66, John F. Williams, also commissioner Superior Court ; 1859-66, Caleb May, commissioner Superior Court ; 1859-60, Peleg C. Child, commissioner Superior Court; 1883-1900, G. Clinton Williams, commissioner, West Woodstock; 1885-87, A. McMathewson.
WOODSTOCK PHYSICIANS
Woodstock physicians, 1859 to date, are as follows: 1859-73, Lorenzo Marcy ; 1863, A. G. Browning; 1885-90, E. E. Gaylord; 1891-1920, Joseph Spalding ; 1896-1907, Arabella L. Goodwin; 1897-1902, George W. May; 1899-1912, Charles C. Gildersleeve; 1902-04, Robert C. Paine; 1918-20, George E. McClellan.
North Woodstock physicians, 1859 to date: 1859-62, Asa Witter; 1861-66, Henry S. Smith; 1887-88, F. H. Olin; 1889-93, F. A. Hanson.
West Woodstock physicians, 1859 to date: 1859-82, Milton Bradford.
South Woodstock physicians: 1874-1917, George A. Bowen.
East Woodstock physicians: 1861-63, Ebenezer Witter; 1863-68, Asa Wit- ter; 1869-74, John Witter; 1874, L. A. Bliss; 1875-82, John Cotton; 1882-87, F. H. Olin; (see North Woodstock) ; 1886-90, W. A. Bliss; 1913-20, E. R. Pike. Woodstock Valley physicians : 1867-84, A. S. Leonard; 1887-1905, Henry R. Lowe, eclectic.
Vol. I-6
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CHAPTER VI TOWN OF WINDHAM
EARLY HISTORY OF WINDHAM-BRIEF REVIEW OF WINDHAM'S HISTORY-THE IRISH IN WINDHAM-NORTH WINDHAM-HISTORY OF WILLIMANTIC-WILLIMANTIC AS A FACTORY VILLAGE-A NOTABLE GROUP OF PHOTOGRAPHS-OUTLINE SKETCH OF WILLIMANTIC-PERSONAL SKETCH OF ALLEN B. BURLESON-SOME OF THE FUN WE HAD-TOM WEAVER AND FAMILY-WINDHAM IN PUBLIC LIFE-THE WILLIMANTIC WOMAN'S CLUB-ANNE WOOD ELDERKIN CHAPTER D. A. R .- A REMI- NISCENT GLANCE-THE STATE NORMAL-TRAINING SCHOOL-ST. JOSEPH'S HOS- PITAL- THE MATERNITY HOSPITAL-HOW THE BLIND SEE-WINDHAM SCHOOLS.
Windham was not far behind Woodstock in time of settlement, for Wood-
1 stock had just been settled in 1686 when Windham was surveyed, divided and distributed. The Windham tract was a bequest from Joshua, third son of Uncas to thirteen men of Norwich and surrounding towns. In May, 1678, the General Court of Connecticut "allowed and established" Joshua's will. This land was laid out in forty-eight shares, and each contained 1,000 acres. The tract included the present towns of Mansfield, Chaplin, Hampton and Scotland, and the sites selected for villages were the Hither Place, or southeast quarter (now Old Windham Village), with fifteen home-lots laid out; the Ponde Place (Mansfield Centre), with twenty-one home-lots; and the valley of the Willi- mantic, near what is now Willimantic Borough, with twelve home-lots. High- ways were constructed to connect the villages. In May, 1686, lots were drawn for the separate individual holdings, some receiving one and some six shares, as decreed by Uncas. This much was done four months before anything had been planned or laid out for Woodstock.
Settlement was delayed, however, by the troubles of the Connecticut Colony and other colonies with King James. The first persons to live on the land were John Cates, an English refugee, and his negro servant, who were in hid- ing there from the fall of 1688, until some months later when the Norwich legatees carried out their plans for colonization, and the settlers commenced to arrive. Cates purchased the land on which he had been living.
Nothing is known of the life of the settlers during that first year, but there must have been plenty of hard work, and many hardships to bear. The first public meeting was held May 18, 1691. That summer a gristmill was put in operation, and a pound built. Plans were made for settling the Ponde Place. Religious services were held occasionally by the Rev. Mr. Fitch and his son Jabez, settlers and Indians assembling under a tree at the Hither Place for these services.
In May, 1692, this tract was made a township, and was given the name of Windham, after Windham in Sussex, England. There were now about thirty residents, or land proprietors and their families, settled on the tract. A town meeting was held the next month. The Rev. Mr. Fitch's house was selected
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as the best place for a meeting-house, and it was ordered "to be fortified and a lean-to built, every man doing his share of the fortification." On January 1, 1693, the new minister, Mr. Whiting, preached his first sermon from the first verse of the first chapter of Genesis. All through the previous summer and fall, and during that winter new settlers continued to arrive. As there was a great demand for lumber for the new houses, a sawmill was constructed. A dam was put across No-Man's Acre Brook. The boundaries of Windham were established by the Willimantic River, and in the fall of 1693 it was voted that Windham should be a part of Hartford County. The petition to that effect was granted, and Windham was added to Hartford. A new highway was laid out from the Ponde Place to the Willimantic River. Willimantic home-lots had not yet been taken up by the proprietors, and in 1694 they ex- changed them for allotments "at or about the Crotch of the river." Seven lots were laid out there, the seventh lot to be reserved for the minister. New highways were built, and a bridge was constructed over the Natchaug River. A military company was formed.
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