A modern history of Windham county, Connecticut : a Windham county treasure book, Volume I, Part 18

Author: Lincoln, Allen B
Publication date: 1920
Publisher: Chicago : S. J. Clarke publ. co.
Number of Pages: 930

USA > Connecticut > Windham County > A modern history of Windham county, Connecticut : a Windham county treasure book, Volume I > Part 18

Note: The text from this book was generated using artificial intelligence so there may be some errors. The full pages can be found on Archive.org (link on the Part 1 page).

Gifts of money in various amounts have been given by the club to many causes, chiefly local-Young Men's Christian Association, St. Joseph's Hos- pital, Connecticut College, Girls' Club, the United Charities, and during the war to the local Red Cross and the Soldiers' Book Fund. During the World war large amounts of clothing were collected and packed in the Woman's Club rooms to be sent to war sufferers. Often is the free use of the club rooms given for some worthy cause.

During the thirty years of the club's existence the office of president has been held by only eight different members. A list of these truly constitutes an honor roll of service, each one bringing fresh enthusiasm and impetus to the club. These are as follows: Miss Harriet E. Brainard, 1890-92; Mrs. Charrie A. Capen, 1892-94; Mrs. Jennie C, Robinson, 1894-97; Mrs. Emir W. Hamlin, 1897-99; Mrs. Jennie C. King, 1899-1900; Mrs. Charrie B. Capen, 1900-02; Mrs. Florence B. Hunt, 1902-05; Mrs. Jennie C. King, 1905-07; Mrs. Jennie F. Taylor, 1907-09; Mrs. Charrie B. Capen, 1909-12; Mrs. Florence B. Hunt, 1912-16; Mrs. Harriet Bass Fenton, 1916-1920.

Long since through wise and generous leadership, the club has outgrown its early motto-"For Mutual Good and Mutual Need," and now might well adopt as its motto "For Civic Good and World Need." The club has at the present time, July, 1920, 120 members. Following is a copy of the program for the year 1919-20, which will indicate the present nature and scope of the bi-weekly meetings :

September 16-Club Opening. October 7-The Spirit of France, An His- torical Study, Miss Agnes Hunt, Smith College. October 21-Bonds of Friend- ship between Italy and America, Dr. Jane E. Robbins. November 4-Woman as a Factor in Good Government, Mrs. Nancy Schoonmaker. November 18- Public Health Nursing, Miss Margaret K. Stack, State Director of Public Health Nursing. December 2-Lecture, Recital, French Songs, Old and New, Julia Ritter McCormick. December 16-Story Telling Afternoon, Rev. Harry S. McCready. January 6-The Great French Classics, Prof. Carola Leonie Ernst, Connecticut College for Women. January 20-8 P. M., Gentlemen's Night, Fa-

142

HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY

mous Paintings with Interpretive Music. February 3-Open Meeting. Feb- ruary 17-French Art, Illustrated Lecture, Mr. Ozias Dodge. March 2-8 P. M., Playgrounds and Parks, Mr. George A. Parker, Superintendent of Parks, Hartford. March 16-France, Reconstruction. April 6-Lecture, Recital, In- dian Stories, Mabel Powers (Yeh sen noh wehs), Guests : School Children. April 13-Election of Officers. April 20-Old China, Blue Ware in Connection with Historical Facts of Early American History, Mrs. George V. Smith. May 4- Lecture, Recital, Mr. and Mrs. Charles H. Caswell. May 18-Methods of Study- ing Plants and Animals, Prof. G. H. Lamson, Connecticut Agricultural College. June 1-Field Day.

ANNE WOOD ELDERKIN CHAPTER, D. A. R. By Jennie Fuller Taylor

Through the efforts of Mrs. de B. Randolph Keim, Connecticut State Regent, and Mrs. Lizzie P. F. Litchfield, the Willimantic, Chapter, Daughters of Amer- ican Revolution, was organized November 25, 1894, with the following officers:

Regent-Mrs. Lorenzo Litchfield.

Vice Regents-Mrs. Guilford Smith, Mrs. Dwight Chaffee.

Secretary and Historian-Mrs. Clarence Bissell.

Treasurer-Mrs. Charles R. Utley.

Registrar-Mrs. Minnie Cooley.

Board of Management-Mrs. Mary Palmer Pomeroy, Mrs. Sarah Preston Bugbee, Mrs. Katherine Congdon.

The name Anne Wood Elderkin, in honor of the wife of Brig. Gen. Jedediah Elderkin, was unanimously adopted.

One must bear in mind this fact in regard to Anne Wood Elderkin : "Wom- en in Revolutionary days filled a large space in life but a very small part in print."

General Jedediah and Anne Wood Elderkin were the parents of nine children. The executive ability of women in those days is fully demonstrated. Mrs. Elderkin, the mother of nine children, model housekeeper, her home the center of refinement and culture, the most prominent people of the time being her frequent guests.

An incident is told by her great-granddaughter showing her extreme care- fulness and nicety. "She was the owner of a black satin cloak, and when calling upon friends, it was her habit to draw out her handkerchief and wipe the chairs before sitting."

Jedediah Elderkin was a noted lawyer of Windham, distinguished statesman of Connecticut, who retired at the close of the Revolutionary war with the title of brigadier general in the Continental army. He was born at Norwich, Conn., 1717, and was the fourth in line of descent from the original settler, John Elderkin, who was one of the founders of Connecticut.

Dyer White Elderkin, in his genealogy of the Elderkin family, says : "Colonel Elderkin is remembered by a few aged persons as a tall, very fine looking man. He was active, persevering and capable of originating new enterprises and of carrying them out under the greatest difficulties and discouragements. He was an honored and trusted leader from the beginning to the close of the Revolutionary struggle. He was confided in by Governor Trumbull during

143

HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY

the war as few men were, and for the important services rendered his country, in hours of great peril, his name should ever be held in grateful remembrance.

With these patriotic traditions behind her, the Anne Wood Elderkin Chap- ter began her career with the following charter members:

Mrs. Lizzie Pomeroy Fuller Litchfield, Mrs. Sarah Gertrude Storrs Bissell, Mrs. Mary Palmer Pomeroy, Mrs. Mary L. Ramsdell Smith, Mrs. Carrie Smith Larrabee, Mrs. Isabelle Webster Chapell, Mrs. Katherine Fanning Congdon, Mrs. Mary Eliza Pomeroy, Mrs. Alice K. Pomeroy Everest, Mrs. Octavia Webb Davison, Mrs. Maria A. Bingham Jillson, Mrs. Minnie Pomeroy Cooley, Mrs. Sarah Preston Bugbee, Mrs. Martha Armstrong Chaffee, Miss Florence Rogers (Storrs), Mrs. Roberta Hallam Burleson, Miss Adelaide Louise Alford, Mrs. Emma Dunham Barrows, Mrs. Mary A. Conant Macfarlane, Mrs. Vera Snow Bartlett, Miss Louise Pamelia Holt, Mrs. Alice Holt Carpenter.

The membership today is eighty. The chapter has had the honor of having two "real daughters" as members: Mrs. Angelina Loring Avery, who is liv- ing at the present time, was born July 16, 1839, whose father, Solomon Loring, enlisted in 1780 and served two years, and Mrs. Minerva Grant Show, daughter of Hamilton Grant, a drummer in the Sixth Battalion, Wadsworth's Brigade.

The charter, granted by the National Society April 12, 1895, is framed in oak taken from the house built by Brigadier General Elderkin and has hand wrought nails from the same crossed at the corners. The gavel used at the chapter meetings is made from a piece of the same beam, bound with silver, suitably inscribed, presented by Mrs. Guilford Smith.

The earlier days of this chapter, like all other patriotic societies, was spent largely in commemorating the brave deeds of the men and women who lived. and suffered for the founding of the American Republic.

At the beginning of the Spanish war the Anne Wood Elderkin Chapter raised money for humanitarian work in connection with that war.

During the World war the Daughters of the American Revolution were among those who worked unceasingly in many fields of usefulness. One patriotic women (Mrs. W. H. P. Sweet), besides her family cares, made the following articles for the Red Cross :

Forty-seven convalescent robes, eight pajamas, ten khaki shirts, fifty-five pinafores repaired, six nightingales, eight chemise, four bedspreads, five bed jackets, twelve girls' chemise, twenty-eight hospital shirts, eight petticoats, twelve pinafores, fifty-five pinafores repaired, seven petticoats.

She also knitted the following :

Two mufflers, two three-yard bandages, two pairs wristlets, nine helmets, repaired seventy pairs socks, twenty pairs socks, sixteen sweaters, twenty-two pairs children's stockings, seventeen children's sweaters.

Women who have served the chapter as regents are :

Mrs. Lizzie Pomeroy Fuller Litchfield, Mrs. Martha Armstrong Chaffee, Mrs. Sarah Preston Bugbee, Mrs. Isabelle Webster Chappell, Mrs. Sarah Mar- tin Hayden, Mrs. Wealthia Elizabeth Harries, Mrs. Jennie L. Fuller Taylor, Mrs. Lucy Byles Wilson, Mrs. Alice Johnson Bugbee, Mrs. Almeda N. French, Mrs. Alice Tyler Smith.

The present regent, Mrs. Alice Tyler Smith, writes as follows of the present day aims of the society :

In giving the history of any chapter of the society of the Daughters of the American Revolution attention should be called to the fact that the practice of

144

HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY

the society of erecting memorials of Revolutionary heroes and events; of writ- ing histories of old towns and old times; and of celebrating in various ways the deeds of our ancestors, is only one part of the work of our great society.

We have come to believe in these days that records of the past should be more fittingly used as a means and incentive to constructive work for the pres- ent and future than as a means and end in themselves.

The other two stated objects of the Daughters of the American Revolution are to promote the cause of education to the best of our ability and especially to keep alive in ourselves and kindle in others a deep spirit of patriotism. Not merely a feeling of patriotism but a devotion to our country and its best good that shall translate itself into practical work.

This modern idea of the Daughters of the American Revolution can be best illustrated, perhaps, by considering for a moment the various resolutions passed by the Continental Congress held this spring. Out of the twenty-seven resolu- tions passed by that body only five of these were for the erection of memorials and one of these took the form of a college dormitory as a memorial. Three were approving bills before the United States Congress on the subjects of child- welfare, physical training in schools, and naturalization of foreign-born women on the same basis as men, and only one for the building of a safe place for storing valuable historical papers.

When the society passes resolutions of this kind they do not rest with the expression of approval but immediately provide a committee to work for the passage of the bill.

Our national society, in its congress, also expressed sympathy for the Near East, Poland and Russia in their struggle for freedom. Here again they seek to put ideas into action by calling upon every chapter to help these causes. First, by informing themselves about conditions and then by rendering material aid.

Schools of all kinds have always held our interest and now we are specially helping in the support of teachers who are being trained to do Americanization work. Higher pay for teachers is enlisting our deep sympathy and help also.

Enough has been said to show that we are thoroughly abreast of modern thoughts and activities; that while our hearts may be sometimes on the past, our eyes are on the future and we are trying to build in the present the most fitting memorial our ancestors could possibly have-that the citizens of the coming generation shall be, no matter in what country their origin had root, sound of body, well trained in mind, loyal and true in every circumstance of their lives, able and ready to pass on the torch of liberty from age to age so long as our great country shall endure.

STATE NORMAL-TRAINING SCHOOL

The Willimantic State Normal School, the second of the four normal schools now maintained by the State of Connecticut, was established by an act of the General Assembly of 1889. Prior to the passing of the act there had been a lively contest between Norwich and Willimantic for the possession of the school.

The act provided an appropriation of $75,000 for the construction of a building, but conditioned this appropriation upon the purchase and transfer to the state of a suitable site and the conclusion of the satisfactory agreement for the provision of model schools. The Town of Windham immediately met the terms of this act by offering the state the lot upon which the school is now

STATE NORMAL SCHOOL, WILLIMANTIC

Vol. 1-10

146

HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY

located, including the ground now occupied by the Windham High school, which latter tract was later reconveyed to the town by the state.

The school was opened in September, 1889, on the upper floor of the Willi- mantic Institute Building. A. B. Morrill, instructor in science at the New Britain Normal School, was selected as principal. During the year the State Board of Education entered into an agreement with the first school district, through its committee, Charles E. Carpenter, for the use of its schools as train- ing schools. The work of the training department was begun in September, 1890.

Delays in the completion of the Normal School Building made it necessary for the school to occupy its temporary quarters until 1895. On the 8th of April, 1895, the school occupied its new building which cost in its completed condition, $125,000. The building was formally dedicated with appropriate exercises on the 17th of May, 1895. In 1894 Mr. Morrill was transferred to the new Normal School at New Haven and Mr. George P. Phenix was appointed in his stead. Mr. Phenix remained in charge of the school until 1904 when he resigned to become vice-principal of Hampton Institute, Hampton, Va. Upon the resignation of Mr. Phenix, Mr. Henry T. Burr was appointed principal and remained at the head of the institution until 1918 when he resigned and was succeeded by the present principal, Mr. George H. Shafer.

The school has recently added a department for training teachers of com- mercial subjects. This; department is developing successfully. About the same time a domestic science course was started and was very successful for four or five years, but was discontinued during the war, when the school was depleted in numbers. During the last year a demonstration department has been added.

The equipment of the school has been increased by an addition to the main building, completed in 1903 at a cost of $20,500, new model school building completed in 1912 at a cost of $50,000, of which one-third was paid by the town, and a boiler house costing $15,000.

The Legislature of 1917 appropriated $150,000 for building a dormitory. The erection of the building was postponed on account of the war. The Legis- lature of 1919 added $120,000 to the original appropriation to cover increased cost of construction. The building is now in the process of construction and will be completed by January 1, 1921.

During the thirty years of its existence the school has graduated twenty- eight classes numbering in all 1,155. Practically all have taught in Connecticut schools. It has numbered among its teaching force many able men and women, and the efficiency of Connecticut schools has been greatly enhanced by the nor- mal-training schools, among which the Willimantic institution has held high rank. The principals have been not only successful educators, but public-spir- ited citizens in the local community. Mr. Morrill was especially active in muni- cipal affairs, serving as member of the court of burgesses, and at one time was nominated warden of the borough, coming within a few votes of election. His active civic interest and thorough study and setting forth of sound principles of municipal government as applied concretely to Willimantic affairs aroused a progressive public sentiment which had a beneficial influence for a time. Mr. Phenix was an active member of the Willimantic Board of Trade and ren- dered valuable civic service on its committees. Mr. Burr was also active in the Board of Trade or later, Chamber of Commerce, and served as its president.

147

HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY

His practical suggestions in civic affairs were valued by the business men of the community. Mr. Burr was fuel administrator during the World war, and won high commendation by his fairness and good business judgment.

Among the associate teachers who have rendered especially valuable service may be mentioned Fanniebelle Curtiss, Jennie E. Chapin, Helen F. Page, Fred- erick A. Verplanck, Grace L. Bell, Edith W. Todd, Julia H. Wohlfarth, Eme- line A. Dunn, May A. Avery, Mabel I. Jenkins, Harriette Wilson, Sarah J. Walter, Eliza G. Graves, Lucy Chandler, Jennie E. Dennehy, Edwin C. An- drews, Eliza A. Cheyney, Harry Houston, Mary M. Souther.

The present teaching force associated with Principal Shafer is as follows : Frederick W. Staebner, Miriam S. Skidmore, Edith S. Paschall, George R. Til- ford, Catherine F. Nulty, Winnifred L. Green, Morgan R. St. John, Harriet M. Stone, Marion B. Rafferty, Roy F. Richardson, May E. Davison, Mary A. Quinn, Annie W. Buchanan, Florence G. Woodward, Irma B. Lord, Ethel F. Lewis, Annie J. Oates, Fannie A. Bishop, Cora L. B. Campbell, Martha A Kalms, Grace F. Clune, Agnes G. Hickey, Marguerite J. Foley, Archibald R. Sharpe, John B. Dougal, Heloise Green.

Mr. John Dougall resigned as principal of the Model schools at the close of the school year 1920, and Mr. Elmer E. Ellsworth has been chosen to succeed him. Mr. Ellsworth who, as a Willimantic boy, attended the Model schools and is also a graduate of Windham High, should be especially well equipped for his new position. He has been principal of the Israel Putnam School at Put- nam and is a son of E. F. Ellsworth, the well known express messenger of Willimantic.

ST. JOSEPH'S HOSPITAL

St. Joseph's Hospital, located on Jackson Street, opposite St. Joseph's Roman Catholic Church and rectory, was founded in 1907 and incorporated under the laws of Connecticut in 1908. It is under the direction of the Sisters of Charity of St. Joseph's parish, and the hospital is "open to all, without dis- tinction of creed, color or nationality." . Following were the names of the Board of Incorporators: Right Rev. M. Tierney, Rev. John Flemming, Rev. Arthur DeBruycker, Guilford Smith, William A. King, James A. Shea, George A. Bartlett, Charles A. Gates, Charles DeVillers, William Vanderman, William H. Hall, George M. Harrington, E. H. Hall, Dr. John Weldon, J. O. Blanchette, J. O'Sullivan, William J. Sweeney, Daniel P. Dunn, Peter Hardman, John Hickey, George E. Stiles, James Haggerty, H. C. Lathrop, John F. Carr, H. C. Murray, James M. Smith, Eugene S. Boss, Dr. F. E. Guild.

Following were the Board of Directors: Guilford Smith, president ; Robert C. White, secretary ; Rev. John Flemming; Gen. E. S. Boss, Dr. John Weldon, Dr. F. E. Guild, Dr. T. R. Parker, Dr. Charles H. Girard, Dr. J. Hobart Egbert, Dr. C. E. Simonds, Dr. Owen O'Neil; treasurer, Mother M. Tharsilla.

Among initial benefactors of the institution were ladies of the Willimantic branch of the Needlework Guild of America, ladies of the Catholic Benevolent Association, Knights of Columbus, and members of the Hebrew Association, each furnishing a room as selected by their respective delegates. Other rooms were furnished by individuals as follows: Mrs. JJ. O'Sullivan, Peter Hardman, Mrs. John Killourey, Mrs. E. B. Walden, Messrs. Mullen and St. Onge, and Mrs. William Rourke. The children's ward was fitted up by the ladies of the

148

HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY

Windham Congregational Church, the large cot being the special gift of the children of the Sunday school. Other individual benefactors made cash dona- tions as follows : Rt. Rev. Bishop Tierney, $1,000; Gen. E. S. Boss and Dennis Shea, $500 each; Willimantic Liquor Dealers' Association, $150 in gold. The American Thread Company donated the entire proceeds of a ball which dedi- cated their new mill No. 6, namely, $700. Dr. John Weldon and Dr. Owen O'Neil more the cost of furnishing the operating room and Dr. Weldon likewise fitted up the X-ray room, providing a galvanic battery. The first "tag-day" in Willimantic netted $504. The Hon. Guilford Smith donated an ambulance, equipped with every up-to-date appliance, and it has proved a very valuable adjunct. George E. Stiles secured the Lotus quartette of Boston for a benefit concert, netting $564.

ST. JOSEPH'S HOSPITAL, WILLIMANTIC

In the earlier years of the hospital the late Bishop Tierney took a particular interest in its welfare, and his death was deeply regretted. The present bishop of the diocese, the Rt. Rev. John J. Nilan is especially interested in the work and lends hearty cooperation. The retirement of the Rev. Mother Tharsilla is much regretted.

The state appropriates $4,000 per annum and the Town of Windham $950 towards maintenance. During the year ending September 30, 1918, as shown by the last published report, the number of patients admitted was 681, and there were on that date thirty-two patients, making total number cared for 713. The number of charity patients was 403; Town of Windham patients, sixty- eight; town patients from other towns, twelve; number of birth, 118; number of deaths, including still births, fifty-three; number of patients discharged 628; highest number of patients in any one day, fifty-three; lowest, twenty; daily average attendance, thirty; number of ambulance calls, sixty; average cost per patient, $14.80. These figures give fair indication of the work.

149

HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY

Dr. Frank E. Guild is president of the Board of Directors and also director of the medical staff. Mrs. John Reilly is chairman of the Ladies' Auxiliary, which is composed of about fifty representative women of the community. Since the opening of the hospital, January 1, 1908, nearly eight thousand patients have been treated, not including those treated by the outside department. The directors state that the hospital needs have outgrown its capacity.

There is a training school for nurses in connection with the hospital, the term of instruction being two years and three months, including one month's probation, and a graduate receives a diploma and school badge. Courses of lectures are maintained by local physicians. There are also about seventy-five graduates.

Many of the nurses were available to relieve the special stress of war times and the influenza, and did heroic service. The scarcity of nurses during that period "caused many to work beyond endurance," says the report of Eleanor Reilly, president of the Ladies' Auxiliary," and this was true of our dear Sis- ter Ignatius, loved by everyone who knew her, and who surely gave her life that other lives might be spared." The Rev. Mother M. Tharsilla, superin- tendent, was also untiring in her devotion and in efficient direction.

St. Joseph's Hospital is doing a valuable work in the community of greater Willimantic and people now wonder how they ever got along without it.

THE MATERNITY HOSPITAL

The Clarke Maternity Hospital, on upper Jackson Street, was opened to receive patients October 13, 1918, and has apparently met a public need, as it is usually occupied to capacity and already needs larger quarters. While it is established particularly for maternity cases, certain other cases may be admitted, as for example for the removal of tonsils or other minor operations. Only women are admitted. This hospital is carried on by the Misses Leone and Leola Clarke, who have been well known as nurses in this vicinity for a number of years.

HOW THE BLIND SEE

One of the most interesting and valuable of lives in Windham County dur- ing the past half century has been that of Arthur C. Andrew of Willimantic, popularly known as "Andrew the blind man." To many, blindness seems the supreme affliction, and especially blindness from childhood an insurmountable difficulty ; but to Arthur Andrew, made blind by illness in early childhood, it has not been an affliction at all, but rather an incentive to succeed in life, not only in business, but as a civic factor of beneficent influence.

In early life his parents placed him in a Boston school for the blind, and fortunately his attention was turned to the handling of musical instruments as a life business. Nature, common sense, and an optimistic spirit have com- bined with indomitable determination to win for him a high degree of business success, and also a high place in public esteem. Few men are better known in the homes of the people for many miles around Willimantic, and in a wide range of business and personal acquaintances.' People rejoice in his success and good fortune and like to talk about the wonderful way in which he overcame his physical handicap. He has served in the city government as councilman from his ward, and would have readily commanded public confidence for fur- ther public honor, had he felt that he could afford the time for it. Not infre-

150

HISTORY OF WINDHAM COUNTY

quently has his name been mentioned as of one who would make a capable mayor of Willimantic. He has always taken a keen interest in civic affairs, not only locally but of state and nation, and few men are better informed or will discuss such matters with better intelligence. Men who talk with him receive many practical suggestions.

Barring the little physical mannerism necessary in feeling his way about, it is hard to realize that he is blind. His intellectual perception, his quick sense of even physical apprehension, are really marvelous. "I saw by the morn- ing paper," he will say in the most natural manner, and then proceed to tell you the morning news and talk about it. Some very interesting things are told about what and how he sees. It is a well-known fact that with intelligent blind persons the other senses are quickened to compensate. In some marvelous way the senses of touch and hearing especially, seem to equip Arthur Andrew for any emergency. He will describe accurately a new dress or new hat of his wife and tell her very positively whether or not he approves of it, or how it becomes her, or how it compares with another she has had.

Need help finding more records? Try our genealogical records directory which has more than 1 million sources to help you more easily locate the available records.

A modern history of Windham county, Connecticut : a Windham county treasure book, Volume I, Part 18

Author: Lincoln, Allen B Publication date: 1920 Publisher: Chicago : S. J. Clarke publ. co. Number of Pages: 930

Author: Lincoln, Allen B
Publication date: 1920
Publisher: Chicago : S. J. Clarke publ. co.
Number of Pages: 930