USA > Connecticut > New Haven County > Meriden > An historic record and pictorial description of the town of Meriden, Connecticut and men who have made it > Part 44
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).
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5 | Part 6 | Part 7 | Part 8 | Part 9 | Part 10 | Part 11 | Part 12 | Part 13 | Part 14 | Part 15 | Part 16 | Part 17 | Part 18 | Part 19 | Part 20 | Part 21 | Part 22 | Part 23 | Part 24 | Part 25 | Part 26 | Part 27 | Part 28 | Part 29 | Part 30 | Part 31 | Part 32 | Part 33 | Part 34 | Part 35 | Part 36 | Part 37 | Part 38 | Part 39 | Part 40 | Part 41 | Part 42 | Part 43 | Part 44 | Part 45 | Part 46 | Part 47 | Part 48 | Part 49 | Part 50 | Part 51 | Part 52 | Part 53 | Part 54 | Part 55 | Part 56 | Part 57 | Part 58 | Part 59 | Part 60 | Part 61 | Part 62 | Part 63 | Part 64 | Part 65 | Part 66 | Part 67 | Part 68 | Part 69 | Part 70 | Part 71 | Part 72 | Part 73 | Part 74 | Part 75 | Part 76 | Part 77 | Part 78 | Part 79 | Part 80 | Part 81 | Part 82 | Part 83 | Part 84 | Part 85 | Part 86 | Part 87 | Part 88 | Part 89 | Part 90 | Part 91 | Part 92 | Part 93 | Part 94 | Part 95 | Part 96
MERIDEN.W.
WEST PEAK, FROM EAST PEAK.
WEST PEAK, OR "PEARL KNOB," FROM PATH.
36
A CENTURY OF MERIDEN.
CASTLE CRAIG TOWER, LOOKING WEST.
37
MERIDEN'S PUBLIC PARKS.
TOWER AND PAVILION, FAIRVIEW.
38
A CENTURY OF MERIDEN.
PLAYGROUNDS-MIRROR LAKE-CASCADES.
39
MERIDEN'S PUBLIC PARKS.
MIRROR LAKE.
40
A CENTURY OF MERIDEN.
CATHOLE PASS.
41
MERIDEN'S PUBLIC PARKS.
eon house which is the home of a large flock of these domestic birds both summer and winter. City Park also contains a water pool always free from stagnant water and set- tees are also to be found beneath the trees.
HUBBARD PARK.
In the western part of Meriden, and named in honor of its founder, is one of the largest, most diversified, inter- esting and striking parks, public or private, within the borders of New England. Included in its 1,000 acres or more are the celebrated Meriden Hanging Hills, with their mountain peaks (over one thousand feet eleva- tion), with their crags, cliffs, etc., and abounding in features that suggest the wildness of the primeval period, while there are to be found all around spots of sylvan beauty. These hills are the highest land on the Atlantic seaboard, within fifty miles of the coast, from Maine to Florida. They are higher than Mt. Royal Park at Montreal, Blue Hills near Boston, East Rock in New Haven, or Eagle Rock of Essex County Parks, New Jersey. These five are the mountain parks of the eastern coast. All have rich beauty and magnificent views of their own. Each differs so much from the other that comparisons are not desired, but of this it is certain-let a person jour- ney ever so far, he will never regret a visit to Hubbard Park. The scenery is, exceedingly wild and picturesque. and is pronounced by celebrated land-
scape architects to be the most strik- ing reservation of natural scenery for the use of a public park possessed by any New England city.
With the exception of about eight acres, a gift to the city by the Charles Parker Co. and that originally purchased by the city from the heirs of William Johnson for reservoir pur- poses, the land comprising the present Hubbard Park has been presented to the city of Meriden by Walter Hub- bard, president of the Bradley & Hub- bard Mfg. Co., and by whom the park has always been cared for, developed and beautified without expense to the city.
The park is situated west of the city, about one and one-half miles, and can be reached by electric cars of both Meriden and Meriden & South- ington lines, which make frequent trips, passing the entire south bound- ary which extends for more than a mile, affording grand views of the higher elevations. The founder, per- ceiving the great natural advantages this land possessed for a public park, asked and received permission from the city authorities to develop that portion belonging to the municipal- ity, and the city has set aside and ded- icated this land for a public park (with the beautiful reservoir, Lake Merimere, lying picturesquely be- tween the cliffs and peaks) to which Mr. Hubbard has added many tracts of land, thus enabling him to present to the public its now priceless pleas- ure grounds, with its many fine roads and walks, leading to delightful views
42
A CENTURY OF MERIDEN.
PARK,
FOUNTAIN AND POOL, CITY
43
MERIDEN'S PUBLIC PARKS.
and scenes, and to its sparkling springs, fountains, cascade and lakes.
When, therefore, the Court of Com- mon Council of the City of Meriden voted to give Hubbard Park its pres- ent name, it was but a just recognition of Mr. Hubbard's princely generosity and interest in his fellow townsmen.
The act which follows was present- ed by Alderman H. T. King, March 7, 1898, Amos Ives, then mayor, pre- siding :
"Resolved, That the tract of land now owned by the city of Meriden, and extending from the Southington road to Merimere, or the old reser- voir, and the property adjacent there- to, which is being improved by Wal- ter Hubbard, and upon which he has already expended large sums of mon- ey for the benefit of his fellow citi- zens, be and the same is hereby des- ignated, known and entitled by the name 'Hubbard Park,' in apprecia- tion in a slight degree of Mr. Hub- bard's noble and unselfish work in be- half of his fellowmen."
The same body on the evening of January 9, 1899, after the legislature had authorized the City of Meriden to bring Hubbard Park within its mu- nicipal domain, adopted the following resolution, introduced by Alderman Brainard :
"Resolved, That the tract of land hereinafter described, belonging to the City of Meriden, except so much of the same as is used for reservoir purposes and is appurtenant thereto, be and the same is hereby dedicated and established as a public park, to
be designated and named 'Hubbard Park.'"
The lakes abound with fish which are not for for the prey of the angler but a delight to the seeker of restful recreation and lover of nature. Trout are in the trout pool ; pickerel at Mir- ror lake, which jump and dart, and in another part of the vast park is a pool of gold fish.
The water fowl of Hubbard Park comprise domestic geese and ducks, and genuine Canadian wild geese also inhabit the lakes of the park. The large number of tame pigeons at the park are a source of delight. There is also a large cage of squir- rels, which, like the water fowl and fish, are given the greatest care and protection. The waterfalls of Hubbard Park are marvelous imitations of na- ture. A charming drive of about eight miles is via the celebrated "Cathole" Pass, the Blue Hills of Kensington, and through the park, by Lake Meri- mere, with grand scenery all the way.
BROOKSIDE PARK.
Most appropriately named is Brook- side Park, a part of Meriden's park system. The land was purchased by Walter Hubbard, in 1901, and given to the city by him for park purposes. It extends from Camp to Broad streets, on both sides of Harbor Brook. a distance of nearly three-quarters of a mile and now includes a richly wooded knoll, given by the Miller Bros. Cutlery Company. The park
44
A CENTURY OF MERIDEN.
CASCADES AND BROAD STREET BRIDGE, BROOKSIDE PARK.
45
MERIDEN'S PUBLIC PARKS.
derives its name from Harbor Brook which flows through the entire park and its swift running water of the purest quality, adds greatly to its at- tractiveness.
Brookside Park was endowed not only with its name by Mr. Hubbard, but with all the vast improvements it possesses and until recently was main- tained out of his private funds which he has so freely expended. Retain- ing walls have been built along the banks of the brook; rustic bridges have been constructed spanning
the same ; and the land has been largely remade. That Brook- side and City Parks might be connect- ed, several building lots on Bunker avenue were purchased ; and the whole
is now covered with a velvety lawn. Three pools where gold fish and beautiful pond lilies thrive add to the scenic beauty of the park. All of these pools possess fountains which keep them well filled with water. The park, with its many attrac- tions, delights the visitor, and is fre- quented by people from all parts of Meriden, particularly by children.
The entrance to this park, on Camp street, is defined by two rustic stone pillars of large proportions. A newly macadamized drive extends through the entire park as well as numerous walks and paths. The park is kept in perfect condition by a competent corps of workmen and gardeners now paid by the city.
46
-
A CENTURY OF MERIDEN.
MERIDEN INSTITUTIONS
CURTIS MEMORIAL LIBRARY.
Dr. Trumbull, in his History of Connecticut, states that there were in 1818, 140 libraries in the state and that they had been instituted since the Revolution. Wethersfield had one, begun as early as 1783, a purely sub- scription library, its subscribers be- ing shareholders in the corporation ; Farmington had one, started as soon as 1785, and Waterbury in its Bron- son library has books which were once in a library in existence there in 1797.
Meriden, as befitted a very small community, had a tiny library as early as 1796.
In the home of John P. Hall, in the eastern part of Meriden, is preserved an old Bible bound in pigskin, that was "Imprinted at London by Bon- ham Norton and John Bell, Printers to the King's Most Excellent Majestie MDCXXVIII." On the inside of the front cover is this inscription :
PRESENTED TO MERIDEN LIBRARY BY
GAD ELY OF NEW YORK NOV 29 1796
Miss Grace, a sister to John P. Hall, has loaned to the Curtis Me-
morial Library the catalogue of this first library and it is here reproduced.
There are 153 volumes in this list mostly relating to divinity and theol- ogy ; and the taste of the reading pub- lic has changed to such an extent that it is doubtful if any one of these vol- umes would now be drawn if they were on the shelves of the present li- brary. The Meriden Library was a subscription one like that in Wethers- field and on the probate records in Wallingford (where Meriden estates were then settled) there are several inventories which contain the item "Share in the library" amounting to about $1.65 each, viz: Deacon Eben- ezer Cowles 1801; Samuel Whiting 1803 ; Daniel Hall 1805; and Ezekiel Rice 1809. This library was discon- tinued and the books distributed, but at what date no one knows.1 The books were doubtless kept in the base- ment of the old church that stood where the present Center Congrega- tional Church is located.
During the last century there were several attempts to start a public li-
1 At an adjourned town meeting held Feb'y 23, 1807, it was voted, "That the Books belong- ing to the Town be left with the Town Clerk.
"Voted, That the Books be loaned out for the term of four weeks.
"Voted, That if the Books are kept over one month the forfeiture shall be twenty-five cents with an increasing forfeiture of one cent per day until returned."
CATALOGUE OF
BOOKS
BELONGING TO MERIDEN LIBRARY.
DIVINITY AND ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY. American Preacher, 4 v 8 vo Apology for Chriftian Divinity, 1 v 12 mo Backus on Regeneration, 1 v 12 mo Backus's Sermons, 1 v 12 mo
Bofton's Fourfold State, 1 v 12 mo
Blair's Sermons, 3 v 8 vo Beauties of Watts, 1 v 12 mo
Burnham's Pions Memorials, 1 v 8 vo
Cowper's Tafk, 1 v 12 mo
Doddridge's Ten Sermons, 1 v 12 mo
- Life, 1 v 12 mo Mifcellaneous Works, 5 v 8 vo Rife and Progrefs, 1 v 12 mo Davie's Sermons, 2 v S vo .
Dickinfon's Letters Edwards's Differtations, 1 v 12 mo Difcourfes, 1 v 8 vo
Evangelical Principles and Practice Fordyce's Addrenes to Young Men Fuller's Letters, 1 v 12 mo
Gofpel its own Witnefs, 1 v 12 mo worthy of all Acceptation 1 v 12
Flavel's Hufbandry Spiritualized, 1 v 8 vo Hawies' Church Hiftory Hunter's Sacred Biography, 3 v 8 vo Hervey's Meditations
Jones's Lectures Jofephus's Hiftory of the Jews, 3 v 8 vo Life of Prefident Stiles, 1 v 12 mo Lee's Trial of Virtue, 1 v 12 mo Lathrop's Mifcellanies
Sermons Lowman on the Revelations, 1 v 8 vo Moral and Religious Repofitory, 4 v 12 mo Montague's Letters McEwen on the Types, 1 v 12mo
Maffillon and Bourdaloue's Sermons, 1 v 12 mo Milton's Paradise Loft and Regained Moore's Sacred Drama, 1 v 12 mo Female Education
Newton (T) on the Prophecies, 3 v 12 mơ Newton (J's) Cardiphonia, 2 v 12 mo Nelfon's Fafts and Feftivals, 1 v 12 mo Orton's Sermons Porteus' Sermons, 2 v 8 vo Lectures, 1 v 8 vo Prideaux's Connections, 2 v, 8 vo Perkins' Sermons, 1 v 8 vo She lock on Death Strong's Sermons, 2 v 8 vo
Swan's Difcourfes Seabury's Sermons
Difcourfes
Sturm's Reflections, 3 ¥ 12 mo
Sherlock's Difcourfes, v 4th
Watfon's Apology for the Bible
Walker's Sermons, Watts on the Mind
Weft on the Refurregion
Willifton on the Sabbath
Young's Night Thoughts.
HISTORY, VOYAGES, TRAVELS, MISCELLANY, &c. .
American Poems
American Farmer
Beauties of Hiftory
Brydon's Tour through Cicily and Malta
Carver's Travels
Cook's Voyages - Laft. Voyage
Camilla, 5 v 12 mo
Cyrus' Travels
Emeline, 2 v Fool of Quality, 5 v 12 mo
French Revolution
Gifford's Refidence in France
Gordon's American Revolution, 3 v 8 vo Goldfmith's Roman Hiftory, 2 v 8 vo
Guthrie's Geography
Heath's Memoirs
Humphrey's Works
Hiftory of the French Revolution of Glafcow
Hawkin's Voyage Knox's Effays,
Lyttelton's England 2 v
Life of Doctor Franklin
Locke on the Human Underftanding, 3 v
Millot's Univerfal Hiftory, 5 v 8 vo
Mills on Agriculture Memoirs of an Heireis
Modern Travels and Voyages Man of Feeling Neal's Hiftory of New-England, 2 v Prophane Hiftory
Ramfay's America, 2 v 8 vo Savory's Egypt, 2 v Smith's Wealth of Nations, 3 v
Spectator, 8 vo 12 mo Voltaire's Hiftory of Charles 12th. 1 v. Wafhington's Letters.
COMPLETE CATALOGUE OF FIRST MERIDEN LIBRARY.
48
A CENTURY OF MERIDEN.
brary. The Meriden Republican in its issue of May 26, 1868, said "Some 20 years ago the Young Men's Insti- tute collected 700 or 800 volumes for a library ; but it declined and the volumes were scattered. Rev. Mr. Thacher, during his pastorate (1854- 1861), made an effort to start a pub- lic library but failed. Rev. Mr. Hay- den succeeded a little better and was instrumental in obtaining a charter and organizing a library association ; but he was foiled in attempting to raise sufficient capital to erect the neces- sary building. Now the Y. M. C. A. have a building of their own fitted with library and free reading room. They have the remnant of the Young Men's Institute, and now they appeal for $1,500 to buy books." For years this library was the only one of a pub- lic nature in town. It was at first kept in the small wooden building which stood on the present site of the Y. M. C. A. and when the present brick building was erected in 1876-77 it was kept in the room where it is located to-day. The books were free to all for reference, but in order to draw a book and take it home it was necessary to become a member and pay annual dues of $2. The books at present number over 8,000 but on ac- count of restrictions it is far from a free public library.
There have been various spasmodic attempts to raise sufficient money to start a free public library. On the evening of April 7, 1895, a public meeting was held in the town hall to devise means for forming a public li-
brary. Ringing speeches were made, great enthusiasm was shown by all; and various committees were appoint- ed to raise funds and outline a feasi- ble plan. But the great financial de- pression then existing blighted the project and the movement soon died a natural death. During the winter of 1897-8 the ladies of the Thursday Morning Club gave a series of lec- tures which proved so successful that. at the close of the season the treasury of the club was found to have quite a sum of money on hand. Some bright mind of the club conceived the idea that it would be wise to devote this sum to a free public library for Meriden. Thus was the movement started which has proved so success- ful. At a meeting of the club a com- mittee was appointed consisting of men as well as women to agitate and work for the project; at the annual town meeting held in October, 1898, an appropriation of $1,000 ($500 for running expenses and $500 for buying books) was voted, after considerable opposition, for supporting a free pub- lic library. At the same meeting the following directors were elected to carry on the work: Miss Jennie Page, Henry W. Hirschfeld, John L. Dolan, for one year ; Albert B. Mather, Mrs. J. H. Chapin, Walter S. Billard, for two years; George M. Curtis, Thos. L. Reilly, Mrs. C. H. S. Davis, for three years.
Thus was born a public library in Meriden. It was decided to begin work at once. Two rooms in the T. J. Coe house, No. 104 East Main
49
MERIDEN INSTITUTIONS.
street, were rented and Miss Lucy B. Wadhams, of Torrington, was en- gaged as librarian, with Miss Corinne A. Deshon as assistant. Meanwhile a number of ladies had associated themselves as a Library Whist Club, the purpose being to meet at differ- ent houses, and, by a system of fines and fees, raise money to aid in sup- porting the library. It is certain that
constant succession of gifts of money and books and the library grew as rap- idly as conditions and circumstances would permit; but the rooms were small and the work was greatly hin- dered thereby. In April Miss Wad- hams resigned her position and Miss Deshon was elected her successor. Mrs. Chapin would not accept the po- sition of library director and Mrs.
CURTIS MEMORIAL LIBRARY.
the aid of these two clubs in support- ing the library during these days of small beginnings was invaluable. The library was opened on the evening of January 30, 1899, for inspection only, and on the next day began the actual work of delivering books to the pub- lic with probably not more than 1,000 volumes on the shelves. There was a 4
Caro A. Lyon was elected in her place and Miss Hannah K. Peck was elected as successor to Miss Jennie Page who married and removed from Meriden. On December 7, 1900, Mrs. George R. Curtis announced that she would contribute sufficient money to buy a site, erect a suitable building for a li- brary and thoroughly equip it, provid-
50
CENTURY OF MERIDEN.
ing the town would vote to annually appropriate $3,000 for running ex- penses. At a special town meeting held on the evening of March 12, 1901, it was unanimously voted to ac- cept the offer made by Mrs. Curtis. Plans presented by W. H. Allen, of New Haven, were accepted, but as Mr. Allen at this time removed to California, Richard Williams, his suc- cessor, and who had drawn the plans, became the supervising archi- tect. The Lawrence property on the east corner of East Main and Pleas- ant streets was bought and work on the site was soon begun. The con- tractors were The H. Wales Lines Co., of Meriden, mason work; Smith & McQueen, of New Haven, carpenter work; Sheahan & Groark, New Ha- ven, heating; Menzies & Menzies, New Haven, plumbing ; John F. But- ler Co., Meriden, painting; C. F. Wooding Co., Wallingford, electric wiring ; The Library Bureau, New York, furniture ; A. B. & W. T. Wes- tervelt, New York, book stacks, and The Bradley & Hubbard Mfg. Co., Meriden, gas and electric fixtures.
On the afternoon of September 28, 1901, the corner stone was laid with appropriate ceremonies and U. S. Sen- ator Orville H. Platt delivered the ad- dress. Meantime an appeal had been made for funds to buy books and the response was liberal, for up to this time more than $14,000 has been con- tributed for this purpose and many gifts of valuable books have been made. A bronze plate bearing the name of the donor has been placed in
the stack room whenever a gift of $1,- 000 or more has been made ; there are now twelve of these plates in the room.
List of those for whom alcoves are named : John D. Billard, Dorence K. Atwater, Clarence P. Bradley, Wal- ter H. Bradley, Isaac C. Lewis, Frederick E. Curtis, Walter Hub- bard, Walter Hubbard, Nathaniel L. Bradley, Edward H. White, George A. Fay, Walter L. Bevins, Russell Hall, Aaron L. Collins.
The autumn and winter previous to removal to the new building were busily employed by the librarian and her assistants in buying and cata- loguing more than 10,000 volumes.
On the evening of April 20, 1903, the new library building was formally opened and a large number of Meriden citizens inspected the handsome edi- fice. The actual transfer of the prop- erty to the Town of Meriden took place in the assembly room on the sec- ond floor. The town was represented by George W. Miller, selectman, and the presentaton of the deed was made by George M. Curtis in behalf of his mother, Mrs. George R. Curtis. Gov- ernor A. Chamberlain, the architect, Richard Williams, and the contract- ors, H. Wales Lines and Mr. Mc- Queen were present and a number of brief speeches were made. At 10 o'clock the next morning the build- ing was opened to the general public and the usual work of a library be- gan. There are now on its shelves more than 13,000 volumes. The di- rectors have already been named. The
5I
MERIDEN INSTITUTIONS.
AUGUSTA (MUNSON) CURTIS.
52
A CENTURY OF MERIDEN.
officers are A. B. Mather, president ; Thomas L. Reilly, secretary, and George M. Curtis, treasurer.
Corinne A. Deshon is librarian ; Elizabeth L. Clark, first assistant ; Emma L. Woodley, second assistant, and Edward Burns, janitor.
Richard Williams furnished the fol- lowing architectural description of the library :
The design of the building is classi- cal, the motive adopted being that of the Greek Ionic order as exemplified in the Erecthion at Athens ; the rela- tive proportion of all members of the order to the diameter of the columns is the same as in that most beautiful of all temples. In working out the de- tails the architect availed himself of the most authentic works and meas- ured drawings obtainable, to reproduce with exactness, the mouldings and or- naments of the temple, and thus em- body in the Curtis Memorial Library, a lesson in the most finished example of the most refined Order of the Five, and thus contribute permanently to the advancement of knowledge through the expression of the archi- tecture of the building ; in harmony with the treasures of lore which are housed within its walls.
The exterior of the building is of Vermont white marble, the dome is covered with copper, and the interior woodwork is quartered oak, fumed finish. The entrance is approached by ascending several steps into a log- gia which is floored with mosaic tile with a border of a Greek pattern ; the walls and ceiling are covered with
white marble slabs, and lighted by hol- lophane glass globes supported on bronze wall fixtures on either side. The vestibule is floored with mosaic, designed in the same patterns as in the loggia, and wainscoted with quar- tered oak. It connects with the de- livery room, the assembly hall on the second floor, and toilet rooms at the side. On the east wall is a bronze me- morial tablet bearing this inscription :
IN MEMORY OF HER HUSBAND GEORGE REDFIELD CURTIS BORN DECEMBER 25 1825 DIED MAY 20 1893 AND THEIR DAUGHTER AGNES DESHON CURTIS SQUIRE BORN APRIL 10 1863 DIED MAY 20 1900 THIS BUILDING WAS ERECTED 1901-1902
BY
AUGUSTA MUNSON CURTIS
Opposite this tablet is a bronze alto relievo figure called Amor-Caritas, de- signed and cast by the celebrated sculptor, St. Gaudens, and erected by the members of the Thursday Morn- ing Club in memory of Agnes Deshon Curtis Squire, a former member.
Opposite the entrance to the deliv- ery room is the delivery counter and the stack room, 31x29 feet, with two tiers of book shelves and space for a third and containing altogether room for 40,000 books. Each alcove be- tween book cases has a window at the end and the main corridor through the center is lighted by a large window at the end, and a skylight admits light into the center of the room. This room is absolutely fireproof and sepa-
53
MERIDEN INSTITUTIONS.
rated from the main building by re- volving steel curtains. There are two reading rooms, 18x30 feet, with a fire- place in each, set in a mantel of red Numidian marble. The delivery room, which occupies the center space under the assembly room and the dome, is 30 feet by 30 feet. On the north wall hangs a beautiful clock pre- sented by the Ladies' Library Whist Club. The assembly room is 30 feet by 30 feet, and covered with a copper dome, and has a stage and two ante- rooms. The columns and entablature
of this room are designed in the Greek Corinthian order and the proportions and details are the same as in the Choragic monument of Lysicrates at Athens. There is on this floor a com- mittee room which opens from the lob- by at the top of the stairs. The build- ing is heated by direct and indirect steam radiation. Altogether the struc- ture is built of the best materials and workmanship known to the trade.
The total cost of the site, building and fixtures was about $75,000.
THE CURTIS HOME.
On Crown street, on an elevation that commands a view of beautifully diversified country to the south and west, is the Curtis home, founded by one of Meriden's noblest citizens, Lemuel J. Curtis, who heeded well the biblical command : "Help ve one another."
The monument that tells, therefore, of the loving memory of Lemuel J.
Curtis, with the highest praise was this home, provided out of the good- ness of his heart for worthy aged women and children.
The establishment of the Curtis home was a wisely guided philan- thropy that has achieved noteworthy success in the good Mr. Curtis aimed to accomplish. Its location is health- ful and pleasant and fortunate are those who can avail themselves of the shelter there offered.
The first building of this institu- tion was dedicated June 28, 1884. It was the children's home and stands now at the north end of the structures that comprise the institution.
Lemuel J. Curtis was for many years senior warden of St. Andrew's Episcopal church and one of its staunchest supporters. Besides the erection of the first building ; which cost $50,000, before his death, he en- dowed the home with about $650,000.
Perhaps the act to incorporate the Curtis home of Meriden, passed by the General Assembly of the state of Connecticut, March 19, 1885, will best tell just the purpose and object Mr. Curtis had in mind when he created the home :
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.