USA > Connecticut > Tolland County > Coventry > Historic sketch of Coventry, Connecticut on the occasion of the two hundredth anniversary of the incorporation of the town and of the organization of the First Congregational Church > Part 3
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A view of Harlan Page's birthplace is here shown. lle was born in 1991. He organ- ized the first Sunday school class in the church at North Coventry. He became a convert to the Baptist faith and became a missionary in connection with the American Tract Society.
Lorenzo Dow, a Methodist preacher in many lands, (From engrav- ing in "Life, Experience and Travels of Lorenzo Dow," by Rev. John Dowling, D. D. New York, 1854.)
Jesse Root, whose picture forms the frontispiece, was a native of Coventry, born December 28th, 1736. Hle graduated from Princeton in 1756. After three years as a minister, he studied law and was admitted to the bar in Hartford County, 1763. He served as a lieutenant-colonel in the Revolution and was a member of the Continental Congress between 1778-83. He was judge of the Su- perior Court for many years and chief justice of Connecticut, 1796- 1807. At the age of 82 he opened the Constitutional Convention in 1818.
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John Strong, who was born in Coventry August 16th, 1738, appears to have been prompted by the pioneer instinct of the time. Hle moved to the north and settled on the east side of Lake Cham- plain, where he became eminent as a legislator and local judge. In 1791 he sat in the convention that ratified the United States C'on- stitution.
Nathan Strong, Jr., and Joseph Strong were born in Coventry, the former, October 16th, 1748; the latter, September 21st, 1753, sons of Nathan Strong, pastor in North Cov- entry. The former was or- dained pastor of the First Church in Hartford January 5th, 1224, was a chaplain in the Revolutionary army, and one of the chief founders of the Connecticut Missionary So- ciety in 1998.
Joseph was for fifty-six years pastor of the First Church in Norwich. Both brothers were Yale graduates and authors of many ecclesiastical works.
Samuel Huntington, the Home of Harlan Page, the missionary, now remodeled and occupied by William Sparne. third governor of the state of Ohio, was another native of Coventry, born October 4th, 1765. He was a nephew of Samuel Huntington, signer of the Declaration of Independence, by whom he was adopted and edn- cated as a lawyer. Previous to his gubernatorial term, 1809-10, he was a delegate to the Ohio State Constitutional Convention of 1802, judge of the Court of Common Pleas and also of the Supreme Court, and state senator in the first General Assembly of 1803. In the second war with Great Britain, 1812-13, he was district paymaster, with the rank of colonel.
Joseph Huntington is better known to Coventry's history, although not a native. He was born in the neighboring town of
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Windham, May 5th, 1735, and was a brother of the signer, Samuel, mentioned above. Ile was graduated from Yale in 1762, and oue year later, June 29th, 1763, was ordained pastor of the First Church in Coventry and remained here until his death in 1791. It is interesting to note that under his tutelage Nathan Hale was pre- pared for college.
Joel Jones was another native of Coventry-born October 25th, 1795- who migrated at an early age. He became a lawyer in Easton, Pa., and was one of the founders of Lafayette College. In
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Jesse Root Homestead on Ripley Hill, elaborately described in Austin C. Dunham's "Reminiscences" in Hartford Daily Courant of April 6th, now owned by Ferdinand Zechiel's estate.
1814-9 he was the first president of Girard College in Philadelphia and was mayor of that city in 1849.
Libraries in Coventry
As the present year is seeing the construction of a beautiful library building in our town, it is fitting to bring this historic sketch to a close in tracing the development of our libraries.
Certain old books give evidence of the existence of a library previous to 1800 known as the Social Library.
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The next library in Coventry was made possible by the legacy which was left by Mrs. Sarah Hale of $3,333.33 in 1803. Mrs. Ilale was the wife of John Hale, a brother of Nathan Hale, and her will carried out the wishes of her husband, who died before she did. By the terms of the will the library was especially for the use of ministers or those who wished to study for the ministry or for missionary work. A certain percent of the money was to form a cumulative fund and has now amounted to over $10,000. Another part each year is for the purchase of books, and still an- other is for the aid of students who wish to be ministers or mis- sionaries. The library at present is at the Congregational parson- age. It is known as the Hale Donation Library. A portrait of John Hale is to be found there.
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Library occupied by the South Coventry Library Association since 1891.
The beginnings of the present small library in South Coventry would certainly seem to illustrate the fulfillment of the promise to those who cast their bread upon the waters. A friendless boy was cared for and clothed by some kindly women here. Years passed and the poor boy became a wealthy man. Dr. Cogswell, the man just mentioned, wrote from California in 1879, offering to give $500 toward the establishment of a library if the people here would raise a similar sum.
Due to this stimulus, the South Coventry Library Association was organized in 1880 and books were loaned on a small payment per year until very recently, when it was made free, the town giving $100 annually and the state furnishing each year the same amount
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BOOTH AND DIMOCK MEMORIAL LIBRARY IN PROCESS OF ERECTION. Donated by the late Henry F. Dimock.
in books. The present building, pictured here, was once used as a postoffice, but was purchased by the Association in 1891 for use as a library. The library contains about 4000 volumes.
The Porter Library in North Coventry was started in 1886 by Thomas E. Porter and the widow of Dr. John Porter, each of whom gave $200. This library, as well as that in South Coventry, were beneficiaries in the will of Wm. B. Kingsbury to the extent of about $1,200 apiece.
In 1911 the late Henry F. Dimock left $40,000 in perpetuation of the memory of his grandfather, Rev. Chauncey Booth, and his father, Timothy Dimock, M. D., to build and endow a library to be known as the Booth and Dimock Memorial Library. This explains the building now in process of erection, and the accompanying illustration will show how the building will look at completion. Thus generously has Coventry been aided by her sons and friends.
As this manuscript is going to press the citizens of Coventry in town meeting assembled, August 3d, 1912, have anticipated the bicentennial exercises in a very practical manner by purchasing the A. O. U. W. Hall on Wall Street, to be used as a Town Hall.
Thus in briefest outline has the attempt been made to trace developments from the beginnings to present accomplishments. Many changes have there been, and, we trust, great advance. "Old- fashioned manners are disappearing; let not old-fashioned virtues also disappear. Let not the material prosperity produce nor accom- pany a decrease of intellectual or moral worth."
Coventry's oldest married couple, Mr. and Mrs. William O. Gardiner, aged 88 and 85 respectively. They have been married 61 years.
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A POEM IN COMMEMORATION OF THE TWO HUN- DREDTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE TOWN OF COVENTRY
RUTH AMELIA HIGGINS
Long ago when the Indian bold Stalked about over meadow and hill, Or skulked in thicket, ou ledge, Near the course of river or rill; When the rivers were not yet harnessed, Nor the forest monarchs laid low And the wind which came from the northward But rumors vague did blow Of the white man, the pale-face conqueror, Who, armed with his weapons of fire, Was taking away from the redman The land he had fought to acquire ; When as yet in this peaceful valley No sign was seen of the foe Who should take the peace of the Indian And work for his overthrow.
To this land where lived the Mohegan The dreaded white man came At last, but quiet and peaceful Redeemed somewhat the name. And ventured at length to demand, As mildly as might be, The sale of a large stretch of country Where all might live peacefully.
Then were the young braves angry And swore by all that was free That the white man should die like a traitor Before such ruin should be. But Joshua, the brave and the thoughtful, Sage chief of the council of war, Restrained their impetuous madness Before they were carried too far; Rebuked their unfriendly spirit With words of wisdom and calm; Recommended they sell to the white man, Be courteous and do him no harm.
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So a broad stretch of hill and of valley, With rocks, with bad soil and good, Was gained by the will of the great chief ; And where wigwams had stood Rose the simple log-cabin or frame house, The home of the pioneer, With its work, its pleasures, its frolies, The center of health, of good cheer.
Just two hundred years have passed by it Since that town was founded there- The town with the lake of crystal, With the cool, refreshing air, With hills of green for a setting, With land to work and till ; With the cheerful hum of the workshop And the busy whir of the mill.
Oak tree on the property of Mr. Carl G. Johnson, grown from an acorn from Connecticut's famous Char- ter Oak.
Two centuries! and in the meantime A nation's life was bought; And then with brothers' blood In unity was wrought. The little town was courageons, Always doing more than her share ;--- Nathan Hale and lesser heroes Firmly stood forth to do and to dare.
Heroes of peace are not want- ing- Justice Root and Lorenzo Dow, Many men of uprightness and honor, The pride of the town, then and now.
And to-day, as we look o'er that village, Named for the one 'eross the It seems to extend hearty wel- come To you, from old Coventry.
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TOWN OFFICERS, 1912.
(1) John H. Reynolds, First Selectman; (2) Arthur B. Porter, Select- man; (3) George Rosebrooks, Selectman; (4) Perkins L. Lathrop, Repre- sentative; (5) J. Montgomery White, Representative; (6) John S. Champlin, Town Clerk and Treasurer; (7) George H. Robertson, Judge of Probate.
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OFFICIALS FOR THE TOWN FOR OLD HOME WEEK.
(1) Dr. William L. Higgins, President; (2) Addison Kingsbury, Treas- urer; (3) Charles W. Lee, Vice-president; (+) Curtis Dean, Secretary and Historian; (5) Miss Ruth A. Higgins, Poetess,
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CHAIRMEN OF COMMITTEES FOR COVENTRY'S BICENTENNIAL.
(1) Henry F. Parker, Hospitality Committee; (2) John M. Wood, Decor- ating Committee; (3) De Witt Kingsbury, Finance Committee; (4) Mrs. Thomas H. Wood, Relies Committee; (5) Ernest H. Woodworth, Parade Committee.
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OFFICIAL PROGRAM
FOR OLD HOME WEEK
Sunday, August 25th
ORDER OF EXERCISES, FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, SOUTH COVENTRY, CONN.
10.45 A. M. : Organ Voluntary. Doxology.
Invocation, REV. D. F. DODD.
Hymn 218, "O God Our Help in Ages Past."
Responsive Reading. Solo, R. A. STORRS.
Scripture Lesson, Luke XII, 22-40, REV. II. M. BARTLETT.
Prayer. Offering.
Anthem.
Sermon, Psalms LXXVII 10-12, "Life in the Old Church," REV. NESTOR LIGHT.
Prayer, REV. H. M. BARTLETT.
Ilymn 1019, "O Where Are Kings and Empires Now ?".
Benediction.
7.30 P. M. : Service of Worship and Song. Soloist, W. A. TUCKER. Scripture Lesson, Isaiah L1, 1-6.
8.00 P. M. : "Congregationalism in Connecticut," illustrated by numerous stereopticon pictures of persons, places, churches and historic landmarks, REV. SHERROD SOULE, Superintendent of Missions for Connecti- (111.
Monday, August 26th
NORTH COVENTRY CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH.
8.00 P. M .: A Cantata, " The Haymakers," by local talent; CHARLES W. LEE, Director.
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Tuesday, August 27th
BI-CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION OF FIRST CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH, . SOUTH COVENTRY, CONN.
9.00 A. M. : Devotional Services, led by REv. GEORGE W. CHRISTIE.
9.30 A. M. : Roll Call of the Church. Letters from absent members. Letters from former pastors.
11.00 A. M. : "The First Hundred Years," REV. NESTOR LIGHT.
12.00 M. : Luncheon by the Ladies of the Church.
2.00 P. M. : Devotional Services, led by REv. D. F. DoDD.
2.15 P. M. : Historical Papers :
The Meeting Houses, WILLIAM J. WILSON, JR. The Y. P. S. C. E., MISS HANNAH B. POTTER. The Sunday School, MISS GERTRUDE MACFAR- LAND.
The Work of the Women of the Church, Miss RUTH A. HIGGINS.
3.15 P. M. : Bi-Centennial Poem, FORREST MORGAN.
3.45 P. M. : "The Second Hundred Years," REV. NESTOR LIGHT.
1.00 P. M. : Devotional Services, led by REV. H. M. BARTLETT.
7.15 P. M. : Addresses: REV. D. F. DODD representing the M. E. Church, South Coventry ; REV. HL. M. BARTLETT representing the Second Congregational Church, North Coventry ; REV. Joux J. LOCKETT repro- senting the Congregational Church, Andover.
8.00 P. M. : Address, REV. ASHER ANDERSON, D. D., Secretary National Council of Congregational Churches.
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Tuesday, August 27th-Continued
COMMITTEES IN CHARGE OF CHURCH CELEBRATION.
Committee of Arrangements.
REV. NESTOR LIGHT HON. ADDISON KINGSBURY
W.M. L. ILIGGINS, M. D.
CURTIS DEAN, EsQ.
Finance Committee.
MR. LOUIS A. KINGSBURY MR. JOHN M. WOOD MR. ROYAL H. ROSE Relics Committee.
MR. DE WITT KINGSBURY MISS HATTIE ALBRO MRS. VAN R. BENNETT
Decoration Committee
The Young People's Society of Christian Endeavor
Entertainment Committee of the Ladies' Association.
MRS. WM. F. WOOD
MRS. MARVIN P. COLEMAN
MRS. ALBERT E. HARMON MRS. WM. L. THIGGINS
MRS. WM. C. LATIMER MRS. THERON E. DUNHAM
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Wednesday, August 28th EXERCISES AT NORTH COVENTRY.
10.00 A. M. : Music, Hebron Fife and Drum Corps.
10.30 A. M. : Invocation, REV. H. R. HOISINGTON. Music. Address of Welcome, REV. H. M. BARTLETT. Music. Historical Address, REV. LEON II: AUSTIN. Music.
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12-2 P. M. : Lamch and Social Hour, with music by Fife and Drum Corps.
2.00 P. M. : Short speeches and toasts by residents of the town and visiting friends. CHARLES W. LEE, Toastmaster.
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Thursday, August 29th
TOWN HISTORICAL EXERCISES AT SOUTH COVENTRY.
9.00 A. M .: Music, Hebron Fife and Drum Corps.
10.00 A. M. : Invocation, REV. LEON H. AUSTIN. Music.
Address of Welcome by the Chairman, DR. WILLIAM I. HIGGINS.
Music.
Reading of letter from His Excellency, GOVERNOR SIMEON E. BALDWIN.
Greetings from the State, by His Honor, LIEUT .- GOVERNOR D. L. BLAKESLEE.
Greetings from Coventry, England, letter from MAYOR W. F. WYLEY.
Greetings from Yale University.
Address by PROF. EDWARD EVERETT HALE, JR., of Union College, Schenectady, N. Y., and JUDGE CARL FOSTER, of Bridgeport.
12-2 P. M .: Social hour, with music by Fife and Drum Corps.
2.00 P. M .: Historical Address, CURTIS DEAN.
Original Poem, MISS RUTH A. HIGGINS. Weber Quartette.
History of the Manufacturing Interests of Coventry, HON. ADDISON KINGSBURY.
Short sketches of some of the old residents of the town, HENRY F. PARKER.
Addresses from citizens of the town and from visitors.
Singing, "America," led by the Town Choir.
S.00 P. M. : Cantata, "The Haymakers," by local talent in the First Congregational Church; CHARLES W. LEE, Director.
Friday, August 30th
9.00 A. M. : Music by the Baltic Brass Band, the Hebron Fife and Drum Corps, and the Nathan Hale Fife and Drum Corps.
11.00 A. M. : Parade.
2.00 P. M. : Ball game and sports of various kinds.
8.00 P. M. : Fireworks.
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Saturday, August 31st
FAMILY REUNIONS, PICNICS, AND VISITS TO HISTORIC PLACES.
For the convenience of the visitor some of the places of historic interest are listed below :
Nathan Hale Cemetery : Nathan llale Monument.
Site of old grist mill, and old mill- stone.
Site of First Congregational Church. Site of the old Academy.
Old training ground.
Old Methodist Church, later Cath- olie Church.
Royal Manning Tavern.
Jeremiah Ripley's house.
Manning Store.
Perkins Rose's Store.
Old Brick Schoolhouse.
Site of Samuel Burchard's house, probably the first house.
Former home of Rev. Chauncey Booth.
Lorenzo Dow's birthplace.
Pomeroy Tavern.
Mason's Cotton Mill.
John Boynton's Machine Shop.
Old Foundry.
Old Cotton Mill.
Site of the Strong homestead, prob- able birthplace of Nathan Hale's mother. Jesse Root's house.
Old Toll Gate.
Hale Homestead.
Offspring of Charter Oak.
Harlan Page house.
Crowley house, where first Catholic services were held.
Old tavern near Mansfield Depot, where Washington onee stopped.
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Collections of material of historic interest will be on exhibition in the basement of the Methodist Church in South Coventry and in the Chapel at North Coventry.
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The oldest male inhabitant, Mr. Henry Case, born March 20, 1823, and so 89 years old.
The oldest female inhabitant, Mrs. Fanny Brewster, born March 20, 1819, and so 93 years old.
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OFFICERS AND COMMITTEES TO ARRANGE PLANS FOR " OLD HOME WEEK" IN COVENTRY, AUGUST 25THI TO 31ST, 1912 Officers and Executive Committee President, WILLIAM L. HIGGINS Vice-president, CHARLES W. LEE Secretary, CURTIS DEAN Treasurer, ADDISON KINGSBURY
Program Committee
JOHN HI. REYNOLDS, Chairman CHARLES R. HALL
LOUIS A. KINGSBURY MRS. JOHN M. WOOD MRS. S. NOBLE LOOMIS
Music Commillee
CHARLES W. LEE, Chairman MIRs. WMr. H. ARMSTRONG
MRS. LUCY HAVEN JOHN M. WOOD
DUNCAN F. DODD Parade Committee
ERNEST HI. WOODWORTH, Chairman GILBERT STORRS HENRY C. WALKER LOUIS M. PHILLIPS WILLIAM A. WOLFE Placarding Committee
HENRY F. PARKER, Chairman JOHN S. CHAMPLIN
ARTHUR B. PORTER PATRICK O'BRIEN
JOHN E. KINGSBURY
Hospitality Committee
HENRY F. PARKER, Chairman MRS. FRANK J. TRACY
MRS. LOUIS A. KINGSBURY
MRS. EDWIN S. LEDOYT
MRS. WM. B. HAWKINS MRS. AUGUST HILLMAN
ALEXANDER HI. POMEROY MRS. WM. F. WOOD
MRS. WM. A. TRACY MISS EDNA NEWELL
MRS. CHARLES R. HALL
MRS. BENJ. TAYLOR
Decorating Commillee
JOHN M. Woon, Chairman BRIGHAM O. SPAULDING ISAAC P. FISKE WILLIAM L. WELLWOOD
WILLIAM H. ARMSTRONG
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Relics Committee
MRS. THOMAS HI. WOOD, Chairman
MISS HATTIE ALBRO MRS. VAN R. BENNETT
MRS. E. S. SLATER MRS. OLIVER C. HALL
Amusement Committee
GEORGE HI. ROBERTSON, Chairman
WALTER S. HAVEN
JOHN P. CURLEY MARTIN H. CLARK
EVERETT LATHROP
Historian
CURTIS DEAN
Poeless MISS RUTH A. HIGGINS
Finance Committee
DEWITT KINGSBURY, Chairman OLIVER C. ILALL
MISS GRACE BRADBURY
MISS MARY CHASE
GEORGE L. ROSEBROOKS
WALLACE MCKNIGHT
MRS. GEORGE D. SWIFT
MISS WATTY BROWN
JEREMIAH YOUNG
FRANK N. TURNER
MRS. WM. A. WRIGHT
MRS. JOHN N. WALLBRIDGE
FREDERICK J. SNYDER
PERKINS L. LATHROP
MISS JULIA WHITE
11. BERTRAM POMEROY
MRS. GEORGE H. ROBERTSON
WILLIAM F. PITKIN
MISS HELEN POTTER
MRS. ROBERT PITKIN
HOPPE
F 846084.67
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