USA > Connecticut > Fairfield County > Fairfield > This is Fairfield, 1639-1940 > Part 46
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Prof. King has five balloons. The larger holds 60,000 cubic feet of gas, and carries a boat and nine men. His first ascension was made September 25th, 1851. He says he feels no fear while soaring aloft, but sometimes dreads landing.
Prof. King is in the prime of life, of a tall, com- manding form; with a high broad forehead that "rises like a mountain cone of snow", while ease and grace were manifested in his every word and action.
I saw the balloon at 8 o'clock in the evening, and as it swung at anchor with a powerful, undulating motion, in the bright moonlight, it looked like a huge, living monster, harnessed but impatient to be free. J.
A. Holland Forbes of Fairfield was also a balloonist who gave demonstrations of ascen- sions at the turn of the century. While sailing in his big balloon "Viking" over Kentucky he fell. He came home by train and the remains of his balloon were shipped to New York.
Church Fairs, too, were annual events and
here is one as reported in the Fairfield Adver- tiser on June 26, 1884 -
THE FAIR AND FESTIVAL-A FINE SUCCESS JUNE 26, 1884
The Fair and Festival, by the young ladies of the Congregational Church, Southport, held in the fine parlors, at the church on last Thursday evening proved a decided success and a very enjoyable affair.
The parlors were very tastily decorated with flags and flowers, the small tables were very neatly and attractively spread, and with the shining silver, china and white cloths, presented a most inviting appearance, and when to all this was added, the most agreeable, bewitching and entertaining attend- ants, none could resist the invitation to supper.
The refreshments were of the excellent quality for which the society is so well noted, and were of a pleasing variety as the following "bill of fare" will show:
SUPPER
Boiled Ham
Tongue
Veal Patty
Spiced Beef
Pressed Chicken
Baked Beans and Brown Bread
Wheat Bread Rye Bread
Biscuit
Coffee
Ice Cream Cake
Surely an epicure would be satiated with such a programme". The supper tables yielded a very handsome sum, and were most agreeably presided over by: Misses Mamie Osborn, Lillie Sherwood, Sadie and Mamie Alvord, Jennie Taylor, Edith Rowland, Lucy Pennell, Georgie Hull, Lottie Lacey, Amelia Jennings.
The display of fancy and useful articles was ex- cellent, of great variety and was neatly arranged, and proved one of the features of the Fair: those who had this department in charge were: Misses Kate Henshaw and Hattie H. Perry.
"Rebeccas", were at the well, and "well" they did their part. Hither went the weary and thirsty to chat with the presiding goddesses and drink of some of the best lemonade ever tasted. Hereafter the wicked puns on festival lemonade must cease as far as this society is concerned. The "well" was a center of attraction, and we will stop here, content to let "well" enough alone-Misses Julia Johnson and Jossie West, presided at the well-sweep, and were well-up in their duties.
"Sweets to the sweets"-or in other words the confectionery tables were loaded with fresh and choice confectionery and the numerous patrons crowded about them were daintily and agreeably served by Miss Ida Ogden and Mrs. A. A. Camp. Judging from the number of packages carried off, a goodly sum was realized from this department.
The ice cream was "scooped" by a master hand, the presiding genius of the knife and fork being Mr. A. A. Camp. The bricks disappeared like "snow before a July sun".
There was a goodly variety and generous supply of rich and fancy cakes, over which Mrs. O. H.
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Tea
Perry and Mrs. W. H. Holman presided.
Mr. and Mrs. L. F. Sherwood, and Mr. and Mrs. S. C. Sherwood, rendered valuable assistance "be- hind the scenes".
The auctioneer Mr. Edward Henshaw sold off at "fair" prices the articles not otherwise disposed of till they were "Going, Going, Gone"!
Mr. C. Williams, as ticket master made the en- trance to the Parlors as pleasant as possible.
At eleven P.M., the parlors were deserted and the net proceeds were found to figure up the handsome sum of about $140, a result highly creditable to the young ladies who originated and conducted this entertainment.
The Ladies desire us to return hearty thanks to all who in any way assisted them in their fair and supper.
An Announcement
HANDKERCHIEF BAZAAR
to be given by the Y. P. S. C. E. of the GREENFIELD HILL CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH
Greeting
To all our friends, though far or near,
We crave your kind attention;
So please to lend us now your ear
While we a subject mention.
The Y. P. S. C. E. will hold On a day not distant far, If we have been correctly told, A "Handkerchief Bazaar".
So this there is our plea in brief, To help our enterprise, You each shall send a handkerchief,
Of any kind or size.
To be without a handkerchief
You know is quite distressing,
From every state let one be sent-
'Twill surely be a blessing. If a handkerchief you can make, That handkerchief we will surely take, But if you can't, then buy us one,
We'll thank you when the race is run.
Please send by April 26, 1913
Send to M. Elva Banks Fairfield, Conn.
There were Socials of all kinds for we read of:
A Japanese Tea and Basket Social will be given under the auspices of the Greenfield Hill Library Association at the Congregational Church parsonage on Wednesday, January 21, 1891. A table of fancy articles will also be on sale. Doors open at 7 P.M., supper at 9:30. Each lady is requested to bring a lunch for two and each gentleman his bank account.
The box socials were special events and were looked forward to for weeks in advance. The young girls fixed a delectable repast in their painstakingly decorated boxes which were auc- tioned off. The gentleman making the highest bid for the particular box then not only had pur-
chased his supper but also had selected his din- ing partner. The girl who put up the box of food shared it with the purchaser.
Whist parties, or whist socials too were popu- lar at the close of the 19th century and the opening of the 20th century. This announcement of a series of Whist parties at Perry's Hall about 1900.
ANNOUNCEMENT
A series of Whist will be held at Perry's Hall, Fairfield, Conn., on the following dates: Nov. 8th, Nov. 22nd, Dec. 6th. The game will begin sharp at 8:15 o'clock and the play will continue until the last trolley.
Prizes will be awarded the successful players. Admission, 25ยข
(Perry's Hall was upstairs, over Devore's Bakery). Apr. 10, 1872-Southport Chronicle -
There will be a sociable at Washington Hall (Southport) on Thursday evening, April 11th, by the X. X. X. X. Club. Music by Starr's Quadrille Band, assisted by harp from New York. If stormy it will be held on the 12th. Tickets at the door.
Dec. 15, 1868-Southport Chronicle -
Mr. Papanti has opened a dancing school in Washington Hall. The class meets every Monday and Thursday evening. We understand that he al- ready has quite a large number of scholars.
Apr. 10, 1872-Southport Chronicle -
The Mechanics Social Club of Fairfield will give their third grand ball on Friday evening, April 12, 1872, at the Town Hall. Music by Redgate and Willis full Orchestra. Tickets $1 admitting gent and lady. Supper will be furnished at the Fairfield House. A good time may be expected.
Band Concerts too were a great source of en- joyment. The little green and white bandstand on the Mill Plain Green, where on Friday even- ings, twice each month during the summer the Town Band played for an hour or so and brought happy hearts to many folk. The band practiced regularly 12 months of the year.
The Dec. 15, 1868 issue of the Southport Chronicle carried this item:
The Southport Cornet Band will give another Concert on the evening of January Ist. If it is as fine an entertainment as the last-and they antici- pate a better one-those who attend will have no fault to find. Price of admission to a gentleman and lady one dollar.
There were Apple Bees too where after a bountiful supper all would sit around and peel apples for the hostess to dry.
These were the fun things of yesterday and very special events. One attended for the socia- bility and togetherness as much as for the event itself.
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CHAPTER 18
INTERESTING NOTES
1870 Selectman's Report:
The beautiful sign post upon the green it is proper to state, is the contribution of five private gentlemen and was erected without a single cent's expense to the Town.
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May 1868 Southport Chronicle
We notice that the row of huge old Buttonwoods on Main Street, Fairfield are being cut down. It seems almost a pity to remove such ancient "land marks", but they will give place no doubt to a more beautiful foliage.
Dec. 15, 1868-Greens Farms item in South- port Chronicle:
The ground for the Depot at the "Farms" is be- ing graded. The building is to be 24 feet by 30 feet. It will be a great convenience to the fruit raisers of the vicinity, saving them quite a distance in carting. It seems to be yet undecided whether trains will stop there for passengers or not. We don't see why our Greens Farms people will not re- quire now a Church, a Post Office, and a store in that thriving Village-The Green.
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Bayberries were used for making tallow can- dles and by General Court order no berries were to be gathered before Sept. 10. Should they be gathered before this date a fine of 2s 6d was imposed for every peck taken before they were fully grown and ripe.
Bayberry soap was very special too and here is a recipe for it-this recipe is over 100 years old.
21/4 lbs. white potash 5 qts. water
10 lbs. bayberry tallow
Boil over slow fire until it turns to soap.
Add 1 cup of cold water-boil 10 minutes more.
* *
Mrs. Lottie Burr told me that her grandmother made her own yeast. She had a garden of hop vines. Each year she gathered the hops, put them in a large vessel, poured boiling water over
them and let them stand for 1-2 hours. She then drained off the water and using heavy corn meal to thicken it and, adding a yeast cake from her last batch, then rolled out this dough-like mix- ture as thinly as she could. This was then cut into squares, and put into a flat basket-like tray to dry. The square basket was one that the Indians had made for her. When the yeast was dry, she stored it in a tin can and used the cakes as she needed them.
Sanfire was a delicacy gleaned at the beach and looked for by all the folks here in the 1800's. There were beds of this grass in the salt meadows and it was gathered, taken home, cooked, and the center of the grass, which was like a thin thread, was pickled-and a rare de- light. The thread-like center came right out I am told when the grass was cooked.
In 1670 it was said that Major Nathan Gold was the richest inhabitant of Fairfield. He was an Assistant in the General Assembly for 36 years and one of the leading men in the Colony of Connecticut during the second half of the 17th century. On May 21, 1657 he was ap- pointed Lieutenant of the 1st Troop of the Horse.
*
There were five men from Fairfield in the French & Indian War. *
The Fairfield Advertiser-1884
Always speak well of your village. Strangers are apt to judge a place from the reputation the resi- dents give it.
Last Friday the Southport Corkscrew Band par- aded through the principal streets of our quiet village about 11 o'clock a "Skimerton" in honor of Mr. & Mrs. H. P. Henshaw.
It is suggested that the Southport boat club be revived and named the "Pequot Club".
237
On May 7, 1842 Southport withdrew its peti- tion to be made a town.
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The Burr Mansion has had an illustrious group of visitors. Paul Revere stopped there as he brought the news of General Gage's March on Concord. John Hancock was married there. Washington stopped there on his way to Cam- bridge. Soldiers made it their stopping place to and from Boston. Benjamin Franklin stopped there as did David Humphrey, the U.S. Minister to Portugal and Spain. Daniel Dimon was the architect and builder of the present structure.
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*
Governor John Hancock supplied the glass and some of the lumber for the present Burr Mansion.
1884
A public force pump has been placed in the well on the sign post square. The money to pay for this very great public convenience is being raised by subscription-the cost being $15 of which Mr. William H. Johnson is collecting the subscriptions. McKeel and Jennings gave $7.50. Only $3 more is needed to pay for the pump.
June 26, 1884-Traveling in the Air
Mr. Richard A. Proctor, the distinguished as- tronomer, holds that if the full power of the arms and legs can be so applied to ingeniously arranged mechanism as to work wings more or less resembling those of a bird, there is little reason of doubting man's power of sustaining himself in the air and even traveling with great rapidity through it. Prob- ably, he adds, it will be much easier to sustain himself while traveling rapidly onward then while hovering over the same spot.
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An earthquake was felt all over town in Au- gust 1884-the steeple of Southport Congrega- tional Church swayed visibly-an unusually high wave came ashore.
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January 3, 1793, I began Staples Free School in North Fairfield for 166 dollars per year-to board myself-kept only 5 months-it being removed to Weston by act of Assembly-donor being Staples of Weston-from William Wheel- er's Journal.
Rev. Andrew Elliot's books were burned on the Town Green. He was pastor of the Congre- gational Church at the time of the conflagration.
When Mr. Wakeman, the minister died, it was voted to distribute his books to the people-"at least one to each family".
Dec. 15, 1868
Pieces in a bed quilt .- Mrs. D. B. Patten, Sweden Center, writes: "The last Rural stated that a California girl pieced a bed quilt with 2,601 pieces in it. I pieced one with 2,633. I never thought it worth putting in the paper, if you think it is you can do so. I do not like the idea of having New York beaten by California". -Exchange.
Neither is Connecticut to be beaten by either; as Mrs. Henry Sturges, Jr., of Southport, pieced one containing 4,760 pieces-The Chronicle.
1840-Cure for sprained wrists-apply a solution of warm vinegar and salt for two days, then cider brandy and finally linament.
Recipe for Rye Bread-Mrs. Lottie Burr's Mother's recipe (over 150 years old)
3 qts. of rye 1 qt. wheat
a little tsp. shortening
1 tsp. salt-level
1 cup yeast mixed with flour to make a soft batter let rise until it bubbles
knead twice
This yeast to was special for it was made like this: take 2 white potatoes
1 tbs. salt
1 tbs. sugar
Pour boiling water over it until it looks like starch
1 cup is enough for 6 loaves of bread
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Wood was of course the early fuel and when the winter supply was gathered one family saved the large chips and used them as plates. As one side became soiled they turned them over and used the other and then put them in the fire. This took care of the dishwashing!
Benjamin Banks who was driving his oxen as the British passed through the northern section of the Town was taken prisoner and taken along to Danbury. Jonathan Banks, his brother, was going from house to house notifying the neigh- bors that the British were coming when as he opened one door to go to the next house, he was met by the British soldiers-he too was a pris- oner and taken along to Danbury.
238
At Wilson's Mill School in 1840 all of the boys sat on the right and the girls on the left. At a later time the teacher was Miss Sanford from Redding. She went home on the weekends and Monday mornings. Maude Wilson and Leora Wilson had to go over to school early and start the fire, for often the teacher was late because of bad traveling.
In 1810 Penfield Inn was listed as a good Inn in Fairfield.
Reminiscences of Mill Hill
By one of the Sherwood's (Mrs. D. H. Short- 1879)
I have been frequently asked what I know of the early history of Mill Hill so to those interested I give a few items in recollection of facts told me when a child.
Benjamin Sherwood, the first ancestor of whom I know anything owned Mill Hill-the entire cir- cuit near five miles, and it is said he used to ride on horseback around it every day. His house stood on the knoll at the inside of gate entrance to Oak Lawn Cemetery. Their first son John lived on the Greenfield Hill Road near the eastern part of the cemetery. At his house the first Episcopal services were held in August 1779 soon after the burning of the Town, when the Church was destroyed. A Committee was appointed to call Mr. Philo Shelton (who was afterwards ordained the first of three by Bishop Seabury) and served the Church in Fairfield 40 years. He officiated in the house of John Sher- wood until further provision was made.
The third son of John Sherwood married Anna Hull-the granddaughter of Solomon Sturges, Mill Plain, and built his house on Mill Hill about 1787 or 9-not quite sure. A few years since this was taken down, and replaced by a new one built by his grandson Benjamin L. Bulkley, lately deceased. When my grandfather built, there were two old houses near, one occupied by Mr. Bedient where the garden is now, and another nearly opposite by Mr. Foot. The lot when I was a child was called Footside and had been used as a bleaching ground for the linen spun by the girls-and the "Little Well" so called supplied water for the sprinkling. It is now enclosed for use by David H. Sherwood. Farther northwest at the angle of the Rock Road was a house built by Joseph Sherwood, a distant branch of the family. His son Reuben built a house down in the hollow, north. Another son Abel placed his at the head of Sherwood Avenue, which years ago was shaded by three rows of the ancient Syca- more, as the road was then wide enough to have one row in the centre. This house until recently was occupied by his son Burr Sherwood. Many have asked how he was related to us, and I have been told he was cousin to my great grandfather. Hull Sher- wood, second son of Benjamin, built his house (went to housekeeping January 1, 1819 having married
Caroline Burr April 30, 1818) a few rods south of his father's, on land which has never been out of the family but descended to him. My grandmother used to tell us of an old wigwam, which stood where now is the garden of David H. Sherwood. I felt as if we might see some lurking Indian start up with tomahawk in hand and hear the war whoop once more disturb the peacefulness of our home. Another tale from her lips which interested us was the burning of our town, when she with others fled to the Great Rock as it was called (not the Boulder with the crack through it-farther west) on Mill Hill, looking toward the Sound, and witnessed the destruction of their dwellings, and valuables. Two tall poplar trees guarded the rock which oft I climbed and imagined what must have been a scene of horror-but who can portray it. The old land- marks decay and memories of older time will fade unless revived and cherished. The three sons of Hull Sherwood-my brothers-occupy their respective homes on paternal land and their children make the sixth generation from the original land owner, so at present the name is well sustained and may it ever be honored.
May someone write another chapter C. A. S.
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The boulder on the town green was brought from Osborn Hill in 1900 having been given by Mr. Frederick Sturges. It had been in a field on his property. The tablet having been placed upon it by the Eunice Dennie Burr Chapter D. A. R. to commemorate the settlement of Fair- field by Roger Ludlowe.
Libraries have long been a part of Fairfield -- the earliest would date back before 1817. There was one in Mill Plain in 1830. The By- Laws of this Library follow:
Mill Plain Library-Life Membership $10.00 Mill Plain Library By Laws:
1. No Book shall leave the Repository, nor be re- turned to it without a Cover.
2. Each member shall be responsible for penciling, torn or folded leaves, or other damage done to a book on his (or her) hands.
3. No book shall be Drawn except by a member, or one of his (or her) family, nor lent under any condition.
4. No book shall be absent from the Repository over Three Weeks, unless the member be fined three cents per day, or the drawing renewed. If the fine is not paid the membership shall be for- feited therewith.
5. Membership: $1.00 per annum; commencing with any date.
Organizers-Jeremiah Sturges, Hezekiah Davis, Julius Pike, Simeon Sherwood, Joseph Bulkley.
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There was another in Fairfield Center called the Memorial Library. Its rules stated:
239
Memorial Library-Fairfield, Conn.
This book can be kept two weeks, subject to the privilege of one renewal.
If this book is kept beyond the time allowed, a fine of Ten Cents a week will be incurred.
The Library will be open on Wednesdays from 3 to 5, and on Saturdays from 7 to 9 P.M.
Any damage to books must be made good at the holder's expense.
The payment of One Dollar yearly, entitles one, personally, or upon his written order, to draw one book at a time from the library.
The Library will be closed during the first two weeks in November for annual inspections, addi- tions, etc.
This Library was organized in 1876 through the inspiration, leadership and financial gener- osity of Mr. Morris W. Lyon. Seven others joined Mr. Lyon in this initial effort. They were Rev. Samuel Osgood, the Rev. James K. Lombard, the Rev. Edward E. Rankin, Samuel Morehouse, Oliver B. Jennings, Henry W. Curtiss, John H. Glover and Aurin P. Somes. The library formal- ly opened on December 27, 1876 in the Old Academy. Dr. Rankin was elected President and Articles of Incorporation were adopted a year later in August. Mr. Somes was appointed Li- brarian-without pay.
The year 1879 not only marked the 100th anniversary year, but also marked the year the little library could afford its first paid librarian. Mrs. Anne Nichols received the sum of $25 for her services that year.
In August 1899, the enterprising Mr. Lyons began planning for a permanent building to house the growing library and again made a generous contribution. In 1892 Mr. Lyons was chosen President of the library corporation.
By 1897, the directors were seriously looking for land for the new building and the corner plot 100 feet by 100 feet opposite the store of Mr. Benjamin Betts was chosen.
July 31, 1902 was a happy day for the cor- nerstone of the long awaited building was offici- ally laid and duly celebrated. Mr. Oliver G. Jennings laid the white marble cornerstone. On the 11th of June 1903 the building was dedi- cated and opened its doors to the public. A dis- tinguished group indeed participated in the oc- casion. They were Professor Henry Fairfield Os- born of Columbia, Professor William Lyon Phelps of Yale, the Rev. Samuel Hart of the Connecticut Historical Society, the Honorable John H. Perry, President of the Pequot Library
Association and the Rev. Timothy Dwight, ex- President of Yale. Each spoke to the occasion with exhilarating tones. At this time the directors were: Morris W. Lyon, President; Rev. Frank S. Child, vice-president; Samuel Morehouse, Secretary; Oliver G. Jennings, Treasurer; Henry C. Sturges, Charles P. Jennings, Dr. W. H. Don- aldson, Samuel C. Morehouse, Amory E. Row- land, the Rev. Allen Beeman, Samuel H. Wheel- er and Henry S. Glover.
Through the generosity of Mr. Oliver Jen- nings, additional land was acquired in 1906 and about twenty-five years later the present office building was built. A year later the Historical Society wing was added and the Memorial Room was renovated and redecorated also through the kindness of Mr. Jennings. Pictorial maps, fine murals by Burleigh and scrolls and panels list- ing the names and vocations of early settlers gave this a charm and beauty it has retained today.
The Pequot Library building was presented to Fairfield by Mr. and Mrs. Elbert Monroe in 1894.
The Marquand house had been taken down and the Pequot Library building was quietly and mysteriously erected among the trees behind the house. In addition to the building, Mr. and Mrs. Monroe also gave many rare historical books and manuscripts. American History became the spe- cialty of the Library. With the guidance of Rev. William H. Holman, Southport minister, the library obtained a notable collection of Ameri- cana.
This priceless collection of over 3000 rare books and manuscripts has been deposited at Yale University. The collection bears his- torically famous signatures such as Henry VIII, Queen Elizabeth I, James I, Governor William Bradford, George Washington, Adams, Madison, Thomas Jefferson and many others of equal stature-really documents and letters of the 15th through the 18th century.
The Pequot Library Association has loaned this collection and it is known as "The Monroe, Wakeman and Holman Loan Collection of the Pequot Library Association" at Yale.
The very first officers of The Pequot Library listed in April 1894 were: Hon. John H. Perry, President; Mr. George Bulkley, Vice-President; Mr. Charles O. Jelliff, Secretary; Mr. Oliver Bulkley, Treasurer. There were 22 regular mem- bers and 14 Honorary members.
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The regular members were:
Rev. George C. Boswell
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