USA > Connecticut > Hartford County > West Hartford > West Hartford, Connecticut > Part 13
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Society in consideration of the fact that he had planted a con- siderable number of trees along the front lines of his farm. Most of the trees planted at that time, as the result of the influence and endeavors of the Society, have disappeared, largely on account of the grading and widening of the highways. A few remain on North Main Street and South Main Street.
When in the later years the town began to give attention to public improvements in a larger way, the call for plans and efforts along this line by the Village Improvement Society lost much of its force and importance, and for many years now the Society has not been active in the lines of public improvements for which it was originally organized and incorporated. It has, however, maintained its organization, holding annual meetings year after year and electing officers.
The plan of devoting one or more days each year to the gathering and disposal of ashes, rubbish, etc. was pursued for several years and members of the Society gave their personal attention to the matter, going with the drivers of trucks through the principal streets for that purpose. The week during which this effort in behalf of the community was made came to be known as Clean-Up Week. This enterprise was continued until the town officials took it in charge.
In 1914 a communication was received from the Connecti- cut State Tuberculosis Commission requesting the Society to act as its agent or representative in West Hartford for the annual sale of Christmas seals, the receipts from such sales to become a part of a fund to be used for the benefit of persons affected with tuberculosis or having symptons of a tendency in that direction. The Society accepted the appointment, and has continued to act in that capacity ever since. Eighty-five per cent of the funds thus collected is assigned to the Society, to be used for the benefit of residents of West Hartford who are in need of financial assist- ance because they are afflicted with that disease or have symptons of a tendency in that direction. From the funds thus coming into the treasury of the Society, substantial and gratifying assistance has been given many persons. For several years milk has been supplied to children in the public schools who have been found to be undernourished and whose parents were unable to bear the expense of providing the milk. In this manner the Society is accomplishing a good work, although not directly in the line of the purpose for which it was organized.
The present officers are as follows: President, William H. Hall; Secretary, Clarence R. Root; Treasurer, Hyman F. Smith; Vice-Presidents, Charles A. Griswold, W. L. Julian.
THE BOYS' BRIGADE AND BOY SCOUT TROOP 12
The Boys' Brigade of the Congregational Church was organized in 1905 as a part of the then national organization and
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was designated as Co. C. Boys between the ages of 12 and 18 were being attracted by this organization partly, no doubt, through the appeal of its military features and the right to wear a uniform. However, before joining, boys had to sign a pledge to abstain from the use of any intoxicating liquor and tobacco in any form. They also had to pledge not to swear or use obscene language. The rules were rigidly enforced and never was a boy in the history of the Brigade found unworthy.
About 30 boys joined, and this number was sustained during its entire history of about seven years. Weekly meetings were held in the chapel of the Congregational Church. The first part was devotional, in charge of Rev. Mr. Hodgdon. The boys then were put in charge of the Captain, who formed them in line and marched them to the old Town Hall where they were given setting up exercises and military drill. Dummy rifles were used.
The big event of the year was the annual Exhibition Drill held in May, which attracted many of the townspeople. A prize drill was always a part of this occasion, and by a process of elimination the best driller was decided upon. There was always keen competition and much enthusiasm.
Another big event was the going to camp, usually in June, for two weeks. Two different years the boys went to the Aque- duct on the Farmington River, and many were the thrilling ex- periences, such as standing guard at night, sham battles, sports, etc. Another year, 1909, the boys were taken to the shore and enjoyed camp life there.
They always looked forward with interest to Memorial Day, at which time they had the post of honor in the parade escorting the veterans to the cemetery.
The church people who supported this work felt that their money was well spent, for no doubt it did much to strengthen the characters of these growing boys and made better citizens of them.
In 1911 this brigade was reorganized as Troop 12 Boy Scouts of America and Arthur R. Thompson was appointed Scout- master. He continued as the leader of the troop until 1915, rendering efficient and devoted service. During his adminis- tration and to a large extent by his labor and the cooperation of members of the troop and friends, a Boy Scout cabin was built. This is located in a very appropriate and attractive spot on the eastern slope of Talcott Mountain on the western end of a large mountain-side farm owned by Samuel H. Valentine of New York City, who generously gave the use of land for that purpose. In consideration of this interest and generosity the resort and cabin were named Camp Valentine. This camp was appropriately dedicated in connection with the observance of the two hund- redth anniversary of the organization of the Congregational Church on Tuesday, May 20, 1913.
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In 1915, Dr. Edwin H. Munger was appointed Scout- master and continued in that position until his death in 1928. Dr. Munger was not only an enthusiastic and efficient leader in the training and drill of the boys, but was also a well-informed nature student and gave the boys much valuable instruction respecting birds, flowers, trees, ferns, and rocks.
DR. EDWIN H. MUNGER (CENTER)
On account of its location quite remote from the dwellings of the people, the cabin was subject to the depredations of those who were intent on mischief and the cabin was frequently broken into, some of its furnishings and contents stolen or destroyed, and the cabin itself injured. This necessitated a large amount of labor on the part of the leaders and the boys in making repairs.
The cooperation of the fathers of the boys was greatly pro- moted by means of the annual Father and Son banquets, which were greatly enjoyed.
Dr. Munger died February, 1928, of lobar-pneumonia resulting from a severe cold contracted while he was working on repairs to the cabin. Mr. George A. Latimer, who succeeded Dr. Munger as Scout-master and is carrying on the work suc- cessfully, pays tribute to Dr. Munger's accomplishments as follows: "The Town of West Hartford has been exceedingly fortunate in having had a real Scout-master in the late Dr. E. H. Munger, for under his guidance Scouting in the Town has
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taken a very high rank. Troop 12 has been, since its organiza- tion in 1911, one of the leading troops in the East, with an aver- age of 31 boys each year registered during a period of 17 years. Over 40 boys have attained the highest rank in Scouting and received the award of Eagle Badge. Medals, cups, and banners have been taken in contest and efficiency work."
Rev. Thomas M. Hodgdon, whose pastorate in the Congre- gational Church has been characterized by a spirit of devoted service in behalf of the young people in the Bible School and Young People's Christian Endeavor Society, has also been active and efficient in connection with the Boys' Brigade and Boy Scout organizations, attending their meetings, conducting devotional services, giving instruction, and participating in the work of building and repairing the cabin.
THE SARAH WHITMAN HOOKER CHAPTER OF THE DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION
This chapter was organized in the home of Mrs. Harriet Wadsworth Arnold (Mrs. Edwin H.) on Farmington Avenue, on January 27, 1906. The inspiration for this movement came from Mrs. Amelia Elizabeth Paulison, then residing in West Hartford in the home of her cousin, Cap. Daniel G. Francis, on South Main Street. Mrs. Sara Thompson Kinney, then Regent of the State D. A. R. organization, greatly encouraged the move- ment. The enrollment of members at the first meeting was fifty-six. The statement was made by those conversant with D. A. R. affairs that, up to that time, no chapter had been or- ganized with so many charter members.
The object of the chapter was to cooperate with the national organization in cherishing and perpetuating the memory and spirit of those patriotic men and women who had achieved Ameri- can independence, to collect and preserve historical material of a patriotic nature, to secure the protection of historic places in the community, the erection of monuments or tablets to pro- mote patriotic celebrations, the observance of noteworthy anni- versaries and events, in short to endeavor in all possible ways to develop enlightened public opinion and sentiment in order that the spirit of true citizenship and patriotic devotion might pre- vail and the blessing of liberty might abound.
The name chosen for the chapter was a very fortunate one, in deserved honor of a brave and patriotic woman, a native of West Hartford. Sarah Whitman, daughter of Deacon John Whitman and Abigail Pantry Whitman, was born in West Hart- ford on February 27, 1747. In 1768 she married Thomas Hart Hooker of Farmington, who was a descendant, in the fourth generation, of Rev. Thomas Hooker, the leader in the founding of Hartford in 1636.
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In 1773 Mr. Hooker purchased a home on Four Mile Hill, at the southern terminus of the Main Street of West Hartford and on the south side of the South Road to Farmington, now known as New Britain Avenue. When the War of the Revolu- tion broke out in 1775, Mr. Hooker enlisted, and joined the American army near Boston. He was the owner of slaves, but before he joined the army, he gave them their freedom, saying he could not consistently fight for liberty and remain a slave holder.
Mrs. Hooker remained in the home in West Hartford, with one of the negro servants named Bristol. When Fort Ticonderoga was captured by the American forces under Ethan Allen in 1775, some British officers were taken prisoners, sent on parole to West Hartford, and quartered in the Hooker homestead under the care of Mrs. Hooker and Bristol. They remained in this house several months, and when they were released, they presented Mrs. Hooker with a beautiful gold ring as a token of their respect for her and appreciation of her kindness.
Mr. Hooker died while in the army, a few months after his enlistment. Mrs. Hooker subsequently married Seth Collins, and continued to live in West Hartford. She lived to be nearly ninety years of age. Her burial place in the old cemetery at the Center is marked by a small headstone which bears this inscrip- tion :
"Sarah Whitman Hooker Collins 1747-1837"
In the northwest corner of the old cemetery on North Main Street, close to the street, is a small, modest headstone which marks the grave of Bristol, the faithful servant of Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Hart Hooker. It bears this inscription: "In memory of Bristol, a native of Africa who died March 11, 1814, aged 83 years."
Mrs. Ralph E. Gerth, a Vice-Regent of The Sarah Whitman Hooker Chapter D. A. R., has recently purchased the former home of Mrs. Sarah Whitman Hooker at Four Mile Hill on New Britain Avenue and at great expense and a large amount of labor has had it restored as far as is possible to its ancient condition and appearance, and dedicated it to patriotic uses in connection with D. A. R. and corresponding organizations. The spirit mani- fested by her and her accomplishments in this patriotic under- taking are worthy of the highest commendation by all true citizens.
The chapter has accomplished excellent results along the lines of endeavor indicated in the statement of the objects for which it was organized, securing and putting in tangible form much valuable information respecting West Hartford's patriotic participation in the wars that have taken place in our country,
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with lists of those who were in service, promoting a deeper interest in the observance of Memorial Day and the decoration of soldiers' graves, especially of those soldiers who served their country during the War of The Revolution and were buried here in our cemeteries. The list is as follows: Joseph Elmer, Ebenezer Fax- on, Albijah Flagg, Moses Goodman, Richard Goodman, Ebenezer Steele, Capt. Charles Seymour, James Seymour, Capt. John Seymour, Noah Webster, Bazey Wells, Nathan H. Whiting, Capt. Samuel Whitman.
It has had a strong influence in the promotion of a patriotic spirit in the community and of greater consideration for and in- terest in all matters which pertain to the general welfare.
As a result of the interest and efforts of Mrs. H. G. Bissell, Regent of the Chapter in 1923, a large, finely-shaped boulder was secured and placed in the front part of the old cemetery on North Main Street and dedicated with appropriate exercises to the French Soldiers who died in camp in West Hartford during the War of The Revolution. The boulder bears this inscription: "In memory of French Soldiers who died in West Hartford during the Revolutionary War. Erected in 1923 by the D. A. R."
The most notable of its accomplishments will doubtless be conceded to be the securing of a building for the public library, known as the Noah Webster Library, a fitting memorial for West Hartford's most distinguished son, Noah Webster, L.L.D.,
NOAH WEBSTER LIBRARY
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eminent scholar, author, statesman, educator and lexicographer of world wide reputation and honor. The story of the West Hartford Public Library is given in another chapter, but the securing of a suitable home for that library is an important part of the history and accomplishments of the Sarah Whitman Hooker Chapter, Daughters of The American Revolution.
For some years a number of the citizens of West Hartford had felt that there should be somewhere in the town a suitable and substantial memorial for Noah Webster who was born here in 1758. A considerable sum was subscribed for this purpose, but the project was not carried forward to a successful result. Finally the members of the D. A. R. took up the matter in a very patriotic and efficient manner, advocated the erection of a public library building, and secured gifts in addition to those subscrip- tions which had previously been made, as well as raising funds by means of bazaars and other similar enterprises, until at the end of nine years they had contributions amounting to $30,337.
This included the gift from Mrs. Mary J. Shepard of a site for the building which was valued at $4,000. That site was on South Main Street west of Goodman Park, where the Masonic Temple now is. While all the people fully appreciated Mrs. Shepard's patriotic and generous gift, it was felt by many that a more suitable site would be farther north on Main Street, on or near the corner which had for many years been devoted to public buildings. In recognition of this sentiment Mrs. Shepard generously consented to the sale of the site which she had given, and subsequently the land on which the library building now stands was purchased of William S. Brace, it being a portion of the farm which had been in the possession of the Brace family for three generations.
Suitable plans for the building were prepared and a contract was made with R. F. Jones for the construction of the building under the general direction of a building committee consisting of Miss Sarah W. Talcott, Mrs. R. S. Cruttenden, and Mrs. Paul Thomson. A subsequent committee who had charge of the con- struction of the building consisted of Mrs. William P. Barber, Mrs. Charles A. Griswold, Mrs. H. L. Crandall, and Miss Mary C. Cone.
The corner stone was laid with appropriate exercises on October 4, 1915, planned by a committee consisting of Miss Addie S. Arnold, Mrs. T. M. Hodgdon, Mrs. George A. Kellogg. Prof. Charles S. Lane of the Hartford School of Religious Peda- gogy delivered an address. On February 27, 1917, the building was dedicated. The exercises were conducted by Mrs. William P. Barber, Regent of the Chapter. Mrs. J. Laidlaw Buell, State Regent, made an address. Rev. Thomas M. Hodgdon, and Prof. Curtis M. Geer of the Hartford Theological Seminary also made addresses. The dedicatory prayer was offered by Rev.
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Dr. Samuel A. Colladay, Rector of St. James Episcopal Church. A. Carl Sternberg, First Selectman of West Hartford, accepted the building in behalf of the Town, giving heartfelt expression of the grateful appreciation by the citizens of the town, of the arduous patriotic and successful service rendered by the members of the D. A. R. who had bravely undertaken this enterprise in behalf of the community. The committee of arrangements hav- ing charge of this dedicatory service were Mrs. F. E. Duffy and Miss Addie S. Arnold.
Mrs. William P. Barker was the regent of the chapter at the time when the work of securing funds and of the completion and dedication of the building was accomplished, and the success of those accomplishments is due in a large measure to her heroic, enthusiastic leadership and labors.
Among the gifts presented to the library at that time was a portrait of Rev. Nathan Perkins, D.D., for sixty-five years pastor of the Congregational Church in West Hartford, the gift of Mrs. Elizabeth G. Sisson, a descendant of the Butler family, who were among the first settlers in the community, and a portrait of Noah Webster presented by Superintendent of Schools W. H. Hall, which had been paid for and was the gift of the school children of West Hartford. Both portraits were painted by Albertus E. Jones of Hartford.
The following is a list of those ladies who have served as regents of the Chapter from the date of its organization until the present time (1929): Miss Sarah W. Talcott, Mrs. James E. Smith, Mrs. Frederick E. Duffy, Mrs. William P. Barber, Mrs. Charles H. Flagg, Mrs. David I. Green, Mrs. Herbert G. Bissell, Mrs. Bertha Phelps, Mrs. H. Allen Roberts, Mrs. Carl A. Mit- chell.
Miss Sarah W. Talcott has been honored with the position and title of Honorary Regent. Miss May L. Whitman served as the efficient Registrar of the Chapter from the beginning for many years, and was succeeded by Mrs. Frank P. Moulton. Miss Mary S. Ellsworth is the present Registrar.
THE WEST HARTFORD BUSINESS MEN'S ASSOCIATION AND CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
In the spring of 1907, Allen B. Judd and a few other business men of West Hartford became much interested in the idea of forming an association of business men and citizens for the con- sideration and promotion of the business and public interests of the community.
A meeting was called to be held on the evening of May 1, 1907, in connection with a banquet to be served in The Heublein Hotel in Hartford. That meeting was attended by a large num-
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ber of West Hartford men. Mr. Judd acted as chairman of the meeting. Brief addresses were made by C. Edward Beach, A. C. Sternberg, Robert L. Winckley, and Paul Thomson. The pro- position for the formation of an association was strongly favored at that time, but no definite action was taken until March 1908, when a public meeting was called, and a committee was appointed to draft a set of by-laws and rules for the formation and govern- ment of an organization, to be known as The West Hartford Business Men's Association. That committee made their report at a meeting held April 10, 1908, the association was formed, and the following officers were elected: President, Allen B. Judd; Secretary, Clarence C. Scarborough; Treasurer, Harold E. Hitch- cock.
Committees were appointed later by the President to take into consideration various features and conditions in connection with the public affairs of the town, and report the result of their investigations and deliberations at the regular meetings of the association from time to time. While the association had no authority or power to act in respect to the conduct of the public affairs of the town, the results of the action taken by the com- mittees and of the discussions in the meetings of the associations were of great value in the promotion of greater interest and more hearty cooperation on the part of citizens generally.
The position of president of the Association, after Mr. Judd's term of service, was held successively by Frank H. Stadtmueller, Rev. T. M. Hodgdon, William H. Hall, A. C. Sternberg, and George W. Staples, under whose leadership the work was carried forward in the same general manner and with good results.
In 1913 it was decided to alter somewhat the form of or- ganization, change the name to "The West Hartford Chamber of Commerce," and to become, through affiliation an auxiliary of the Connecticut Chamber of Commerce. The general plan for the annual appointment by the president of standing com- mittees for the consideration of all matters of public interest, which had been pursued by the Business Men's Association, was continued. The principal committees appointed were those on education, manufacturing, transportation, public affairs, health and sanitation, state and national legislation, municipal govern- ment, publicity, membership, etc. The reports of these commit- tees from time to time formed the basis for discussions, and, in some cases for definite action on the part of the chamber. The general effect was to promote a stronger spirit of patriotic interest in public affairs. Public meetings were held, and addresses delivered by able speakers of the town, and of other communities, including some of State and National reputation.
At one time upon the request of the Chamber, State Forester Austin F. Hawes, of the board of directors, made a carefully prepared report in respect to public tree planting, and a com-
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mittee consisting of Austin F. Hawes, Daniel W. Murphy, and William H. Hall, made a tour of the town, for the purpose of discovering appropriate locations for public parks. Their report called attention to several fine locations in different sections of the town and was forwarded by the Chamber to the Town Plan Park and Cemetery Commission.
In 1927 Frederick H. Forbes, then Treasurer, expressed great interest in the preparation for publication of a volume concerning the history of West Hartford, and in response to his suggestion the Chamber voted requesting William H. Hall to prepare such a book and pledged themselves to be responsible for the expense incurred in its publication. They voted that Gustave Fischer, Myron J. Burnham, Dennis F. Ahern, Thomas W. Russell, Allen B. Judd, and Lloyd H. Bugbee should be the committee to have charge of the matter.
Mr. Forbes died in 1928 while still holding the position of Treasurer. Appropriate resolutions, appreciative of him and his devotion to the interests of the Chamber, and extending heart- felt expressions of sympathy to his family, were adopted at a meeting of the directors held February 7, 1928.
The first president of the chamber was Gustave Fischer, who served for two years and gave liberally of his time and fine busi- ness ability for the promotion of the interests of the chamber. Under his administration the membership increased to over two hundred. The following named persons have held the position of president in the years succeeding Mr. Fischer's administration: George L. Vannais, Frederick W. Arnold, Christopher M. Gallup, Ralph M. Lowry. The chamber has had efficient secretaries as follows: George L. Vannais, Leon Vannais, Thomas G. Shaffer, Mrs. Mary Buckland, Ralph M. Lowry, Charles K. Oaks. The treasurers have been Harold E. Hitchcock, Frederick H. Forbes, Nelles E. Day, C. A. Boyce.
During the early part of 1929 when it was evident that the chamber had been for some time inactive, some of the enter- prising citizens of the town inaugurated a movement for its reorganization. A rally was held in connection with a banquet under direction of the following list of officers who had been elected at a previous meeting and who are the officers of the chamber for 1929-1930: President, Louis N. Denniston; Vice- Presidents, L. J. Corliss, Wallace W. Thomson, Benjamin I. Miller, Henry C. Kottenhoff; Corresponding Secretary, C. A. Boyce; Recording Secretary, C. K. Oaks; Treasurer, Beverly Walker; Directors, Ralph M. Lowry, Myron J. Burnham, Gustave Fischer, Austin F. Hawes, David W. Murphy, George W. Baker, J. A. Harrington, Wallace B. Goodwin, C. E. Luscomb, A. S. Bill, H. W. Walsche, Dennis F. Ahern, S. E. Stockwell, Willard Gay, William Bulkeley; William H. Hall is an Honorary Life Director.
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