cyV. .^'lo^^'^::}^ ^^^Z^^tA^i Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2008 with funding from IVIicrosoft Corporation http://www.archive.org/details/addressofpresideOOmiddrich THE FIRST DECADE OF THE ^ — lMiddlesex county historical society MIDDLETOWN, CONNECTICUT 1901-191 Flo9- LIST OF ARTICLES OWNED BY THE MIDDLESEX COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY EXHIBITED IN ITS BUILDING 868637 nn'V 2jtBt of Arlirlps 1. Photograph of Middletown in i86S. 2. a, b. Photograph of residence of Commodore Thomas Macdonough, 1819-1825, demolished in 1893, and replaced by the Y. M. C. A. building. 3. Early oil painting of Middletown by Richard W. Hubbard, a native of Middletown. 4. Photographs of six historic homes in Middletown, pre- pared for the Jamestown Exposition, 1907. 5. a,b, c. Photographs of old First Church on Main Street, Middletown. 6. Collection of fashion plates, 1848. 7. Indian arrowheads, bought in 1907 at Richmond, Va. 8. Picture of Colonel Return Jonathan Meigs of Middle- town, who served in the Revolutionary War. 1740-1823. 9. Epaulettes of Billings Neff of Portland, Lieutenant of the 6th Regiment, Connecticut Militia. 10. Sword and sash of Billings Neff. 11. Framed army recruiting poster, October 24, 1861. 12. Engraving of Lady Washington's Reception, "from the original picture in possession of A. T. Stewart, Esq." 13. Kej' to No. 12. 14. Picture of Wolcott Huntington of Norwich, Conn., who married Jane E. Watkinson of Middletown, whose home was on Main Street. 15. Warrant for arrest of Caesar, Negro, for " Prophane Swearing, threatening and contemptuous language." Feb- ruary 20, 1787. 16. Faith, Hope, and Charity at the tomb of Washington. 17. Pencil sketch of Captain Alden Partridge, aged 40, and of the American Literary, Scientific, and Military Academy, Middletown, 1826. i8. Camp-chair made from wood of old elm tree under whose branches the first settlers of Middletown commenced their worship, which was the foundation of the First Church. 19. Photograph of Joseph W. Alsop, 1804. no. Framed State Democratic ticket, 1839. . 21. Framed circular with sketches of lives of Democratic , State GardJdates, 1839. ; ; .22. Bi;igrav»id copperplate business card, Greenfield & Phelps, Middletown. 23. Cradle from estate of the late Charles A. Boardman of Middletown, 1812-1907. 24. Engraving, Daniel Webster addressing the Senate, 1850. 25. Key to No. 24. 26. Democratic handbill, 1838. 27. Democratic handbill, 1839. 28. Old engraving of Capitol at Washington. 29. Framed Middletown Daily News, November 14, 1850. 30. Framed Middlesex Gazette, May 13, 1809. 31. Old engraving, L,ast Days of Webster at Marshfield. 32. Genealogy of the Washington family. 33. Framed contract drawn by Washington. 34. The will of Mary Washington. Framed printed copy. 35. Lock of Washington's hair, given by his servant, Hamet Achmet, to Mrs. S. A. Hart of Middletown in 1840. 36. Oil portrait of Jonathan Barnes, Esq., 1789-1861. 37. Picture of the Charter Oak. 38. Confederate button. 39. Foot-stove, 1780. 40. Picture of John D. Dickinson, 1768-1841, Congressman from New York. 41. Photograph of Dr. Charles Woodward of Middletown, 1799-1870. 42. Photograph of Charles R. Woodward of Middletown, 1832-1904. 43. Photograph of Henry Woodward of Middletown, 1838- 1907. 44. Photograph of John Herbert Watkinson. 45. Framed manuscript list of contributors to fund for enclosing burial ground, now Riverside Cemetery, Middle- town, 1815. 46. Old illustrated design of Life and Ages of Man. 47. Old picture of Rome. 48. Parsonage on High Street near head of College Street, Middletown, owned and occupied by Rev. Enoch Huntington, pastor of the First Church, 1762-1809. Painted by Miss Mar- garet M. Van Deursen. 49. Picture of Daniel Webster. 50. Painting of house of Rev. William Russell, pastor of the First Church, 1715-1761. 51. Landscape by John A. Sumner of Middletown, died 1899. 52. Landscape by John A. Sumner. 53. Poster of Hartford, Providence and Boston Mail Line of Post Coaches. 54. Illuminated parchment and seal. 55. Old round table. 56. Portrait of Dr. Joseph Barratt, a native of England, Professor of Botany, Chemistry, and Mineralogy in the A. L. S. & M. Academy at Norwich, Vt., and Middletown from 1824-1828, afterwards practising physician in Middletown. 57. Photograph of Main Street, Middletown. 58. Portrait of Isaac Hubbard of Middlefield. 59. Photograph of Gen. Samuel Holden Parsons' house, Main Street, Middletown, foot of Church Street, built by Constant Kirtland, 1753, demolished 19 — . 60. Engraving of Nehemiah Hubbard of Middletown, in his 83rd year. 1752-1837. 61. Old mantel clock. 62. Piece of Charter Oak. 63. Miniature Liberty Bell. 64. Pipe and case belonging to Dr. John Dickinson, Middle- town, 1730-1811. 65. New England Society button from Portland Exposition, 1905- 66. Massachusetts button from Portland Exposition, 1905. 67. John Winthrop button, from New London celebration, 1906. 68. Powder-horn, once owned by Julius Andrews of East Haddam, and said to have been used in the Indian Wars and the Revolution. 69. Confederate five-dollar bill. 70. Ring made from wood of Charter Oak. 71. Medal to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the death of Thomas Robbins, D. D. Presented by the Connec- ticut Historical Society. 72. Medal from the Jamestown Exposition, 1907. 73. Key of front door of old Court House in Middletown, demolished 1893. 74. a, b. Keys of Town Clerk's office in old Court House in Middletown. 75. a, b. Signs of Isaac Webb, Attorney-at-Law, who once conducted a school on High Street, in the building now known as East Hall of Wesleyan University. 76. Spinning wheel. 77. Reel for skeining woolen yarn. 78. Old kettle crane. 79. Baker shovel, used for drawing bread, etc., from old brick oven. 80. Pistol, made in Middletown, 1862, by Alsop Arms Co. 81. Clock weight from Gen. Parsons' house. (See No. 59.) 82. One-dollar bill of Central National Bank, Middletown, Nov. 17, 1851, bearing signatures of Henry D. Smith, Cashier, and Charles Woodward, President. 83. Flint-lock fowling-piece. 84. String of antique sleigh-bells. 85. Complete old appliance for making cheese. 86. Runlet, or wooden drinking bottle. 87. Three silver-plated buttons formerly worn by the Partridge Cadets and recently excavated on the grounds of Wesleyan University. 88. Old embroidered cloth bag. 89. Medal of the Father Mathew Temperance Society. 90. Exhibition case of plane irons, made by E. W. N. Starr &Co. 91. Daguerreotype of Rev. John R. Crane, D. D., pastor of the first Church of Middletown, 1818-.1853. 92. Picture of Dr. Wm. Bryan Casey, a former physician of Middletown, surgeon of the 20th Conn. Regiment. 93. Portrait of Gen. William H. Russell, native of Middle- town, late of New Haven. 94- Ten-skilling piece, Danish-American, 1816. 95. Tin baker for fire-place. 96. Old mortar and pestle. 97. Old brass kettle. 98. Crane for fire-place. 99. Wall map of Middletown, 1851. 100. Large hair trunk. loi. Small hair trunk. 102. Old-fashioned wall candlestick. 103. Illustrated map of Andersonville Prison. 104. Foot-stove, from old Stow house, Middlefield. 105. Iron skillet used by the grandmother of Mrs. Geo. N. Ward of Middletown. 106. Old soup tureen and ladle. 107. Old china platter. 108. Covered basket, which belonged to Mrs. Samuel Mather, grandmother of Mrs. W. B. Hubbard. 109. Large old clothes-basket. no. Old bandbox with picture of New York City Hall on cover. 111. Steelyards. 112. a, b, c. Three fire-buckets stored for years in the loft of the Middlesex County National Bank. 113. a, b. Two fire-buckets owned by Capt. Henry Louis de Koven of Middletown. 114. a, b. Two fire-buckets from estate of Charles A. Boardman of Middletown. 115. Fire-bucket owned by Mrs. Sarah S. Spencer, who in 1824 built and occupied the house now 208 Washington Street, Middletown. 116. a, b, c. Fire-buckets. 117. Small hair trunk. 118. Old waSle iron. 119. Candle mould. 120. a, b. Fluid lamps. 121. Engraving of Henry Clay. 122. Office doorplate of Dr. Wm. Bryan Casey. (See No. 92.) 123. a, b, c. Whiskey flasks. 1850. 124. Small steelyards, made in Middletown. 125- Combination knife, fork, and spoon. 126. Framed copy of Declaration of Independence. 1818. 127. Picture of Henry Clay Work, poet of the Civil War. 128. a, b. Hetchels. 129. a, b, c, d, e. Reel. 130. Portrait of Fanny Harrison of North Branford, sister of Captain Harrison of war of 1812. 132. Photograph of old Court House, Middletown, demol- ished 1893. 133. Painting by Benjamin P. Elliott, who lived on the corner of Court and Pearl Streets, Middletown. The following articles are from the collection of Mr. Charles H. Neff of Portland: 134 Reel. 135. Old cow-bell. 136. Fire-tongs. 137. Old hand-made shears. 138. Very old tinder-box. 139. Pot hook, to lift pots and kettles. 140. Two weaver's shuttles. 141. Powder-horn. 142. Hank of bleached linen thread. 143. Skein of white linen yarn. 144. Two hanks of unbleached spun flax. 145. Hank of unbleached linen thread. 146. Roll of sheep's wool. 147. Old foot-stove. 148. Piece of wood from the keel of a ship unearthed in Front Street, New York, in 1893. The ship is claimed to have been an English transport, which brought troops and ammuni- tion to this country in the French Colonial Wars, and which was sunk in New York harbor about 1733. 149. Swingling knife, used for beating flax. 150. Rapier, 31-inch blade. 151. Rapier and sheath. 152. Flint-lock picked up on the battlefield of Yorktown, Va., about 1850. 153- Pair of worsted hetchels over loo years old. 154. Iron crane, owned by great-grandfather of Charles A. Pelton of Middletown. From Aunt Philinda Pel ton House, Penfield Hill, Portland. 155. Old barometer and thermometer, once belonging to the Overton family, Portland. 156. Old iron toaster. 157. Revolving gridiron with receptacle for fat. 158. String of eight old spools. 159. Old Dutch axe brought over in early days. Uncovered when ploughing. 160. Small old pair of candle snuffers. 161. Old clasp-knife of odd form. 162. Brass candlestick. 163. Old style bullet mould. 164. Pair of creepers, used for walking on ice. 165. Iron snuffers and tray. 166. Thirty-one chipped flints, made for the flint-lock mus- kets used in the old militia companies. 167. Sword with sheath. A relic of the Spanish-American War. 168. Hetchel for cleaning flax or hemp. 169. Three cannon-balls and shell found in an old house in Portland. 170. a, b. Two U. S. Army pistols, manufactured in Middle- town by Simeon North in what is now the factory of the Rockfall Woolen Co. 171. Photograph of John A. Sumner, an artist of Middle- town, August 4, 1825-December 10, 1899. 172. Photograph of Gen. Wm. H. Noble of Bridgeport, born Aug. 18, 1813, in Middletown. 173. Photograph of Col. Henry C. Shumway, 7th Regt., N. Y., native of Middletown. 174. Three hickory net-needles, used in repairing shad-nets. Found in garret of old Atkins House, South Main Street, Middletown. 175. Photograph of the medal given to all surviving three- months men in the Civil War. 176. Piece of hand-made clap-board taken from Central Hotel, Meriden, built in 1752, removed in 1890. 177. Plan and specifications of Woodward House, built by Samuel Stearns, corner of Broad and Court Streets, Middletown. 178. Gentleman's sword, which belonged to Capt. Hubbard Fuller, Moodus. 179. a, b. Two military hats worn by members of Mans- field Guard, 6th Regt. Conn. Militia. 180. Bayonet sheath with canvas belt, said to have been used in the Mexican War. 181. Bayonet found in digging sewer in northern part of Middletown, 1908. 182. Artillery pike found in ruins of Wilcox & Crittenden factory, built in 1808, burned 1907. 183. Forty-pound shot that killed Charles C. Pollard at Spring Hill, Va., in the Civil War. 184. Folio containing 30 photographs of celebrated paint- ings and places in Europe, and several local views. 185. Framed letter to Philip Mortimer from trustees of the First Church, tendering him a church sitting in appreciation of his donation of a burying-ground for the use of the people of the city. 186. Toll sign from Middletown-Portland bridge, made free 1908. 187. Pre-Revolutionary sign from Dan Cheney's tavern, Portland. Masonic emblems are painted on one side, and a schooner on the other. 188. Cane and banner from dedication of stone bridge. Hartford. 189. a, b. Two astral lamps. 190. fl, b, c, d. Four military hats. 191. Old toasting-iron. 192. a, b, c. Three Indian stone weapons. 193. Pair of old beaded moccasins. 194. Old iron shovel. 195. Old-fashioned travelling bag. 196. Flip-iron. 197. Eleven colored military pictures. 198. Advertising signs of Joseph T. Bell, manufacturer of military caps and belts, New York. 199- OflBce sign of E. W. N. Starr, town clerk in Middle- town for thirty-eight years. 200. Silk banner of Mattabesett Division of Sons of Tem- perance. 2or. Facsimile of judge's warrant for execution of Charles I. 202. Facsimile of Connecticut Charter of 1662, obtained of Charles II. by Governor Winthrop. 203. Facsimiles of autographs of original officials of first Government of Colony of Connecticut (1639), comprising the towns of Dorchester, Newtowne, and Watertown, soon after called Windsor, Hartford, and Wethersfield, respectively. 204. Facsimile of autographs of the first government of the Colony of Connecticut (1665), after the union of the colonies of Connecticut and New Haven. 205. African spear-head made by natives. 206. Hand-wrought African knife. 207. Pair of white open-work stockings, knit about 1850 by Mrs. Maria Bishop. 208. Knapsack of Mansfield Guard. 209. Musket used by Gilbert Bailey of Middletown in the Mexican War. 210. Chair owned and used bv Pres. Washington in New York. 211. Old door lock, found in the Eagle Hall Block. 212. Small sampler. 213. Musket made in Middletown in 1833, by Nathan Starr. Found in the Eagle Hall Block. 214. Framed letter of Daniel French to his mother. French was a native of Berlin, Conn. He was a high-grade mechanic and especially interested in steam engines and their use in steamboats. It seems probable that Fulton and Livingston employed him to build the " Enterprise " and to equip it with one of his engines. 215. Small band-box, made in imitation of those in use by ladies about 70 years ago. • 216. Spool of sewing-silk bought during the Civil War of Mr. James H. Taylor, a merchant tailor doing business on Main Street. Cost $1.37. 10 217- Photograph of Mr. George H. Bishop. Born in Middle- town, June II, 1831, died August 19, 1909. A well-known civil engineer and one of the best authorities on hydraulic engineering in the country. 218. Old spectacles in case. 219. Badge of the Harrison and Tyler political campaign. 220. Model of a privateer, which was commanded by Capt. William Van Deursen, grandfather of Miss M. M. Van Deursen, during part of the Revolutionary War. The model was made from a single block of wood by Capt. Van Deursen's nephew, Charles Francis. 221. Three silhouettes, of Mrs. Richard Hubbard, Edward C. Hubbard, and a relative. 222. Framed photograph of Mr. Walter B. Hubbard, a charter member of the Middlesex County Historical Society, leader of the Membership and House Committees, to whom is due much of the present attractiveness of the Society's rooms. 223. Old-fashioned stiletto. 224. Search-Warrant with signature of Jabez Hamlin, first Mayor of Middletown. Served at the instigation of Robert Hubbard on November 24, 1774. 225. Flint-lock pistol, made in Middletown 1844, by J. D. Johnson. One of the last of this kind made. 226. Cups and saucer of " Bristol " ware. Belonged to Gen. Lusk who served in the Revolutionary War. 227. Platter of "Davenport" ware. Belonged to Gen. Lusk. 228. Eight nails from a house one hundred and fifty years old, known as the Congregational Mission House of Middle Haddam. 229. Sword of Ithamar Pelton, grandfather of William Walter Pelton of Cromwell and of Dr. J. A. Pelton, formerly of Middletown. 230. Watch carried through the Civil War by Dumont Ripley Carey, step-grandson of Judge Hezekiah Ripley of Windham, Conn. 231. Yale diploma of Judge Hezekiah Ripley of Windham, Conn. 1764. 232. Hour-glass. 11 233- Spinning-wheek 234. Reel. 235. Cord and tassel used in the old First Church on Main Street. 236. A round table from the estate of George H. Hulbert. 237. Old high-back rocking-chair. 238. Old sofa formerly the property of Edward A. Russell. 239. a, b. Quaint leghorn hat, formerly the property of Miss Emily Tracy. Band-box of old-fashioned style formerly in family of Mrs. A. W. Hazen. 240. "Flip" glass, formerly the property of Col. John Sumner, who died in 1787, aged 51 years. 241. Dutch oven, formerly belonged to Mrs. Clarissa Birdsey of Middletown. 242. a, b, c. Three antique trays, formerly belonged to Mrs. Clarissa Birdsey of Middletown. 243. Photograph of Jonathan Kilbourn, for many years the proprietor of the Farmers and Mechanics Hotel, Middletown. 244. Photograph of Benjamin Butler, a native of Cromwell, for many years a sail-maker on Water Street, Middletown. 245. Photograph of Gen. James T. Pratt of the State Militia, a native of Middletown. 246. Old-fashioned spectacles. 247. Badge of member of Committee on First Settlers worn by Frank F. Starr at 250th Anniversary of settlement of town of Middletown. 248. a, b, c, d. Badge of Aid at the Centennial Anniversary of Middletown, 1884, worn by E. W. N. Starr. Also three other badges used on same occasion. 249. Framed photograph of Josiah Meigs Hubbard, a native and resident of Middletown, 1832-1909. 250. Old style straw bonnet. 251. Framed photograph of Brig. Gen. Joseph King Fenno Mansfield, U. S. A. For many years a resident of Middletown. 252. Antique hunting-knife found on the farm of Dr. Miner C. Hazen of Haddani, Conn. 253. Framed photograph of Horace Clark, ninth mayor of Middletown. 254. Musket balls found on the battlefield of Saratoga, about 1840 by E. W. N. Starr. 12 255- Framed lithograph of old Middletown, which had hung iu the office of Meech & Stoddard since 1870. 256. Engraving of the Charter Oak, from the original paint- ing, formerly in the possession of Hon. Marshall Jewell of Hartford. 257. Photograph of the Gen. Samuel Holden Parsons' house, 1783-1786. Built by Constance Kirkland in 1783. Torn down in 19 — . 258. a, b. Framed photograph of Elijah Hubbard Roberts and his wife, Emily Pratt Roberts. 259. Picture with signature and other handwriting of Gen. L. E. Spinner, Treasurer of the United States. 260. Silhouette of Dr. Joseph Barratt (see also 56). 261. Medal and badge, commemorating the unveiling of statue of Gov. Buckingham, Hartford, 1884. 262. Photograph of Oliver Beebe of Akron, Ohio, born in Middletown, September, 1810. 263. Badge of Connecticut Historical Society, commemorat- ing Field Day at New London and Groton, 1895. 264. a, b. Medal of Middletown City Centennial, 1884. Medal of 250th Anniversary of settlement of Middletown, 1900. 265. Medal of Centennial of the battle of Groton Heights, 1881. 266. Medal of Centennial of the inauguration of Washington as first President of the United States. 1889. 267. Curious old game called " Star Spangled Banner." 268. a, b. Portrait in oils of Rev. Willbur Fisk, D. D., 1792-1839, first President of Wesleyan University, 1831-1839. Small steel engraving of above. 269. Steel engraving of Rev. Chauncey Goodrich, Pastor of First Congregational Church, Middletown, from July, 1816, to December, 1817. 270. Photographs, from family portraits, of Capt. Joseph W. Alsop and his wife, Mrs. Lucy Whittelsey Alsop. 271. Portion of the yoke of the bell of Christ Church (now Holy Trinity), Middletown, said to be of same age as the Bell— 1784. 272. Tape-loom for wea\nng carpet-binding, in use before 1800. Formerly the property of Mrs. Comfort Johnson of Middletown, grandmother of Mrs. James P. Fay. 13 273- Small antique mirror. Formerly property of Mrs. Comfort Johnson. 274. Wicker basket, formerly used to hold the needle-work of the Middletown Female Charitable Society, founded in 1809. 275. Counterpane of curious pattern, at least 150 years old; given to Miss Mary E. Copeland by Miss Emily Tracy. 276. Daguerreotype of Rev. John R. Crane. Duplicate of 91. 277. Stays u'orn in latter part of 1700 by Miss Townseud of Oyster Bay, L. I., great-aunt of Miss Charlotte Jackson. 278. Straw poke-bonnet of old-time style. 279. rt, b. Sabre and powderhorn from old Milliard House. 280. Framed photograph of Middletown and the river, evidently taken from the Court House. 2S1. Framed picture of Plymouth, Mass. 282. Mortar and pestle which belonged to Mrs. Mortimer Starr. Given by her to Mrs. Ephraim F. Sheldon. 283. Pewter syringe in use in time of Civil War, 1861-1865. 284. a, b, c. Sword, sash and commission of Lieut. Frank B. Comstock, 24th Connecticut Regiment. 285. a, b, c, d, e, f. Photographs of Middletown at various points, taken during " blizzard" of 1888. 286. Wooden shuttle used by the Pameacha Manufacturing Company, 1S08, the first manufacturers of broadcloth in the U. S. Found in office of Wilcox, Crittenden & Company. 287. Spectacles made in Middletown, probably about 1800. 288. Document: Resignation of Jabez Hamlin as mayor of Middletown, 1788. Not accepted, as he served until his death in 1791. 289. Glazed tile from the Porcelain Tower of Nanking, China, erected 1411-1430. 290. Document: Order, calling together the city authorities of Middletown to make arrangements for defense of the city- date probably about 181 2. 291. Cradle bought for Mrs. Susan Carrington Hubbard Ray, in 1831. 292. Footstove which belonged to Henry Carrington, grandfather of Mrs. S. C. H. Ray, who died in 1871, aged 91. He was associated with Capt. Joseph Alsop in West India trade. u 293. Massive lock and key formerly on the store of Mr. John Selden, built in 1827. 294. Homespun linen shirt which belonged to William Augustus Rockwell of Middlefield, Conn. 295. Bark from "button-ball" tree; the so-called Indian " Council Tree," near Sebethe Bridge, Cromwell, Conn. 296. Silver " Souvenir " spoon; designed for Bee Society of First Congregational Church, Middletown, 1893. 297. Child's cap — hand-wrought by the great-grandmother of Mrs. Abigail Tenney Pomeroy of Fitzwilliam, Mass., cousin by marriage of Mrs. R. T. Pattison of Middletown. 298. a, b. Opera-bag of silk and leather — a "coming out " gift to Miss Abigail Tenney, born in Greenwich, Mass. Small silk purse of above. 299. Wedding vest of brocade silk, of Billings Neff, Port- land, Conn. 300. Photograph, framed, of Oliver Gildersleeve of Portland, Conn. 301. Portrait in oils of Miss Abigail Gardner Carew, great- aunt of Miss Emily Tracy Stedman. Loaned. Ban Spurepn (CoUrrtinn FURNITURE AND PICTURES 1. Mirror, large, "Dutch" wood and gilt. Formerly the property of Mrs. Eliza Van Deursen Leflferts of Albany. 2. Mirror, gilt frame, scroll at top with picture inset. 3. Mirror, wood frame, gilt moulding on top. 4. Mirror, small, gilded wood frame. 5. Sofa, straight back, covered with haircloth, rounded ends and carved claw-feet. Formerly the property of Rev. Walter Cranston, of Savannah, Ga. 6. Sofa, Grecian. Formerly property of Capt. Wni. Van Deursen, Sr. 15 7. Sofa, modern, covered with haircloth. 8. Table, large, two drop-leaves, six legged. 9. Table, circular folding top, spindle-legged, plain. 10. Table, circular folding top, spindle-legged, light color wood inlay. Formerly property of Rev. Walter Cranston. 11. Table, circular folding top, spindle-legged, dark wood inlay. 12. Table, small, double drop-leaf, oval, one drawer. 13. Table, small, square top, three-feet center standard. 14. Table, small, circular "turn up," three-feet center standard. 15. Table, small, two drop-leaves, one drawer. 16. Table, four-legged, drop-leaf, cross bars at bottom. 17. Table, small, square, with tile inset on top. Legs of this table were made from baluster of staircase in Nathan Starr's stone house. 18. Table, work-table, with two drawers, mahogany veneered. 19. Chair, chintz covered, large bedroom chair. 20. Chair, chintz covered, large bedroom chair. 21-28 (inclusive). Chairs, cloth covered seats, straight backs with three cross-bars on backs. 29. Arm chair, same style as above. 30. Arm chair, rush seat, painted light color. 31. 32. Arm chairs, pair, with rush seats. 33-39 (inclusive). Chairs, rush seats, double cross-rail on backs. 40, 41. Arm chairs, pair, rush seats, three vertical rails at back. 42. Chair, straight back, rush seat (odd one). 43, 44, 45. Chairs, rush seats painted white, black painted frames. 46. Chair, rush seat, three-rail back (odd one). 47. Chair, rocker, with rush seat, four-rail back. 48. Chair, rocker, with rush seat, four-rail head-rest. Was Mrs. Mary C. Van Deursen's. 49. 50, 51. Chairs, cloth seat, open-work back. 52. Chair, rocker, with cloth seat, black frame, three cross- rail back. 16 53- Chair, " round-about " or corner chair. 54, 55. Footstools, cloth covered, four straight legs. 56, 57. Footstools, haircloth covered. 58. Bureau, swell-front, four drawers. Formerly the prop- erty of Martha Whittlesey Van Deursen of New Haven and Middletown. 59. Bureau, square outline front, three drawers with brass handles. 60. Bureau, with three large and two small drawers. 61. High-boy, curved top. Purchased by W. W. Van Deursen. 62. High-boy, flat top. 63. Book-case, double door top, with four drawers. 64. Low-boy, curved legs, brass handles. 65. Low-boy, curved legs, carved fan-front, brass handles. 66. Sideboard, large mahogany sideboard. Formerly the property of Rev. Walter Cranston. 67. Writing desk, name on plate: Josiah Paul Collin. 68. Clock, tall clock with brass face. Purchased by W. W. Van Deursen. 69-72 (inclusive). Pictures, four Chinese paintings: Morn- ing, Noon, Evening, Night, from the home of Rev. Walter Cranston. 73, 74. Picture, colored lithograph of naval battle between British ship "Java" and American ship "Constitution." War 181 2. Small copy of above. 75, 76. Pictures, small colored pictures of West Indian figures. 77. a, b. Coat of arms in color of Cranston famih' and copy of same. 78. a, b. Miniature of Captain William Van Deursen, Jr., U. S. Artillery, 1812-15, commanding Fort Trumbull, Ct. Copy made by W. W. Van Deursen. 79. Picture, head of a girl painted on kid. 80. Portrait, Captain William Van Deursen, Sr. 81. Portrait, Rev. Walter Cranston, by Charles King, of Newport, R. I. 82. Record, framed, of Civil War service of William W. Van Deursen. 17 83. Certificate, framed, of Civil War service of William W. Van Deursen, from State of Connecticut. 84. Certificate, membership in Society of War of 1812, Wil- liam W. Van Deursen. 85. Certificate, membership in Society Sons of American Revolution of William W. Van Deursen. 86. Painting, Madonna and Child by Charles King of New- port, R. I. 87. Print in color, " Huntsman in Woods." 88. 89. Chromos, hunting scenes. 90. Painting, game piece. 91. Engraving, Naval Battle, "Constitution" and " Guer- riere," 1812. 92. Cap worn by William Van Deursen in Civil War. 93. 94. Platters, large oval china, green and white, marked "V. D." in center. 95, 96. Platters, small oval white ware, open-work edge. 97, 98, 99. Bowls, Chinese ware. 100. Trunk, large, leather covered, set with nails, date 1688. loi. a, b. Trunks, small, leather covered, brass nail-set bindings. 102. Trunk, green paper-covered trunk. 103. Trunk, square, white hair-covered. 104. Trunk, hair-covered, "Pillion." 105. Trunk, large white hair-covered. 106. Trunk, square top set with nails in star shape. 107. Backgammon board. 108. Corner wash-stand. 109. China mirror holders. SILVER no. Pitcher, cream, marked " M. W." (Martha Whittlesey.) 111. Tongs, sugar, marked " E. M." (Esther Collin Morris). 112. Knife, butter. 113. Spoons, 6 table, marked " J. M. C." (James and Mary [Arnold] Collin.) 114. Spoons, 4 table, marked "A. S. VD. (Abraham (?) Lucretia Borgandus Van Deursen). 18 115. Spoon, I table, marked " H. VD." Ii6. Spoon, I table, marked "A. VD." 117. Spoons, 12 tea, marked " W. M. VD." (William and Mary [Cranston] Van Deursen). 118. Spoon, I small tea, marked " C. C." (Comfort Collin). 119. Ladle, cream, marked " W. M." (Margaret Morris). CLOTHING AND ORNAMENTS 120. Dress, white brocaded in color (iStli century). Wed- ding dress of Esther Collin Morris, great aunt of William W. and Margaret Van Duersen. 121. Dress, green and gay-colored brocade, of Mrs. Frances Ayrault Cranston, of Newport, R. I., grandmother of Mary C. Van Deursen and great-grandmother of William and Margaret Van Deursen. 122. Dress, green and silver brocade given to Mary Cranston Van Deursen for her name, by her cousin Mary Cranston Styles, wife of President Ezra Styles of Yale College. Mary C. Van Deursen was the fourth Mary Cranston to own it. 123. Fan, painted silk and ivory, French style, 1812. 24. Comb, shell, high-back. 125. Brooch, set with hair and marked "William F. Van Deursen, died Nov. 19, 1809, aged 16 years." 126. Brooch, mourning, set with hair. 127. Box, for snuff or "patches," painted china. 128. Box, for snuff, painted wood. 129. Box, small silver. 130. Box, small glass and metal. 131. a, b. Buckles, pair of metal shoe or knee buckles. 132. a, b. Buckles, pair small, owned and used by Josiah P. Collin, great uncle of William and Margaret M. Van Deursen, collector of ports at Trinidad and sometime consul in British service. 133. Scent-bottle, glass mounted with silver, marked " I. Q." Th< le /Middlesex County Historical Society Address of the President, the Rev. Azel W. Hazen, D. D., on the First Decade of the Society, Report of the Secretary, Mr. Edward H. Wilkins, and Report of the Treasurer, Mr. Richard C. Fagan, as presented at the Annual Meeting held in the Society's Building, Middletown, Conn., April eighteenth, Nineteen hundred and eleven; also a list of the Officers and Members and Articles owned by the Society and Exhibited in its Building PAMPHLET NO. 9 MAY, 1911 MIDDLETOWN, CONN. PELTON & KING, PRINTERS AND BOOKBINDERS 1911 OBJECTS DESIRED FOR THE SOCIETY'S ARCHIVES Pamphlets, handbills, letters, diaries, deeds, wills, records of religious societies, business houses, etc. Old newspapers (bound or unbound), reports of anniversaries of towns and churches, books, articles of household use, uniforms, costumes, etc. Portraits, badges, medals, flags, guns, swords, Indian and war relics, historic china or plate, furniture and other mem- orials representing local or national history. of tift MxhUtBtK Olountg i^tBtnrtral ^nmtg Ahbrraa of JIjp Prrathfttt It was ten years ago this eighteenth day of April that the charter of this Society was granted by the legislature of the commonwealth. It therefore seems appropriate that a bare outline of the progress of the decade should be drawn on this occasion. As the Society is no longer an experiment, but an honorable institution in the life of Middletown and of our county, the story of its early years must always have a peculiar interest for our intelligent citizens. If this story, as now briefl)' told, shall help, even in scant measure, to extend the influence of our organization, and to deepen the loyalty of our people thereto, its chief aim will be accomplished. For several years the annual reports of the president, the secretary, and the treasurer, have been published and circulated somewhat widely. Naturally, the facts given in the present address, with now and then its language, will be taken from these printed documents. However, it appears to be desirable to combine these various data in one group, that the substantial advance of the decade may be the more readily understood. Since, that material progress has been made, if not all which could be desired, a mere glance at the 5'ears under review will abundantly demonstrate. Though marked achievements cannot be claimed, more has been wrought than the most sanguine dared anticipate when the Society embarked on its unknown voyage. The movement toward the formation of this Society, as many of you are aware, grew out of the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the settlement of Middle- town, which was the most memorable event of the year 1900 in the history of our township. So genuine and widespread was the enthusiasm then awakened over the two centuries and a half of the town's exist- ence, so numerous and so priceless were the articles then exhibited as the possessions of our citizens, the feeling was quite general that a society should be organized, whose aim should be to preserve and to perpetuate the traditions of our venerable past, as well as to take into its custody the countless relics of other days that were in peril of loss, or of ruin, or of trans- fer to other localities, to whatever extent these might be committed to our guardianship. One of the prime movers in this commendable enter- prise, it is known to manj'- of you, was Mr. Albert R. Crittenden, who entered heart and soul into the project. But for his intelligent interest in the past, his large public spirit, his patient persistence, his generous self-sacrifice, his tireless labors, and his strong hold of the entire town, as well as of its suburbs, it is safe to say that this Society would not have had its creditable record, even if it had come into being at all. Other names of those who have been pillars in our edifice will be mentioned in due season. At the first meeting of persons interested in the movement, held in the parlor of the Young Men's Christian Association, December 20, 1900, the following were present: E. P. Augur, G. A. Craig, A. R. Crittenden, E. G. Derby, E. C. Douglas, F. D. Haines, A. W. Hazen, C. B. Leach, A. G. McKee, D. W. Northrop, C. A. Pelton, W. N. Rice, F. F. Starr, J. C. Van Benschoten, W. W. Van Deursen, J. M. Van Vleck, C. S. Wadsworth, F. B. Weeks, and C. R. Woodward — nineteen in all. It was the unanimous judgment of these gentlemen that a historical society ought to be established here, and Messrs. Crittenden, Woodward, Starr, Haines, and Rice were appointed a committee to aid in the furtherance of the project. This committee reported the draft of a charter, which was unanimously approved January 17, 1901, and Messrs. Crittenden and Haines were appointed to present it to the legislature. The petition for the granting of the charter was signed by sixty-three citizens of Middletown, to which list sixteen names were added before the acceptance of the charter. This roll of honor contains the names of many of the leading men and women of our city, of whom fourteen have since passed from earth. The charter being granted, as before stated, April 18, 1 90 1, it was accepted June 4, and six days later officers were elected and the organization thus com- pleted. These officers were: president, A. W. Hazen, vice-presidents, A. R. Crittenden and L. A. Mills; secretary-treasurer, J. T. Elliott. The first meetings in reference to the organization of the Societ)^ and for the perfecting of its plans were held in the rooms of the Young Men's Christian Association. Then several were held in the city court room, and for more than a year afterwards the parlors of the First Church were occupied. In the autumn of 1903 the convenient and attractive Williams Library of the Berkeley Divinity School was thrown open to us by the courtesy of the faculty of the institution, one of whom, Dr. Samuel Hart, the president of the Connecticut Historical Society, has been an invaluable member of our own from its earl}^ days, being a sagacious counsellor and a willing helper, always attending our meetings when possible, and contribut- ing not a little to their profit. The librarian of Wesleyan University showed us much kindness in the period of our wandering by cheerfully furnishing us an alcove in which to deposit our books and pamphlets as they came to us. Other treasures were stored here and there by the hospitality of our friends for many months. At the annual meeting in April, 1903, Mr. H. C. Whittlesey was chosen secretary, Mr. Elliott having resigned the office. At the next meeting the office of treasurer was separated from that of secretary^ and Mr. Elliott was elected to fill the same. At the meet- ing in February, 1904, it was announced that the general committee on the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the founding of Middletown had voted to transfer its records and funds to this Society for safe keeping. It was agreed to accept the trust, and also the oversight of the permanent memorial boulder, near the site of the first house of worship in the town. Mr. W. B. Hubbard, to whose keen interest in our history and cultivated taste the splendid monument was largely due, was appointed its special guardian. For some years after the successful commemoration of our two hundred and fifty years it was hoped that its proceedings might be gathered up into a volume for preservation and circulation. The first delay was caused by the failure of Dr. John Fiske to transmit to us the manuscript of his address on the occasion, considerably amplified, as he gave us reason to expect he would do. But death overtook him with this avowed purpose unfulfilled. Other obstacles to the preparation and issuing of a suitable printed memorial of this noteworthy anniversarj' arose, till perhaps the time for it has now gone by. Yet, that a compendious and an accurate history of Middletown is greatly to be desired there can be no question. The possibility of such a work lessens constantly as the years go by. Oh that we had .some citizen with the leisure, the knowledge, the judgment, the literar>' skill, and the sympathetic loyalty to our traditions, to trace the record of this ancient township and its environs, for ourselves and those who come after us. The principal event of our history in 1904 was the raising of an endowment fund of $6,000. Mr. William W. Wilcox, one of the intelligent and high-minded citizens of Middletown, a short time before his lamented death, offered to give the Society $2,000 towards a building for its home, on condition that $4,000 more should be secured by the end of 1903. So sincere was he in his proposition that he had it inscribed in his last will and testament, that we might be the more certain to avail ourselves thereof. And when many obstacles prevented our meeting the terms of the pro- posed gift, his executors generously lengthened the time suggested l»y him an entire twelvemonth, thereby making it possible for us to realize the earnest wish of our distinguished friend. The committee having the matter of raising this sum in charge found that people were not wilhng to subscribe money for a building unless the Society was sure of an income adequate to meet its annual outlays. Hence, with the consent of the heirs of Mr. Wilcox, it was agreed to appeal for $4,000 towards an endowment. This amount was pledged before the close of the year, thus placing the Society upon a more solid foundation. The names of the donors, fifty-three in all, are inscribed in our records, with the sums given affixed to them. They include not onl}' prominent citizens of our own town, but also liberal-minded residents of adjoining towns, particularly of Middlefield and Portland. All honor to them, for thus aiding to equip an institution which, with wise management and ever increasing resources, may be a genuine boon to our county. At the annual meeting of the Society in April, 1905, it was voted to authorize the executive committee to appoint an assistant secretary, and later Miss Alice M. Hotchkiss was secured for this position. In May, not to trespass too long upon the hospitality of the Berkeley Divinity School, and that we might have room for our enlarging library, it was decided to rent two rooms on the second floor of the Masonic Building on Court Street. Thus for two years the public meetings of the Society were held in the commodious and attractive Williams lyibrary, thereby laying us under lasting obligation to the Divinity School for housing a home- less wanderer so willingly and so comfortably. The first meeting in the new quarters was in July, 1905. But these rooms, so contracted and unsuited to our needs, were not destined to be a permanent abiding place. On the 20th of April, 1906, the president received a communication from Mrs. Margaret Sill Hubbard, offering to present to the Society her ances- tral homestead for its use as headquarters for its gatherings and its possessions. The offer also included the services of a janitor for the space of one year or longer. This magnanimous proposal was accepted by a rising vote of the thirty-two members who were present at a special meeting on May first. At the next regular meeting, May 15, Messrs. W. B. Hubbard, H. C. Whittlesey, and W. F. Burrows were appointed a house committee, for the oversight of the structure thus put into the Society's hands. Later Mrs. W. B. Hubbard and Miss Mariana Townsend were added to this committee. The formal transfer of the property was made soon after its acceptance b}- the Society, and possession was at once given. Our archives and our other treasures were directly deposited and arranged in the various rooms of this edifice, so that they can now be readily inspected and cared for. The rich collection of war relics, which had been previously given to us, though still kept in the Russell Library, was moved to our upper rooms, where they are so disposed as to appear to excellent advantage. Numerous additions have since been made to this invaluable department, while many articles have been placed in it as loans. The sincere gratitude of the Society is due to the collectors of this interesting museum for their generous transfer of it to us. Such was the liberality of our large-hearted bene- factress that she was not content with presenting to us this capacious house with its ample grounds, but 10 her gift included carpets, curtains, book-cases and books, pictures, and fixtures, all of value to us. Coal for the next two seasons, and the repainting of the exterior of the house the following summer, were also contributed by her ever-open hand. Not a few costly volumes had come to our shelves from her before this principal donation. In short, we had learned to regard Mrs. Hubbard as the patron saint of our organization, and we do not cease to deplore her untimely loss to us and to the community of which she was so useful a member. The beautiful tablet erected to her memory in the autumn of last year by individuals in our Society is a fitting recognition of her unfailing loyalty to us. Our first meeting in these rooms was held June 19, 1906, since which time all our meetings have been here, with the exception of one held in Say brook, September 29, 1908, in conjunction with the Middlesex Conference of Congregational Churches, to commemorate the two hundredth anniversary of the framing of the Saybrook Platform. One of the papers on this memorable occa- sion was read by a member of our Societ)^ whom we delight to honor, Dr. Samuel Hart, and the other by a native of our county, Dr. Lewellyn Pratt. This precedent was so entirely successful as to justify our meeting at other historic .spots, should the way open for us. At the regular meeting in December, 1906, the resig- nation of Mr. Elliott as treasurer was read, and a com- mittee was appointed to confer with him, with the hope that he might be induced to continue in the office. He could not be prevailed upon to change his purpose to retire, so that at the next meeting his resignation was accepted. Mr. Elliott had been from the first one of our most zealous members, being deeply interested in our aims, and working heartily to help us realize them, so that in his withdrawal we lost a valued and an efficient member. At the next annual meeting Mr. George A. Craig was chosen to fill the vacancy. Near the end of the year 1906, also, an arrangement was made with the Wadsworth Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, in accordance with which they were to have the exclusive use of the two east rooms on the first floor of this house, together with the use of the other rooms at the time of their public meet- ings. This agreement is still in force, though with some change in its conditions. Many of the gather- ings of this worthy Chapter are held under this roof, and it is a pleasure to us to feel that our excellent facilities are emplo^^ed for purposes so high as those of this conspicuous organization. Whatever develops interest in our history as a nation, and the spirit of loyalty to our institutions is in line with the ideas on which our own Society is founded. We cannot but wish there were also in Middletown a strong branch of the Sons of the American Revolution. In addition to the meeting of the Society in Saybrook, to which reference has before been made, the year 1908 was marked by the death of one of our charter mem- bers, w4io had devoted no little time and labor to our welfare, Mr. Walter B. Hubbard. An estimate of his character and services to us is contained in pamphlet No. 6 of our publications. Suffice it to say here, that no member of this Society was better qualified by lineage, by native gifts, and by training, to further all our en- deavors than Mr. Hubbard. Loyal as he was to his birthplace and his kindred, schooled as he was in all that refined knowledge so essential to the prosperity of an institution like this, ready as he was to give his careful thought, his cultivated talents, and his energetic efforts, to our upbuilding, his loss was an irreparable one to us. The last days of the same 3'ear were shadowed by the illness and death of Mrs. Margaret Sill Hubbard, who had contributed so materially to our progress. Our pamphlet No. 7 has a brief appreciation of her, especially in her relations to us, while the comely tablet in our hall will long abide as a testimonial of our grati- tude for her eminent favors to us, as well as of our profound sense of loss in her departure from earth when in the full tide of her sympathetic munificence to us and to our community. The year 1908 also took from us Mr. Thomas M. Durfee, Mr. James H. Bunce, and Mr. Clarence E. Bacon, the last two of whom were among our original members, and all of whom were men whose names were an honor to our roll, and whom the city could poorly afford to spare. At the annual meeting in 1909, Mr. Richard C. Fagan was chosen treasurer, in place of Mr. George A. Craig, whose many other duties compelled him to relinqui-sh the office. In December of this year the Society was called to mourn the loss of the Hon. Josiah Meigs Hubbard, whose sturdy character, whose ripe wisdom, and whose able papers, had been a source of strength to us. During the summer of this year Miss Alice Hotchkiss, the accomplished assistant sec- retary, resigned, as she was soon to be absent from the city, and Miss Frances Pelton was obtained as her suc- cessor. Miss Hotchkiss filled the position with rare fidelity and skill, and her services were highly prized 13 by those who knew their worth. Her successor is revealing pecuHar quaUfications for the work she has in hand. The visit of the President of the United States, the Honorable William H. Taft, to our city in November, 1909, will long be remembered by our Society by reason of its special relation to us. The George Wash- ington Chair, which is one of our priceless treasures, seemed to be the only one in Middletown suited to the massive form of the President. It was occupied b}- him during the day of the inauguration of Dr. William Arnold Shanklin as President of the Universit3^ It now wears a silver plate commemorative of this pleas- ing fact, as well as of its original ownership. The first month of 19 10 was darkened by the sudden death of Miss Jennie M. Clarke, also one of our charter members, a contributor to our permanent fund, and a frequent donor of books, pamphlets, and pictures to our collection. She was often at our meetings, and she re- joiced in all tokens of prosperity which the Society exhibited. A fuller notice of this unusual woman is printed in pamphlet No. 8 of our documents. At the annual meeting of the last year, Mr. H. C. Whittlesey, who had been the faithful secretary since 1903, felt compelled by a pressure of other obligations to decline a reelection. This fact caused genuine regret to all our members. Mr. Whittlesey, by his ability, his education, liberal through varied studies and wide experience in travel and residence in other lands, by his social position, his genial bearing, and his finished penmanship withal, was exceptionally qualified to be the secretary of this organization. He had proved himself to be the ideal man for the office, u having been a leading factor in raising the Society to its present standing. Many arguments and much per- suasion were brought to bear upon him to change his purpose, but without avail. A month later, after a thorough canvass of the situation, the Society deemed itself fortunate in securing the consent of Mr. E. H. Wilkins to fill the vacancy, and he was unanimously elected in May. In the same month Dr. Hart and the President represented the Society as delegates to an Arbitration and Peace Congress in Hartford. On July the fourth last, the rooms of the Society were opened to the public for the first time, for a Recep- tion from the hour of ten in the morning to that of four in the afternoon. The large number of persons passing through them on this occasion, nearly two hundred, the surprise and satisfaction they expressed in view of what riches we already possess, led to the conviction that we must arrange as soon as possible for frequent visits to our home. We are here not for ourselves, but for the people of our own time, and for those who come after us. The more intimate acquaintance our citizens have with us, the more likely they will be to ally themselves with us, and to place in our keeping those relics of the past which it is our desire to obtain for preservation and for exhibition. Two of our members died since our last annual meet- ing, Mrs. Horace F. Boardman and Cephas Brainerd, Esq. Next to the estate of Mr. Wilcox, Mrs. Board- man was the largest contributor to our endowment fund, and she always took a deep interest in our pro- ceedings. A native of Middletown. she rejoiced in whatever aided its advancement. Her heart was 15 capacious, leading her to multitudes of beneficent deeds known to few besides herself. Her too early departure created a void in our city which will not soon be filled. Mr. Brainerd, though in the practice of law in New York, kept his summer home in Haddam, the place of his birth, for which he cherished the fondness of a loyal son. He .sent a number of books to our Society, and occasionally wrote us about others which we might have a wish to purchase. He gave us one entertaining address upon ' ' Some Lawyers and Cases in Middlesex County." In the midst of an engrossing profession, he found time for self -culture and for philanthropic labors, especially in connection with the Young Men's Christian Associations of the world, for whose grand work he had a warm regard. Our Society has to-daj- 1 1 1 members, eleven of whom are life-members. It has nearly 1900 volumes in its library, some of which are of inestimable value. Its pamphlets are above 500, a few of which are very rare. It has published only eight pamphlets of its own, aU of which pertain to its history and its posses- sions. It is looking forward to the day when it may be able to issue some of the papers which are read before it, many of which are extremel}' valuable and altogether worthy of seeing the light. Ninety meet- ings have been held in the decade, at which a quorum of at least seven has been present. The president has been absent from only five of these. Only five meet- ings have been called at which a quorum was lacking. The average attendance at our business meetings has been about twelve, while that at the public meetings has been not far from twenty-five. Addresses have been given at sixty-eight of our meetings, many of them by persons of eminence in the commonwealth. For instance, three have been given to us by the present governor of the State, and one by a former governor. Professors Woolsey and Smith, of Yale University, have each given us two papers, Dr. Hart five. Dr. Dutcher four. Professor Winchester one, Hon. Josiah M. Hubbard two, Albert R. Crittenden one, F. F. Starr one. President Luther and Professor Gettell, of Trinity College, one each, Dr. Charles Ray Palmer, of New Plaven, and Dr. Edwin Pond Parker, of Hartford, one each, the Rev. Joseph Hooper, of Durham, two, Professor Curtis M. Geer, of the Hartford Seminary, one, and Ex-Governor Coffin one. These persons and many others, here and elsewhere, have rendered us willing and acceptable service along differing lines of research. Many of their productions were such as our citizens rarely have an opportunity to hear, so that the Society confers no small benefit upon them in bringing addresses so not- able within their reach. Thus, far too hurriedly and too imperfectly told, runs the story of the first decade of the Middlesex County Historical Society. Begun as an experiment, its future is no longer doubtful. Begun in weakness, it has developed manly strength. Begun as a hope, it is now an actual and a promising reality. It has long been the desire of your president to lay down the burden, accepted temporarily at the outset, but carried for the decade. Nothing but the kind pressure of his friends prevents him from now asking to be released. The evident success of the Society thus far is by no means /lis success. It is that of the 17 members who have stood by our enterprise with zeal so unflagging and courage so heroic. It would be pleasant to recite the names of all, but just recogni- tion, beyond that already accorded to several, should be made of the helpful ser\'ices of Governor Weeks and Mrs. Weeks, of Mr. W. H. Burrows and his brother, of Mr. F. F. Starr, of Mr. C. A. Pelton, of Mr. J. H. Sage, of Mr. C. S. Wadsworth, of Mr. W. W. Wilcox, of Miss Lyman, of Miss Oilman, of Mrs. W. B. Hubbard and Miss Townsend on the house committee, of Miss Roberts and Miss Selden, all of whom, and many others, have manifested their fidelity to us by their words and their deeds. Thanks, manifold, to all who have enlisted under our banner. It will soon be the lot of others to carry it, and we cannot think they will allow it to go down. ^«b;rrtB of AJj&rpaapH ma&f to tl|r ^nrirty BJitli lljrir Baits, anb tlje Namea nf X^tXx Autbora The Work and Plans of an Historical Society, December 17, 1901: Professor Samuel Hart, D. D., D. C. L., of the Berkeley Divinity School. Roger Sherman, February 18, 1902: Hon. Simeon E. Baldwin, L,L. D., New Haven. The Work and Needs of an Historical Society, April 22, 1902: Dr. Hart. Manufacture of and Payment for the Gen. Andrew Jackson Sword, June 17, 1902: Mr. Frank F. Starr, Middletown. The Part of Women in Founding Oxford and Cambridge Universities, October 21, 1902: the Rev. Lewis W. Hicks, Wellesley, Mass. 18 Dr. Leonard Bacon, January 20, 1903: the Rev. Joseph Anderson, D. D., Waterbury. Some of the Causes that led to the War of 1812, February 17, 1903: the Rev. Richmond Fisk, D. D., Middletown. Connecticut in the Revolution, March 17, 1903: the Rev. Joseph Hooper, Durham. The Case of the First Elijah Hubbard and the Brig Mary, April 21, 1903: Hon. Elijah K. Hubbard, Middletown. The Navigation of Connecticut River, May 19, 1903: the Rev. William D. Love, Ph. D., Hartford. Abigail Adams, Wife of the Second President of the United States, June 16, 1903: Miss Anna L. Smith, Middletown. Dolly Madison, Wife of the Fourth President, October 20, 1903: Mrs. Edward B. Van Vleck, Middletown. Connecticut Gore Land Company, November 17, 1903: Mr. Albert C. Bates, Hartford. Commodore MacDonough and the War of 1812, January 19, 1904: Miss Emma C. Oilman, Middletown. Stephen Decatur, February 16, 1904: Professor Charles H. Smith, LL. D., Yale University. The Diary of a Colonial Churchman, March 15, 1904: Mrs. Elmer G. Derby, Middletown. Address by the President, April 19, 1904. The Investigation of the Star Route Frauds, May 17, 1904: P. Henry Woodward, Esq., Hartford. A Tory Trail, October 18, 1904: the Rev. Edward O. Grisbrook, Poquonnock. Patrick Henry, November 15, 1904: Miss Anna L. Smith, Middletown. Kepler, December 20, 1904: President Flavel S. Luther, LL. D., Trinity College. The State of Franklin, February 21, 1905: Professor Curtis M. Geer, Ph.D., Hartford Theological Seminary. 19 Old Letters and Manuscripts, March 21, 1905: Mr. Charles E. Jackson, Middletown. Address by the President, April 18, 1905. The Life and Work of Thomas Hooker, May 16, 1905: Judge Epaphroditus Peck, Bristol. The Battle of Bunker Hill, October 17, 1905: Col. Francis Parsons, Hartford. The Last Years of the Colony of Connecticut, November 21, 1905: Mr. Benjamin P. Adams, Wesleyan University. Connecticut during the Revolution, December 19, 1905: Mr. William G. Murphy, Jr., Wesleyan University. Benjamin Franklin, the Man and his Work, January 16, 1906: Professor George M. Butcher, Ph. D., Wesleyan University. The Meigs Family in America, March 20, 1906: Hon. Josiah M. Hubbard, Middletown. Yale College in Saybrook, April 17, 1906: Dr. Hart. The Career of Gideon Welles, 1802-1878, November 20, 1906: Mr. Henry B. Learned, M. A., New Haven. The Origin of Place Names in Connecticut, December 18, 1906: Professor William E. Mead, Ph. D., Wesleyan University. The American Historical Association and its Work, January I5> 1907- Professor Dutcher. Two Centuries and a Half of Farm Life in Middletown, April 16, 1907: Hon. Josiah M. Hubbard. The Hudson Bay Company, May 21, 1907: Professor Theodore S. Woolsey, LL.D., Yale University. The Development of Public Libraries within the Bounds of the Old New Haven Colony, illustrated, June 18, 1907: Profes- sor Henry M. Whitney, of the Blackstone Library, Branford. Connecticut, 1789-1809, October 15, 1907: Mr. Ernest A. Inglis, Wesleyan University. Connecticut in Pennsylvania, November 19, 1907: Judge Baldwin. John Greenleaf Whittier, December ry, 1907, the hundredth anniversary of his birth: Professor Caleb T. Winchester, L. H. D., Wesleyan University. The History of the Common Schools of Connecticut, January 21, 1908: Dr. Hart. The Rev. Eleazar May, Pastor in Haddam from 1756 to 1S03, February 18, 1908: the Rev. Bert F. Case, Middle Haddam. The Enlightened Despotism, a Study of Europe in the Days of the War for American Independence, March 17, 1908: Pro- fessor Dutcher. Henry Clay Work, His Life and Writings, April 21, 1908: Mr. Samuel W. Loper, M. A., Curator of the Museum of Wes- leyan University. A History of Immigration to the United States, May 19, 1908: Professor Raymond G. Gettell, Trinity College. Some Lawyers and Cases in Middlesex County, October 20, 1908: Cephas Brainerd, Esq., New York. Noah Webster, November 17, 1908: Mr. William R. Cross, of the Hartford Courant. The Currency of our Fathers, December 15, 190S: Hon. Albert R. Crittenden, Middletown. Edgar Allan Poe, January 19, 1909, the hundredth anniver- sary of his birth: Professor Robert H. Fife, Jr., Ph. D., Wes- leyan University. The Religious Character of Abraham Lincoln, February 16, 1909, Professor Smith, of Yale University (read by the President of the Society). The Rev. Thomas L. Shipman, March 16, 1909: Arthur L. Shipman, Esq., Hartford. Address by the President, April 20, 1909. The Old Farmington Canal, May 18, 1909: Julius Ga}-, Esq., Farmington. William Hooke, the First Pastor and Teacher of the First Church in New Haven, October 19, 1909: the Rev. Charles R. Palmer, D. D., New Haven. 21 The Gentler Aspects of Puritan Life, December 21, 1909: the Rev. Edwin P. Parker, D. D., Hartford. Fitch, French, and Fulton, illustrated, February 22, 1910: Ex-Governor O. Vincent Coffin, LL. D., Middletown. The Seal of Connecticut, March 15, 1910: Judge Baldwin. Address by the President, April 19, 1910. The Children, Manners, and Customs of Old New England, May 17, 1910: Mrs. J. William Bailey, Middletown. The Achievements and Death of George Augustus, Lord Viscount Howe, 1724-1758, June 21, 1910: the Rev. Joseph Hooper, Durham. Lydia Buckland, a Colonial Dame of the Seventeenth Cen- tury, October 18, 1910: Francis Parker, Esq., Hartford. An American Vasari, November 15, 1910: Professor Woolsey. Some Early Glimpses of Hartford, December 20, 1910: Dr. Hart. An Old New Haven Engraver and his Work, January 17, 191 1 : the Rev. William A. Beardsley, New Haven. George Washington, February 21, 191 1: Professor Dutcher. Negro Slavery in Connecticut, March 21, 1911: Mr. Frederick C. Norton, Bristol. The above is a list of many prominent names in the commonwealth. Not a few of the topics discussed by them were timely, and of practical value. The Society has surely been highly honored by the persons who have appeared before it with their words of instruction and inspiration. Several of the papers presented to the Society are already in its archives, either in manu- script or in print. It is hoped that others may come into its possession in due season. BnviUvvfB Annual IS^pcrt To the President and Members of the Society: In accordance with our by-laws, I beg to submit the Secretary's annual report for the year ending April i8, 191 1. MEETINGS Regular monthly meetings of the Society have been held throughout the year, with the exception of the months of July, August, and September. The meet- ings have all been held at the Society's building, corner of Union and Crescent Streets; and at the close of the business session of each of these meetings, a paper of local or general interest was presented. In the address of the President, pubhshed on preceding pages, will be found a list of the dates, subjects, and speakers. MEMBERSHIP The total membership is one hundred and eleven, or two less than it was one year ago. Two new members were admitted during the year, while three former members have died and one has resigned. PUBLICATIONS Pamphlet No. 8, being the annual report of the officers, uniform with the preceding numbers. GENERAL During the year, a number of gifts, consisting of books, pamphlets, maps, letters, documents, engrav- ings, etc., have been presented to the Society. All such are recorded in the Accession Register. A card catalogue of books and pamphlets is in process of compilation. The demand for more shelving has been partially met by the construction of an open cabinet of large capacity, especially designed for the storage of news- papers and books. During the year, the memorial tablet to the late Mrs. Margaret Sill Hubbard has been completed and set in place in the Society's building. The tablet is remarkable for its beauty of design and finish, and is a fitting form of memorial to the generous benefactress of this Society. Great credit is due Rev. A. W. Hazen, Mr. Wm. H. Burrows and Mrs. W. B. Hubbard, the committee who had this matter in charge. E. H. WiLKiNS, Secretary. 21^ ©r^aHurpr'B Annual E^^jort APRI L 17, 191 Richard C. Fagan, Treasurer, in accotmt with The Middlesex County Historicai, Society: Dr. To balance April i6, 1910, I267 29 To dues collected, - - - - - - - 177 00 To rent received from Wadsworth Chapter, D. A. R., 50 00 To contribution received for Margaret Sill Hubbard Memorial Fund, - 62 00 To coupons, St. Louis, Iron Mountain, and Southern R. R., 80 00 $636 29 Cr. By expenses of speakers, '------ I5 00 By historical books, ------- 3 00 By coal and wood, -- 100 By gas, --------- 4 25 By water, - - - - 10 00 By repairs to building, 31 77 By clerical work, ------- 4 50 By postage and stationery, - - - - - 17 50 By printing, - - . 58 50 By furnishings and supplies for house, - - - 31 85 By street sprinkling, - 9 15 By Wm. H. Burrows, account Margaret Sill Hubbard Memorial, - - 193 00 By balance, cash in First National Bank, - - - 266 77 $636 29 S5 Investments 2 bonds, St. Louis, Iron Mountain & Southern R. R. Co., *2 bonds, Buffalo & Susquehanna R. R. Co., - Cash in Middletown Savings Bank, - - - - Cash in Farmers and Mechanics Savings Bank, Cash in Freestone Savings Bank, Portland, l7,077 34 * The Buffalo & Susquehanna Railroad Co. have defaulted interest on the bonds owned by this Society. The said bonds, on recommendation of the finance committee of the Society have been deposited with the Equitable Trust Co. of New York under a reorganization agreement. Respectfully submitted, Richard C. Fagan, Treasurer. |2,000 00 2,000 00 1,397 62 839 35 840 37 Examined and found correct. Wm. J. deMauriac, Auditor. April 17, 1911. WmavB ELECTED APRI L 18. 191 PRESIDENT AzEL W. Hazen, - - Middletown VICE-PRESI DENTS Albert R. Crittenden, ----- Middletown John H. Sage, ------- Portland SECRETARY Edward H. Wilkins, . - - - . Middletown TREASURER Richard C. Fagan, Middletown EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE The President, The Secretary, The Vice-Presidents, The Treasurer, Samuei. Hart, Middletown Frank F. Starr, ------ Middletown George M. Dutcher, . - . . . Middletown MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE Heman C. Whittlesey, Middletown Charles A. PelTon, Middletown Edwin P. Augur, ----.. Middletown Frank F. Starr, Middletown Wilbur F. Burrows, ------ Middletown 27 FINANCE COMMITTEE William H. Burrows, Middletown Wallace K. Bacon, ------ Middletown John H. Sage, ------- Portland HOUSE COMMITTEE Frank B. Weeks, Middletown Wilbur F. Burrows, ------ Middletown Heman C. Whittlesey, Middletown Mrs. Walter B. Hubbard, . - . . Middletown Miss Mariana Townsend, . . . - Middletown AUDITOR William J. deMauriac, ----- Middletown 28 ^xU'Mtmhtvs Hon. Albert R. Crittenden, - Mrs. Albert R. Crittenden, - Rev. Azel W. Hazen, D. D., - Mrs. Azel W. Hazen, Mrs. Walter B. Hubbard, William G. Mather, Heman C. Whittlesey, B. A., - Mrs. Heman C. Whittlesey, - Mrs. William W. Wilcox, Mrs. William W. Wilcox, Jr., William W. Wilcox, B. A., • Middletown ■ Middletown Middletown ■ Middletown Middletown Cleveland, O. Middletown Middletown Middletown Middletown Middletown m^mbrra Joseph W. Alsop, --.... Simsbury Edwin P. Augur, ------ Middletown Samuel Babcock, - Middletown Wallace K. Bacon, ------ Middletown Abner a. Bevin, ----- East Hampton Judson B. Brainerd, Portland William B. Brewer, - - - . . Middletown Robert Broatch, ------ Middletown Mrs. James H. Bunce, ----- Middletown James H. Bunce, ------- Middletown Robert W. Burke, ------ Middletown Eugene H. Burr, ------ Middletown Wilbur F. Burrows, ------ Middletown William H. Burrows, ----- Middletown Dale D. Butler, ------ Middletown J. Francis Calef, M. D., - - - - - Middletown W. Harry Ci^emons, M. A., - - - Princeton, N. J. Edward S. Coe, - Cromwell Ex-Governor O. Vincent Coffin, LL. D., - Middletown Augustus H. Conkun, . . . . East Hampton George A. Craig, ------ Middletown Charles W. Cramer, Portland Mrs. Charles W. Dabney, - - - Dedham, Mass. Eddie S. Davis, - - Middletown William J. deMauriac, ----- Middletown Mrs. William J. deMauriac, - - - - Middletown Richard L. deZeng, Middletown Professor George M. Butcher, Ph.D., - Middletown Richard C. Pagan, Middletown Edward B. Fall, ------ Middletown John L. Fisk, .----.. Middletown Henry H. Francis, ------ Middletown Edward A. Gladwin, ----- Middletown Frederick E. Gibbons, Middletown Ferdinand Gildersleeve, - . - . Portland Oliver Gildersleeve, ----- Portland Miss Emma C. Gilman, . . - . - Middletown Archibald C. Goodrich, ----- Portland Frederick W. Goodrich, - - - - Portland Robert S. Griswold, ----- Cromwell James K. Guy, ------- Middletown Hon. Frank D. Haines, ----- Middletown Asaph H. Hale, Portland David A. Hall, Portland Stephen S. Hall, - Portland Frank K. Hallock, M. D., - - - - Cromwell Professor Samuel Hart, D.D., D.C.L., LL.D., Middletown Miss Frances M. Hazen, M. a., - - - Middletown Lucius R. Hazen, B. A. - - - - - Middletown Miner C. Hazen, M. D., - - - - - Haddam E. Dyer Hubbard, ------ Middletown Hon. Elijah K. Hubbard, . - . - Middletown E. Kent Hubbard, Jr., B. A., - - - - Middletown 30 George H. Hulbert, New London Charles E. Jackson, - - - - - Middletown Edward Q. Jackson, Middletown WiLi•49^N» LD 21-100to-9,'48(B399s161476 868637 THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA LIBRARY