Summer, 2003
| New & Noteworthy | ||
| Great Attic Classic III | ||
| A Weatherstone Gala |
Recollections
of a Boyhood in Sharon
|
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| Rosemary Vietor retires |
My life on my father's farm was from 1910 to 1935, part of which was during the "Great Depression" but we never went hungry. Although we had little money, we had plenty of food. During the worst of depression, about the only food purchased was a barrel of flour and a barrel of sugar and some salt. Every fall we would butcher a cow that did not give much milk, and 2 to 4 hogs. Some of the beef would be made into corn beef, some dried, and some sold. We kept all the pork. We had a smoke house so hams and bacon were smoked. Heart, tongue, and liver were used fresh. All the scraps were made into sausage. After the hams were smoked enough, my mother would slice them and fry them about ½ as much as for eating, then put them in 5-gallon crocks and completely cover them with the fat that came from the frying. Also all the inside fat was "tried", fried and made into lard.
During the "Great Depression" we ate what was produced on the farm. The biggest food investment was a barrel of flour and a barrel of sugar each fall. I can remember the disappointment when my parents could no longer buy the flour in a barrel but had to buy it in 25 lb sacks and fill the barrel. My mother Susan had the two barrels sitting under the shelves in the pantry. My mother had two pantries, one for dishes and one for food. The pantry for food was a "cool room". There was no refrigerator until later years. If anything needed to be kept cold it had to be put in a pail and put in the milk vat in the "milk house" attached to the barn. Ice was kept in the water and an insulated cover was over it. Sometimes the pail would tip over and the food would get wet.
On one end of our cellar were shelves that held all the canned fruit and vegetables. I would estimate there were 100 jars. If it was not all used in one year, it was dated, and used the next year.
Then there was a big bin of apples. Periodically they would have to be sorted, and if there were any rotten they had to be thrown out, but if there was a spot about the size of a quarter, my mother Susan would use them for applesauce or pies. If they were not sorted, the rotten apple would spoil those around it. Hence the expression, "one rotten apple can spoil the whole barrel."
Next there was a large bin of our home-grown potatoes, probably 40 to 60 bushels. We usually raised more than we could use, so in the fall we would have 20 or 40 to sell. One customer was cousin Harry Bartram who applied the potato credit to our plumbing bill. Sometimes this account would go 20 years before it would be reconciled. Toward spring, the potatoes would start to sprout and my job on days when you could not work outside, was to "sprout" potatoes, a very monotonous job.
Then there would be 2 or 3 barrels of apple cider and vinegar. A fresh barrel was put in the cellar each year and for as long as it was sweet we drank it. When it was not pleasant to drink and it was not vinegar yet, we would wait and soon it became vinegar. Mom always had vinegar which she put on the table in a glass vinegar cruet. Vinegar was used to make pickles, and on the canned food shelf there were also many jars of cucumber pickles, also pickled beets, pears, and apples.
Sometimes in the winter the chickens would stop laying eggs, so when she, (Mom took care of the chickens before I took them over), would fill a 5 gallon crock full of eggs and she would cover them with "water glass" which was a liquid that sealed the pores in the shells. These she did not use for frying, boiling, or poaching, but in cakes and things like that. My mother claimed they made better cakes than the fresh eggs.
Another thing my mother Susan did was to make dried apples. Through the Farm Bureau Extension agent (Miss Eleanor Moss) she made a double decker drying frame which was a 2 X 3 foot frame with cheesecloth to dry the apples on. The frame was hung over the kitchen stove which had a continuous wood fire in it that supplied the heat for the kitchen and the hot water. The apples were peeled, cored and thinly sliced and laid on the cheesecloth. I don't remember how long it took them to dry, but I remember that she ended up with about a bushel of dried apples which my mother used in pies and other apple dishes. We ate them as a snack and they were delicious.
Mom made a lot of cottage cheese, and on a few occasions, regular cheese but that was such a lengthy process, she did not do it often. During the leanest years we made our own butter. First she let the milk stand for a day or two in pans, then she skimmed the cream off with a perforated ladle. The skimmed milk made cottage cheese and the cream was put in the churn. My job, as a boy, was to crank the churn. You knew it was butter when it went "plop-plop". The liquid was drained out of the churn and that was buttermilk which was used to make pancakes or was a refreshing drink to which we sometimes added a little molasses. The butter was salted and worked over to get the additional water out of it. Then it was packed in small jars and put in the cellar.
Excerpted from the chapter "The Prindle Farms" in Recollections
of a Boyhood in Sharon, By Stuart Edwin Prindle, Published in 1992
A number of interesting items have recently been donated to the Sharon Historical Society, some of which represent parts of our town's history. Sheree Jackson Sawyer, of San Antonio, Texas, brought us several articles, which she donated in the name of Austin and Connie Jackson, and which illustrate the flax industry that once flourished in Sharon. A tea towel and a dress both were made from flax processed on the Jackson farm. A flax carder, with flax, is also from the Jackson farm.
Walter and Millie Rick donated a sign from The Village Tea Room, which they purchased at the auction at the Sharon Inn before it was demolished in the early 1950s. Mrs. Riley owned the Tea Room, which was located in the Sharon Inn for several years.
Frank Spencer, Jr., gave us a delicate antique spindle back arm chair, which was a favorite of his father, Frank N. Spencer, Sr., President of the SHS from 1948 to 1951, and a prominent Sharon citizen. Given by Frank, Jr., and his two sisters in memory of their father, the chair is believed to have been made prior to 1800.
Marilyn Reagan donated some SCAF scrapbooks. The Sharon Creative Arts Foundation was created in the 1950s to support the very popular Sharon Playhouse which had attracted Broadway and off-Broadway players to Sharon for decades but needed more financial and organizational support. Local actors, including children, often had an opportunity to rub shoulders with the big-wigs on the Sharon Playhouse stage by filling minor (and some major) roles in the various plays each season. Browsing through the SCAF scrapbooks, a reader will find the names of countless Sharon residents enjoying their moment in the spotlights, as well as ads taken out by most local businesses, including the above mentioned Village Tea Room! The current TriArts Theatre is now building a new theatre on the site of the original Sharon Playhouse.
Other recently acquired items include a cigar box which originally contained cigars made by the Louis Miller Company of Sharon, donated by the Ricks; a sleeveless waistcoat that belonged to Virgil Roberts (1905-1895?) of Sharon, donated by Colonel and Mrs. Robert D. Thomas; a 1940s Waring blender, 19th century tortoiseshell comb, and a women's fitted wool jacket from Francoise Kelz; and from Marilyn Hart, some lovely homespun woven coverlets.
There have been many donations to the Archives as well. Richard Dakin produced a Sharon telephone Company Directory from 1933, programs from the 1910 and 1923 Sharon Men's Club Minstrels and several other booklets and postcards. Mark Choquet, from Lakeville, Mass, some information on Broken Arrow and the Narragansett Indians; early maps of Sharon and the state of Connecticut donated by Marie Peterson; and a collection of early photographs of Sharon, including a charming photograph album assembled in 1916 and donated by Margaret Emory Stackpole.
The variety of objects we receive is always fascinating, and we are always looking for more. So, before you throw anything away, please call us to see if what you have could be of use to the Sharon Historical Society.
Marge McAvoy
PROGRESS ON THE SHARON VALLEY LIME
KILN PROJECT
Due to the long hard winter and the wet irresolute spring, progress on the
preservation of the Sharon Valley Lime Kiln was somewhat delayed. Yet, despite
various delays, the joint restoration project of the Sharon Historical Society
and the Town of Sharon has advanced considerably.
As reported on earlier occasions, during the fall of 2001 Stage 1, the stabilization
and preservation of the stack exterior was completed. This stage was funded
through a local foundation grant of $40,000 and a LoCIP (Local Capitol Improve
Program) grant of $25,000 through the Town of Sharon. During the fall of 2002
Phase II, the cleaning and restoration of the kiln interior and Phase III,
bringing the structure back to its original height were completed. Recently
Phase IV, final capping the kiln and installation of metal grillwork over
the west, south and east openings was completed. The opening to the east contains
a locked, hinged gate to provide accessibility for field tours by student
and adult groups. Over the top loading area a plexiglass section has been
installed allowing more light to the lower interior.
Funding for Phases II, III and IV were provided through a $73,169 S.T.E.A.P.
(Small Town Economic Assistance Program) Grant to the Town of Sharon. Approval
for this grant was provided in June, 2002. However, despite the excellent
efforts of 64th District Representative Roberta Willis and 30th District Senator
Andrew Roraback, the grant dollars were not released for payments until the
week of May 26, 2003. Unfortunately delays of this type by the state result
in considerable hardships to our management, archaeologist, engineer and archaeological
construction contractors.
At a meeting with First Selectman Bob Moeller on July 16, it was determined
that $7,037 remained in STEAP Grant funding and $3,214 in the Sharon Historical
Society kiln grant for a total of $10,251. Considering the need for about
$1,500 for additional administrative and archaeological expenses, about $8,700
remains to be applied toward necessary structural and cosmetic ground work.
On July 17 your S. H. S. president met at the kiln with Charley Godfrey, town
road foreman, Don Hosier, president of Upcountry Services and Bob Moeller
to review conditions and the work to be completed by fall. Prior to grading
and seeding it was agreed that the town would supply stone and assist Upcountry
Services in the construction of a retaining wall along the east side of the
kiln. This wall is needed to stabilize the town highway adjacent to the kiln.
[During the late nineteenth century when the kiln was in operation, the adjoining
highway was along Webatuck Creek (Ten Mile River) some seven feet below its
present position.]
When the wall is in place and a protective wood rail placed at the top, Upcountry
Services will place weed filter fabric and crushed stone around the outside
of the kiln. The general area beyond will be groomed, covered with screened
top soil and seeded. Because of the busy summer season, work on the above
is planned for late August and September. In July Upcountry Services will
cut back the weed growth around the kiln.
Plans were also discussed concerning the opening of the wooded region south
of the kiln. Further funding would be required for this project and developing
a general park setting between the facilities at Veteran¹s Field and
the kiln. Mr. Godfrey suggested the town crew could clear some of the area
when there was open time. Efforts during the later summer and early fall will
include planning for an informational sign and further expansion of the site.
Currently the projected assessment and site development items have not been
funded. Any contributions to Phase V of the Sharon Valley Lime Kiln project
will be cheerfully accepted. Through our combined efforts, this monument to
Sharon¹s 1740 - 1919 industrial history with a surrounding park will
be preserved for generations to come.
Ed Kirby
S.H.S TO PRESENT WALKING TOURS
For the second year, the Upper Housatonic Valley National Heritage Association
(UHVNHA) will conduct an annual October Walking Weekend. These walks will
be conducted in the proposed UHVNHA area extending along the Housatonic River
Watershed from Kent, Connecticut north to Lanesborough, Massachusetts. Very
well attended in the initial 2002 walks, additional opportunities will be
presented in 2003.
As part of the Walking Weekend, S. H. S. President Ed Kirby will lead a 10:00
a.m. walk on Saturday, October Fourth reviewing the 18th and 19th century
Industries of Sharon Valley. Participants should arrive prior to 10:00 and
park near the basketball court at Veteran's Field on Sharon Station Road.
On Sunday, October Fifth, Ed will lead another 10:00 a.m. walk, Geology and
Iron Making at Kent's Bull's Falls. At Bull's Falls, 3.6 miles south of Kent
center on U. S. Route 7, turn right at the traffic light, cross the covered
bridge and park at the area on the right. From that point participants will
travel through history from 435,000,000 years ago to the present. At 12:00
Noon, S. H. S. Assistant Director Marge McAvoy will conduct a walking tour
of the fascinating Alder City Settlement. To reach the site of this walk,
drive north from the west side of bridge across the Housatonic by Kent School
to River Road and follow the signs.
For the convenience of S. H. S. members, the above schedule has been arranged
so as not to include conflicts. Please try to participate in all three. Please
look for press releases, posters and other information concerning these and
other UHVNHA October Walking Weekend events.
The Museum's newest exhibit of memorabilia of our nation's wars from the Revolution
to Desert Storm opened Memorial Day and will run through November 14.
Despite the rain that aborted the annual parade and shifted the memorial observances to the Sharon Center School gym, more than 125 attended the exhibit opening following the exercises.
The military items on display range from a letter from General George Washington to unit patches and service ribbons of World War II. A hand-written Sharon militia muster roll records the periodic drills conducted on the Green.
"This exhibit is not trying to present an orderly history of America at war," says director Liz Shapiro. "What we are trying to do is to use artifacts to hear and to remember the individual stories belonging to each man and woman who served. In many cases these memories are highly personal and create a strong sense of intimacy with the story teller."
Many Sharon residents have participated in putting this exhibit together by lending their military souvenirs and compiling their stories. People and families who have lent items to the exhibit include Reid Craig, Jacob Shoifet, E.R. Knutson, Charles Brooks, Sidney Bogardus, Robert Olson, David Hall, Dick Roberts, Jean Lundeen, Mary V. Southworth, Walter Rick, Marge McAvoy, Francoise A. Kelz, C. Carter Smith, Ed Kirby, Henry Kruppa, Brian and Theresa Kenny, Caroline Herrick, Robert Day, Reidar Holst-Grubbe, Barbara Bartram, Stephen Szalewicz, and the Herbert G. Klebes American Legion Post.
Beginning in September, the museum will work matching school and scout groups with veterans to encourage the sharing of stories and personal histories. If you are a veteran who might be interested in talking to student groups, or if you have a group of students who would enjoy the chance to learn history from someone who has first-hand experience, call Liz or Meg at the Historical Society.
The benefit
open house at Weatherstone hosted by Carolyne Roehm was truly a gala event,
raising over $18,000 to be shared by the Sharon Volunteer Fire Department
and the Historical
Society.
The restored grandeur of the historic landmark and the beauty of the grounds made an impressive setting for a gathering of more than 100 people. Members of the Fire Department in their smart, new dress uniforms lent a fitting reminder of the devastating blaze that struck the 250-year-old mansion in the late 1990s. A number of the town's volunteers had been among those fighting the fire through the night and into the next day.
The blooms of the gardens were at their spring peak and arrangements of lilacs and tulips designed by Ms. Roehm brightened the indoor rooms. Wine and hors d'oeuvres added to the social congeniality of the evening.
The collection of autographed presidential papers from George Washington on down into the 1900s drew the interest of numerous guests. This aura of the past was appropriate to a building that has housed such historic figures as Noah Webster, who tutored in an upstairs room.
John Quinn
Thank You to Retiring Board of
Trustees Member
The Sharon Historical Society wishes to express their heartfelt appreciation
to retiring Trustee Rosemary Vietor, who has recently completed three, 3-year
terms as board member of the Historical Society. During that time Mrs. Vietor
was instrumental in bringing experts in the field to view and assess the museum's
exhibits and collections. She has helped to steer the Society during its period
of growth and expansion, while maintaining her interest in SHS's historic
landscape and garden planning. Mrs. Vietor will continue her interest in museums
and historic preservation as president of the board for the Bowne House museum
in Flushing, New York.
The Museum welcomes William Paley as new board of trustees member. Mr. Paley is a Sharon native and principal of Sharon Cabinet & Construction. In his spare time he collects, restores and rides antique motorcycles. Mr. Paley began the first year of his three-year term in April.
Revised Printing of Echoes of Iron Due in August
For either the casual visitor, or even the citizens who have lived in the
area for many years, it is extremely difficult to comprehend the fact that
the seven towns of Connecticut's Northwest Corner once harbored a major iron
industry. The picturesque villages with their carefully manicured homesites,
open fields, stone walls and thickly wooded sections, thoroughly camouflage
nearly two hundred years of ravaged virgin forests. During the days When Iron
Was King, the region's hills were denuded for charcoal and the land scarred
with open pit mines and quarries. Even the air was contaminated by smoke,
dust and noxious particles.
The serene Northwest Corner of today bears little resemblance to the busy industrial center that once dominated the region. Echoes of Iron in Connecticut's Northwest Corner, originally published in 1998 and out of print for the last two years, is once again available for purchase. The book takes readers from the discovery of iron, through the period when the region was the largest producer of railroad car wheels in the world, to the demise of the industry in the first quarter of the twentieth century. Redesigned by Joe Freedman, a graphic designer in Cornwall, Connecticut, the 2003 printing has a slightly different cover design, pockets of revised text and sharper images.
Included in the book is the Field Guide to the Iron Heritage Trail which takes the reader on a guided tour of historic industrial sites. The book is available from the Historical Society for $20.
Great Attic Classic a Huge Success
A year's worth of hard work for the Sharon Historical Society fundraising committee paid off during the weekend of July 4-6th when the Society presented The Great Attic Classic III, tag sale and silent auction.
Kicking off the event was Friday evening's cocktail party and early buying. Guests began to line up at the tent entrance at 5 p.m., eagerly awaiting the 6 o'clock opening. A late day shower didn't interfere with buyer's enthusiasm for the select merchandize under the tent, and those volunteers doing duty at the cashier's stations were kept busy throughout the evening.
Food provided by the Sharon Day Care Center was delectable, and martinis made by master Lionel Goldfrank were a crowd pleaser.
A special feature of Friday evening's affair was the silent auction of a dozen bottles of select wine, the highlight of which was a rare bottle of 1970 Chateau Lafite Rothschild donated by Society Vice-President and neighbor, Peter Pettus.
Kudos goes to the many volunteers who helped to make this event possible. The three-day event netted slightly over $25,000 for the museum which will be used to defray general operating costs.
If you are interested in participating in next year's fundraising event planning, call Liz Shapiro at (860) 364-5688 or e-mail to director@sharonhist.org