Ahe Keeney Cultural Series proudly announces its TWENTIETH ROUSING SEASON, kicking off on January 20, 2013 and following with performances on February 10 and March 3, 2013. Concerts will take place on Sunday afternoons at 4:00 pm in Keeney Hall at the Keeney Memorial Cultural

Center, 200 Main Street, Wethersfi eld, CT. This wonderful series is made possible through a grant from the Robert Allan Keeney Memorial Fund at the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving.

THE WETHERSFIELD HISTORICAL SOCIETY NEWSLETTER ■ VOLUME 39 ■ NUMBER 1 ■ WINTER 2013

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KEENEY CULTURAL SERIES TRIUMPHANT TWENTIETH SEASON

On Sunday, January 20, The Yale Whiffenpoofs will per-form. With full houses on three past occasions, we wel-come back one of the world’s most renowned a cappela groups. Founded in 1909, the “Whiffs” have performed all over the world and have been invited to sing at the White House, the Mormon Taber-nacle in Salt Lake City, Carnegie Hall, the Rose Bowl and have also appeared on countless television shows including “Saturday Night Live,” “Sixty Minutes” and NBC’s a capella competition, “The Sing Off.” They still carry on the tra-dition of singing on Mondays at Mory’s Temple Bar and, of course, still close their programs with the beloved “The Whiffenpoof Song.”

On Sunday, February 10, we present “Dianne Mower in Song!” Hartford’s favorite “Diva” will be joined by fre-quent musical partner Norman Johnson and an incredibly gifted ensemble as she sings her favorites from “The Ameri-can Songbook.” Dianne’s career has ranged from singing in New York’s prestigious jazz clubs to performing with the

likes of Bill Mayes, Harvie Swartz and Dave Brubeck. She is currently working on a new CD of Brubeck’s music with Norman Johnson and Brubeck’s sons. In addition to her dynamic singing, Dianne is also a talented lyricist and teacher at the Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts, directing the “Real Ambassa-dors,” who performed at the London Olympics last summer.

2013 LECTURE SERIESSave February 4, March 4, April 8 & May 6

See page 6

8th ANNUALTASTE OF WETHERSFIELD

Save Saturday, April 13th

More on page 3

T H E P H O T O I S S U E

Keeney Hall has been graced over the past 20 years with talented performers, and the society is bringing back, for this special occasion, gifted artists who have “wowed” our audiences before –

world-wide performers and stars from the Greater Hartford fi rmament!

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FORECAST: A Successful 2012, an Exciting 2013Wethersfi eld Historical Society enjoyed a very successful year in 2012. We had three major fundraising events, Taste of Wethersfi eld, the Craft Fair and the Antiques Show; we opened our very popular Wethersfi eld Weddings exhibit, we had a wonderful weekend of Lantern Light Tours, a full schedule of walking tours, adult and school tours and Cookies Over the Coals programs; our Library and Archives are much better organized, our Burying Ground Digitization Project has made great strides, we have posted over two dozen Articles from the Community on our website, and our budget balanced. How was all this made possible? You guessed it – VOLUNTEERS!

Our historical society is utterly dependent on volunteers. We are an almost 81-year-old private nonprofi t organization founded, governed and funded by volunteers from our community. Our volunteers make us shine and set us apart from other historical organizations in our area. We have a very excit-ing schedule planned for 2013 – and of course, volunteers, we need you!

In 2013, we will embark on an ambitious plan-ning project for our scheduled 2014 exhibit on the Connecticut State Prison at Wethersfi eld. We need stories, photos and artifacts from our community in order to mount a comprehensive exhibit on this subject, and we want our com-munity’s input on the themes we cover and if and how some artifacts are presented. We are planning a series of talks and Wethersfi eld History Roundtable (“Soup and History”) discussions on the topic, so stay tuned!

Another exciting event we have planned is our 2013 Wethersfi eld House Tour! We have nine beautiful houses, two barns and a garden lined up for this tour, and we will need our volunteers to help us pull off this wonderful tour. Mark your calendars for June 8, 2013! Of course, we will continue our other popular fundraisers – Taste of Wethersfi eld on April 13th, Craft Fair on October 5th , Lantern Light Tours on October 25th and 26th, and the Antiques Show on November 15th and 16th. Don’t miss them!

Of course, we will have plenty of opportunities for enjoyment, relaxation and socializing, kicking off with our 20th Anniversary Season of the Kee-ney Cultural Series – back at the popular time of 4 p.m. on Sunday after-noons. We will also have a great season of Keeney Koolers in July, and our many social events for volunteers will continue – the Potluck Supper, the Cove Cookout, the Francis House Docent Lunch, the Volunteer Holiday Party, and we will have another bus tour in the spring.

The staff of Wethersfi eld Historical Society and I wish all of our members the happiest of New Years, and thank all of our volunteers for all you do – you make our jobs so much easier, and so much more enjoyable.

Amy Northrop Wittorff, Director

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WETHERSFIELD HISTORICAL SOCIETYThe ALMANAC is a publication of

Wethersfi eld Historical Society, a 501(c)3, non-profi t organization chartered in 1932.

Wethersfi eld Historical Society:Preserving Wethersfi eld’s history and culture

to inspire people today and tomorrow.

Governing BoardCandace E. Holmes, President

Andrea V. Rapacz, Vice PresidentRichard C. Mahoney, SecretarySheila M. Hennessey, Treasurer

Robert L. FisherNayda L. Flores

Matthew J. ForrestMary Beth Jordan

David P. KellyJames J. MeehanSandra K. MosbySusan A. Skehan

Douglas M. TurnerMartin H. WalshEdward A. Zito

Advisory BoardMargaret D. Moon, Chair

Seymour A. AdilPatricia H. Allen

Elizabeth F. ArnoldCarolyn K. BedulaAdriane H. BellerDorene B. Ciarcia

Delphine J. FarrellyBrendan T. Flynn

Lyle T. FultonGloria G. Gworek

Lee G. KuckroDorcas McHughJohn M. Oblak

John W. OldhamJudith C. Parker

Richard W. PeplauHoward A. Willard, Jr.

Sarah E. Wood

StaffAmy Northrop Wittorff, Director

Rachel Zilinski, Administrator & Collections ManagerElaine St. Onge, Program Coordinator

Mary Pat Knowlton, Education CoordinatorRoberta Simpson, Keeney Rental & Volunteer Coordinator

Cindy Brown, Public Relations Offi cerCynthia Reyes, Administrative Coordinator

Mary Procyk, BookkeeperJim Sorrell, Facilities Coordinator

Newsletter StaffRachel Zilinski, Elaine St. Onge, Co-editors

Phil Lohman, Design

150 Main Street, Wethersfi eld, CT 06109860.529.7656

email: society@wethhist.org,Web: www.wethhist.org

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The Hurlbut-Dunham House was open this year for holiday tours commemorating Jane and How-ard’s fi rst Christmas together as newlyweds in 1907. This is Jane’s fi rst Christmas as the host and wife of the house and the pressure is on for everything to be perfect. Visitors enjoyed the Dunhams’ fam-ily Christmas traditions during the December 6th Chamber of Commerce’s Holidays on Main and the fi rst two weekends in December. The fi rst fl oor of the historic house was decorated by staff and volunteers to delight visitors with the charm of the early 20th century. While lingering outside the home, visitors could enjoy the portico adorned with greenery and an antique sleigh. Upon fi rst entering the Dunhams’ home the hall is decorated with greenery, fruit, wreaths, bows, a poinsettia and small gifts. Looking up, the elaborate millwork is draped with green-ery and a cluster of mistletoe. Proceeding into the sitting room, we can see Jane Dunham and her mother Ida Robbins were composing Christmas cards while watching the snow fall outside the front windows onto Main Street. The Dining Room is set for a formal quiet Christmas Eve with nearby relatives. After dinner the family will gather in the double parlor to light the candles on the towering Christ-mas tree. The tree is decorated with real tinsel, handmade Victorian ornaments, presents and porcelain dolls. Electric lights were not yet commonplace on the tree, even though Howard was well-versed in electric power, since he worked at General Electric in his youth.

On Sunday, March 3, PAUL BISACCIA MIXES IT UP! When we talk of Stars in the Hartford Firma-ment, Paul Bisaccia always comes to mind! His piano virtuosity, covering classical to great American popular music (think Gershwin), is sought everywhere, including tours abroad on four continents. In addition, Paul has performed shows for PBS which have been seen by millions. Michael Feinstein

has praised Paul’s “The Great American Piano” as being “imagina-tive, fun, well-played and totally satisfying.” His third television show for PBS, “Chopin by Bisaccia,” has been included in his newest DVD release “Bisaccia on Television.” It is only appropriate to bring Paul back for this celebration, as he performed the inaugural concert on the Keeney Steinway, which was donated by Emma Keeney.

This year we are offering a series subscription for the three concerts for $52.00 for members, $60.00 for non-members. A single concert will be $20.00 for members, $22.00 for non-members. To sign up for the series or a single concert, contact the offi ce at 860.529.7656 or email us at society@wethhist.org and we will send out a fl yer to you. Also, if you have any suggestions of songs for Dianne Mower, just send them along as well. As an added benefi t, Lucky Lou’s Bar and Grill, at 222 Main Street, is offering a 10% discount to concert goers who dine there after the show. What a great way to end the evening! We hope that this is our best season yet!

1907 NEWLYWED CHRISTMAS WITH THE DUNHAMS

KEENEY CULTURAL SERIES TWENTIETH SEASON (continued)

The Society Scene

The 31st annual craft was held on a sunny day

At a September Town Council Meeting, Board President

Candace Holmes presented Wethersfi eld Mayor

Donna Hemmann with a rope of red onions

as traditional paymentfor the society’s annual rental of

the Cove Warehouse.

Between the Chamber of Commerce’s Holidays on Main and the fi rst two weekends of December, the Hurlbut-Dunham House Holiday Tour was aholiday stop for many families getting into the Christmas spirit.

The 12th Annual Wethersfi eld Antiques Show was a huge success with 40 antiques dealers, a lively Preview Party and more than 600 visitors.

y where delighted visitors perused Connecticut crafters!

October’s Lantern Light Tours guided visitors along Main Street and through the Ancient Burying Ground where society actorsportrayedcolorful personalitiesfrom our past.

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WELCOME TO OUR NEW MEMBERS

THE RED ONION SOCIETY: On a chilly evening in October 2011, we inaugurated our newly formed upper-level giving group, the Red Onion Society over cocktails at the lovely home of Candace and Bill Holmes. This group has since enjoyed a delightful springtime party at the home of Sue and Bob Fisher, and a special members-only reception and preview of our new Wethersfi eld Weddings exhibit. At all of these events, Red Onion members had exclusive access to the society’s collections through special presentations by the Director and Collections Manager. A private tour and cocktails at the New Britain Museum of Art hosted by Red Onion member Tom Gworek is among the exciting events planned for the future. Donors with $500 or more cumulative annual giving to Wethersfi eld Historical Society are automatically members of this congenial group. The cumulative amount includes membership, annual fund, event patronage and all other donations. The year’s donations qualify members from the time they reach the $500 mark through the following calendar year. The Red Onion Society will continue to hold member gatherings like these annually – all of our do-nors are encouraged to consider joining! For more information, please contact the society offi ce at (860) 529-7656.

2013 LECTURE SERIES IS ALMOST HERE

February 4 - State Historian Walter Woodward, Rachel Smith and Steve Bustamante will present “The Context for a National Anthem During the Civil War: A Lecture/Musical Performance.”

March 4 - Dr. Walter L. Powell will present “Connecticut’s Civil War Reporter: Rev. John M. Morris of Wethersfi eld.”

April 8 - John Potter will present the lecture “It Was the Hardest Trail of My Life”, the 16th Connecticut Regiment in Southern Prisons.

May 6 - Eric Miklich, Vintage Baseball Association Historian will present “19th Century Base Ball, the Unknown History”

The 2013 Lecture Series is better than ever with four Civil War themed lectures held in the months of February through May. Each lecture begins at 7pm, with doors opening at the Keeney Memorial Cultural Center at 6:30pm. Lectures are $5 per person at the door, free to members.

Rev. John M. MorrisRobert Kellogg,Soldier in the 16th

On March 24 at 4pm Tom Callinan,Connecticut’s fi rst offi cial state troubadour, will present a special musical performance of “Brother Against Brother-Songs, Tunes, & Tales From The War of Rebellion or Northern Aggression” Doors open at 3:30pm, free to members, $5 admission to all others.

From Wethersfi eld: Kathy Cortland Walter and Anne Mayo Linda and Tom Traue Matthew Wilson Kit Webb

From Elsewhere: Jennifer Gionfriddo, Glastonbury Richard and Claudia Prentice, Cromwell Mr. and Mrs. Edward Budd, Glastonbury Melvin Heritage, North Carolina

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MR. HANMER’S MUSEUM SHOPCOME IN FOR SOME AFTER HOLIDAY SHOPPING.. .MANY NEW ITEMS

Clip this Museum Shop Coupon…For Members Only!

Take an extra 10% off applicable items at the museum shop

January and February, 2013...ONE TIME USE!

SOME ITEMS ARE NOT DISCOUNTED

Fresh Water Pearl WatchBoth beauti-ful and functional, this elegant timepiece implies one’s feminine tendencies. Mother of Pearl face and Marca-site stones. Adjustable 7-8”. – $55

East Knoll PotteryEast Knoll Pottery is a local potter from Torrington special-izing in Yellow Ware. We have the privilege of having a few of their pieces in our gift shop. East Knoll produces

hand-thrown pot-tery on a potter’s wheel, leaving ridges and im-perfections that make each piece unique. They use a special food

safe glaze that is clear and makes the yellow in the yellow clay much more vibrant. The yellow will darken with age. Come see what we have in stock. Teapot -$28

Westerwald PotteryThe popular Westerwald pot-tery is in stock at the gift shop. We have plates, wine coolers, steins and cookie jars among our collection. Most are personal-ized with “Wethersfi eld” and designed in gray and blue. Prices range from $20 to $65.

AfghanOld Wethersfi eld Afghan is Wethers-fi eld all in one. This 100% cotton afghan is designed with Old Wethersfi eld landmarks and red onion border. Made in the USA . Perfect for those cold winter nights or for display. While supplies last. - $67.00

Dying WishesDying Wishes is Judith Ivie’s latest who-dunit. Amateur Sleuth Kate Lawrence is turning 50 and she’s about to become a grandmother. A mysterious death at the

Vista View retirement complex opens her eyes to the new realities of aging. What really happened to the wealthy,

tennis-playing cougar in Building One of the Vista View? Is there a scandal lurk-

ing in Old Wethersfi eld? Kate Lawrence investigates. Perfect for holiday gift giving.

Come in and see our other Judith Ivie titles in stock. -$14.95

The DocumentThe Document is perfect for the

young readers in your family. This fi rst novel by local Connecticut au-thor Brendan D. Lynch is a favorite

among staff and friends. Eleven year old Garrett Turner moves to

Wethersfi eld and with his new best friend Kylie is thrown into a mysteri-ous treasure hunt for an extremely

valuable document hidden by George Washington over 200 years

ago. Fall into this exciting mystery that is a real page turner!-$8.99

Cameo Music BoxesThese Cameo Music boxes are cast from antique conch shell carv-ings in faux stone. Each box plays a different tune includ-ing Swan Lake and Fur Elise. Each Cameo has a unique design such as the clas-sic cameo and sisters and friends design. - $18 each

ng.gGreat New

Books!

January 20 Keeney Cultural Series: The Yale Whiffenpoofs, 4 pm in Keeney Hall.

February 4 Lecture: State Historian Walter Woodward, Rachel Smith & Steve Bustamante will present “The Context for a National Anthem During the Civil War: A Lecture/Musical Performance,” 7pm in Keeney Hall.

February 10 Keeney Cultural Series: Dianne Mower in Song, 4 pm in Keeney Hall.

March 3 Keeney Cultural Series: Paul Bisaccia Mixes It Up! 4 pm in Keeney Hall.

March 4 Lecture: Dr. Walter L. Powell will present “Connecticut’s Civil War Reporter: Rev. John M. Morris of Wethersfi eld,” 7pm in Keeney Hall.

March 24 Musical Performance: Tom Callinan, 4pm in Keeney Hall.

April 8 John Potter will present the lecture “It Was the Hardest Trail of My Life”, the 16th Connecticut Regiment in Southern Prisons, 7pm in Keeney Hall.

April 13 Taste of Wethersfi eld Benefi t, Keeney Center, 7-9:30 pm.

May 6 Eric Miklich, Vintage Baseball Association Historian, will present “19th Century Base Ball, the Unknown History,” 7pm in Keeney Hall.

June 8 House Tour, 10-4.

CALENDAR of EVENTS

Wethersfi eld Historical Society150 Main StreetWethersfi eld CT 06109Website: www.wethhist.orgE-mail: society@wethhist.org

Non-Profi t Organization

U.S. POSTAGEPAID

Hartford, ConnecticutPermit No. 2710