The Courier Archive

Membership in the Manchester Historical Society includes a mailed copy of The Courier, our quarterly newsletter. This page contains newsletters from 2003 to the present. To become a member Click here.

2014-Present

Date	Topics…
September, 2024	• President Dennis Gleeson’s message includes new initiatives and request for volunteers. • Cheney Homestead news. • Fuss & O’Neill 100th Anniversary • Woodbridge Farmstead news • Colin Driggs profile • New North End exhibit in process • Calendar of events.
June, 2024	• President Dennis Gleeson’s message includes reminiscences about his old neighborhood, and the importance of preserving these stories. • Marcy MacDonald’s swimming records. • School visits by Bob Kanehl • Woodbridge Farmstead news • Acquisitions • Death of Nathan Agostinelli, Peter Brunone, Mary Ann Handley, Eileen Jacobs Sweeney • Calendar of events.
March, 2024	• President Dennis Gleeson’s message includes new website and logo • New members and donations in 2023 • Woodbridge Farmstead news • Cheneys and North End • Death of Russell Inzinga and Elsie Tartaglia • Manchester Fire Dep’t donations • Cheney Homestead news • Calendar of events.
December, 2023	• President Dennis Gleeson’s message includes website redesign and digitization of South Manchester News • Woodbridge Farmstead news • New roof needed at Homestead •Jerry Dwyer’s adventures in Alaska • Pitkin Glass Works and Homestead news • Calendar of events • Items available at the museum store • Report on the September 24 annual meeting.• New directors: Dr. Maria Cruz and Denise Pesce-Boratgis • Longest wait at a stoplight.
September 2023	• President Dennis Gleeson’s message • Woodbridge Farmstead news • Landfear organ obtained for archives • Race car photos wanted • Pitkin Glass Works open houses • Calendar of events • Homestead and clock news • Invitation to annual meeting.
June, 2023	• President’s message • History of Manchester’s incorporation, 200 years ago • Save the Date for annual member meeting, Sunday, September 24 at 11:00 a.m., business meeting followed by lunch • In memoriaum, John Hovey • Woodbridge Farmstead and Cheney Homestead updates • Road travel in the old days • Time capsule, 25 years ago and in May 2023 • Calendar of events.
March, 2023	• President’s message • Genealogy group to meet • Woodbridge Farmstead and Cheney Homestead updates • Welcoming new members and saluting our volunteers • Announcement and calendar of events, many to be held on the second Sunday of the month.
December, 2022	• Dennis Gleeson new president • Art classes • Books, shirts, coffee cups, maps available at museum store • Woodbridge Farmstead season of open houses and visitors • Calendar of events, including holiday open houses • Homestead news • Volunteer opportunities.
September, 2022	• “Women of the Cheney Family” exhibit at Homestead • Quilt exhibit at Old Manchester Museum • Summer volunteer archivist Gwyneth Smith • Bill Whitaker cartoon collection ï¿½ Ancestors Road Show at Town Hall ï¿½ Woodbridge Farmstead updates ï¿½ Calendar of events ï¿½ Art classes at History Center ï¿½ President’s message ï¿½ Archeology event at Pitkin Glass Works.
June, 2022	ï¿½ Recreating the early-1800s at the Cheney Homestead ï¿½ Sue Crombie: new administrative assistant ï¿½ Shave-Lite inventor Walden St. John ï¿½ Car accident report from 100 years ago in the South Manchester News, published March 1893 to July 1924 ï¿½ Woodbridge Farmstead visitor center opens, $6000 grant from the 1772 Foundation, and info on this year’s open houses ï¿½ Calendar of events, including Threads & Strings at the Homestead.
March, 2022	ï¿½ Then & Now exhibit at History Center ï¿½ New members welcomed ï¿½ Inventor Frank Holland ï¿½ Woodbridge Farmstead updates ï¿½ Calendar of events.
December, 2021	ï¿½ President’s column: new exhibit at History Center “Then and Now ï¿½ Holiday shopping at Museum Store ï¿½ Genealogy group looking for meeting organizers ï¿½ “Threads & Strings” weaving and live music event at the Homestead ï¿½ Death of Faye Manning Ferris ï¿½ Year in review at Woodbridge Farmstead, 260 visitors at our summer open houses ï¿½ Calendar of events ï¿½ 100 Years Ago from The Hartford Courant.
September, 2021	ï¿½ Visting Woodbridge barn by Michael Sokola, student at Bennet Academy, and upcoming Woodbridge farmstead events ï¿½ Deaths: Elisabeth Healy and Monica Katkavich ï¿½ Calendar of events / museum reopenings. ï¿½ 100 Years Ago in Manchester from The Herald ï¿½ President’s message including updates on the barns at Woodbridge farmstead, History Center renovations / exhibit ï¿½ Research on the Seth Cheney marble sculpture by Benjamin Pitt of the Cheney Homestead. Committee
June, 2021	ï¿½ Research about George Cheney (1771-1829) ï¿½ Open Museum Day, Saturday, June 12 ï¿½ Woodbridge farmstead news and upcoming events ï¿½ “Threads & Strings” weaving and live music event at the Homestead, Sunday, July 11 ï¿½ Deaths: Constance Williams Walker, Mary Comollo ï¿½ Calendar of events / museum reopenings. ï¿½ 100 Years Ago from The Hartford Courant ï¿½ History Center renovations.
March, 2021	ï¿½ Getting ready for the 2023 bicentennial ï¿½ Volunteers needed for upkeep of Society spaces: painting, window repair, wiring, planning exhibits and events ï¿½ Welcome to new members and thanks to our donors ï¿½ Cheney Homestead research projects underway ï¿½ Woodbridge farmstead news and upcoming events ï¿½ Art Reichenbach’s reminiscenses of artist and educator Hazel Lutz ï¿½ Deaths: John Cooney, Horace Brown, Geri Lemelin — all life members of the Society ï¿½ Calendar of events / museum reopenings.
December, 2020	ï¿½ President’s column: updates, activities, construction, new board ï¿½ Toy-theft incident from 100 years ago ï¿½ Museums closed due to COVID ï¿½ Society’s partnership with Hartford Artisans Weaving Center ï¿½ Woodbridge farmstead news ï¿½ Recent donation of photographs ï¿½ WWII flag returned to Japan.
September, 2020	ï¿½ President’s column: updates, activities, annual fund ï¿½ Woodbridge farmstead news and upcoming events ï¿½ 100 years ago: Votes for women ï¿½ World War II Exhibit at Old Manchester Museum ï¿½ Reprinted: Tom Lewis’s book about the Cheney Railroad, “Silk Along Steel” ï¿½ Pictures of the art studio on the lower level of the History Center ï¿½ Calendar of events ï¿½ Cheney Homestead connection to woman’s suffrage.
June, 2020	ï¿½ Woodbridge farmstead news and upcoming events ï¿½ New to our collections: portraits of Peter Henry Adams and his daughter, Louisa Adams Booth; and an oil cloth sign advertising Walter Olcott’s inventino of a corn creamer patented in 1920. ï¿½ Volunteers needed for Society’s Board of Directors ï¿½ Update, Manchester Herald digitization project, by Noreen Cullen ï¿½ 100-years ago featuring motoring, Manchester roads, an and population ï¿½ Service medals and ribbons ï¿½ Update on Cheney Homestead and Keeney Schoolhouse ï¿½ Calendar of events ï¿½ Passing of life member Leonardo Parla.
February, 2020	ï¿½ Announcing annual dinner & invitation ï¿½ President’s column with review of 2019 accomplishments and 2020 plans ï¿½ Volunteers needed for tours by schoolchildren ï¿½ Woodbridge farmstead news and upcoming events ï¿½ 5th-grade-student Tanner Pierce’s photos and article “Mysteries from the Basement of Bennet Academy” ï¿½ Cheney Homestead Arts news ï¿½ “Silk Along Steel” book reprint ï¿½ List of 2019 new members ï¿½ WWII artifacts & letters sought for our collection ï¿½ Passing of members and volunteers Mary Jane (Pitkin) Cooper, Marles Deveau, Joan Kelsey, Ed Richardson ï¿½ Events calendar.
December, 2019	ï¿½ Invitation to Holly & Ivy Gala ï¿½ President’s column with review of 2019 activities and 2020 plans ï¿½ Holiday shopping at the museum ï¿½ Bios of new Board members ï¿½ Update on the Manchester Herald digitization fundraising project ï¿½ Cheney Homestead news ï¿½ Woodbridge Farmstead news, including archeological dig ï¿½ Recap of 9/22/19 annual meeting ï¿½ Discussion of a mystery photo of a movie theater and a Downtown fire ï¿½ Passing of members and volunteers Ruth Herbele and Petra Shearer ï¿½ Events calendar.
September, 2019	ï¿½ Flannel weaving project at the Homestead ï¿½ Update on the Manchester Herald digitization fundraising project ï¿½ Woodbridge Farmstead photo feature ï¿½ Road Race programs needed for archives ï¿½ 100th anniversary of 19th amendment (women’s voting rights) ï¿½ Parachute women at Hamilton Standard ï¿½ Genealogy Group news ï¿½ Passing of member and volunteer Edith Schoell ï¿½ Events calendar.
June, 2019	ï¿½ “Letter from the President” ï¿½ Kicking off the Manchester Herald digitization fundraising project ï¿½ Pitkin Glass Works history ï¿½ Woodbridge farmstead activities ï¿½ Thanking our school tour volunteers for another great month of visits by the Mancheter third-grade students ï¿½ Homestead art gallery, summer art class series, and other news ï¿½ 2019 preservation awards ï¿½ New hours for History Center: Tuesday through Friday, 10:00 to 2:00 ï¿½ Events calendar.
March, 2019	ï¿½ “Letter from the President” about organizational matters ï¿½ “The Role of Institutional Advancement,” by director Mya Bowen ï¿½ Announcing the Society’s new e-blast, and description of how to sign up for free e-news to your inbox ï¿½ Announcing Amazon Smile fundraiser ï¿½ Celebrating our volunteers on Saturday, March 23 ï¿½ Introducing new staff member Gerry Gallo; introducing two new members of the board: directors Chris Malone, Bob Kilpatrick ï¿½ Homestead news and plans ï¿½ Clarifying renewal process by director Kris Miller ï¿½ Passing of members Phil Susag and Phyllis Plocharczyk ï¿½ Events calendar.
December, 2018	ï¿½ Presidentï¿½s Corner “2018 in a Nutshell,” by Jack Prior, summarizing events, exhibits, and need for donations ï¿½ Notes about actors by Bob Kanehl ï¿½ Financial statements ï¿½ History Center and Museum Store open hours ï¿½ Progress on new research library and invitation to volunteer ï¿½ Illustrated article about the 1918 Flu epidemic and Manchester Memorial Hospital ï¿½ Homestead news and Woodbridge farmstead news ï¿½ Encouraging members to consider a gift membership to a friend ï¿½ Events calendar.
September, 2018	• Trolley notes by Bob Kanehl ï¿½ New research/genealogy library ï¿½ Historic houses receive 2018 preservation awards ï¿½ Updates on silk vault building ï¿½ Smash hit: “Murder in Manchester” play 9/23/18 ï¿½ Robertson School celebrates its history ï¿½ Origin of “Indian” mascot at the high school by archivist Dave Smith ï¿½ Homestead news ï¿½ Passing of members Marshall Lamenzo and Donald Paine • Events calendar.
June, 2018	• Tours of the Historic District for school children, who sent handwritten thank-you notes ï¿½ President’s Column by Jack Prior, seeking donations ï¿½ Local Inventors ï¿½ Gammons-Hoaglund tool manufacturer established 100 years ago ï¿½ Looking for Timothy Cheney’s account book ï¿½ Seeking business ads for The Courier ï¿½ Homestead news and Woodbridge farmstead news ï¿½ Recognizing donors ï¿½ Passing of members Elsie (Keish) Swanson and Ron Schack • Events calendar.
February, 2018	• Recognizing our volunteers, new members, and gala donors and sponosors ï¿½ President’s Column by Jack Prior describing the Society’s mission and requesting support from newsletter readers ï¿½ Manchester Herald article about Hilliard mills and purchase of Peter Adams Company. ï¿½ “With a Grain of Salt” column of Manchester memories by Bob Kanehl ï¿½ Homestead news by Peter Millet ï¿½ Events calendar.
December, 2017	• Historical Society buys historic silk vault building on Elm Street Extension ï¿½ “With a Grain of Salt” column of Manchester memories by Bob Kanehl ï¿½ New officers: Vice President Ed Firestone; Secretary Ann Lucente, Treasurer Dave Smith ï¿½ 1923 Manchester Herald article about Cheney Brothers raising mulberry trees and silkworms ï¿½ Homestead news by Peter Millet ï¿½ Passing of members Carl Eckblom, Burton Hicock, and Vivian Ferguson • Gammons Hoaglund Events calendar.
October, 2017	• President Jack Prior’s updates on Society events, properties, fundraising, etc. ï¿½ Woodbridge barn open house events ï¿½ Russell Cheney painting of Homestead returns from France ï¿½ Dancing with Celebrities 9/17/2017 a big success • Meet intern James Guilette ï¿½ Homestead news by Peter Millet ï¿½ “With a Grain of Salt” reminiscence column by Bob Kanehl • Passing of member and volunteer Dorothy Tomlinson • Events calendar.
June, 2017	• President Jack Prior’s updates on Society activities, need for funds and support, etc. • Donated to the Society: an eight-foot tall Timothy Cheney clock, made in Manchester during the period 1750-1783 ï¿½ School children visit our museums during May ï¿½ Woodbridge barn restoration nearly complete and public welcome to Sunday open houses this summer and fall ï¿½ Thanks to volunteers, with listing of 2016 workers • Genealogy group, Homestead, and other upcoming activities • Statement of finances • Passing of members Jean and Lou Kocsis, Bob Harrison, Frances Forde • “Mystique of Silk” exhibit continues.
February, 2017	• President Jack Prior’s updates on Society events, properties, etc. ï¿½ Weaving classes at History Center in March ï¿½ Profile of new Board member Dick Borden ï¿½ Astronaut street names described • Genealogy group, Homestead, and other upcoming activities • Jake Cheney drawings sought • Passing of member Mike Nimirowski and former Woodbridge tenant Barbara Bawwab • “Mystique of Silk” exhibit continues • Events calendar ï¿½ Thanks to donors to annual fund-raising gala.
November, 2016	• New President, Jack Prior, thanks outgoing officers and board members, provides updates on Society properties and describes his background and the Society’s need for volunteers • Christmas gift items in our museum store • “Pat’s Garden” stone at Woodbridge farmstead memorializes volunteer Pat Matrick • Wish List: Dinner plates, Woodbridge farmstead sub-committee volunteers • Photos of guests at the October annual dinner meeting • Introducing the sculpture project, honoring important contributors to the community • Streets named after 1922-era motorcars: Chalmers, Maxwell, Overland, and Packard • Premiere of “447 Tango Down” by author Walter Scadden performed November 6 at History Center • Death of long-time member Marie Miller • Listing new officers, directors, and introducing new Society directors Diane Sheehan-Burns and Peter Millet • Seeking donations to annual fund and gift memberships • Events calendar • Gala invitation.
September, 2016	• President Dennis Gleeson’s updates on Society events, properties, new officers • A huge gift from Alexandra Learned Preston • Landfear organ returns to Manchester • Invitation to annual dinner and annual membership meeting • Passing of long time member Frances Smith • “Mystique of Silk” exhibit — illustrated Cheney silk ads from 1920s to 1930s from collection of Carol Cheney • Events calendar.
June, 2016	• President Dennis Gleeson’s thanks to volunteers; updates on Society properties, WWI exhibit, and upcoming Cheney family reunion • Students’ visits to the historic district during May include using the antique voting booth to elect the next President • Recap of recent Apron Tea fundraiser • Profile of inventor Christopher Miner Spencer (1833-1922) • Passing of long time member Shirley Swain • Acknowledgement of donors to annual gala fundraiser in December 2015 • Updates on WWI exhibit and Woodbridge barn preservation • Events calendar.
March, 2016	• President Dennis Gleeson’s updates on Society properties including progress on the restoration of the Woodbridge barn and installation of interior storm windows at the History Center with a grant from United Illuminating Co. • Upcoming talk “Historical Perspectives on the 1916 Easter Rising” • Wish List: WWI artifacts, hospitality items, volunteers • Photos of guests at the December 2015 gala • Genealogy group news • Profile of Manchester inventor Horace Wickham (1836-1914) • Acknowledgement of volunteers • Woodbridge barn preservation • Events calendar.
November, 2015	• President Dennis Gleeson’s updates on Society properties, need for volunteers, invitation to come visit • Holiday Gala and Open House • New ornament, fourth in a series of historic landmarks — this year, the Cheney Homestead • Genealogy group news • WWI items sought for exhibit • Meet the new directors, and welcome new members from far and wide • Woodbridge barn preservation • Picture page: annual dinner, Homestead grounds clean-up, newly painted Old Manchester Museum • Death of long-time officer and member Marsha Gunther (1940-2015) and honorary member Robert Weiss (1922-2015) • Annual meeting report • Increase in membership dues • Cheney employee personnel records online • Events calendar.
September, 2015	• President Dennis Gleeson’s message • Holiday Gala & Auction • Invitation to annual member meeting and annual dinner October 3 • Genealogy group news • WWI items sought for exhibit • “Walking the Beat” memoir of patrolling Downtown Main Street by retired police officer John McParland • New siding on the 1901 Cheney Fire Station • Update on Woodbridge barn restoration • Death of long-time member Mary Ann Lawler • Intern Corinne Gabriele describes her summer’s work • Preservation award winners • Events calendar.
May, 2015	• President Dennis Gleeson’s message • “100 Years Ago” Manchester’s John Moore Survives Lusitania Sinking • Museum schedule change to second Sunday opening • Genealogy group news • WWI items sought for exhibit • Society’s 50th anniversary • Tours underway for schoolchildren • Additions to Feb. listing of 2014 donors and volunteers • Death of long-time members Anne Miller and Lorraine Peterman • Civil War notes • Events calendar • Woodbridge barn restoration project.
February, 2015	• President Dennis Gleeson’s message • “Now & Then” column by Eileen Sweeney • Genealogy group news • Manchester street names • Listings of 2014 donors and volunteers • Death of long-time member John Malone, M.D. • Civil War notes • Events calendar.
November, 2014	• President Dennis Gleeson’s message • Results of 2014 annual meeting • Meet new members of the Historical Society board of directors: Karen DePauw, Brenda Lowther, Kent Schwendy • “Miracle Workers” booklet republished • Death of former Presidents Richard Egan and Al Harris; death of members and volunteers: Marian Camp, Anna Litke, Pat Matrick • Cheney Homestead repairs • Invitation to “Winter Wonderland” gala December 5 • Civil War notes • Events calendar.
September, 2014	• Woodbridge barn restoration • Message from Dennis Gleeson, Society President, about building projects recently accomplished and in process • Keeney Schoolhouse roof replacement with $3,500 donation from Highland Park Family Foundation • “Winter Wonderland” gala December 5 • Civil War notes • Events calendar.
May, 2014	• Grames Printing and The Courier • Message from Dennis Gleeson, Society President, with building projects recently accomplished and in process • Woodbridge Farm Garden • District Tours for schoolchildren • Helping the public reconnect, get to know each other, volunteer, and conduct research • Survey of what members would like the Society to do • Civil War notes • List of upcoming events.
February, 2014	• Passing of John Dormer, former Treasurer and President of the Society • Message from Dennis Gleeson, Society President • Annual appeal seeks donations • Legacy of the late Anne Beechler and her $250,000 bequest • New members welcomed • Genealogy Group notes • Civil War notes • Invitation to Annual Dinner on May 2 • Death of member Terry Werkhoven • List of upcoming events.

2003-2013

Russell Cheney By Wes Gryk November, 2013	• Russell Cheney • Cheney silk mill relationships around the world • Message from Dennis Gleeson, newly elected Society President • Review of annual meeting, held October 20, 2013 and review of recent events: Chat with Past, Mill Mixer, and Industrial Art Exhibit • All invited to December 6 gala • Woodbridge house holiday ornament for sale • Genealogy Group notes • Civil War notes • Death of member Charles Genovese • List of upcoming events.September, 2013 • Cheney silk mill relationships around the world • Message from Dennis Gleeson, newly elected Society President • Review of annual meeting, held October 20, 2013 and review of recent events: Chat with Past, Mill Mixer, and Industrial Art Exhibit • All invited to December 6 gala • Woodbridge house holiday ornament for sale • Genealogy Group notes • Civil War notes • Death of member Charles Genovese • List of upcoming events.
September, 2013	• 1913 School Fire commemorated • Woodbridge farmstead renovations • Introducing Mike Forino and Ann Lucente in their new roles • Recognition of volunteers Joe & Joanne Hachey as they relocate to Maine • Genealogy group’s monthly programs • All invited to December 6 gala • Industrial Art of Brian Walter exhibit at History Center • Civil War notes • Death of members Kenneth Herbele and James Tierney • List of upcoming events.
May, 2013	• Eileen Sweeney new executive director • Heritage Day grounds tours of Woodbridge farmstead • Schoolchildren tour the museums during May • Eagle Scout project restores outhouse at Keeney Schoolhouse • Genealogy group’s monthly programs • List of financial donors, membership news, addition to our collections, news about the December gala • Coupon for volunteers: 20% off at the Museum Store • Civil War notes • List of upcoming events.
February, 2013	• Celebrating our volunteers • Marsha Gunther assumes role of Society President • Report by Executive Director with a call for volunteers for our tours for school children during May • April 14 program about the Cheney property auction • Thanking the donors to our successful annual Gala. • News from the December open house, genealogy group and upcoming annual dinner on April 26 • Coupon for volunteers: 20% off at the Museum Store • Civil War notes • Death of members Anne Beechler, Quentin Mangun, Carl Matson • List of upcoming events.
November, 2012	• Mary Dunne elected the Society’s President • Reports by Executive Director and Past President, and report of October 2012 annual meeting • Civil War and War of 1812 notes • Invitation to 9th annual gala on December 7 and to the December 1 open house • New director Emily Bloom • Death of our member and patron Tom Cheney • New member list • Research on History Center by Michael Forino, CCSU Public History graduate student • New holiday ornament with drawing of our History Center • List of upcoming events.
September, 2012	• Severe threat to Center Memorial Park • 600 students tour Historical Society landmarks during May; student’s question sparks research about the 1895 fire at the old Cheney Machine Shop; thanking the school-tour volunteers • Invitation to 9th annual gala on December 7 • New director Joe Sobanski • Eagle Scout project: walls for loom room • Civil War notes • Iona mixer anecdote • Pitkin Glass Works news • Greek Revival-style rectory at St. Bridget church threatened with demolition • Executive director’s report • List of upcoming events • List of members who recently passed away.
May, 2012	• Welcoming Mary M. Donohue, new executive director; column by Mary • John Olds house gone • Importance of preservation • New director Dennis Gleeson • Genealogy group meets second Tuesday of each month • Civil War notes • List of new Gorman Brothers exhibit at Old Manchester Museum and of events, including Salvation Army 125th anniversary on May 19, tag sales at Woodbridge Farmstead May 25-26 and History Center June 2-10 • List of members who recently passed away.
February, 2012	• $20,000 Grant from Timken Foundation to restore wooden floors at History Center • Woodbridge barn restoration • Tom & Carol Cheney’s visit to the Homestead • New resources on web site • Thanks to Gala donors and to our volunteers • Homestead repainted • Civil War notes • List of upcoming events including formation of a new genealogy group and a win-win tag sale • Listing of new members, wish list for volunteers, and list of members who recently passed away.
November, 2011	• Pitkin wagon visits East Granby • Eagle Scout project: wheelchair ramp installation at entrance to History Center loom area • President’s report of fiscal year 2010-2011 • Preservation issues and threats • Cheney Tech students and instructor complete a wiring project in loom room • Newly published book about Manchester Road Race • 8th Annual gala tickets available • Photo of Tom & Vivian Ferguson, whose September talk at the History Center was well received by a large audience • List of upcoming events, need for volunteers, yearbooks wanted
September, 2011	• Storm damage at Society’s properties • “Flat Stanley” caper • Preservation issues and threats • Spencer rifles and other history notes • President’s report • Generous grants received from: Cheney Family Fund at the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving for exterior paint at the Homestead; CT Trust for Historic Preservation Barn Program to preserve the 18th-century barn at the Woodbridge Farmstead; Manchester Road Race Committee for asbestos abatement at the History Center’s future exhibit space • Listing of new members, upcoming events, quilt at auction, giant tag sale in October, web site news, colorful tee-shirts in museum store, and members who recently passed away
May, 2011	• Noontime walks at Center Memorial Park to focus attention on preserving the park from additional building and paving • Historic District tours for schoolchildren throughout May • Exhibits on John Knoll, transportation, and leser-known hometown products featured in exhibits at Old Manchester Museum • Civil War and other history notes from 90 and 100 years ago • Eagle Scout project in loom room • Listing of new members, recent volunteers, upcoming events, donations, and members who recently passed away
February, 2011	• Great Lawn walk on New Year’s Day attracts good attendance • Cheney Homestead cleanup and news • History notes from 150 and 100 years ago • Artifacts and photos sought for upcoming Civil War exhibit at the Old Manchester Museum • Volunteers sought, listing of new members, recent volunteers, upcoming events, including a volunteer breakfast and week-long tag sale, members who recently passed away
November, 2010	• Woodbridge Farmstead large bequest • Announcing seventh annual gala December 3 • Building improvements by Eagle Scouts and Howell Cheney Tech School students • Tours of historic district appreciated by school students who sent colorful thank-you notes to the Society • President’s report, new members, upcoming events, members who recently passed away
September, 2010	• Woodbridge Farmstead in Transition • Cheney Dye House conversion to apartments • District tours for school children • Results of special member meeting about bylaw changes and establishment of a an endowment fund • Heritage Day • Upcoming activities, members and volunteers who recently passed away; wish list of building maintenance items needed by Society
May, 2010	• National recognition for Case brothers historic district • Exhibit at museum: 100 years of Boy Scouts • Hilliardville memories sought • Notice of special member meeting on Sunday, June 27 at 2 p.m. at the History Center to approve bylaw change and a resolution to create an endowment fund • Carpenters’ volunteer work on floor in loom room at History Center • Giant tag sale; description of thank-you party for window fund donors; wish list of items needed by Society, new melodeon; other newsbriefs
February, 2010	• Center Memorial Park threatened • Window project a big success • Homestead spruced up • Meet new directors • Saluting our volunteers • Benjamin Lyman account book of 1837-1850 donated to Historical Society • Museum store expanded hours • 100 Years ago in the “South Manchester News” • Welcoming new members.
November, 2009	• Tribute to Thelmas Woodbridge (1911-2009) • Window preservation at History Center • New heating system at Cheney Homestead • List of donors October 2008 to September 2009 • Comments from children’s school tours • Dancing bear statue anniversary coffeemug • Children’s Living History program at Homestead with Fireside Patriots.
May, 2009	• Recognition of Highland Park section of Manchester by Connecticut Historic Preservation Board • Origin of certain street names in Manchester • Center Park renamed Center Memorial Park • Murder in Manchester, book about 1919 Cheney Brothers Silk Robbery published by local historian Walter Scadden • Woodland Gardens’ 70th anniversary • Two Eagle Scout projects benefiting the Society • Fireside Patriots, 19th century living historians and their activities.
February, 2009	• History of Manchester Green and Old Manchester III Manchester Green … A Picture Book • Cataloging activities of Society intern Joe Sobanski • Upcoming lecture on impact of Civil War on Manchester industry, including importance of gun industry and Spencer repeating rifle • Continuing need for and appreciation of volunteers • Updates on Society’s television shows on Cox Cable, including one about Manchester’s origins before it became a town in 1823.
November, 2008	• Volunteer of the Year award to Joe Lawler and the Historical Society’s continuing need for volunteers and docents • Curator report on completed restoration of Spanish American War flags, four Seth Cheney pieces still out for conservation, and donations recently received • Second article on history of Manchester Fire Department • Opening of new Museum Store • Upcoming program on history of Manchester Road Race • John Olds House on Tolland on State Register of Historic Places property • Updates on Society’s television shows on Cox Cable on Saturdays.
September, 2008	• Report on progress of window restoration drive for Manchester History Center • Concern over Manchester’s development • Upcoming Bruce Stave lecture on history of University of Connecticut • First of two-part article on history of Manchester Fire Department • Grant from Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation to study barn at Woodbridge Farmstead • History of local Grames Printing • Eagle Scout project at History Center • Recent community presentations of Manchester history.
May, 2008	• Start of “No Pane, No Gain” window restoration drive for Manchester History Center • New exhibits, including Shakers in America, antique voting machine, and Korean War • Loan of several Russell Cheney paintings for display in Portsmouth, New Hampshire • Upcoming Heritage Day activities • History of Royal Ice Cream and family behind it • Updates on Society’s television shows on Cox Cable on Saturdays, including one about Pitkin Glassworks.
February, 2008	• Essay on beauty and history of Wyllys Falls • Request for Korean War artifacts for Old Manchester Museum • Continuing need for volunteers and docents • Exhibit “Celebrating Manchester’s Women” • Updates on Historical Society’s televsion shows on Cox Cable on Saturdays, including Manchester Road Race and Cheney Railroad (Silk Along Steel).
November, 2007	• Donation of medals, trophies and memorabilia of Manchester native and Olympian Joe McCluskey • Early Manchester Road Race article, and donation of a scrapbook of early races • Death of long-time Historical Society volunteer Mark Sutcliffe • Updates on Historical Society’s televsion shows on Cox Cable on Saturdays, including most recent, on Connecticut geology.
September, 2007	• Town of Manchester agrees to $50,000 Community Development Block Grant for purchase and installation of heating and air conditioning system at History Center [grant rescinded when Federal review said project ineligible] • Two skylights in roof of Scalamandré loom exhibit • President’s column on making ends meet while Historical Society continues to grow • Resignation of Executive Director Mary Dunne • Activities of summer intern Ashley Reichelt • Report on the Loom Project • Description of new exhibits at History Center • Historical Society’s television show on Cox Cable, including “Return to Hilliardville” and others.
May 2007	• Events during Pride in Manchester Week and Heritage Day • Update on Scalamandré Loom Project •Oral history workshop to be led by Susan Barlow • Roof replacement progress • New booklet published by Historical Society, Customs and Incidents of Early Days in Manchester ï¿½ Reminiscences about a South Manchester Boyhood in the Post-Civil War Era by E.L. Bidwell • Updates on Historical Society’s television show on Cox Cable television on Saturday nights, including the Garden Club’s 80th anniversary.
February, 2007	• Planning for installation of Scalamandré looms (see May 2005 Courier for receipt of the looms and spooler, donated by Anthony Viscogliosi • Art Gala Auction and Sale • Various fund drives and what they support.
November, 2006	• Historical Society has gifts for holidays, commemorating Manchester’s past and present • Need for small donations • Participation in walking and historic tours • Progress report on Manchester History Center restoration: window and roof replacements, caterer’s kitchen installation • Manchester Cooks for Special Occasions follow-on to Manchester Cooks! cookbook now available.
September, 2006	• Town Directors agree to the recommendation of the Connecticut Attorney General’s office to preserve three Bennet School buildings on Main Street, formerly slated for demolition • Pitkin Glassworks products • Request for donations of family photo collections • History of charcoal production in Connecticut hills • Updates on Historical Society’s Cox Cable televsion show, including “On My Honor,” a history of local Girl Scouting, and previous shows.
May 2006	• Fate of three Bennet School buildings on Main Street now rests with State Attorney General • Continuing need for volunteers and docents • Request for recipes for upcoming follow-on to Manchester Cooks! cookbook • Acquisition to collection of mailboxes and postmaster’s desk from Manchester Green Post Office • Welcome to Ezequiel “Memo” Alejandro to the Historical Society Board • Upcoming lecture on Civil War Chaplain Joseph Hopkins Twitchell.
February, 2006	• Possible demolition of three of four Bennet School buildings • Announcement of “Old House Fair 2006” with workshops and lectures on preservation of old buildings • Historical Society members help on Hurricane Katrina relief • Brenda Paullo appointed Volunteer Coordinator • Updates on Historical society’s Cox Cable show, “The Hispanic Experience” and previous shows.
November, 2005	• Meet John Dormer, new president of Manchester Historical Society • Holiday activities — open house and wreath gala • Spotlight on Cheney Homestead collection • Part 2 of essay about Manchester Civil War General John Lord Otis, 10th Connecticut Volunteers • Updates on Historical Society’s Cox Cable show, “Hilliardville,” “Hockanum River,” “100th Anniversary of Center Park,” and previous shows • News briefs and activities.
September, 2005	• 40th anniversary of Manchester Historical Society • Reminiscences of outgoing Historical society President Dave Smith • Exhibits celebrating Manchester’s Hispanic community • Eileen Jacobs Sweeney new Development Director • Manchester Civil War General John Lord Otis, 10th Connecticut Volunteers • Updates on Historical Society’s Cox Cable show, “75 Years of Music” and previous shows.
May 2005	• Donation of four looms and spooler from textile manufacturer Scalamandré and the planned exhibit • Welcome to Thomas Ferguson to Historical Society Board of Directors • Death of long-time Historical Society treasurer and volunteerGert Sweeney • Updates on Society’s Cox Cable show, “East Side Treasures” and previous shows.
February, 2005	• “Old House Fair 2005” with talks by Bob Yapp of PBS series About Your Old House With Bob Yapp • Need for “on call” volunteers • Sale of Cheney Mills in 1955 • Vivian Ferguson named Manchester’sHistorian • Need for museum docents • Updates on the Society’s Cox Cable show, including “Historic Oak Grove” and previous shows.
November, 2004	• Receipt of a federally-funded $200,000 grant from Save America’s Treasures for repairing roof of History Center • holiday gift and exhibit ideas and items • Request for construction volunteers • Request for Manchester Road Race memorabilia.
September, 2004	• Recently demolished house at 91 Union Street, one of the earliest “mill houses” in the country • Conservation of Manchester Civil War Monument • Challenges of exhibiting donated items • Donation of former mill-worker interview transcripts • Membership Satisfaction survey results • Charming places of Manchester.
May 2004	• Preservation of historic Bennet Middle School, formerly known as Education Square • Welcome of Carolyn Kaufman as part-time Development Director • Cheney Homestead roof replacement • Cheney Homestead Preservation Achievement recognition • Docent volunteer need • Manchester’s links to the disastrous July, 1944 Hartford Circus fire • Bequests and membership lists • Recent Historical Society television shows.
February, 2004	• Archaeological excavations and results at Pitkin GlassWorks site • Cheney Homestead roof replacement update • Continuing call for Docent volunteers • Shady Glen Restaurant and Reig family • Recent bequests and acquisitions • Great Lawn, central part of Cheney mansion district • Updates on Historical Society’s television shows on Cox Cable.
November, 2003	• Holiday Open House exhibits and special features • Status of Cheney Homestead repair fundraiser activities • Courier now available on Historical Society’s web site • Request for vintage clothing donations • Results of first consignment auction • Updates on Historical Society’s television program, including “Hazel Lutz and Her Museum” and other shows • Member awards and activities of note.
September, 2003	• MHS receives three-year $90,000 seed grant to hire Executive Director • Mary Bellor Dunne selected as new Executive Director • Old Manchester Museum’s new, expanded hours • Progress on the Machine Shop exhibit • Request for items for the first Antiques Auction • Request for new Docent volunteers • 25th Anniversary of Cheney Brothers National Historic Landmark District • Exhibits on Manchester’s Connection to Aviation since 1854 • Updates on Historical Society’s television show.

MANCHESTER HISTORICAL SOCIETY

Courier Newsletters

The Courier Archive

Stay Informed via free e-news