Charter, By-Laws Officers Middlesex County Historical Society, CONNECTICUT. 1901. MIDDLETOWN, CONN. PUBLISHED BY THE SOCIETY. 1901. Charter, By-Laws Officers Middlesex County Historical Society, CONNECTICUT, 1901. MIDDLETOWN, CONN. PUBLISHED BY THE SOCIETY. 1901. Pelton & King, £ Printers, J .. 3 Gift The Society '08 OFFICERS OF THE SOCIETY, Elected June 10, 1901. PRESIDENT. AZEL WASHBURN HAZEN, D. D., MlDDLETOWN. VICE-PRESIDENTS. ALBERT RANDOLPH CRITTENDEN, LYMAN ALLEN MILLS, - MlDDLETOWN. MlDDLEFIELD. SECRETARY-TREASURER. JOSEPH THOMAS ELLIOTT, - - MlDDLETOWN. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. THE PRESIDENT. THE VICE-PRESIDENTS. THE SECRETARY-TREASURER. CHARLES RUFUS WOODWARD, - JOHN HALL SAGE, FRANK FARNSWORTH STARR, - MlDDLETOWN. Portland. MlDDLETOWN. MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE. WALTER BULKLEY HUBBARD, - Middletown. CLARENCE SEYMOUR WADSWORTH, - Middletown. ERNEST ARTHUR MARKHAM, M. D., ----- Durham. FRANK BENTLEY WEEKS, Middletown. CHARLES ABNER PELTON, Middletown. State of Connecticut, General Assembly, 1901. AN ACT INCORPORATING The Middlesex County Historical Society. Resolved by this Assembly: Section i. That Wilbur O. Atwater, Edwin P. Augur, James H. Bunce, James H. Bunce, Jr., Walter P. Bradley, Clarence E. Bacon, Eugene H. Burr, Dale D. Butler, Morris B. Crawford, O. Vincent Coffin, Seward A*. Coffin, Herbert L. Camp, George A. Craig, Frank A. Coles, George A. Coles, Albert R. Critten- den, Richard L. de Zeng, Edward C. Douglas, Elmer G. Derby, Joseph T. Elliott, Richard C. Fagan, E. Burton Fall, Frederick \Y. Greene, Fred E. Gibbons, Elijah K. Hubbard, Azel W. Hazen, Frank D. Haines, E. Kent Hubbard, Jr., Walter B. Hubbard, Daniel T. Haines, Louis de Koven Hubbard, George H. Hulbert, Charles E. Jackson, Edward O. Jackson, Delmar R. Lowell, C. Bingham Leach, Lyman A. Mills, Revilo C. Markham, Addison G. McKee, George T. Meech, G. Ellsworth Meech, Henry L. Mansfield, D. Ward Northrop, Charles Alfred Peltou, Wesley U. Pearne, Charles Abner Pel ton, John Gideon Palmer, Samuel Russell, Samuel Russell, Jr., T. Macdonough Russell, William North Rice, Frank Farnsworth Starr, William W. Van Deursen, James C. Van Benschoten, John M. Van Vleck, Frank B. Weeks, Clarence S. Wadsworth, Henry Woodward, Charles R. Woodward, Frank C. Whittelsey, H. Charles Whittlesey, William W. Wilcox, William W. Wilcox, Jr., together with such other per- sons as are now or hereafter may be associated with them, with their successors, be and they are hereby constituted a body politic and corporate by the name of The Middlesex County Historical Society, to be located at Middletown, for the purpose of promoting the study of historical and genealogical subjects in general, and especially in relation to said county, and for the collection and preservation of objects illustra- tive of history. Sec. 2. Said corporation shall have power to make and adopt a constitution and such by-laws as it may from time to time deem best, regulating thereby all matters concerning the objects, membership, and gov- ernment of said corporation, and shall have such other powers as belong to a corporation under the laws of this state. Sec. 3. Said corporation may purchase, hold, con- vey or mortgage any real or personal estate to an amount not at any time exceeding fifty thousand dollars, which, together with the income thereof, used for the purposes aforesaid, shall be exempt from taxation. Sec. 4. Said corporation shall meet once each year in the town of Middletown for the election of such officers as shall be prescribed by the by-laws; provided y however, that in case of failure to hold said meeting, or to elect its officers, said corporation shall not thereby be dissolved, and said officers shall hold office until their successors are elected and qualified. Sec. 5. The first annual meeting of said corpora- tion shall be held at such time and place in said Mid- dletown as shall be designated by Rev. A. W. Hazen, Albert R. Crittenden, and George A. Craig, or any two of them, five days' notice thereof being given by them by mail to each member of the society, and there- after, annual meetings and all other meetings shall be held in accordance with the provisions of the by-laws of said society. Approved April 18, 1901. State of Connecticut, ) . ss. Office of the Secretary, » I, Charles G. R. Vinal, Secretary of the State of Connecticut, and keeper of the seal thereof, and of the original record of the Acts and Resolutions of the Gen- eral Assembly of said state, do hereby certify that I have compared the annexed copy of the Resolution incorporating Ti-ie Middlesex Couxty Historical Society, with the original record of the same now remaining in this office, and have found the said copy to be a correct and complete transcript thereof. And I further certify, that the said original record is a public record of the said State of Connecticut, now remaining in this office. SEAL. In testimony whereof, I have hereunto set my hand and affixed the seal of said state at Hartford, this 15th day of May, 1 90 1. Chas. G. R. Vinal, Secretary. The following names were added to the list of mem- bership before acceptance of charter: Mary A. H. Bunce, John Charles Broatch, Ellen E. Coffin, Jennie M. Clark, Alice Gray Derby, Samuel Hart, D. D., Mary T. Hazen, Walter C. Jones, Mary Elizabeth Lyman, Ernest Arthur Markham, M. D., John Hall Sage, Orrin E. Stoddard, Elizabeth S. Wilcox, Emerett Elizabeth Wilcox Payne, Mary H. Wilson, Bradford Paul Raymond. BY-LAWS — OF — The Middlesex County Historical Society. ARTICLE I. MEMBERS. Section i. The Society shall consist of Resident, Corresponding, and Honorary Members. Resident members shall be inhabitants or former in- habitants of Middlesex County, or descendants of such inhabitants or former inhabitants, and no other mem- bers shall be entitled to vote in any meeting of the Society, or to hold any office in said Society. Persons not inhabitants of Middlesex County may be admitted as Corresponding or Honorary Members, and shall not be subject to any admission fee or tax. Honorary members shall be persons who may have rendered important service in historical inquiry or liter- ature. Section 2. All candidates for membership shall be nominated by the Committee on Membership, at least one calendar month before their election. The vote on the election of members shall be taken by ballot at a regular meeting of the Society. Whenever two ballots appear against the admission of any person whose name has been proposed, such name shall be referred back to the Committee on Membership. If said Committee renew the nomination, a ballot may be taken thereon at the next regular meeting. If two-thirds of the ballots cast are in the affirmative, such person shall be admitted to membership. Section 3. Applicants for resident membership shall pay an admission fee of three dollars ($3) which shall accompany their application and be in lieu of all dues for the current year. In case of rejection, the fee shall be returned. Annual dues shall be two dollars ($2) which shall be due and payable at the annual meeting. Any member may become a life member upon the payment of twenty-five dollars ($25), which shall be accepted in lieu of all annual dues. Failure to pay the annual dues for two consecutive years, shall operate as a forfeiture of membership and a withdrawal from the Society. Section 4. Every resident member upon admission to the Society, shall be presented by the Secretary with a copy of these by-laws, and the acceptance of the same by such member shall be considered an acceptance of the foregoing provision in regard to the forfeiture of membership. ARTICLE II. OFFICERS AND STANDING COMMITTEES. Section i. The officers of the Society shall be a President, two Vice-Presidents, and a Secretary-Treas- urer. There shall be an Executive Committee consisting of seven members, and a Committee on Membership consisting of five members. Section 2. The President, the Vice-Presidents, and the Secretary-Treasurer shall be ex officio members of the Executive Committee. The officers and standing committees shall be chosen by ballot at the annual meeting. Section 3. The President shall preside in the meet- ings of the Society and the Executive Committee, shall call special meetings of the Society or the Executive Committee whenever he shall deem it necessary, or whenever he shall be requested in writing by any three resident members of the Society, or any two members of the Executive Committee, and shall deliver or pro- vide for an address at the annual meeting. Section 4. The Secretary-Treasurer shall conduct the correspondence of the Society, keep an accurate record of the transactions of the Society and of the Executive Committee, and have the custody of all the funds of the Society, paying out the moneys only on the written order of three members of the Executive Committee. He shall keep a full record of all receipts and disbursements, and make a written report thereof, and of all other matters of interest pertaining to the Society, at the annual meeting. His financial report shall be audited by a Committee before being presented to the Society; such Committee to be appointed at each annual meeting. He shall send to each resident member of the Society, a written notice of every meeting of the Society, and to each member of the Executive Committee, a written notice of every meeting of the Committee. He shall keep a record of all books, papers and other articles given or loaned to the Society, and of the con- ditions upon which each article is received. Section 5. The Executive Committee shall have general charge of the affairs and property of the Society; they may purchase books or other objects suited to the purposes of the Society, and may appoint suitable per- sons for the care and custody of such property; they shall not sell or alienate any books or other property of the Society except when authorized by a vote of the Society; and they shall not incur any expenditure in excess of the appropriations made by the Society. The regular meetings of the Executive Committee shall be held immediately upon the adjournment of the regular meetings of the Society. Three members shall constitute a quorum of the Executive Committee. ARTICLE III. MEETINGS. Section i. A regular meeting shall be held on the third Tuesday of each month unless otherwise ordered by vote of the Society. The regular meeting of the month of April shall be the annual meeting. Special meetings may be called by the President as provided in Article II. Section 2. Seven resident members shall consti- tute a quorum. ARTICLE IV. ARTICLES RECEIVED ON DEPOSIT. All papers and other articles deposited with the Society, shall be receipted for and carefully preserved under the direction of the Executive Committee, and shall be delivered to the owner at any time upon the production of said receipt, or of other proof of owner- ship satisfactory to the Executive Committee; but upon the death of the owner of any such deposit, the owner- ship of the same shall vest in the Society, unless, at the time of making the deposit, other conditions shall be prescribed by the depositor. ARTICLE V. AMENDMENTS. These by-laws may be amended at any regular meet- ing, provided notice of such proposed amendment shall be given at the previous regular meeting and provided also, that a statement of the proposed amendment be included in the Secretary's notice of the meeting, at which such action is to be taken. [The foregoing by-laws were adopted at regular meetings of the Society held June 4 and October 15, 1901. | f autpljlrt No. 2 * April, 19II4 Address of the President, the Rev. Azel Washburn Hazen, D. D., at the Annual Meeting held in the Williams Library, Middletown, Connecticut, April Nineteenth, Nineteen Hundred and Four "Local history is the ultimate substance of national history. There could be no epics were pastorals not also true, • • • no patriotism, were there no homes, no neighbors, no quiet round of civic duty. • • • The history of a nation is only the history of its villages written large. • • • Surely here, in these old hamlets that an- tedate the cities, in these little communi- ties that stand apart and yet give their young life to the nation, is to be found the very authentic stuff of romance for the mere looking. • • • Here, surely, sunk deep in the very fibre of the stuff, are the colors of the great story of men, • • • the lively touches of reality and the striking images of life." — Prt'sitfejit Woodroiv Wilson. Tbs Society THE Middlesex County Historical Society JT was three years yesterday since the charter of the Middlesex County Historical Society was ap- proved by the Legislature of the Commonwealth. So quietly has it been doing its work in these years that many persons in the community are not aware of its existence, and only a very few are conversant with what it has accomplished. Hence it is thought that a brief statement of what has been done by the Society thus far may be an incentive to ampler achievements in the future. Not that there is any large occasion for pride in the record of the years, yet that it may be evident that substantial progress has been made in laying the foundations of an organization which shall be of permanent and ever- increasing value to the County whose name it bears. The movement for the formation of this Society grew out of the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the settlement of Middletown. So deep was the interest then awakened in the honorable history of this town, so numerous and so priceless were the arti- cles then exhibited as the possessions of our citizens, the feeling was quite general that a society should be organized, the aim of which should be to preserve and perpetuate the memories of our venerable past, as well as to take into its custody the countless relics of other days that are now in peril of loss, or of ruin, or of transfer to other localities, to whatever extent these might be committed to its guardianship. It is well known to not a few persons hereabouts that the prime mover in this commendable enterprise was Mr. Albert R. Crittenden. But for his intelligent interest in the past, his genuine public spirit, his pa- tient persistence, his generous self-sacrifice, his cease- less labors, and his strong hold of the public, it is safe to say that this organization would not now be in ex- istence. It has alwa3'S been a matter of deep regret with myself that he should not have been its first President, a position which he had fully earned, and to which he would surely have been recommended, had he not been a member of the committee to nomi- nate officers. Many }-ears must not pass before he presides over the Society of which he is the founder. The first meeting of persons desiring the establish- ment of this Society was held in the parlor of the Young Men's Christian Association, Dec. 20, 1900. The names of those present at this gathering should not be forgotten. They are as follows: 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 a Committee of five was appointed tc consider plans for carrying the idea into effect. This Com- mittee consisted of Messrs. A. R. Crittenden, C. R. Woodward, F. F. Starr, F. D. Haines, and W. N. Rice. At a meeting Jan. 17, 1901, this Committee re- ported the draft of a charter, which was unanimously approved, and Messrs. Crittenden and Haines were appointed to present it to the Legislature. The peti- tion for the granting of the charter was signed by sixty-three citizens of Middletown, whose names are embossed upon a large copy framed by the Society, and are also printed in the first pamphlet issued, con- taining the charter, by-laws, and names of the original officers. To this list sixteen other names were added before the acceptance of the charter. A glance at this list reveals the fact that it consists of some of the most substantial men and women of our city. The charter being granted to The Middlesex County Historical Society April 18, 1901, and having the seal of the State affixed thereto May 15, 1901, together with the name of one of our own prominent citizens, the Hon. Chas. G. R. Vinal, as Secretary of State, was accepted June 4, 1901. By-laws were adopted at the same time. Six days later, June 10, officers were elected, and the organization was thus completed. Since this date the Society has held twenty-two meet- ings for business, and sixteen public meetings, at which papers have been read. The attendance at the business meetings has ranged from a bare quorum of seven members to twenty-two; at the public meetings, from fifteen to about eight}-, the average probably be- ing not far from thirty. This record, in view of the fact that several meetings were held in the City Court Room, an uninviting place, and that the Society has had no permanent local habitation, and that it is the few, rather than the many, who take a sterling interest in its aims, is perhaps as large as could have been expected. After the earlier meetings in the rooms of the Young Men's Christian Association, and in the City Court Room, the parlors of the First Church were occupied for somewhat more than a year. Since the autumn of last year, the convenient and attractive rooms of the Williams Library have been at our disposal, through the courtesy of the Professors of the Berkeley Divinity School, one of whom, the President of the Connecticut Historical Society, honors our own organization by faithful membership therein. The business accomplished by the Society thus far has been for the most part preliminary and necessary to its equipment. Much thought and considerable labor have been bestowed upon the fundamental mat- ter of an appropriate and abiding home for the insti- tution. Progress has certainly been made in this direction, inasmuch as the situation is more and more clearly conceived by our members, and some generous gifts have been pledged for the purpose. Further words on this theme will be demanded later. Tem- porary accommodations for books and pamphlets have been furnished us by the kindness of the Librarian of Wesley an University, whom we are glad to number in our goodly fellowship, who allows us the use of an alcove there, which is under lock and key. But our other possessions, some of them of genuine value, are merely stored here and there by persons enough en- listed in our work to give them friendly shelter. Still, there is reason to fear that these varied, and in some instances cumbersome articles, may outstay their wel- come. Our charter has been neatly framed, and it is ready to adorn any walls on which it may rightfully hang. A comely pamphlet has been issued containing our constitution and by-laws, a fitting book-plate has been devised and constructed, blanks for membership and other uses have been prepared, strong and ample books have been made for our records, and for the registry of our treasures. Forty folio pages have al- ready been inscribed with our doings, while one hun- dred and thirty-four accessions have been catalogued, with at least fifty more waiting for entry. Papers of a notable character have been read before us, the pre- senting of several of which has given distinction to our organization, as well as honor to our city. In view of such a record for less than three years of activity, though the Society has no considerable ground for boasting, it has surety no reason for hu- miliation or discouragement. The membership, largely increased during the last year, is at present 1 06, as shown by the report of the Secretary. This roll contains the names of some of the most influential residents of our town and of adjoining ones. While the funds actually in our hands are still scant, we have every assurance of increase in the near future, if we are true to our opportunity in carrying forward the work so auspiciously inaugurated. Of the incorporators of the Society, four have passed from earth during the three years since the charter was granted, viz. John G. Palmer, James C. Van Benscho- ten, Wm. W. Van Deursen, Win. W. Wilcox. Of these, Professor Van Benschoten and Mr. Van Deursen attended the first meeting in reference to organization. They were both warmly engaged in the enterprise, giving to it their most cordial and intelligent support. Professor Van Benschoten had been the President of the Middletown Historical Society, which was organ- ized in the early seventies, but which had only a brief existence. He was fond of historical research, and took an honest pride in the annals of his adopted town, which was made the better for his long residence here as an instructor, a public-spirited citizen, and a Christian gentleman. Mr. Van Deursen belonged to one of our oldest and most worthy families, with an honorable lineage for generations. He was conversant with our history, and a diligent student of the past. Possessing many valuable relics of former years himself, he took delight in all that came under his observation, while he was enthusiastic in his desire that this Society should be established, as the natural guardian of rich treasures in which this community abounds. That he would have placed some of his own possessions in its keeping can hardly be doubted, had he lived to see it properly housed. Mr. Wilcox, though his health did not permit him to attend any meetings of the Society, was one of its most ardent supporters. He was loyal, in thought, in speech, and in deed, to the town of which he was so long an esteemed resident. He desired to see it pros- per, and he wished its hoary traditions to be held in remembrance. Hence he offered this Society — at first the sum of $1,000 towards a suitable structure for its occupancy. This liberal proffer was soon multiplied by two, — a tangible witness to his sense of the impor- tance of our work, and of his willingness to help it forward. So sincere was he in his proposition that he caused it to be inscribed in his last will and testament, that we might be the more certain to avail ourselves of it. And the executors of this document have cour- teously lengthened the time suggested by him, in order that we may have the fullest opportunity to realize the earnest wish of our distinguished friend. It would be pitiful indeed, if not shameful, should we fail to ac- quire that which is so persistently held within our reach. Another member, whose name was added to the list of incorporators before the charter was accepted, has just fallen out of our ranks by death, — Major John Charles Broatch. He was a citizen whose diligent ser- vice of the town, and of the country, will not soon be forgotten. His departure, in the prime of his stalwart manhood, was a cause of sadness to all who knew him. Of the sixty-three original applicants for the charter of the Society, fifteen, or nearly one-fourth, never qualified as members. This failure, however, must not be attributed wholly to lack of interest in the aims of the organization. Of the one hundred and six persons whose names are now on our roll, twenty-one, or about one-fifth, are delinquents in the matter of annual dues. This again, may be owing more to inadvertence, than to indifference. We surely should give them the benefit of this doubt. Many of the articles presented to the Society are of extreme value, while hardly any can be deemed worth- less. Over two hundred volumes have been received, several of which are rare, and along the line of our purposes, — such as the Centennial Address, and the Statistics of Middlesex County, by Field; the Mac- donough Hackstaff Ancestry, many Middletown Di- rectories, and State Registers, books concerning the American Literary, Scientific, and Military Academy, which preceded the Wesleyan University, documents relative to the State, Congressional Publications, the Hon. N. D. Sperry having placed our Society on his mailing list, books concerning the Sons of the Revolu- tion, several volumes issued in Middletown, which was formerly somewhat of a publishing centre, etc., etc. These are only as drops before the shower, we are confident, in case we shall be able properly to care for and to exhibit what is committed to our keeping. Not a few pamphlets and papers of dignified age and eminent worth have been received. Perhaps the rarest of the former is entitled "Experiments and Observa- tions on Electricity, made at Philadelphia in America, by Mr. Benjamin Franklin, and communicated in sev- eral letters to Mr. P. Collinson, of London, F. R. S.," issued in London, in 1751. This is a document above all price. The oldest paper in our possession, I think, is Rivington's "New York Gazetteer, or the Connecti- cut, Hudson's River, New Jersey, and Quebec Weekly Advertiser, Printed at his Open and Uninfluenced Press, fronting Hanover Square." This antique sheet, with so pompous a title, bears the date of June 16, 1774. Its chief value for us is its report of a debate in the British Parliament on the American Colonies. This was upon the "Third Boston Bill." One mem- ber of the House plainly declares that the bill is meant to enslave America, and expresses the hope that it will be resisted. Whereupon Lord North makes this to us amusing assertion — "Sir, there is a ship arrived, I think her name is the Fortune, Captain Gorham; she arrived in Boston Harbour the latter end of February, or beginning of March, 1774, I cannot say which; she was loaded with tea; the inhabitants came immediately and unloaded her, and emptied the contents of her cargo into the sea. Is this, Sir, seeing their error? Is this, Sir, reforming?" These trophies of the past are merely specimens of multitudes stored in this vicinity, which we may hope to secure, and to rescue from destruction, as soon as we are in a position to accept them and to place them where they ought to be. We should obtain all pam- phlets and papers possible, that may throw light upon our past. We should own copies of every book pub- lished in the County, and of all works in which our citizens have been interested, as well of those written here, of which four at least appeared in 1903, of con- spicuous merit. Then, there are various products not of a literary nature, a few of which we already have, that will surely fall to us in due season. We have many assur- ances that such gifts are waiting for the Society, when it is prepared to receive them. One trust of no small significance has already been placed in our charge. We have been made the guar- dian of all documents relating to the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the settlement of this town. It should be the endeavor of the Society to publish these, fitly edited, and to secure in connection with them a his- tory of the town, as well as of those which have sprung from it, at no distant day. The possibilities for a full, an accurate, and a sympathetic history of Middletown and its environs are rapidly lessening with the process of the suns. This is a task far too long delayed already. Who will take it up and carry it forward successfully, if this organization does not ? The noble boulder which marks the site consecrated by the first settlers of Middletown has been entrusted to the custody of this Society. It will be our duty, as well as our privilege, to guard it sacredly, keeping it- self and its surroundings in such condition as their 12 importance demands. Other trusts of a kindred na- ture in different parts of the County may be imposed upon us from time to time. Why should not others of our historic buildings and places be marked with simple and permanent tablets? This ship, so well launched, with the creditable voy- age already made, asks little of the town and of the County in comparison with services it is prepared to render to them. Though its membership is by no means insignificant in numbers or in character, in view of its age and the want of adequate facilities for executing its mission, it seeks more names for its roll, that it may have their sympathy and their material aid. The annual fee of two dollars is of small account to any individual, yet many times multiplied, it means much to this institution. It seeks further gifts of books, pamphlets, papers, and historic relics of all kinds, that its collection may be constantly enriched, and thus more worthy in itself, and of more significance to its constituents. Beyond all, at present, it holds out its hands for donations of money, that it may take early posses- sion of the legacy from the estate of Mr. Wilcox. It would be unj ust • to his memory, as well as untrue to our alluring opportunity, to allow this large sum to be diverted from us, as it must be, if we do not bestir ourselves. In a word, this Society is so bold as to believe that it can become a lasting honor to our County, if it can obtain even a modest home for itself, and for the treas- ures in hand, together with the manifold number sure to be bestowed upon it. With rooms suited to its use, it is sure to expand, and to benefit the community. Without these, its life cannot be very long nor very useful. * * Iftstanral Swteig * * -^^M Address of the President, the Rev. Azel W. Hazen, D. D., Report of the Secretary, Mr. Heman C. Whit- tlesey, and Report of the Treasurer, Mr. Joseph T. Elliott, at the Annual Meeting held in the Williams Libra- ry, Middletown, Connecticut, April Eighteenth, Nineteen Hundred Five "A spot of local history is like an inn upon a highway: it is a stage upon a far journey: it is a place the national history has passed through. There mankind has stopped and lodged by the way. Local history is thus less than national history only as the part is less than the whole. The whole could not dispense with the part, would not exist without it, could not be understood unless the part also were understood. Local history is sub- ordinate to national only in the sense in which each leaf of a book is subordinate to the volume itself." — Woodrow Wilson. PRESS OF PELTON i KING. T . Site MxbiitBtx (ttmmtg Hjtafartral §on?tg. Preai&rnt'a Abforraa. /"TThe address of the President at the last annual \u/ meeting recounted the story of the formation, and of the first three years, of the Middlesex County Historical Society. That address was pub- lished, and it was circulated beyond the limits of the Society. Copies of it still remain in the hands of the Secretary, and they can be supplied to any persons who may desire information concerning the early years of our organization. One of these pamphlets went to the Professor of History in Smith College, Northamp- ton, Mass., which led to immediate inquiries as to the basis of our Society and its work. Northampton was settled in 1654, four years later than Middletown. The celebration of its 250th anniversary last year was made the occasion of the formation of a local Historical Society there, a movement which was furthered by our own example. This venerable Massachusetts town has many points of resemblance to ours, and the transactions of 1904 added another to the list. The report of the Secretary is so full and so admir- able, that nothing need be added to it along its line. I suggest its publication and distribution, that the citizens of the County may be more fully informed relative to our situation, as it is at present, and incited to make ampler contributions to our treasures. In this connection let me recommend the appoint- ment of an Assistant Secretary and Librarian for the ensuing year. Some person can be secured, I am confident, for a small payment by the hour for such services as may be rendered. It is too much to ask of our busy Secretary that he perform the drudgery of his office. The Society is now in a position finan- cially to employ another person for this purpose. To keep the records of our meetings, and to attend to such correspondence as may be needful, is all we ought to. ask of a citizen with so many and so pressing engagements as our Secretary. The sending out of notices of our meetings to a hundred people, more or less, the acknowledging, and entering, and filing, and labelling of contributions, and all other matters of detail, should be the task of an Assistant. It has been the hope of your President that the way might open for him to retire before this time. And he would be greatly pleased to be now relieved of the duties of his office. He can consent to remain in it only at the unanimous wish of the members, and with the feeling that he may yet be able to accomplish somewhat for the furtherance of the Society in the important mission which he believes it has to execute for Middletown, and for Middlesex County. The Society met an irreparable loss in the death of Mr. Charles Rufus Woodward, Dec. nth, 1904. A sketch of his life, together with an appreciation of his character and services, has already been placed on our records. Yet I must take this occasion to express anew my own sense of his personal worth, and of his value to our organization. Mr. Woodward was a man of unusual abilities, of varied training, and of large information. He had mingled much with men, and had attached not a few to himself as loyal friends. He had accurate knowledge of a wide range of subjects, and this was always at his command. Not many men of affairs could talk so readily and so intelligently on multitudes of matters as could he. He filled public positions to which he was called with rare fidelity and acceptance. As Selectman of the town, as Mayor of the city, as a member of the Legislature of the Com- monwealth, he was efficient and influential. Had it been his will, he could have held prominent stations ofteuer and longer than he did. He loved the com- munity in which he lived for more than two genera- tions, and he rejoiced in its prosperity. He was familiar with its history and its traditions, and was solicitous that these should be preserved. Hence his deep interest in this Society, a member of whose Executive Committee he had been from its founda- tion. Perhaps his last subscription of a public nature was one made to our fund, which he earnestly desired to see pledged to the full amount required, and in the raising of which he was actively enlisted till his last days. In a conversation I held with him less than a week before his lamented departure, he expressed his eager wish that we might be successful in our under- taking. We shall sorely miss his well-stored memory, his wise counsels, and his unfailing friendliness. While we held several meetings of conspicuous value during the last year, and while persons of eminence, like Mr. P. Henry Woodward, Dr. Curtis M. Geer, and Pres. Flavel S. Luther, of Hartford, and others, honored us by reading papers at our sessions, the work for which the year will be most memorable was the ac- quisition of a fund of $6,000 for the support of the Society. The energetic labors of the Committee having the matter in charge, the liberal donations of friends in this and neighboring towns, together with the gen- erous legacy of that high-minded citizen, the late Mr. Wm. W. Wilcox, most kindly held for us by the exec- utors of his will beyond the limit fixed by himself, made possible, and made actual, this important achievement. The entire amount is already well invested, thanks to the wisdom and the skill of our able Finance Committee, and it will soon begin to furnish us an income which will increase our means of carrying forward our work. But this sum, helpful as it will be, does not lessen our need of a- permanent home for our institution. L,et us hope that the time is not far remote when other legacies shall fall to us, or when some building or portions of a building shall come into our hands, which may be adapted to our growing necessities, providing for us a "local habitation," as well as a "name." Meantime we must not fail to recognize the distinguished courtesy of the officers of the Berkeley Divinity School in allow- ing us to gather under the roof of this comely edifice, honorable as it is by reason of the name it bears, and of the noble ends which it serves. In the judgment of your President, it should be our chief aim to trace out and to record the story of our towns, and of our numerous notable institutions, as well as the biographies of our leading people of the past, and of the present. There are still a few vener- able men and women among us whose recollections are of priceless value. From such we should learn all we can, and that without delay. Many of our dwelling houses and public structures have stories which ought to be told, and to be pre- served. We have also trees and streams, hills and valleys, which contain fascinating secrets, to be yielded up to painstaking research. Further, when we can secure papers of value on any topics, particularly on those of local color, we shall soon be in a condition to publish them, and thus ensure their preservation. Nor must we ever forget that a credit- able history of our town and of our County is yet to be written. The publication of the proceedings of the 250th anniversary celebration, deferred with the hope of getting a fuller manuscript from Professor Fiske, has already been too long delayed. Inquiries are frequently made as to whether such a paper, or document, or book, or article of other kind, would be acceptable to the Historical Society. Let us make ourselves a Committee of the Whole to assure all persons having anything of historic interest that we welcome all such, and that we will pledge ourselves to take due care of them. Perhaps it would be wise for us to arrange a Loan Exhibition, for the sake of bringing our Society more prominently before the community. Many intelligent people seem still to be ignorant of our existence, not to say merely of what we have accomplished thus far. After having lived with more or less vigor for four years, and having enrolled a membership of over one hundred, and after having gathered a considerable en- dowment, it is certain that the Middlesex County Historical Society has come to stay, and that it can contribute materially to the well-being of the territory included in its limits. It is here to do its work as well as it may. Its constitution is in general accord with those of similar organizations in this and other States, having been carefully devised. It appeals to our com- munity and to our County for aid, because it has shown itself to be worthy of the confidence and of the assistance of all persons who prize the history and mementoes of days gone by. It is not an institution for Middle- town only, but for the entire County of Middlesex. And this County should not forget that it is an integral part of the noble Commonwealth of Connecticut, while the State itself is one of the original sections of an im- perial nation. g^rrrtarti'a 1&?part. Mr. President and Members of the Society: In accord- ance with our By-Laws I have the honor to submit herewith my annual report, it being the fourth report of the Society's Secretary. MEETINGS. During the year now ended regular meetings have been held on the third Tuesday of each month with the exception of July, August and September. In connection with our meetings we have followed the same practice as in previous years; that is, we have first had a short session for the transaction of routine business, and then have held a public meeting for the purpose of listening to a paper upon some subject of either local or general historical interest. The only exceptions during the year were the two meetings of June 2 1 st, 1904, and January 17th, 1905. In the former case the meeting failed for lack of a quorum, and in the latter the time was spent upon important matters of business, and no public meeting was held. The Society takes much pleasure in placing upon record this expression of its sincere gratitude to the ladies and gentlemen respectively who have given both the members of the Society and the public the privilege of listening to papers so entertaining and instructive. The papers have covered a wide range of subjects and have brought to our attention many historical facts of April 19- May 17- Oct. iS. Nov. 15- Dec. 20. Feb. 21. Mar. 21. a timely and interesting nature. The list of speakers and their subjects is as follows — 1904. Rev. A. W. Hazen. An address at the annual meeting. Mr. P. Henry Woodward. The Investigation of the Star Route Frauds. Rev. Edward O. Grisbrook. A Tory Trail. Miss Anna E. Smith. Patrick Henry. Pres. Flavel S. Luther. Kepler. I9°5- Prof. Curtis M. Geer. The State of Franklin. Mr. Chas. E. Jackson. Old letters and manuscripts. Prof. Geer very kindly presented to the Society for its archives the copy of his paper on the State of Franklin. MEMBERSHIP. The number of members now upon our roll is prac- tically the same as it was a year ago. We have gained five active members and have also added three names to our list of life members. We have lost three members by death, two have resigned and a few, who had never qualified, have been dropped. A year ago the record was one hundred and four active members and two life members or a total of one hundred and six. At present the membership consists of ninety- nine active members, five life members, or a total of one hundred and four. In the case of new members an official letter is sent to each one notifying him of his election and enclosing a copy of the Society's Charter and By-Laws and a list of the officers and members. 11 ATTENDANCE. In attendance at the business sessions of the monthly meetings a fair average has been maintained as com- pared with that of previous years: that is, the mem- bership has been represented by a company of from ten to fifteen members who have shown a genuine interest in the Society's affairs and have made a practice of being present at nearly every meeting. The public meetings, held in the congenial surround- ings of the Williams Library, have maintained a uniformly high standard and have attracted a certain number of hearers who we are assured have felt well repaid for their attendance. PUBLICATIONS. The record of the Society in this respect is natur- ally limited, and probably is explained by the short period of its existence. Our principal publication during the year, was the issue of a pamphlet con- taining the address of the President, as delivered at the annual meeting on April 19th, 1904. The address was a sympathetic and comprehensive review of the organ- ization, purposes and history of the Society. It was intended primarily for circulation, in its printed form, amongst the Society's membership, but many copies have also been sent to other members of the community who it was thought would probably be interested in the objects of our local Historical Society. The address was numbered in regular sequence as Pamphlet No. 2; Pamphlet No. 1 being represented by the printed copy of the Society's Charter and By-L,aws. The only other publication which we have issued is a printed list of the members and the officers, as elected on April 19th, 1904. PRINCIPAL EVENTS. Some of the principal events in connection with our history for the past year are as follows — The death of Mr. Chas. R. Woodward, one of our Charter members, on December nth, 1904. Authorizing the Executive Committee to purchase historical material. The completion of the endowment fund, and The appointment of a Finance Committee to care for the Society's funds. This Committee is — Walter B. Hubbard, John H. Sage, Wallace K. Bacon, and Joseph T. Elliott, the Treasurer. PLACE FOR ARCHIVES. It is gratifying to be able to report that during the year we have again received a variety of articles of historical interest together with a number of valuable old books, documents, pamphlets, etc. It is a matter of regret, however, that the Society has still no quarters of its own in which it can properly store and classify its valuable archives. It is confidently believed that just so soon as this urgent want shall be suitably provided for, our collection of important material relating to the early history of Middletown and Middlesex County will be largely increased. In the meantime the Society has gladly taken advantage of the kind offer of the College authorities and has stored its archives temporarily in the appropriate setting of a section of the Wesleyan Library. . GENERAL. Referring to our present condition as compared w r ith that of a year ago, it may be stated that we have made substantial progress. The Society has now the solid foundation of an endowment fund, the income from which will provide for the maintenance of a permanent home as soon as one shall be secured, and the coopera- tion and support of its membership will undoubtedly stimulate interest in its purposes and contribute to its success as an active and efficient organization for the collection and preservation of historical material. Respectfully submitted, H. C. Whittlesey, Secretary. 14 Srpaaurrr'a &?part. Joseph T. Elliott, Treas., in account with The Middlesex County Historical Society: receipts. Balance on hand at last report, ----- $646 80 Received fees for five admissions, - - - - 15 00 Received dues from 86 members, - 172 00 Received for one Life Membership, - 25 00 Received from subscription to Special Fund, - - 5,405 00 Received for interest on daily balance, - - - 24 1 1 #6,2S7 91 DISBURSEMENTS. Paid Voucher No. 26, Printing, $20 00 Paid Voucher No. 27, Stationery, - 5 40 Paid Voucher No. 28, Postage and Printing, - - 1 1 70 Paid Voucher No. 29, Use of Hall and Janitor, - - 12 00 Paid Voucher No. 30, Painting fence around Boulder, 14 00 Paid Voucher No. 31, Printing, 6 50 Paid Voucher No. 32, Printing, 2 50 Paid Voucher No. 33, Stamped envelopes, - - 10 60 Paid Voucher No. 34, Deposited Farmers' & Mechanics' Savings Bank, ... 500 00 Paid Voucher No. 35, Deposited Freestone Savings Bank, 500 00 Paid Voucher No. 36, 2 Bonds Buffalo & Susquehanna R. R. 4s, - - - - 1,990 00 Paid Voucher No. 37, 2 Bonds St. Louis & Iron Moun- tain R. R. 4s, - - - 1,953 33 Paid Voucher No. 38, Deposited Columbia Trust Co., 500 00 Balance, - - - 761 88 $6,287 91 This is to certify that I have examined the books, vouchers, and securities in the hands of the Treasurer, and compared them with the foregoing statement and find the same to be correct. Frank B. Weeks, Auditor. Middletown, Conn., April 18th, 1905. Investments of Middlesex County Historical Society. 2 Bonds Buffalo & Susquehanna R. R. 4s, - 2 Bonds St. Louis, Iron Mountain & Southern 4s, Farmers' & Mechanics' Savings Bank, Middletown, Conn., Freestone Savings Bank, Portland, Conn., Columbia Trust Co., Middletown, Conn., - $5,500 00 Joseph T. Elliott, Treasurer. 52,000 00 2,000 00 500 00 500 00 500 00 ElfrtpJi April lBtlj, 1905. PRESI DENT. AzEL W. Hazen, D. D., Middletown. VICE-PRESIDENTS. Albert R. Crittenden, - Middletown. Lyman A. Mills, Middlefield. SECRETARY. Heman C. Whittlesey, Middletown. TREASURER. Joseph T. Eeeiott, Middletown. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. The President, The Secretary, The Vice-Presidents, The Treasurer, John H. Sage, ------- Portland. Frank F. Starr, Middletown. MEM BERSH I P COM M ITTEE. . Walter B. Hubbard, - Middletown. Clarence S. Wadsworth, - Middletown. Ernest A. Markham, M. D., - - - - Durham. Frank B. Weeks, Middletown. Charles A. PelTon, Middletown. Stye fflibbltBtx (ttflttnty * * iftsttfriral gmrtrtip * Pamphlri Nn. 4 - Mag, 19flB Address of the President, the Rev. Azel W. Hazen, D. D., Report of the Secretary, Mr. Heman C. Whit- tlesey, and Report of the Treasurer, Mr. Joseph T. Elliott, at the Annual Meeting held in the Society's Rooms in the Masonic Building, Middle- town, Connecticut, April Seven- teenth, Nineteen Hundred and Six " Within the limits of this county Englishsettletnents com- menced, in Saybrook in 1635, in Middletown in 1650, and in Had- dam in 1662; from which the settlements afterwards proceed- ed in the towns opposite, on the east side of Connecticut river. The settlement commenced in Killingworth in 1663, and in Durham in 1698. The first set- tlers were almost exclusively of English extraction, and with their descendants individuals from other nations have rarely intermixed. They came, in a few instances, immediately from England, but more generally from older settlements in Con- necticut and Massachusetts. ' ' (Field's Statistical Account of Middlesex County, published by Clark and Lyman, Middletown, 1819.) '. ^The President of the Middlesex County Historical W' Society deems himself remarkably fortunate in securing for this annual meeting a paper by Prof. Samuel Hart, D.D., D.C.L., on a theme so fascinating as that of "Yale College in Saybrook." This relieves him of the necessity of saying many words himself, and offers an unusual privilege to the Society. The topic of the evening is along the line of the legitimate work of this organization — that of exploring and re- cording the history of this County. Other papers of the last year have been of special pertinence and value locally. The one by Judge Peck, on Thomas Hooker, that by Mr. Adams, on The Last Days of the Colony of Connecticut, and by Mr. Murphy, on Connecticut during the Revolution, 1774-83, that by Col. Parsons, on The Battle of Bunker Hill, with special reference to Connecticut's part in it, dealt with the annals of our own commonwealth: while the one by Mr. Hubbard, on The Meigs Family in America, had even more of local color, since many bearing that honorable name have been residents of Middletown, and some of their descendants still survive among us. Thus the Society has not been unmindful of its peculiar obligations under its charter. It is the hope of your President that much more excellent and needful work may be accomplished in the near future along similar avenues of investigation. Our principal effort should be di- rected to searching out our own past, and to placing on record events and incidents and portraitures of char- acter, which are worthy of preservation. Here we have an ample field for all our best endeavors, and one, also, which has been very imperfectly cultivated, as yet. In this regard, the language of President Wood- row Wilson, who was for two years an honored citizen of this town, is of genuine significance: — "The right and vital sort of local history is the sort which may be written with lifted eyes — the sort which has an horizon and an outlook upon the world. Sometimes it may happen, indeed, that the annals of a neighborhood disclose some singular adventure which had its begin- ning and its ending there: some unwonted bit of for- tune which stands unique and lonely amidst the myriad transactions of the world of affairs, and deserves to be told vSingly and for its own sake. But usually the sig- nificance of local history is, that it is part of a greater whole. ' ' Our Society has now had an existence of five years, having safely passed its infancy, and reached the bloom of early youth. It is no longer a question whether or not it is to survive. It has demonstrated its intention and its power to live. After various migrations, it has the last year occupied a home which it controls, and which it can call its own until more capacious quarters are at its disposal. These rooms are too straitened for even our present requirements, to say nothing of our constantly enlarging needs. Yet it is a decided advance in our career to have any place where we can gather and preserve our multiplying acquisitions. We have a permanent fund of $6,000, a library of over 600 volumes, and more than 300 pamphlets, besides a few papers of exceeding value. Our books are not mere trash, but many of them are rare, and important. We have already quite a collection of works issued from presses in this city, in the early and the middle years of the last century. If our members are faithful, and our friends as generous in the future as heretofore, there is reason to expect this Society to be the pos- sessor of an assemblage of books worthy the name of an historical library. We have also manuscripts and documents of unusual interest, together with a few souvenirs which are attractive. It is known to many of you, I suppose, that the contents of the room of War Relics in the Russell Library are now regarded as the property of this organization. Likewise, the roll of our members is continually lengthening. A glance thereat shows it to contain the names of some of our most intelligent and public- spirited citizens. It is a matter for congratulation that death only once invaded our ranks. The Rev. John Townsend passed to the life beyond in June last. While his health did not permit him to be active in the Society, he was in full sympathy with its aims. His large intelligence, his loyalty to truth, his unstained character, his generous regard for the welfare of this community, of the entire commonwealth, and of the nation, made his name a distinguished honor to our list, and one to which we affix a star with keenest sorrow. But I am detaining you too long from the pleasure you are anticipating. It is a matter of sincere rejoicing with us that the President of the Connecticut Historical Society is also a member of ours, and that he is ever ready to give to us the benefit of his wide information, his mature judgment, his finished culture, and his genial presence. Permit me to felicitate you, as well as our city, that he belongs to us, and, in spite of allurements offered by other institutions, seems inclined to remain among us. It is my earnest hope that he may yet become the historian of this venerable town- ship. I present to you Dr. Samuel Hart, Bishop Williams Professor of Doctrinal Theology, and of the Prayer Book, and Acting Librarian of the Berkeley Divinity School. (Dr. Hart read an entertaining and instructive paper, dealing with the early history of Saybrook, and with the first years of Yale College in that venerable township. It is the hope of the Society that this paper may be published in the near future.) £>?rrrtary's Slrport. Mr. President and Members of the Society: In accord- ance with our By-Laws I have the honor to submit herewith my annual report, it being the fifth report of the Society's Secretary. MEETINGS. During the year now ended regular meetings in ac- cordance with our By-Laws have been held on the third Tuesday of each month with the exception of June, August and September. The only exceptions during the year were the two meetings of July 18th, 1905, and February 20th, 1906, when the whole time was applied to the consideration of matters of business and no public meeting was held. The record of the nine meetings during the year, therefore, includes the annual meeting, two meetings for business only and six meetings at which the members and public were invited to listen to an historical paper or address. The dates of the meetings with the names of the speakers and list of subjects are given in detail as follows: 1905- April 18. Annual Meeting. Address by the Presi- dent. Reading of annual reports and election of officers. May 16. Judge Epaphroditus Peck of Bristol, Conn. "The Life and Work of Thomas Hooker." July 18. Business Meeting for Members only. Oct. 17. Col. Francis Parsons of Hartford, Conn. "The Battle of Bunker Hill" with special reference to Connecticut's part in it. Nov. 21. Mr. B. P. Adams of Wesleyan University. "The Last Years of the Colony of Con- necticut." Dec. 19. Mr. W. G. Murphy, Jr., of Wesleyan Uni- versity. "Connecticut during the Revo- lution; 1774-1783." 1906. Jan. 16. Prof. G. M. Dutcher, Ph. D., Hedding Pro- fessor of History in Wesle}'an University. "Benjamin Franklin; the Man and His Work." Feb. 20. Business Meeting for Members only. Mar. 20. Mr. J. M. Hubbard of Middletown, Conn. "The Meigs Family in America." In the above papers there has been presented in a vivid manner an account of the stirring times and in- cidents in the useful and busy lives of the early settlers and of noted men of more recent date, and it has been profitable to contemplate the story of their struggles in public and private service, the record of their achievements and their devotion to the larger interests of state and country. It gives the Society much pleasure to place upon record this hearty acknowl- edgment of its sincere thanks and appreciation to the gentlemen who have so willingly given both the mem- bers of the Society and the public the opportunity of listening to papers so entertaining and instructive. ATTENDANCE. Speaking first of the business sessions at the monthly meetings it is a pleasure to report that the attendance has been remarkably good as compared with that of previous years. The members have attended the ses- sions promptly and in considerable numbers. Refer- ence is made here especially to those members who, from the first, have shown a warm interest in the affairs of the Society and who have indicated their de- sire to support and develop it by attending the meet- ings regularly. As to the attendance at the public meetings the report is of the same encouraging nature. The rooms have been comfortably filled on each oc- casion. The meetings have maintained a uniformly high standard and have attracted audiences varying from twenty-five to forty in number. The papers and addresses have been of a character which it was be- lieved would appeal to the members of this community and those who have taken advantage of the oppor- tunity to be present have, we are assured, felt them- selves abundantly repaid. MEMBERSHIP. The number of members now enrolled indicates a sustained interest in the affairs of the Society which is at once reassuring and gratifying. We have gained six active members or one more than the record for the previous year. We have lost one member by death and four have dropped out. The number of life mem- bers remains the same. At the time of our last annual meeting the record was ninety-nine active members and five life members or a total of one hundred and four. At present the membership consists of one hundred active members, five life members or a total of one hundred and five. PRINCIPAL EVENTS. In connection with the year's history the follow- ing matters are recorded as being specially worthy of mention: Renting rooms in the Masonic Building and fitting them for the Society's use. 10 Engaging the services of an Assistant Secretary and Librarian. Offering the use of the Society's rooms to Wads- worth Chapter, D. A. R., and The Middletown Old Burying Ground Association. Authorizing the Executive Committee to prepare a card catalogue of the books in the Society's library. PUBLICATIONS. The list of publications issued by the Society up to the present is as follows: Pamphlet No. I. The Society's Charter and By-Laws. " 2. President's Address as delivered at the annual meeting of April 19th, 1904. " 3. President's Address and Reports of the Secretary and Treasurer, as presented at the annual meeting of April iSth, 1905. " List of members and officers as on April 19th, 1904. THE SOCIETY'S ROOMS. Since May, 1905, the Society has occupied two rooms in the Masonic Building under an annual lease and for the first time in its history has enjoyed the advantage of having quarters of its own. The rooms have been fitted with furnishings of a sort suitable for the So- ciety's purposes. The furnishings include a set of substantial oak book cases, and the books which were formerly in the temporary keeping of the library of Wesleyan University, have been transferred, and are now properly arranged on the shelves in the Society's rooms, and are easily accessible. A number of inter- esting and historical books from the War Relic Mu- seum have also been added to the Society's library. It is a pleasure to be able to report that during the year 11 we have again received a variety of articles of his- torical interest together with a number of rare old books, documents, pamphlets, etc. Our collection of important material relating to the early history of Middletown and Middlesex County is steadily increas- ing, and this gratifying result is no doubt in part due to the fact that the Society now has its own quarters, and is so much the better prepared to store and classify its valuable archives. GENERAL. The record for the year is one of moderate but sub- stantial progress. This hopeful condition is confirmed alike by the annual statistics and by the display of an admirable spirit of unflagging interest and loyalty that is shown on the part of the members. The outlook for the future, too, is full of promise. We expect that there will be a steady growth in the membership and we believe that as the scope of the Society's plans be- comes more fully understood, an increasing number of the priceless memorials and relics of our venerable history will be lodged in the Society's archives for safe and permanent custody. The Society is, we submit, fulfilling its function as an efficient organiza- tion for the collection and preservation of local and general historical material, and it renews with confi- dence its appeal for the continued support and co- operation of all who are interested in the worthy purposes for which it was organized. Respectfully submitted, H. C. Whittlesey, Secretary. 12 otoaaurpr'a Report. Joseph T. Elliott, Treas., in account with The Middlesex County Historical Society: receipts. Balance on hand at last report, - Received fees for six admissions, Received dues from 7S members, Received from subscription to Special Fund, Received for interest on bonds, - Received for interest on daily balance, £761 88 18 00 156 00 25 00 160 OO II 28 Paid Paid Paid Paid Paid Paid Paid Paid Paid Paid Paid Paid Paid Paid Paid Paid Paid Paid Paid Paid Paid Voucher No. Voucher No. Voucher No. Voucher No. Voucher No. Voucher No. Voucher No. Voucher No. Voucher No. Voucher No. Voucher No. Voucher No. Voucher No. Voucher No. Voucher No. Voucher No. Voucher No. Voucher No. Voucher No. Voucher No. Voucher No. Balance, $1 ,132 16 DISBURSEMENTS. 39. Furniture, ... - $32 25 40, Signs, ... . - 12 00 4i, Gas Burners, ... - 3 00 42, Postage and Printing, - 8 80 43, Carriages, ... - 3 25 44, Services of Librarian, - 6 12 45, Printing, - - 4 50 46, Cleaning rooms, etc., - 5 68 47, Deposited in Middletown Savings Bank, - 500 00 48, Printing, - - 19 00 49, Furniture, ... - 48 50 50, Furniture, ... - 18 66 5i, Care of Grounds around Boulder, 4 05 52, Stationery, ... - 58 53, Services of Librarian, - 1 97 54, Rent, .... - 100 00 55, Furniture, ... - 12 00 56, Painting Fence around Boulder, 17 00 57, Services of Librarian, - 4 47 58, Cartage, .... - 6 00 59, Gas, 1 00 323 33 $1,132 16 INVESTMENTS. 2 Bonds Buffalo & Susquehanna R. R. 4s, - - - $2,000 00 2 Bonds St. Louis, Iron Mountain & Southern 4s, - 2,000 00 Farmers' & Mechanics' Savings Bank, - - - 516 78 Columbia Trust Company, 515 10 Freestone Savings Bank, 516 78 Middletown Savings Bank, 500 00 $6,048 66 Joseph T. Eeuott, Treasurer. This is to certify that I have examined the books, vouchers, and securities in the hands of the Treasurer, and compared them with the foregoing statement and find the same correct. Waeeace K. Bacon, Auditor. Middletown, Conn., April nth, 1906. 14 LIFE MEMBERS Albert R. Crittenden, Azel W. Hazen, Mrs. Azel W. Hazen, Mrs. Walter B. Hubbard, Mrs. William W. Wilcox. MEMBERS Charles P. Abbey, Abel C. Allison, Joseph W. Alsop, Edwin P. Augur, Samuel Babcock, Clarence E. Bacon, Wallace K. Bacon, Francis A. Beach, Abner A. Bevin, Mrs. Jane D. Boardman, JUDSON B. BRAINERD, James H. Bunce, Mrs. James H. Bunce, James H. Bunce, Jr./ Robert W. Burke, Eugene H. Burr, Wilbur F. Burrows, William H. Burrows, Dale d. Butler, J. Francis Calef, Miss Jennie M. Clarke, W. Harry Clemons, Edward S. Coe, O. Vincent Coffin, Mrs. O. Vincent Coffin, George A. Craig, William J. de Mauriac, Richard L,. de Zeng, George M. Dutcher, Joseph T. Elliott, William T. Elmer, Richard C. Fagan, John L. Fisk, Henry H. Francis, Frederick E. Gibbons, Ferdinand Gildersleeve Oliver Gildersleeve, Miss Emma C. Gilman, Archibald C. Goodrich, Frederick W. Goodrich, Robert S. Griswold, James K. Guy, Frank D. Haines, Asaph H. Hale, Stephen S. Hall, Frank K. Hallock, Samuel Hart, Lucius R. Hazen, Miner C. Hazen, E. Dyer Hubbard, Elijah K. Hubbard, E. Kent Hubbard, Jr., 15 Josiah M. Hubbard, Walter B. Hubbard, Geo. H. Hulbert, Jr., Charles E. Jackson, Edward Q. Jackson, William J. James, C. Bingham Leach, Delmar R. Lowell, Miss Mary E. Lyman, Charles E. Lyman, Henry L. Mansfield, Ernest A. Markham, Revilo C. Markham, Mrs. Ellen Mathewson, Arthur D. Medlicott, Joseph Merriam, Lyman A. Mills, William Mylchreest, Mrs. Eliz. A. Northrop, Richard H. Pascall, Charles A. Pelton, William D. Penfield, Wallace Porter, Albert E. Purple, Bradford P. Raymond, Mrs. Abbie A. Reynolds, William N. Rice, Samuel Russell, Samuel Russell, Jr., John H. Sage, Philip Sage, Miss Emily A. Selden, Frank F. Starr, Charles O. Stone, Willis E. Terrill, Mrs. Anna S. Titcomb, Miss Mariana Townsend, John M. Van Vleck, Clarence S. Wadsworth, Oliver S. Watrous, Frank B. Weeks, Mrs. Frank B. Weeks, William S. Wetherbee, Heman C. Whittlesey, William W. Wilcox, Caleb T. Winchester, Henry Woodward. iEbrteU April irtb, 19DB. PRESI DENT. AzEL W. Hazen, ..--.- Middletown. VICE-PRESIDENTS. Albert R. Crittenden, Middletown. Lyman A. Mills, Middlefield. SECRETARY. H. C. Whittlesey, Middletown. TREASURER. Joseph T. Elliott, Middletown. EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. The President, The Secretary, The Vice-Presidents, The Treasurer, John H. Sage, .- - Portland. Frank F. Starr, ' - - - - - - Middletown. Ernest A. Markham, M. D., - - - - Durham. MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE. Walter B. Hubbard, Middletown. Clarence S. WadsworTh, - Middletown. Frank B. Weeks, Middletown. Charles A. Pelton, Middletown. Wallace K. Bacon, Middletown. Pelton & Kino. Print, middletown Sit? MxbbitBtK (Unirntg Reports of the Secretary and the Acting Treasurer, Mr. Heman C. Whittlesey, as presented at the Annual Meeting held in the Soci- ety's Building, Middletown, Con- necticut, April Sixteenth, Nineteen Hundred and Seven; also a List of the Officers and Members "The beginnings of New Eng- land were made in the full day- light of modern history. It was an age of town records, of regis- tered deeds, of contemporary memoirs, of diplomatic corre- spondence, of official reports and private letters. It was not a time in which mythical personages or incredible legends could flourish, and such things we do not find in the history of New England. The wholesale migration from the smiling fields of merry Eng- land to an unexplored wilderness beyond a thousand leagues of sea was of itself a most romantic and thrilling event, and when viewed in the light of its historic results it becomes clothed with, sublimity." — The Beginnings of Nezv England, tqhn Fiske. ®lt? ilt&Meaex (Eomtig Sjtsinrtral gwrietg ^emtary's Import Mr. President and Members of the Society: In accord- ance with our By-Laws, I have the honor to submit herewith the Secretary's sixth annual report. MEETINGS. During the year now ended meetings have been held on the third Tuesday of each month with the excep- tion of July, August and September. At three of the meetings the whole of the time in each case was de- voted to the consideration of important matters of bus- iness and no public meeting was held. In two other instances, namely, February and March, public meet- ings had been arranged for as usual, but, on account of unfavorable weather conditions, it was considered advisable to postpone them. The record for the year, therefore, consists of eleven meetings in all, namely, the annual meeting, two special meetings, five busi- ness meetings for members only, and three meetings at which the members and public were invited to listen to an historical paper or address. The particulars of dates, speakers and subjects are given in detail as fol- lows: May 15- June 19- June 28. Oct. 16. Nov. 20. 1906 April 17. Annual Meeting. Address by the President. Paper on "Yale College in Saybrook " by Dr. Samuel Hart, Bishop Williams Profes- sor of Doctrinal Theology, and of the Prayer Book, and Acting Librarian of the Berkeley Divinity School. Secretary's annual report. Treasurer's annual report. Election of officers. May 1. Special meeting to consider offer of a per- manent home for the Society. Business meeting for members only. Business meeting for members only. Special meeting. Business meeting for members only. Mr. Henry Barrett Learned, M. A., of New Haven, Conn. "The Career of Gideon Welles, 1802-187S." Dec. 18. Professor William Edward Mead, Ph. D., Waite Professor of the English Language in Wesleyan University. " The Origin of Place Names in Connecticut." 1907 Jan. 15. Professor George Matthew Dutcher, Ph. D., Hedding Professor of History in Wesleyan University. "The American Historical Association and its Work." Feb. 19. Business meeting only. Mar. 19. Business meeting only. The papers have covered a fertile field in their range of subjects, and in their comprehensive review of the actors and incidents of our early history have brought to our attention many timely facts of great value and interest. The Society is deeply indebted to the gentle- men who have rendered so valuable assistance, and it records with pleasure this expression of its hearty gratitude to them for their kindly service. ATTENDANCE. The same favorable account can be given that ap- peared in our last report. The attendance at the bus- iness sessions has maintained a fair average. The members who from the beginning have supported the Society by their interest and presence have attended the meetings regularly and in fairly good numbers. In the case of the public meetings it is a pleasure to make a report of the same hopeful sort, the attend- ance having averaged from twenty-five to forty. MEMBERSHIP. Our membership roll shows a substantial increase as compared with last year's report. We have gained thirteen active members, or seven more than the rec- ord for the previous year, and have added six names to the list of life members. We have lost one mem- ber by death and have had two resignations. At the time of our last annual meeting the membership con- sisted of one hundred active and five life members, making a total of one hundred and five. At present we have a list of one hundred and eight active and eleven life members, or a total of one hundred and nineteen — the largest number in our history. PRINCIPAL EVENTS. As a part of the year's history the following events are referred to as being specially worthy of record: Presentation to the Society of the Hubbard home- stead by Mrs. Elijah K. Hubbard. Transferring the Society's furniture and archives from its leased quarters in the Masonic Building and the War Relic Museum from its temporary quarters in Russell Library to a permanent home in the Society's building. Arranging and furnishing the new premises in a manner suitable for the Society's purposes. Leasing a portion of the building to Wadsworth Chapter, D. A. R. Colonial Tea given by the mem- bers of Wadsworth Chapter, D. A. R., on the after- noon and evening of April 4, 1907. PUBLICATIONS. The list of publications so far issued by the Society consists of four pamphlets, as follows : Pamphlet ■ No,. 1. The Society's Charter and By-Laws. 2. President's Address as delivered at the an- nual meeting of April 19, 1904. 3. President's Address and Reports of the Secretary and Treasurer as presented at the annual meeting of April 18, 1905. 4. President's Address and Reports of the Secretary and Treasurer as presented at annual meeting of April 17, 1906. THE SOCIETY'S BUILDING. In this connection attention is called to the notable change which occurred during the year. In April, 1906, Mrs. Elijah K. Hubbard, in a letter to our President, generously offered to present her former home on the corner of Main and Crescent Streets to the Society for its sole use. The only condition im- posed was that in case the Society should be disbanded the property should revert to Mrs. Hubbard's heirs. On May 1st a special meeting was held to consider the matter. The meeting was largely attended and, after a full discussion, the members, by a rising vote, ac- cepted Mrs. Hubbard's offer and appointed a commit- tee to advise her of their action. The formal transfer of the premises was promptly made and the Society now holds the title to this valuable piece of property, and is in comfortable possession of what had so long been desired — a permanent home in a central location. As a token of appreciation, Mrs. Hubbard was made an honorary life member at the meeting in June. During the summer the House Committee were en- gaged in making certain changes in connection with the heating and plumbing arrangements in order to adapt them to the new conditions. The books, furni- ture and archives were then transferred from the Masonic Building and arranged with care in the sev- eral rooms. The work of fitting up and furnishing the rooms on the first floor was finished in time for the opening meeting in October. Since then additional work has been done in the hall and rooms on the upper floor, and the plan throughout has been to provide the usual features of a public institution, and, at the same time, preserve the agreeable appearance of a comfort- able and well furnished private home. All of the ar- ticles which have formed the interesting and valuable collection known as the War Relic Museum, and which have hitherto been stored in the Russell Library, have been moved into the house and are now on ex- hibition in two of the upper rooms. Mr. and Mrs. H. A. Pratt occupy the ell part of the house and by arrangement with the House Committee have general charge of the property. Mrs. Hubbard very kindly provided a sufficient supply of coal for the winter and has also offered to repaint the building this spring. It is an event of great importance for the welfare of the Society, and a cause for sincere gratitude on the part of the members that through Mrs. Hubbard's generosity and interest in the success of our organiza- tion, we have at last the satisfaction of owning a home that is spacious, in excellent condition, and well adapted to our requirements. It places the Society in an independent position and secures for us the enjoy- ment of holding our meetings in rooms where the ap- pointments are congenial and appropriate and which afford ample opportunity for the proper and abundant development of our organized purpose — namely, the preservation and display of valuable historical articles. Every effort will be used to make the rooms still more inviting, to maintain the house and grounds in good order, and to attract to the institution for safe keeping valuable historical relics from all parts of the county. On account of the central location and general suit- ability of the rooms it is quite evident that they will prove to be a convenient and desirable place in which to hold meetings of various local societies which have no headquarters of their own. For instance, it may be pointed out that we have already entered into an agreement by which, under the terms of an annual lease, the members of Wadsworth Chapter, D. A. R., have the exclusive use of a part of the premises. The Middletown Old Burying Ground Association and Middletown Improvement Association have also held meetings here during the year. GENERAL. Now that the Society has its own commodious and permanent home it may be reasonably expected that it will become the acknowledged center and depository for important historical material relating to Middle- town and Middlesex County. There is undoubtedly a wide variety of old time articles of furniture, as well as interesting books and documents, which are still held in private homes and which will increase in value as mementos of the past. The Society, therefore, calls attention to the fact that its equipment is now practically complete and that it will gladly receive and care for historical articles that may be contributed either as gifts or loans. It is hoped that there may be a ready response to this sug- gestion and that much choice material which might otherwise become scattered or lost, may be carefully preserved and classified. Such a course, if followed, will greatly contribute to our present entertainment and instruction, and, what is of far greater importance, will assist in plac- ing within easy access of all an illustrated and elo- quent history of our venerable past. H. C. Whittlesey, Secretary. 10 t&tmmwns Steport. FOR YEAR ENDING APRIL 16, 1907. H. C. Whittlesey, Acting Treasurer, in account with The Middlesex County Historical Society: RECEIPTS. Balance at time of last report, - $323 33 Received fees for five life memberships, - - - 125 00 Received entrance fees from new members, - - 51 00 Received annual dues from members, - 234 00 Received for interest on bonds, 160 00 Received for interest on current account, - - - 29 88 #923 21 DISBURSEMENTS. Paid Voucher No. 60, Rent, $ 100 00 Paid Voucher No. 61, Printing, - - - - - 22 25 Paid Voucher No. 62, Receipt Book, ... - 40 Paid Voucher No. 63, Gas, ------ 28 Paid Voucher No. 64, Postage and Printing, - - 21 06 Paid Voucher No. 65, Services of Librarian, - - n 34 Paid Voucher No. 66, Cartage, - 8 75 Paid Voucher No. 67, Furniture, - - - - - 26 50 Paid Voucher No. 68, Stationery, .... 7 85 Paid Voucher No. 69, Tools, ------ 195 Paid Voucher No. 70, Locks, Lawn Mower, etc., - 15 00 Paid Voucher No. 71, Brooms, - 1 00 Paid Voucher No. 72, Painting, - - - - - 10 30 Paid Voucher No. 73, Services of Librarian, - - 2 50 Paid Voucher No. 74, Taking up Carpet, ... 5 25 Paid Voucher No. 75, Heating, Plumbing, etc., - - 187 89 Paid Voucher No. 76, Gas, ------ 98 Paid Voucher No. 77, Books, Printing, etc., - - 13 50 Paid Voucher No. 78, Carpenters' work, - - - 23 91 Paid Voucher No. 79, Cartage, ----- 8 75 Paid Voucher No. 80, Water Rates, - 1 67 Paid Voucher No. Si, Stationery, - Paid Voucher No. 82, Gas, Paid Voucher No. 83, Moving War Relic Museum, etc., Paid Voucher No. 84, Services of Librarian, Paid Voucher No. 85, Ash Can, - Paid Voucher No. 86, Step Ladder, etc., - Paid Voucher No. 87, Gas Fixtures, Globes, etc., Paid Voucher No. 88, Fire Insurance, - - - - Paid Voucher No. S9, Lamp, Paid Voucher No. 90, Relaying Carpet, Papering, etc., Paid Voucher No. 91, Painting, .... - Paid Voucher No. 92, Repairing Clock, ... Paid Voucher No. 93, House Supplies, ... - Paid Voucher No. 94, Repairs, etc., ... - Paid Voucher No. 95, Masons' work, ... - Paid Voucher No. 96, Books, ----- Paid Voucher No. 97, Gas, Paid Voucher No. 98, Fire Extinguishers, - - - Paid Voucher No. 99, Rug, Furnishings, etc., Paid Voucher No. 100, Painting, ----- Paid Voucher No. 101, Labor wiring bells, - Paid Voucher No. 102, Plumbing, ... - Balance, INVESTMENTS. 2 Bonds Buffalo & Susquehanna R. R. 4s, - - - $2,000 00 2 Bonds St. Louis, Iron Mountain & Southern 4s, - 2,000 00 Freestone Savings Bank, 537 64 Middletown Savings Bank, ------ 1,020 20 Farmers & Mechanics Savings Bank, - 537 64 $6,095 48 H. C. Whittlesey, Acting Treasurer. $0 65 I 56 7 95 1 75 2 75 3 80 15 38 26 00 1 75 54 22 3 17 1 50 5 40 34 79 2 00 4 00 1 82 21 67 30 27 8 62 4 56 3° 54 187 93 I hereby certify that I have examined the books, vouchers and securities in the hands of the Acting Treasurer and com- pared them with the foregoing statement and find same to be correct. Wallace K. Bacon, Auditor. Middletown, Conn., April 13, 1907. 12 ICtfr-ilptttteH. Hon. Albert R. Crittenden, Mrs. Albert R. Crittenden, Rev. Azel W. Hazen, D. D., Mrs. Azel W. Hazen, Mrs. Elijah K. Hubbard, - Mrs. Walter B. Hubbard, 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 Middletown Middletown Middletown Middletown Middletown Middletown ffltmbns. Charles P. Abbey, ---... Gildersleeve Abel C. Allison, ------ Middletown Joseph W. Alsop, --..._ Simsbury Edwin P. Augur, , Middletown Samuel Babcock, ...... Middletown Clarence E. Bacon, M. A., .... Middletown Wallace K. Bacon, ---.._ Middletown Francis A. Beach, Middletown Abner A. Bevin, ------ East Hampton Mrs. Jane D. Boardman, - Middletown Judson B. Brainerd, - Portland William B. Brewer, - Middletown Robert Broatch, ...... Middletown James H. Bunce, ...... Middletown Mrs. James H. Bunce, - . - - - - Middletown James H. Bunce, Jr., - - - - - - Middletown 13 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 Miss Jennie M. Clarke, ----- Middletown W. Harry ClEmons, M. A., - - - Princeton, N. J. Edward S. Coe, ------- Cromwell Ex-Governor O. Vincent Coffin, - - - Middletown Mrs. O. Vincent Coffin, ----- Middletown George A. Craig, Middletown Charles W. Cramer, - Portland William J. de Mauriac, Middletown Mrs. W t illiam J. de Mauriac, - Middletown Richard L. de Zeng, Middletown Thomas M. Durfee, Middletown Professor George M. DuTcher, Ph. D., - Middletown Hon. William T. Elmer, Middletown Richard C. Fagan, ------ Middletown John L. Fisk, ------- Middletown Henry H. Francis, - Middletown Frederick E. Gibbons, ----- Middletown Ferdinand Gildersleevf, - 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 Stephen S. Hall, ------ Portland Frank K. Hallock, M. D., - - - - Cromwell Professor Samuel Hart, D. D., D. C. L., - 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 Hon. Josiah M. Hubbard, .... Middletown Walter B. Hubbard, - Middletown George H. Humbert, - Bristol Charles E. Jackson, - Middletown Edward O. Jackson, Middletown William J. James, M. A., - - - - - Middletown Alva H. Kelsey, ------ Middletown C. Bingham Leach, ------ Middletown Miss Mary E. Lyman, - Middleneld Charles E. Lyman, ------ Middlefield Henry L. Mansfield, ----- Middletown ERNEST A. Markham, M. D., - - - - Durham Revilo C. Markham, Middletown Mrs. ELLEN MaThewson, ----- Durham Arthur D. Medlicott, - Middletown G. Ellsworth Meech, ----- Middletown Joseph Merriam, Middletown Hon. Lyman A. Mills, ----- Middleneld William Mylchreest, Middletown Isaac G. NEWELL, Middletown Mrs. Elizabeth A. Northrop, - Ivoryton Richard H. Pascall, - Portland Charles A. PELTON, Middletown William D. Penfield, .- - - - - Portland Wallace Porter, ------ Higganum Albert E. Purple, Moodus Mrs. Susan C. Ray, ------ Middletown PrES. Bradford P. Raymond, D. D., LL. D., - Middletown Mrs. Abbie A. Reynolds, ----- Middletown Professor William N. Rice, Ph. D., LL. D., - Middletown Miss Mary P. Roberts, ----- Middletown Hon. Samuel Russell, ----- Middletown Samuel Russell, Jr., ----- Middletown John H. Sage, - - - . - - - - Portland Philip Sage, Portland Theodore A. Sage, Middletown Miss Emily A. Selden, - Middletown Frank C. vSmith, Middletown Frank F. Starr, -.-... Middletown Charles O. Stone, Middletown Willis E. Terrill, Middletown Mrs. Anna S. Titcomb, .... Springfield, Mass. Miss Mariana Townsend, .... Middletown Professor John M. Van Vleck, LL. D.,- - Middletown Clarence S. Wadsworth, - Middletown Henry C. Ward, ...... Middletown Oliver S. Watrous, D. D. S.. - - - - Middletown Frank B. Weeks, Middletown Mrs. Frank B. Weeks, - Middletown William S. Wetherbee, Middletown Professor Caleb T. Winchester, h. H. D., - Middletown Henry Woodward, Middletown 16 Elcrtrb April IB. 1307. PRESI DENT. AzEL W. Hazen, D. D., Middletown VICE-PRESIDENTS. Albert R. Crittenden, ----- Middletown John H. Sage, - - Portland SECRETARY. H. C. Whittlesey, ------ Middletown TREASURER. George A. Craig, - Middletown EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. The President, The Secretary, The Vice-Presidents, The Treasurer, Walter B. Hubbard, - Middletown Frank F. Starr, , Middletown George M. DuTcher, - Middletown MEMBERSHIP COM M ITTEE. Frank B. Weeks, - Middletown Clarence S. WadsworTh, - Middletown Charles A. Pelton, - Middletown Wallace K. Bacon, Middletown Ernest A. Markham, - Durham PRESS OF PELTON £ KING MIDDLETOWN, CONN. Stye MxbhitBtK (Hflitntg ♦ ♦ liistatral Batxttyi ♦ ♦ ^amplfbt No. H iUag. 190B ^> Address of the President, the Rev. Azel W. Hazen, D. D., Report of the Secretary, Mr. Heman C. Whittlesey, B. A., and Report of the Treasurer, Mr. George A. Craig, as presented at the Annual Meeting held in the Society's Building, Middletown, Connec- ticut, April Twenty-first, Nine- teen Hundred and Eight; also a List of the Officers and Members ©bjerta Desired fnr Itjf g»0riptg'B Arrljitifa. 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 memorials representing local or national history. PELTON 4 KING PRINT. 1 5 0'08 We come to our annual meeting under a shadow. The loss we have sustained since we last gathered here is a heavy one, and we cannot resist a deep feeling of sadness. Indeed, who could be taken from our number creating a greater vacancy than has been caused by the sudden departure of Walter Bulkley Hubbard? It is fitting that we pay our sincere homage to his memory, in view of what he was in himself, as well as in view of his eminent services to this Society. But before speaking further of Mr. Hubbard, let me refer to three other members whom death has claimed during the last year. Mr. Henry Woodward, who died June n, 1907, was one of the charter members of this organization, and was one of its generous patrons. Born in this city, and spending his entire life of nearly threescore and ten years here, he was thoroughly versed in the history of the town, having an intelligent interest in all matters pertaining to its past and its present. Though he was seldom at the meetings of this Society, he was a willing contributor to its funds, and placed man}' documents of genuine value in its archives. He always expressed sincere pleasure at any good fortune which befell the Society, and he felt that it was an institution which merited the support of the community. After his lamented death, more than two hundred volumes from his large collection of books were presented to our library by one of the principal heirs to his estate. The Connecticut Hospital for the Insane, the Middle- sex Hospital, alike with other institutions among us, will sorely miss his counsels and his aid. Hon. William T. Elmer, who died November 2, at the ripe age of seventy-five years, had never been very closely identified with this Society, except as an annual member. Yet Judge Elmer was a citizen whose name conferred honor upon our organization, as well as upon the town and the commonwealth. The same is true of Mr. Arthur D. Medlicott, who passed away on the seventh of this month, being only sixty-five years of age. Mr. Medlicott was a man of quiet tastes, and fond of intellectual pursuits. He was remarkably intelligent along other lines than those in which his business led him. He was an occasional attendant upon our meetings, and was keenly inter- ested in matters of history. He rejoiced in the pros- perity which has attended our Society in its brief existence. Returning now to Mr. Hubbard, he was so influ- ential a member of our organization, and so indefat- igable in his labors for it, that his removal from us demands more than a passing notice. A lineal descendant from one of the founders of Middletown, a resident of this city during all the fifty- three years of his life, he loved the place, and knew much of its history. He welcomed the project of forming a Historical Society here, and was helpful in the earliest days of the movement which gave to our County this honorable institution. For years he was the head of its Membership Committee, and was in- strumental in adding not a few names to our roll. After this edifice came into our possession, he was the most natural person to be the leader of its House Committee. He entered upon the task of preparing this building for our occupancy with all his cultivated taste, his sound judgment, and his unsparing enthu- siasm. Much of the present attractiveness of our rooms, and of the expansion of the Society is due to the wisdom, the sentiment, and the labor of Mr. Hubbard, while it is known to his friends that he was revolving other plans in his fertile brain which might contribute to our advancement, and to the welfare of our entire constituency. In short, Walter Bulkley Hubbard, by reason of his unblemished char- acter, his business sagacity, his refined sensibilities, his tireless industry, and his loyalty to the town in which he lived, alike with his constant devotion to the things- which elevate our humanity, was a citizen whom Middletown will long remember with sincere gratitude. The Middlesex County Historical Society surely cannot soon forget his unflagging zeal in its behalf, and it is most appropriate that we place on record our sense of obligation to him. A resolution has been prepared to be adopted by us and inscribed in our minutes. The very complete report of our Secretary shows substantial progress in many directions. Indeed, it is evident that our Society is steadily gaining a firmer hold on the confidence and the regard of the County. We hope hereafter to publish annually a list of our accessions, that our treasures may be more widely known. It is our plan also, as soon as our means will allow, to have our attractive rooms open to the public for a certain time each week. We are here to serve the community as best we may, while we receive and guard and transmit to the future not a few priceless possessions. Bvery new member will aid us in realiz- ing our aims, and a larger endowment would enable us to adopt a broader policy, thereby rendering an ampler service to the community. We are now in a situation to invite legacies, as well as present gifts, to our treasury, all which will be wisely administered. Brrrrtarg's Import To the President and Members of the Society: In accordance with our By-L,aws, I beg to submit the Secretary's seventh annual report. MEETINGS During the year now ended meetings have been held on the third Tuesday of each month with the excep- tion of July, August, and September. The record for the year therefore consists of nine meetings in all and the dates of the meetings with the names of the speak- ers, and list of subjects are given in detail as follows: 1907 April 16. Annual Meeting. Presentation of annual reports and election of officers. Paper on "Two Cen- turies and a Half of Farm Life in Middletown," by Mr. Josiah Meigs Hubbard. May 21. Theodore S. Woolsey, LL. B., Professor of Inter- national Law in Yale University. Paper on " The Hudson Bay Company." June 18. Professor Henry M. Whitney of the Blackstone Memorial Library of Branford, Conn. Illus- trated Lecture on " The Development of Public Libraries within the Bounds of the Old New Haven Colony." Oct. 15. Mr. Ernest A. Inglis, of Wesleyan University. Essay on " Connecticut: 1789-1S09." Nov. 19. Chief Justice Simeon E. Baldwin, LL. D., of New Haven, Conn. Paper on " Connecticut in Pennsylvania." Dec. 17. Professor Caleb Thomas Winchester, L. H. D., of Wesleyan University. Paper on "John Greenleaf Whittier." 1908 Jan. 21. Professor Samuel Hart, D. D., D. C. L., of the Berkeley Divinity School. Paper on "The History of the Common Schools of Connecti- cut." Feb. 18. Rev. Bert F. Case, of Middle Haddam, Conn. Paper on "The Rev. Eleazer May, Pastor in Haddam from 1756 to 1S03." Mar. 17. George Matthew Dutcher, Ph. D., Hedding Pro- fessor of History in Wesleyan University. Address on ' ' The Enlightened Despotism — a study of Europe in the Days of the War for American Independence." The Society has much pleasure in placing upon record this acknowledgment of its thanks and appre- ciation to the gentlemen who have so kindly given both the members of the Society and the public the opportunity of listening to such instructive papers and addresses. The attendance at the business ses- sions and public meetings has maintained a fair aver- age and indicates .a sustained interest in the affairs of the Society. MEMBERSHIP The roll of membership shows only a slight change. We have gained six active members and have added one name to the list of life members. At the time of our last annual meeting the membership consisted of one hundred and eight active and eleven life members. During the year we have lost four valued members by death and four have dropped out. At present we have a list of one hundred and six active and twelve life members — a total of one hundred and eighteen, in- cluding six non-resident members. PUBLICATIONS The list of publications so far issued by the Society consists of five pamphlets as follows: Pamphlet No. i. The Society's Charter and By-Laws. 2. President's Address as delivered at the an- nual meeting of April 19, 1904. 3. President's Address and Reports of the Sec- retary and Treasurer as presented at the annual meeting of April 18, 1905. 4. President's Address and Reports of the Sec- retary and Treasurer as presented at the annual meeting of April 17, 1906. 5. Reports of the Secretary and Acting Treas- urer as presented at the annual meeting of April 16, 1907, with list of officers and members. GENERAL During the year the Society's building and the fence on Union and Crescent Streets have been painted. The work was done without expense to the Society through the kindness and generosity of Mrs. E. K. Hubbard. The grounds have been kept in excellent order and the premises maintained in good condition throughout. With reference to the interior special attention has been paid to the proper arrangement of the books and his- torical relics which the Society has acquired. The desire and intention of the House Committee is to fit up one or more rooms in a manner which shall repre- sent as nearly as possible the usage of colonial days, 10 and which shall form an attractive exhibit of the fur- niture and fittings of that period. The result so far is only a beginning in this direction and further success is dependent upon the acquisition of more material, particularly furniture. It is a pleasure to report that the record for the year shows that the Society has been well remembered by its friends and members. We have received a variety of articles of historical interest together with a number of choice old books, documents, prints, portraits, etc. They are a welcome addition to our collection and we beg to express our hearty thanks for the gifts. In this connection attention is again called to the fact that more articles of furniture of an early date are especially desired. The Society is deeply conscious of the great loss it has suffered in the death on April 3, of Mr. Walter B. Hubbard. From the time the Society was organized Mr. Hubbard took a most active interest in its affairs and rendered invaluable service. He was in hearty sympathy with the purpose for which the Society was established, and was untiring in his efforts to promote its success. His wise judgment and practical help in administration will be sadly missed. We cannot ade- quately express how much his service has been worth to the Society which appealed to him so strongly and which he so greatly assisted. H. C. Whittlesey, Secretary. 11 Minute relative to the death of Mr. Walter B. Hiibbard as adopted by the Society, April 21, igo8, by a ris- ing vote. In the death of Mr. Walter B. Hubbard, the Mid- dlesex County Historical Society has lost one of its most active and faithful supporters. During the gradual development of the Society from a small be- ginning to its present established position, Mr. Hub- bard continued steadfast in his devotion to its welfare, and freely gave his time and personal service in its behalf. In his capacity as chairman of important committees he was a loyal and influential friend of the institution, and a wise counsellor in the practical ad- ministration of its affairs. The justness of his nature, as it appeared in his association with us, together with his high character and wholesome influence, endeared him to us all. We shall hold his name in tender remembrance and our memory will bear record, better than words can do, to the manifest sincerity of his nature and to the high standard of honor in life and earnestness in work which he so fully exemplified. (SxmBnttt'B Annual Sfennrt APRIL. 1908. George A. Craig, Treasurer, in account with The Middlesex County Historical Society: Dr. To balance received from H. C. Whittlesey, Acting Treasurer, $187 93 To dues collected (including one Life Membership), 233 00 To rent from Wadsworth Chapter D. A. R. {i 1 / years), 125 00 To coupons, St. Louis, Iron Mountain & Southern Railway Co. Bonds, - 80 00 To coupons, Buffalo & Susquehanna Ry. Co. Bonds, 80 00 To cash received from Mrs. E. K. Hubbard, to paint building, - - 325 00 To cash received from members for keys to building, 1 80 $1,032 73 Cr. By coal, .......... $99 19 By water, ----....- 10 00 By gas, 6 88 By lantern, carriages and fares, 14 00 By painting building, 275 00 By painting fence, ------- 38 00 By painting inside, 29 12 By printing (including 250 Reports), - 39 05 By binding books, carriage, etc., ... - 5 10 By clerical work, - -- 17 12 By postage and stationery, 14 21 By door-mats, flag-pole, shades and brooms, - - 21 00 By hardware and sundries of like character, - - 3 63 13 By Hale & Kelsey, repairs, $46 18 By R. W. Burke, repairs, 57 21 By balance carried forward, 357 04 11,032 73 INVESTMENTS. 2 Bonds Buffalo & Susquehanna R. R., - - - $2,000 00 2 Bonds St. Louis, Iron Mountain & Southern R. R., 2,000 00 Cash in Farmers & Mechanics Savings Bank, - - 559 34 Cash in Freestone Savings Bank, .... 559 34 Cash in Middletown Savings Bank, ... - 1,061 40 Cash in First National Bank, 357 04 $6,537 12 George A. Craig, Treasurer. I certify that I have examined the books and vouchers of the Treasurer for the year ending April 21, 1908, and find them to agree with the foregoing statement. I have also examined and counted the securities in the hands of said Treasurer and find the same to consist of bonds, etc., as above. Wm. J. DE Mauriac, Auditor. Middletown, Conn., April 20, 1908. u Wtrera ELECTED APRIL 21, I90£ -•♦«- PRESI DENT. AzEL W. Hazen, D. D., Middletown VICE- PRESI DENTS. Albert R. Crittenden, - Middletown John H. Sage, - Portland SECRETARY. Heman C. Whittlesey, Middletown TREASURER. George A. Craig, Middletown EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE. The President, ' The Secretary, The Vice-Presidents, The Treasurer, Samuel Hart, D. D., ... - - Middletown Frank F. Starr, Middletown GEORGE M. DuTcher, Middletown MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE. Charles A. PeeTon, Middletown Clarence S. WadsworTh, .... Middletown Wallace K. Bacon, ------ Middletown G. Ellsworth Meech, - - - - Middletown Frank K. Hallock, Cromwell 15 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 AU DITOR. William J. de Mauriac, Middletown 16 IGtfe-fHnttberH Hon. Albert R. Crittenden, - Mrs. Albert R. Crittenden, - Rev. Azee W. Hazen, D. D., Mrs. Azee W. Hazen, Mrs. Eeijah K. Hubbard, Mrs. Waeter B. Hubbard, Wieeiam G. Mather, Heman C. Whittlesey, B. A., - Mrs. Heman C. Whitteesey, - Mrs. Wieeiam W. Wiecox, Mrs. Wieeiam W. Wiecox, Jr., Wieeiam W. Wiecox, B. A., Middletown Middletown Middletown Middletown Middletown Middletown Cleveland, O. Middletown Middletown Middletown Middletown Middletown iHcmbrrs ABEE C. AeeiSON, '- ... . - . Middletown Joseph W. Aesop, ...--. Simsbury Edwin P. Augur, Middletown Samuee Babcock, Middletown Cearence E. Bacon, M. A., - - - - Middletown Waeeace K. Bacon, ------ Middletown Abner A. Bevin, East Hampton MRS. Jane D. Boarman, Middletown Cephas Brainerd, ------ New York Judson B. Brainerd, Portland Wieeiam B. Brewer, Middletown Robert BroaTch, ..'_..- Middletown 17 James H. Bunce, Middletown Mrs. James H. Bunce, .... - Middletown James H. Bunce, Jr., Middletown Robert W. Burke, ------ Middletown Eugene H. Burr, - Middletown Wilbur F. Burrows, Middletown William H. Burrows, Middletown Dale D. Butler, ------ Middletown J. Francis Caeef, M. D., - - - - - Middletown Miss Jennie M. Clarke, Middletown W. Harry ClEmons, M. A., - - - Princeton, N. J. Edward S. Coe, - Cromwell Ex-Governor O. Vincent Coffin, - - - Middletown Mrs. O. Vincent Coffin, Middletown Augustus H. Conkein, - East Hampton George A. Craig, ------ Middletown Charees W. Cramer, Portland Eddie S. Davis, Middletown WlEElAM J. DE Mauriac, Middletown Mrs. Wieeiam J. de Mauriac, - Middletown Richard L. de Zeng, Middletown Thomas M. Durfee, Middletown Professor George M. Dutcher, Ph. D., - Middletown Richard C. Fagan, 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 18 David A. Hall, - - Portland Stephen S. Hall, - Portland Frank K. Hallock, M. D., - - - - Cromwell Professor Samuel Hart, D. D., D. C. L., - 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 Hon. Josiah M. Hubbard, .... Middletown George H. Hulbert, Bristol Charles E- Jackson, Middletown Edward Q. Jackson, Middletown William J. James, M. A., - - - - - Middletown Alva H. Kelsey, ...... Middletown Miss Mary E. Lyman, ..... Middlefield Charles E. Lyman, - Middlefield Henry L. Mansfield, ..... Middletown Ernest A. Markham, M. D., - - - - Durham Revilo C. Markham, Middletown Mrs. ELLEN MaThewson, - Durham G. Ellsworth Meech, .... - Middletown Joseph Merriam, - Middletown Hon. Lyman A. Mills, Middlefield William Mylchreest, Middletown Isaac G. Newell, ...... Middletown Mrs. Elizabeth A. Northrop, - - - . Ivoryton Richard H. Pascall, Portland Charles A. Pelton, - Middletown William D. Penfield, ..... Portland Wallace Porter, ------ Higganum Albert E. Purple, ------ Moodus Mrs. Susan C. Ray, ------ Middletown Pres. Bradford P. Raymond, D. D., LL. D., Middletown Professor William N. Rice, Ph. D., LL. D., Middletown Miss Mary P. Roberts, Middletown 19 Hon. Samuel Russell, Middletown Samuel Russell, Jr., Middletown John H. Sage, ------- Portland Philip Sage, Portland Theodore A. Sage, ------ Middletown Miss Emily A. Selden, Middletown Frank C. Smith, Middletown Frank F. Starr, ------ Middletown Charles O. Stone, Middletown Willis E. Terrill, Middletown Mrs. Anna S. TiTcomb, - Springfield, Mass. Miss Mariana Townsend, - Middletown Professor John M. Van Vleck, LL,. D., - Middletown Clarence S. Wadsworth, - Middletown Henry C. Ward, ------ Middletown Oliver S. WaTrous, D. D. S., - - - - Middletown Frank B. Weeks, Middletown Mrs. Frank B. Weeks, Middletown William S. Wetherbee, Middletown Professor Caleb T. Winchester, L,. H. D., - Middletown Edward H. Wilkins, Middletown The Society has a library of 1529 volumes and 244 pamphlets, many old newspapers, letters, deeds, and other records of historic value. Mansfield Post, G. A. R., of Middletown, has presented the Society with its large collection of relics of the Civil War. It also has in its keeping many articles loaned by the owners, notably a collection of curious old wearing apparel and fine embroideries, and a number of oil portraits. ICtst of ArtirlfB ©hmrb by the Swtrtg anb ExljibUfb in its iBuUauuj 1. Photograph of Middletown in 1868. 2. a, b. Photograph of house built by Commodore Mac- donough in 1819, demolished in 1893, and replaced by Y. M. C. A. building. 3. Early oil painting of Middletown by Richard W. Hub- bard, a native of Middletown. 4. Photographs of six historic homes in Middletown, pre- pared for the Jamestown Exposition, 1907. 5. a, b, c. Photograph 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 Col. Return Jonathan Meigs, who served in the Revolutionary War. 1 740-1823. 9. Epaulettes of Billings Neff, Lieutenant of the 6th Regi- ment Connecticut Militia. 10. Sword and sash of Billings Neff. n. Framed army recruiting poster, Oct. 24, 1861. 12. Engraving of Lady Washington's Reception, "from the original picture in possession of A. T. Stewart, Esq." 13. Key to No. 12. 14. Picture of Wolcott Huntington of Norwich, Conn., who married Jane H. Watkinson of Middletown, whose home was on Main Street. 15. Warrant for arrest of Caesar, Negro, for "Prophane Swearing, threatening and contemptuous language." Feb. 20, 1787. 16. Faith, Hope, and Charity at the tomb of Washington. 17. Pencil sketch of Captain Aldeu Partridge, aged 40, and of the American Literary, Scientific, and Military Academy, Middletown, 1826. 18. Camp chair made from wood of old elm tree under whose branches the first settlers of Middletown commenced their Sabbath worship, which was the foundation of the First Church. 19. Photograph of Joseph W. Alsop. 20. Framed State Democratic ticket, 1839. 21. Framed circular with sketches of lives of Democratic State candidates, 1S39. 22. Old engraved copper-plate. 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, Last 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 to Mrs. S. A. Hart of Middletown, in 1840, by his servant Hammet Achmet. 36. Oil portrait of Jonathan Barnes, Esq. 37. Picture of the Charter Oak. 38. Confederate button. 39. Foot-stove, 1780. 40. Picture of John D. Dickinson. 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 Hubbard Watkinson. 45. Framed manuscript list of contributors to fund for en- closing burial ground now Riverside Cemetery, Middletown, 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, occupied by Enoch Huntington, pastor of First Church, 1762-1S09. Painted by Miss Margaret Van Deursen. 49. Picture of Daniel Webster. 50. Painting of house of William Russell, pastor of 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 Barrett, an English physician, Professor of Geology in the Partridge Academy until about 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 Parson's house, Main Street, Middletown, foot of Church Street, built by Con- stant Kirtland 1753, demolished. 60. Engraving of Nehemiah Hubbard of Middletown, in his 83rd year. 1 752-1837 61. Old mantel clock. 62. Piece of Charter Oak. 63. Miniature Liberty Bell. 23 64. Pipe and case belonging to Dr. Dickinson, Middletown, 1760. 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. 6S. 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 the Charter Oak. 71. Medal to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the death of Thomas Robbins, D. D. Presented by the Connecti- cut 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. Key of Town Clerk's office in old Court House in Middletown, demolished 1893. 75. a, b. Sign of Isaac Webb, Attorney-at-Law, who once conducted a school on High Street, in the building now known as Webb 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. Alsop pistol, made in Middletown, 1862. 81. Clock weight from Gen. Parson's house. (See No. 59.) S2. 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 brass buttons formerly worn by the Partridge Cadets and recently excavated on the grounds of Wesleyan University. 84 88. Old embroidered cloth bag. 89. Medal of The Father Mathew Temperance Society. 90. Exhibition case of plane irons. 91. Daguerreotype of the Rev. John R. Crane, 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. Wm. H. Russell, late of New Haven. 94. 10-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. Illustrated map of Middletown, 1851. 100. Large hair trunk. 101. Small hair trunk. 102. Old fashioned wall candlestick. 103. Illustrated map of Andersonville Prison. 104. Foot-stove from old Stowe 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. 1 10. Old band box with picture of New York City Hall on cover. in. 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 Captain Henry Lewis De Koven of Middletown. 114. a, b. Two fire buckets from estate of Charles Board- man 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. 25 n8. Old waffle iron. 119. Candle mould. 120. a, b. Fluid lamp. 121. Engraving of Henry Clay. 122. Doorplate of Dr. Wm. Bryan Casey (see No. 92). 123. a, b, c. Whiskey flask. 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 war time. 128. a, b. Hatchel. 129. a, b, c, d, e. Reel. 130. Portrait of Fanny Harrison of North Branford, sister of Capt. Harrison of War of 1812. 131. Portrait. 132. Photograph of old Court House, Middletown, demol- ished 1S93. 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 or 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. Rool 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 1S93. The ship is claimed to have been an English Transport, which brought troops and 26 ammunition 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 hatchels over 100 years old. 154. Iron crane, owned by great-grandfather of Chas. A. Pelton of Middletown. From Aunt Phile Pelton House, Pen- field 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. Turned out with plough. 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. 31 chipped flints, made for the flint-lock muskets used in the old militia companies. 167. Sword with sheath. A relic of the Spanish-American War. 168. Hatchel for cleaning flax or hemp. 169. Three cannon balls and shell found in an old house in Portland. ♦ ♦ ijtstortral Smrietij ♦ ♦ pampljlrt £fa. 7. iHag. 1900 <^Myorteiy'a Arrbjura 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 memorials representing local or national history. PELTON & KING PRINT G'ft The S 26My'0P ulljp Prpsiitrnl's Aunrrsa We meet to-night, as was the case a twelvemonth since, oppressed by a sense of irreparable loss to our Society. Not only has our most generous friend and benefactress been taken from us, but three others of our membership have been cut off by the inexorable Reaper. Let us pay our tribute of respect to them in the order in which their departure took place. Mr. Thomas Munday Durfee died May 29, 1908, at the age of 73 years. He was a man of impressive figure, of genial countenance, and of courteous bear- ing. His kindliness of spirit, and his dignified poise were evident at a glance. He had gained a wide ex- perience of life. As a miner, as a soldier, and as a man of business, he had been tested, and not found wanting. For nearly twenty years he served the Connecticut Hospital for the Insane as its steward and commercial agent with loyal fidelity and conspicuous ability. His death was sincerely mourned in that institution and by all who knew his genuine worth. Mr. James Hough Bunce departed this life October 12, 1908, at the age of 75 years. He was one of the charter members of our Society and a liberal contribu- tor to its funds. Though not a native of this town, the larger part of his active life had been passed here, and he was thoroughlv identified with its interests. After a few years in the employ of others, Mr. Bunce became the proprietor of the business in which he was engaged. His training, his skill, his industry, and his uprightness soon placed him in the forefront of the merchants of this city. His traffic expanded continu- ally till his establishment grew to be one of the most spacious houses for the sale of dry goods and furniture in New England. In short, the sterling character, the clever enterprise, and the intelligent public spirit of Mr. Bunce were among the most valuable assets of our community. Mrs. Margaret Sill Hubbard passed from earth December 27, 1908, at the age of 62 years. The bare mention of her name awakens memories that this Society will long cherish. We cannot soon forget what we owe to Mrs. Hubbard for her early and un- failing sympathy, manifested in words and deeds, in a generous donation to our permanent fund, in the gift of costly books and other articles, both before and since the transfer of her ancestral homestead, with much that it contained, to us as an abiding place and a depository for our scattered treasures. Unlike the two persons whose names have just passed in review, Mrs. Hubbard was born in this city, and her threescore years were almost wholly spent within its precincts. No one can doubt that she loved the place of her birth, nor that she contributed not a little to its pros- perity and the happiness of its people. Abounding in good nature herself, it was her delight to minister to the comfort and the joy of others. Her hand was always open for the relief of those who needed her assistance. While some of her manifold charities were known to the public, multitudes of them were privately bestowed. Indeed, the name of Mrs. Hubbard was the very synonym of friendliness and liberality. Surely this organization, upon which she conferred so numerous and so inestimable tokens of her favor, should not longer delay to mark this building whose significance is so eminent to us, with an appropriate inscription, which shall bear witness to those who come after us that we are not unmindful of the noble woman to whose munificence we are indebted for so commodious and so serviceable a home. Mr. Clarence Everett Bacon died March 28, 1909, at the age of 52 years, — quite too soon for the good of our city. Like Mr. Bunce, Mr. Bacon was a charter member of this Society, and he desired its prosperity, as he did that of every other worthy Middletown in- stitution. A native of this city, his education was mainly acquired here in our High School and our University. He had musical training in Boston, and his excellent voice afforded pleasure to many, both in College, in social functions, and in the churches where it was heard. As an attorney at law, as a man of af- fairs, as a director in the Connecticut Industrial School for Girls, and for several years its secretary and treas- urer, and as a high-minded citizen, Mr. Bacon gained for himself most commendable rank. He belonged to that class of residents who give distinction to a com- munity, and whom it can ill afford to lose. His manly form, his clear-cut and winsome features, his gracious demeanor, will be long missed among us. While death has thus made severe inroads upon our Society, it is cheering to recall the fact that persons like the foregoing looked with favor upon our work, and lent it their cordial support. At the same time, we need the sympathy and the aid of a larger number of our intelligent citizens, that we may accomplish the most for the town and the county. This is no corpo- ration seeking its own advancement alone. It is here to serve the interests of the entire district of the Commonwealth in which it has its home. To this end we should have members in all our towns who shall help us in securing funds, as well as historic memorials. The meeting we held in Say brook last September, we trust, bore more fruit than has yet appeared. In any event, we should endeavor to keep alive the traditions of memorable occurrences and of famous buildings in all our territory. To further these ends we should hold occasional meetings in other localities than our own. Also, we should scatter our reports widely throughout our borders, that it ma3 r be known where we are, what we are, and what we are trying to do for our constituents. We ought to be able, likewise, to publish documents of special value which are read to us, or which come into our possession in other ways, that we may disseminate information which shall profit the people, while it will bring to us more of those things we desire. Further, our library of nearly two thousand volumes, supplemented by many rare pamphlets, should be cata- logued, and rendered available for the use of any who wish to interrogate the past. Few are now aware of the rarity and the worth of numerous books which are already on our shelves. It has been a cherished hope of the officers of the Society to open its rooms at least one afternoon of each week, that the public might become more conversant with the progress already made by us. For these and kindred purposes germane to an or- ganization like onrs, we need a larger constituency, and an ampler income. Our most lavish patron hav- ing been removed from us, we shall find it impossible to do as creditably as we have done, unless old friends or new ones shall make good our financial loss. This institution would better die itself, and be decently buried, than live an ignoble life, out of keeping with that which it has maintained hitherto. For myself, I would gladly resign the office with which you have honored me during the eight years of our existence, a position that has required much time, thought, and effort. Yet you persuade me that my services are still demanded by the Society, so that I do not yet feel at liberty to refuse your kind wishes, but will continue for a brief period to add whatever in me lies to the success of our meritorious enterprise. ^rntfanj'0 Annual Henort 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 on April 20, 1909. MEETINGS During the past year regular meetings have been held in the Society's building on the third Tuesday of each month, with the exception of June, July, and August, and in September a special meeting, as de- scribed in the following list, was held at Say brook. The record for the year therefore consists of nine meet- ings in all, and the dates when they were held, with the names of the speakers and list of subjects, are given in detail as follows: — 1908 April 21. Annual Meeting. Presentation of annual reports and election of officers. Paper on "Henry Clay Work; His Life and Writings," by Mr. Samuel Ward Loper, M. A., Curator of the Museum of Wesleyan University. May 19. Professor Raymond Garfield Gettell of Trinity Col- lege, Hartford. Paper on "A History of Immigra- tion to the United States." Sept. 29. Special Meeting held with the Middlesex Conference at the Congregational Church in Saybrook in com- memoration of the Two Hundredth Anniversary of the Saybrook Platform. Addresses by Professor Samuel Hart, D. D., D. C. L., President of the Connecticut Historical Society, and the Reverend Lewellyn Pratt, D. D., of Norwich. 9 Oct. 20. Mr. Cephas Brainerd of New York. Address on "Some Lawyers and Cases of Middlesex County." Nov. 17. Mr. W. R. Cross of the Hartford Courant. Paper on Noah Webster, the year 1908 being the one hundred and fiftieth anniversary of Noah Webster's birth. Dec. 15. Mr. Albert Randolph Crittenden. Address on "The Currency of our Fathers." 1909 Jan. 19. Professor Robert H. Fife, Jr., Ph.D., of Wesleyan University. Paper on Edgar Allan Poe, the day of meeting (Jan. 19) being the one hundredth anniversary of the birth of the poet. Feb. 16. Charles H. Smith, LL. D., Professor of American History in Yale University. Paper on "The Re- ligious Character of Abraham Lincoln." (Read by the President as Professor Smith was unable to attend.) Mar. 16. Mr. Arthur L. Shipman of Hartford. Paper on Reverend Thomas L. Shipman, formerly a prom- inent clergyman in Connecticut. The papers as shown above covered a wide scope in their range of subjects and were listened to with much pleasure and interest. The Society is deeply indebted to the gentlemen above mentioned for their kindly service, and begs to express its sincere thanks and appreciation. MEMBERSHIP The list of members shows only a slight change. At the time of our last annual meeting the member- ship consisted of one hundred and six active and twelve life-members. During the year we have lost four valued members by death, including one life-member, and two have withdrawn. We have gained one active member 10 and have at present a list of one hundred and two active and eleven life-members — a total of one hundred and thirteen, including six who are non-residents. PUBLICATIONS The list of publications so far issued by the Society consists of six pamphlets as follows: — Pamphlet No. i. The Society's Charter and By-Laws. No. 2. Address of the President as delivered at the annual meeting of April 19, 1904. No. 3. Address of the President and Reports of the Secretary and Treasurer as presented at the annual meeting of April 18, 1905. No. 4. Address of the President and Reports of the Secretary and Treasurer as presented at the annual meeting of April 17, 1906. No. 5. Reports of the Secretary and Acting Treasurer as presented at the annual meeting of April 16, 1907, with list of officers and members. No. 6. Address of the President and Reports of the Secretary and Treasurer as presented at the annual meeting of April 21, 1908, with list of officers and members and of articles owned by the Society and exhibited in its building. GENERAL The Society's building has had proper care through- out the year and is at present in excellent condition. Only a few minor repairs have proved necessary, and they have each received the prompt attention they required. The grounds, too, have been kept in good order, and present a creditable appearance. The large 11 elm tree which has long been an ornament on the north side of our grounds is showing the effect of old age. Several months ago one of the lower branches fell and broke a section of the iron railing on the veranda. The tree is badly decayed and as a pro- tection against the possibility of further accident, the question of either cutting off some of the branches or of removing the tree altogether should be considered. The financial condition of the Society continues to be favorable. The treasurer's report shows that the endowment fund is now $6,262.80, all of which is well invested in interest-bearing securities. The fund was $6,000.00 originally, and the present figure represents the accumulation of income over expenses. It is a pleasure to report that during the year the Society has again been presented with a number of articles for exhibition and safe keeping. Books, pamphlets, articles of furniture, and military equip- ment, etc., many of them of much value and interest, as representing the life and times of the inhabitants in former years, have been received and duly recorded. These accessions have added greatly to the importance and worth of our collection of historical relics. It is to be hoped that members and friends of the Society will continue to favor us in this respect and assist us in making our collection a thoroughly representative exhibit of the customs and conditions that prevailed in the early days of Middletown and Middlesex County. The Society has lost a loyal friend and constant and efficient supporter in the death of Mrs. E. K. Hubbard. Beginning with the organization of the Society, and continuing through the period of its gradual develop- ment, Mrs. Hubbard contributed to our support in a 12 substantial measure each year. Her generous spirit and kindly interest in our welfare and progress will long be gratefully remembered. In the annals of the Society her name will always be particularly associated with the welcome gift of this building. It came just at the time when one of the most pressing questions before us was a permanent home for the Society. The gift was thankfully accepted, and it will be our duty and pleasure to preserve it henceforth with proper care in lasting token of our appreciation. H. C. Whittlesey, Secretary. 13 Minute relative to the death of Mrs. E. K. Hubbard as adopted by the Society at its meeting on J a unary 19, 1909, by a rising vote. The Middlesex County Historical Society desires to place on record its profound sense of irreparable loss in the death of Mrs. Margaret Sill Hubbard at her home on High Street, December 27, 1908. Mrs. Hubbard was one of the early friends of this Society, and was a generous contributor to its permanent fund, besides giving to it many valuable books and docu- ments of historic interest. In 1906 she transferred to the Society her paternal homestead, its present com- modious quarters, together with many useful furnish- ings, and numerous books, pictures, etc. After this liberal donation, she made many other ample offerings to the Society, which have materially aided it in its work, so that she will long be remembered by us as a most munificent patron. Yet Mrs. Hubbard's large gifts to this Society were merely samples of her lavish beneficence to the com- munity. It seemed to be her chief delight to open her hand for the welfare of others. Her name had long been a synonym for widespread and unstinted charities. These were but the outflow of her warm, loving heart. Hence it is that no recent death in our city has left so lamentable a vacancy as that of Mrs. Elijah Kent Hubbard. Resolved, That this minute be spread upon our records, and that a copy be sent to the family of the deceased. u ©rfasurrr's Amtual Krjiort APRIL 20, 1909 1357 04 207 00 125 00 50 po 80 00 80 00 George A. Craig, Treasurer, in account with The Middlesex County Historical Society: Dr. To balance brought forward, April, 1908, - To dues collected, To gift from Mr. George T. Meech, - - - - To rent received from Wadsworth Chapter, D. A. R., To coupons, St. Louis, Iron Mountain & Southern Ry. Co. bonds, ------- To coupons, Buffalo & Susquehanna Ry. Co. bonds, $899 04 Cr. By coal, -- $63 00 By water, --------- 10 00 By gas, - - 4 34 By seed, etc., for lawn, ------ 3 65 By street sprinkling, ------- 600 By printing of Pamphlet No. 6, - - - - - - 35 00 By repairs to building, - - - - - - 32 51 By repairs to furnishings, 21 29 By postal cards, --- 900 By printing, -------- 9 60 By envelopes and postage, 16 25 By clerical work, - 20 10 By care of elm trees, ------- 10 00 By balance cash in First National Bank, - - - 658 30 $899 °4 15 INVESTMENTS. 2 bonds, St. Louis, Iron Mountain & Southern Ry. Co., $2,000 00 2 bonds, Buffalo & Susquehanna Ry. Co., - - 2,000 00 Cash in Middletown Savings Bank, - - - - 1,098 96 Cash in Farmers & Mechanics Savings Bank, - - 581 92 Cash in Freestone Savings Bank, Portland, - - 581 92 ),262 80 Respectfully submitted, George A. Craig, Treasurer. Middletown, Conn., April 20, 1909. I certify that I have examined the books and vouchers of George A. Craig, Treasurer, for the year ending on this day, and find them to agree with the foregoing statement. I have also examined and counted the securities in the hands of said Treasurer and find them to agree with the list as given above. Wm. J. DeMaiiriac, Auditor. 16 OMrrrs ELECTED APRIL 20. 1909 PRESI DENT Azel W. Hazen, D. D., ----- Middletowii VICE-PRESI DENTS Albert R. Crittenden, ----- Middletown John H. Sage, ------- Portland SECRETARY Heman C. Whittlesey, ----- Middletown TREASURER Richard C. Fagan, ------ Middletown EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE The President, The Secretary, The Vice-Presidents,. The Treasurer, Samuel Hart, D. D., - ----- Middletown Frank F. Starr, ------ Middletown George M. DuTcher, ----- Middletown MEMBERSHIP COMMITTEE Charles A. Pelton, ------ Middletown Clarence S. WadsworTh, - Middletown Wallace K. Bacon, ------ Middletown G. Ellsworth Meech, ----- Middletown Frank K. Hallock, ------ Cromwell 11 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 AU DITOR William J. de Mauriac, ----- Middletown 18 Htfe-fcmb?ra 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 Mnnbera Abel C. Allison, Middletown Joseph W. Alsop, ------ Simsbury Edwin P. Augur, - - - - - - Middletown Samuel Babcock, Middletown Wallace K. Bacon, - Middletown Abner A. Bevin, East Hampton Mrs. Jane D. Boardman, - Middletown Cephas Brainerd, New York Judson B. Brainerd, Portland William B. Brewer, Middletown Robert Broatch, ------ Middletown Mrs. James H. Bunce, ----- Middletown James H. Bunce, ------ Middletown Robert W. Burke, Middletown 19 Eugene H. Burr, Middletown Wilbur F. Burrows, - Middletown William H. Burrows, ----- Middletown Dale D. Butler, Middletown J. Francis Calef, M. D., ----- Middletown Miss Jennie M. Clarke, Middletown W. Harry Clemons, M. A., - - - Princeton, N. J. Edward S. Coe, Cromwell Ex-Governor O. Vincent Coffin, - - Middletown Augustus H. Conklin, ... - East Hampton George A. Craig, Middletown Charles W. Cramer, ----- Portland Eddie S. Davis, Middletown William J. de Mauriac, ----- Middletown Mrs. William J. de Mauriac, - - - - Middletown Richard L. de Zeng, ----- Middletown Professor George M. DuTcher, Ph.D., - Middletown Richard C. Fagan, 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., - Middletown 20 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 Hon. Josiah M. Hubbard, - Middletown George H. HulberT, - Bristol Charles E. Jackson, ----- Middletown Edward Q. Jackson, ----- Middletown Wieliam J. James, M. A., ----- Middletown Aeva H. KELSEY, ------ Middletown Miss Mary E. Lyman, ----- Middlefield Charles E. Lyman, ------ Middlefield Henry L. Mansfield, - Middletown Ernest A. Markham, M. D., - Durham Revieo C. Markham, ----- Middletown Mrs. EEEEN MaThewson, - Durham G. EeesworTh Meech, ----- Middletown Joseph Merriam, ------ Middletown Hon. Lyman A. Miles, ----- Middlefield William Mylchreest, ----- Middletown Isaac G. Newell, ------ Middletown Mrs. Elizabeth A. Northrop, - - - Ivoryton Richard H. Pascall, ----- Portland Charles A. PelTon, ------ Middletown William D. Penfteld, ----- Portland Wallace Porter, ------ Higganum Albert E. Purple, ------ Moodus Mrs. Susan C. Ray, ------ Middletown Pres. Bradford P. Raymond, D. D., LL. D., Middletown Professor William N. Rice, Ph.D., LL. D., Middletown Miss Mary P. Roberts, Middletown Hon. Samuel Russell, ----- Middletown Samuel Russell, Jr., ----- Middletown n John H. Sag?:, ------- Portland Philip Sage, ------- Portland Miss Emily A. Selden, ----- Middletown Frank C. Smith, ------ Middletown Frank F. Starr, ------ Middletown Charles O. Stone, ------ Middletown Willis E. Terrill, - - Middletown Mrs. Anna S. Titcomb, - Springfield, Mass. Miss Mariana Townsend, - Middletown Professor John M. Van VlECK, LL. D., - Middletown Clarence S. Wadsworth, - Middletown Henry C. Ward, - - Middletown Oliver S. WaTrous, D. D.S., - Middletown Governor Frank B. Weeks, - Middletown Mrs. Frank B. Weeks, ----- Middletown William S. Wetherbee, ----- Middletown Professor Caleb T. Winchester, L.H.D., - Middletown Edward H. Wilkins, ----- Middletown The Society has a library of 1,649 volumes and 387 pamphlets, many old newspapers, letters, deeds, and other records of historic value. One hundred and twenty books have been presented during the past year. Mansfield Post, G. A. R., of Middletown, has presented the Society with its large collection of relics of the Civil War. It also has in its keeping many articles loaned by the owners, notably a collection of curious old "wearing apparel and fine embroideries, and a number of oil portraits. Utai of Arttrka ©ttntfii bg tiff S»ortPtg ano lixhtbttpo in ita Uml&tnn 1. Photograph of Middletown in 1868. 2. a, b. Photograph of house built by Commodore Mac- donough in 1819, demolished in 1893, and replaced by the Y. M. C. A. building. 3. Early oil painting of Middletown by Richard W. Hub- bard, a native of Middletown. 4. Photographs of six historic homes in Middletown, pre- pared for the Jamestown Exposition, 1907. 5. a, b, c. Photograph 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, who served in the Revolutionary War. 1740-1823. 9. Epaulettes of Billings Neff, Lieutenant of the 6th Regi- ment Connecticut Militia. 10. Sword and sash of Billings Neff. ii. Framed army recruiting poster, Oct. 24, 1861. 12. Engraving of Lady Washington's Reception, "from the original picture in possession of A. T. Stewart, Esq." 13. Key to No. 12. 14. Picture of Wolcott Huntington of Norwich, Conn., who married Jane H. Watkinson of Middletown, whose home was on Main Street. 15. Warrant for arrest of Caesar, Negro, for " Prophane Swearing, threatening and contemptuous language." Feb. 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. 18. Camp chair made from wood of old elm tree under whose branches the first settlers of Middletown commenced their Sabbath worship, which was the foundation of the First Church. 19. Photograph of Joseph W. Alsop. 20. Framed State Democratic ticket, 1839. 21. Framed circular with sketches of lives of Democratic State candidates, 1839. 22. Old engraved copper-plate. 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, Last 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 to Mrs. S. A. Hart of Middletown, in 1840, by his servant Hammet Achmet. 36. Oil portrait of Jonathan Barnes, Esq. n 37. Picture of the Charter Oak. 38. Confederate button. 39. Foot-stove, 17S0. 40. Picture of John D. Dickinson. 41. Photograph of Dr. Charles Woodward of Middletown, 1 799-1870. 42. Photograph of Charles R. Woodward of Middletown, 1832-1904. 43. Photograph of Henry Woodward of Middletown, 1S38- 1907. 44. Photograph of John Hubbard Watkinson. 45. Framed manuscript list of contributors to fund for en- closing burial ground now Riverside Cemetery, Middletown, 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, occupied by Enoch Huntington, pastor of First Church, 1 762-1 809. Painted by Miss Margaret Van Deursen. 49. Picture of Daniel Webster. 50. Painting of house of William Russell, pastor of 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 Barrett, an English physician, Professor of Geology in the Partridge Academy until about 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. 60. Engraving of Nehemiah Hubbard of Middletown, in his 83rd year. 1752-1837. 61. Old mantel clock. 25 62. Piece of Charter Oak. 63. Miniature Liberty Bell. 64. Pipe and case belonging to Dr. Dickinson, Middletown, 1760. 65. New England Society button from Portland Exposition, i9°5- 66. Massachusetts button from Portland Exposition, 1905. 67. John Winthrop button, from New Loudon 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 the Charter Oak. 71. Medal to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the death of Thomas Robbins, D. D. Presented by the Con- necticut 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. Key of Town Clerk's office in old Court House in Middletown, demolished 1893. 75. a, b. Sign of Isaac Webb, Attorney-at-Law, who once conducted a school on High Street, in the building now known as Webb 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. Alsop pistol, made in Middletown, 1862. 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. S3. 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 brass 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. 91. Daguerreotype of the Rev. John R. Crane, pastor of the First Church of Middletown, 1818-1853. 92. Picture of Dr. Win. Bryan Casey, a former physician of Middletown, surgeon of the 20th Conn. Regiment. 93. Portrait of Gen. William H. Russell, late of New Haven. 94. Ten-skilling piece, Danish- American, 1S16. 95. Tin baker for fire-place. 96. Old mortar and pestle. 97. Old brass kettle. 98. Crane for fire-place. 99. Illustrated map of Middletown, 1851. 100. Large hair trunk. 101. Small hair trunk. 102. Old-fashioned wall candlestick. 103. Illustrated map of Andersonville Prison. 104. Foot-stove from old Stowe 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. 1 10. Old bandbox with picture of New York City Hall on cover. in. 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 Lewis De Koven of Middletown. 114. a, b. Two fire buckets from estate of Charles A. Boardman of Middletown. 27 ii5- 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 bucket. 117. Small hair trunk. 118. Old waffle iron. 119. Candle mould. 120. a, b. Fluid lamp. 121. Engraving of Henry Clay. 122. Doorplate of Dr. Wm. Bryan Casey. (See No. 92.) 123. a, b, c. Whiskey flask. 1850. 124. Small steelyards, made in Middletown. 125. Combination knife, fork, and spoon. 126. Framed copy of Declaration of Independence. 181S. 127. Picture of Henry Clay Work, poet of the war time. 128. ubjprtH of A&&rraHPB mnbt to thr ^nrtrtg Will} tl]rtr Batrs, ano thr Nantra of ttjrtr Authors 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, LL. 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. Gilman, 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. Dutcher, 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 I 5, 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 17, 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, 1908: 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 Gay, 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. 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, 1911: Professor Dutcher. Negro Slavery in Connecticut, March 21, 191 1 : Mr. Frederick C. Norton, Bristol. The above is a list of man}* 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. &?tt?tat#s Annual l&tpatt 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 1 8, 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, published 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 3^ear, 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. (foaaurer'a Annual SUpnrt APRI L 17. 1911 Richard C. Fagan, Treasurer, in account with The Middlesex County Historical Society: Dr. To balance April 16, 1910, ------ $267 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, - $5 00 By historical books, - - 3 00 By coal and wood, ------- 100 By gas, - - - - - - - - - 4 2 5 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 Win. H. Burrows, account Margaret Sill Hubbard Memorial, -------- 193 00 By balance, cash in First National Bank, - - - 266 77 $636 29 Investments 2 bonds, St. Louis, Iron Mountain & Southern R. R. Co., - $2,000 00 *2 bonds, Buffalo & Susquehanna R. R. Co., - - 2,000 00 Cash in Middletown Savings Bank, - I ,397 62 Cash in Farmers and Mechanics Savings Bank, - 839 35 Cash in Freestone Savings Bank, Portland, - - 840 37 ',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. Examined and found correct. Wm. J. deMauriac, Auditor. April 17, 1911. Wf&ttVB ELECTED APRIL 18, 1911 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, Samuel 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 ICtfr-Hmbera 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 ifflemberB 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 \V. Harry ClEMONS, M. A., - - - Princeton, N. J. Edward S. Coe, ------- Cromwell Ex-Governor O. Vincent Coffin, LD. D., - Middletown Augustus H. Conklin, - 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. Dutcher, Ph.D., - Middletown Richard C. Fagan, ------ 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 so George H. HulberT, New London Charles E. Jackson, Middletown Edward Q. Jackson, Middletown William J. James, M. A., ----- Middletown Alva H. Kelsey, ------ Middletown Miss Mary E. Lyman, ----- Middlefield Charles E. Lyman, ------ Middlefield Henry L. Mansfield, ----- Middletown Ernest A. Markham, M. D., - Durham Revilo C. Markham, Middletown Mrs. Ellen Mathewson, ----- Durham G. Ellsworth Meech, Middletown Joseph Merriam, Middletown Hon. Lyman A. Mills, ----- Middlefield William Mylchreest, Middletown Isaac G. Newell, Middletown Rev. John F. Nichols, ----- Portland Mrs. Elizabeth A. Northrop, Ivorytou Richard H. Pascall, ----- Portland Charles A. PelTon, ------ Middletown William D. Penfield, ----- Portland Wallace Porter, Higganum Albert E. Purple, Moodus Mrs. Susan C. Ray, . - - - - - - Middletown Ex-Pres. Bradford P. Raymond, D. D., LL. D., Middletown Professor William N. Rice, Ph.D., LL.D., Middletown Miss Mary P. Roberts, ----- Middletown Hon. Samuel Russell, ----- Middletown Samuel Russell, Jr., ----- Middletown John H. Sage, ------- Portland Philip Sage, ------- Portland Miss Emily A. Selden, ----- Middletown Frank C. Smith, Middletown Mrs. Otis A. Smith, ------ Rockfall Frank F. Starr, - - - - - - Middletown Charles O. Stone, ------ Middletown 31 Willis E. TERRiLL, Middletowti Mrs. Anna S. TiTcomb, - Springfield, Mass. Miss Mariana Townsend, - Middletown Professor John M. Van Vleck, LL. D., - Middletown Clarence S. Wadsworth, B. A., LL. B., - Middletown Henry C. Ward, ._.... Middletown Oliver S. Watrous, D. D. S., - - - - Middletown Ex-Governor Frank B. Weeks, LL. D., - Middletown Mrs. Frank B. Weeks, ----- Middletown William S. Wetherbee, ----- Middletown Professor Caleb T. Winchester, L. H.D., - Middletown Edward H. Wilkins, Middletown ICtst of Antrim GDbmpb by tiff S>oriPty anb Exbibiteb in its ffiuilbtnn i. Photograph of Middletown in 1868. 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. Hub- bard, a native of Middletown. 4. Photographs of six historic homes in Middletown, pre- pared for the Jamestown Exposition, 1907. 5. a, b, c. Photographsof 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. Ke3' 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 vSwearing, threatening and contemptuous language." February 20th, 1787. 16. Faith, Hope, and Charity at the tomb of Washington. 17. Pencil sketch of Captain Aldeti Partridge, aged 40, and of the American Literary, Scientific, and Military Academy, Middletown, 1826. 33 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- 20. Framed State Democratic ticket, 1839. 21. Framed circular with sketches of lives of Democratic State candidates, 1839. 22. Engraved 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, Last 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, 1 799-1870. 42. Photograph of Charles R. Woodward of Middletown, 1832-1904. 43. Photograph of Henry Woodward of Middletown, 1838- 1907. 44. Photograph of John Hubbard 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. and M. Academy at Norwich, Vt., and Middletown from 1S24-1828, 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. 1 752-1837. 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 Connecti- cut 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, demolished 1893. 75. a, b. Signs of Isaac Webb, Attorney-at-Law, who once conducted a school on High Street, in the building now known as Webb Hall of VVesleyan 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. Parson's 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. 36 94- Ten-skilling piece, Danish- American, 1816. 95. Tin baker for fireplace. 96. Old mortar and pestle. 97. Old brass kettle. 98. Crane for fireplace. 99. Wall map of Middletown, 1851. 100. Large hair trunk. 101. 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. in. 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 waffle 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. 37 126. 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 or 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 100 years old. 154. Iron crane, owned by great-grandfather of Charles A. Pelton of Middletown. From Aunt Philinda Pelton house, Penfield Hill, Portland. 38 155- 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 Reg., 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 clapboard 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. a, 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 sign of Joseph T. Bell, manufacturer of military caps and belts, New York. 199. Office 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. 40 201. Facsimile of Judge's warrant for execution of Charles I. 202. Facsimile of Connecticut Charter of 1662, obtained of Charles II. by Gov. Winthrop. 203. Facsimile 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 openwork 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. A chair owned and used by 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. 217. Photograph of Mr. George H. Bishop. Born in Middle- town, June nth, 1831, died on August 19th, 1909. A well- known civil engineer and one of the best authorities on hydraulic engineering in the country. 218. Old spectacles in case. 41 219. 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 24th, 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. 233. Spinning wheel. 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. The following have been added to the Society's collection during the past year: 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 Anniver- sary 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 Fermo 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 Haddam, 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. 255. Framed lithograph of old Middletown, which had hung in 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 Constant 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 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, commemor- ating 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 United States. 1889. The Society has a library of 1,871 volumes and 526 pamphlets, many old newspapers, letters, deeds, and other records of historic value. One hundred and twenty-nine books and pamphlets have been presented during the past year. Mansfield Post, G. A. R., of Middletown, has presented the Society with its large collection of relics of the Civil War. The Society also has in its keeping many articles loaned by the owners, notably a collection of curious old wearing apparel and fine embroideries, and a number of oil portraits. ♦ ♦ l|tHtortral Swtftg ♦♦ Pamplf Irt Na. 1 May 1912-13 Addresses of the President, the Rev. Azel W. Hazen, D. D., Reports of the Secretary, Mr. Edward H. Wilkins, and Report of the Treasurer, Mr. John H. Sage, as pre- sented at the Annual Meetings held in the Society's Building, Midc 1 ;town, Connecticut, April 16, 1912, and April 15, 1913; also a list of the Officers and Members and of Articles owned by the Society and exhibited in its Building. .... Local history is the ultimate substance of national history. There could be no epics were pastorals not also true, — no patriotism, were there no homes, no neighbors, no quiet round of civic duty: and I, for my part, do not wonder that scholarly men have been found not a few who, though they might have shone upon a larger field, where all eyes would have seen them win their fame, yet chose to pore all their lives long upon the blurred and scattered records of a country-side, where there is nothing but an old church or an ancient village. The history of a nation is only the history of its villages written large. — Woodrow Wilson. 1911 ®ije 4HftM?s?x (Sautthj Ijtstnnral ^nneiij Afcurrss nf the ^rpBt&mt, 1912 The address of the President one year ago gave so full a sketch of the Society's first decade that a formal paper by him is hardly called for at this time. Yet a few notes concerning our deceased members may not be out of place. The number whom death has claimed the last year is four. Miss Mary Pratt Roberts died October 16, at the age of 77 years. While only about one-third of her life was spent in this city, at two different periods of residence, she was very fond of Middletown, and greatly pleased to pass her last days here. She took a deep interest in the history of the town, and was a frequent donor to our Society. After her departure, there came to us by her wish a most remarkable piece of tiling fiom the tower of Nanking, China, dating from the 15th century. Mrs. Otis A. Smith died at Rockfall Nov. 25, at the age of 71. She had been one of our members less than two years, thus having had scant opportunity to exhibit her feeling toward us. Yet she revealed her public spirit in many ways, not the least of which was in uniting herself to this organization. Mrs. Smith was a woman much esteemed in the community where her lot was cast. It would be a source of strength to us if we had more members from other towns in the county. Mr. Henry H. Francis died February 10, 191 2, at the age of 64. He was born in Wethersfield, but had been in this city for nearly twenty years. Before coming here he had been for fourteen years connected with the firm of Ezra Clark & Co., in Hartford, dealers in iron and steel. With others he organized the Middlesex Rubber Co. in 1893. Later this was changed to the Omo Manufacturing Co. This was reorganized in 1898, with Mr. Francis as manager. In 1 90 1 he became its President and Treasurer. His relation to this Society was hardly more than nominal, as in recent years his health was not firm; but he showed his friendliness by continuing one of our members. Mr. Lucius Randolph Hazen died March 21, 191 2, at the age of 64 years. Born in Berlin, Vermont, he was graduated from Dartmouth College in 1870, and near the end of that year he came to Middletown, soon becoming a clerk in the bookstore of George G. McLean. Later, in connection with Mr. John A. Sumner, he purchased the business, and the two carried it on for some years. Then he gained the entire control of the store, which he held till his lamented death. The testimonials to his rare character, and his eminent services to the community have been numerous and unqualified. His loyalty to this Society was shown by his frequent contributions to its library of books and pamphlets of no little value. Naturally his loss to the President is irreparable, and it is not too much to say that his going creates a vacancy in the town which it will not be easy to fill. Auurrss of thr Prraiornt 1913 Of the seven meetings of the Society since the last annual meeting, only one was lacking in a quorum for business. Yet it must be confessed that the business has been transacted by a small percentage of the mem- bers. The Society has about seventy resident male members, or, if we count those living in Portland and Cromwell as residents, as with our means of communi- cation it is proper to do, the number goes up to nearly ninety. Now, if its constituency felt a deep interest in the work of the organization, its business would not be transacted by one-eighth, or, at best, one-seventh of its membership. Yet we are assured that this is true of most kindred organizations. Can anything be done to make our Society an exception to the ordinary rule ? If so, a vigorous attempt should be made, and that speedily. The average attendance at the public gatherings has been not far from three times that on the business meetings, but few members have been at the one who were not at the other. Certainly there has been no lack of genuine value in the papers read, some having been of an exceptionally high order. Our rooms are attractive, though not quite central. Our collection of objects of great interest is large for our age, and its value increases steadily from mouth to month. What, then, can be done to rally a larger number of those on our roll to the more active support of our work ? For one thing, we should all speak more frequently of this institution to those whom we meet regularly or casually. We should report its doings more fully in conversation, and in the press. Again we should aim to secure new members, some of a younger grade, that there may be fresh life in our ranks. Again, if it is not possible to enlarge our income by an increased membership, we should endeavor to do it by securing an ampler endowment. If we were able to open our rooms more often, so that they might be more frequently visited by our citizens, as well as by strangers, a deeper interest in the Society would surely be developed. This wider knowledge of our treasures would doubtless lead to their increase in a more rapid ratio than at present. Further, if we were able now and then to publish some of the important papers which are read to us, and give them an extensive circulation, it would widen our influence. This Society must grow in the estimation of the public, or it will inevitably decline. An institution cannot prosper without advance, any more than an individual. Progress is the law of all healthy life. The subjects presented to us the last year have been of more than ordinary timeliness and value. The mere list of them given by the secretary shows some- thing of their nature, yet a few words of characteriza- tion may be appropriate. The paper by Dr. Hart on ' ' The Fundamental Orders and Charter of Connecticut," it is needless to say, was scholarly and instructive, marked by his genuinely historic spirit and careful accuracy. Dr. Davenport's essay on "A Summer in a Historic Country Town " was charming in its manner, its style of com- position, and its delivery, giving us a vivid picture of Hebron in its glory. Professor James spoke of " The Supreme Court and the Constitution of the United States " in a manner which revealed much thought and painstaking research. His paper was most pertinent in its bearing on certain novel theories just now advocated. Professor Geer, of the Hartford Seminary, set before us a clear view of the ' ' Development of the Balkan Peninsula," a subject which was then foremost in the thoughts of multitudes the world over. Mr. Clark defended the character of Silas Deaue in a vivid address which is soon to be issued in the form of a book. Miss Townsend read to us a large portion of the ' ' Diary of Margaret Dwight," being the record of a journey to Ohio in 1810, a document considered of so real an importance that it has recently been printed by Yale University, with warm commendation from its Profes- sor of American History, Dr. Max Farrand. Profes- sor Dutcher, to whom we owe so much, at our last meeting brought before us "Some Neglected Phases of New England History," in a manner which led us to feel more deeply than ever the vast influence of New England in the development of the nation. We are most fortunate in having so accomplished a student of history among our members. Death has removed three of our number during the last twelvemonth — Oliver Gildersleeve, Wallace Porter, and John M. Van Vleck. Mr. Gildersleeve died in Portland July 26, 191 2, at the age of sixty-eight. A full and carefully prepared sketch of his busy life has been added to our archives. This shows him to have been a man of indomitable energy, and of a wide breadth of interests. Belonging to a family of famous shipbuilders, which has .sent out from its yard over one hundred vessels, small and large, his chief interest centered in this industry. Yet he was an important factor in other projects, especially such as contributed to the prosperity of his native town. His active brain did not permit him to be idle. One of his latest efforts for the public welfare was in connection with the Thames Women's College at New London, of which he was one of the incorporators. Though not often at our meetings, he took an intelli- gent interest in our Society. He was a citizen whom our State could ill afford to lose. Of Mr. Porter I have obtained no information, further than that he was a prosperous and a highly respected manufacturer in Higganum. I am not aware that he was ever present in our meetings. Professor Van Vleck was one of our foremost citi- zens, whose name added lustre to our roll. Born in Stone Ridge, N. Y., March 4, 1833, graduated at our University in 1850, after 1853 a much loved and honored instructor in his Alma Mater till within a few years of his lamented death, November 4, 191 2, his life was conspicuous for its long and efficient activity. He was a mathematician of national and international reputation, a teacher whom two generations of students admired and loved, a citizen cherishing a deep affection for the town wherein his work was mainly done, a Christian independent in thought, yet always loyal to truth as he saw it, and ever filled with the spirit of the Master. The memory of John Monroe Van Vleck will long be a priceless treasure to the University to whose upbuilding he devoted his noble life, and an inspiration to all who ever came under the spell of his lofty character. Our Society and our community are far the poorer by reason of the removal of so honor- able a member. 10 g>?rrrtanj's Annual Imports, 1912 ana 1013 1912 Regular monthly meetings have been held through- out the year, with the exception of the months of July, August, September, and January. The meetings 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. Below is a list of the papers and the speakers, with the dates of presentation: April, 191 1. Rev. A. W. Hazen, President of the Society, "The First Decade of the Middlesex Count)- Historical Society." May, 1911. Miss Mary Lyman, of Middlefield, "Modes of Travel, and How the Revolutionary Army received Des- patches and Supplies." June, 1911. F. Clarence Bissell, of Hartford, "The Rev. Samuel Peters, of Hebron, Loyalist, his Slaves, and their Near-abduction. ' ' October, 1911. Rev. Edwin Pond Parker, D. D., of Hartford, " The Congregational Separatists of Connecticut." November, 191 1. George M. Curtis, of Meriden, "Some old Connecticut Silver." December, 191 1. Dr. Charles Downer Hazen, of Smith College, " DeToqueville's Travels in America, which gave rise to his famous Work on Democracy in America." February, 1912. Miss Emma Carroll Oilman, of Middletown, "The Diary of One of the Founders of the Connecticut Historical Society." March, 1912. Rev. Edwin Pond Parker, D. D., of Hartford, "Baron Steuben." 11 MEMBERSHIP The total membership is one hundred and fourteen, a gain of three for the year. Seven new members have been admitted during the year, while four former members have died. PUBLICATIONS Pamphlet No. 9 was published, being the annual report of the officers, uniform with the preceding numbers, excepting that it contains the address of the President on " The First Decade of the Society." GIFTS Gifts during the year of objects of interest other than books, pamphlets, and manuscripts, bring the total up to 280. These objects range from spectacles to cradles, and include a tablet of pottery from China. Gifts of books, pamphlets, manuscripts, etc., are not all recorded, but make the total nearly 2,450. Among these are about a dozen duplicate books. 1913 Regular monthly meetings of the Society have been held throughout the year, with the exception of June, July, August, and September. The meetings 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, a paper of local or general interest was presented. Below is a list of the papers, and the speakers, with the dates of presentation. 12 April 16, 191 2. Wilbur Fisk Gordy, Ph. D., of Hartford, " Daniel Webster and the Constitution." May 21, 1912. Professor Samuel Hart, DL. D., D. C. L., Berkeley Divinity School, " The Fundamental Orders and Constitution of Connecticut." October 15, 1912. Rev. John G. Davenport, D. D., of Water- bury, "A Summer in a Historic Country Town." November 19, 1912. William J. James, M. A., Wesleyan Uni- versity, "The Supreme Court and the Constitution of the United States." December 17, 1912. Professor Curtis M. Geer, Ph.D., Hart- ford Theological Seminary, "The Development of the Balkan Peninsula." January 21, 1913. Rev. George L. Clark, Wethersfield, "Silas Deane, a Connecticut Statesman of the Revolution." February 18, 1913. Miss Mariana Townsend. Middletown, "Diary of Margaret Dwight, being a record of a journey made in 1810. " March 18, 1913. Professor George M. Dutcher, Ph. D., Wes- leyan University, "Neglected Phases of New England History." The attendance at these public meetings ranged from 20 to 40 persons. Many of the papers were of high educational value and deserving of much larger audiences. MEMBERSHIP Numerically the membership is the same as it was at the time of the last printed report in 1 9 1 1 . Since that date we have lost eight of our members by death, one member has resigned, while nine new members have been admitted. Total membership one hundred and eleven. 13 During the year a number of gifts have been pre- sented to the Society, and all such have been recorded in the Accession Register. In July Mr. Richard C. Fagan resigned the treasury- ship and Mr. John H. Sage was chosen to succeed him. E. H. Wilkins, Secretary. u J&xm&uxn 'b Annual iSrporl APRI L 15, 19 13 John H. Sage, Treasurer, in account with The Middlesex County Historical Society: Dr. To cash received from Richard C. Fagan, former treasurer, July 19, 1912, $387 72 To rent received from Wadsworth Chapter, D. A. R., 62 50 To coupons, St. Louis, Iron Mountain, & Southern R. R. bonds, ___-__- 80 00 To cash for fuel used while artist was copying por- traits, --------- 10 00 To dues for the year ending April 1, 1913, - - 163 00 To dues for the year ending April i, 1914, - - 6 00 To dues for the year ending April 1, 1915, - - 2 00 To dues for the year ending April 1, 1916, - - 2 00 Total receipts, - - - - - - -$71322 Cr. By coal, ... - $149 95 By gas, - - - - - - - -.- 6 63 By water, --------- 5 50 By spraying and removing trees, - 75 00 By pruning and spraying trees in the " boulder " lot, 6 00 By repairs to building, including plumbing and sewer expense, - - - - - - - 210 89 By relaying walk on Union Street, - - - - 17 63 By librarian expense, ------ 6 90 By insurance, -------- 26 00 By street sprinkling, - - ' - - - - 14 05 15 By printing, including postal cards, - $19 65 By photograph of building, - 2 00 By expense of speakers, ------ 8 25 Total expenses, ------- $548 45 Balance to new account (cash in First National Bank, Middletown), ------- 164 77 $713 22 INVESTMENTS 2 bonds, St. Louis, Iron Mountain, & Southern R.R. Co., --------- $2,000 00 * 2 bonds, Buffalo & Susquehanna R. R. Co., - - 2,000 00 Cash in Middletown Savings Bank, - - - - 1,512 80 Cash in Farmers and Mechanics Savings Bank, - 908 51 Cash in Freestone Savings Bank, - 909 61 $7,330 92 Respectfully submitted, John H. Sage, Treasurer. Examined and found correct. Wm. J. deMauriac, Auditor. May 28, 1913. * Interest in default. 16 Gofers ELECTED APRIL. 1913 PRESI DENT Azel W. Hazen, ------- Middletown VICE-PRESI DENTS Albert R. Crittenden, ----- Middletown John H. Sage, ------- Portland SECRETARY Edward H. Wilkins, ----- Middletown TREASURER John H. Sage, Portland EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE The President, The Secretary, The Vice-President, . The Treasurer, Samuel 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 17 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 AU DITOR William J. deMauriac, Middletown 18 IGtfe-iUnttfors 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, William W. Wilcox, B. A., Mrs. William W. Wilcox, Middletown Middletown Middletown Middletown Middletown Cleveland, O. Middletown Middletown Middletown Middletown Middletown Joseph W. Alsop, ------ Simsbury Edwin P. Augur, ------ Middletown Samuel Babcock, ------ Middletown Wallace K. Bacon, ------ Middletown Francis A. Beach, ------ Middletown Abner A. Bevin, ----- East Hampton Judson B. Brainerd, ------ Portland William B. Brewer, ------ Middletown Robert Broatch, - - - - - - Middletown Mrs. James H. Bunce, - - - x - - Middletown James H. Bunce, ------ Middletown Robert W. Burke, ------ Middletown Wilbur F. Burrows, ------ Middletown William H. Burrows, ----- Middletown EarlE C. Butler, ------ Middletown Dale D. Butler, ------ Middletown J.Francis CalEF, M. D., ----- Middletown Edward S. Coe, - - - - - - - Cromwell 19 Ex-Governor O. Vincent Coffin, LL. D., - Middletown George A. Craig, ..... Middletown Eddie S. Davis, ------- Middletown William J. deMauriac, ----- Middletown Mrs. William J. deMauriac, - Middletown Richard L. deZeng, ------ Middletown Professor George M. Dutcher, Ph.D., - Middletown Richard C. Fagan, Middletown Mayor John L. Fisk, . Middletown Edward A. Gladwin, - Middletown Frederick E. Gibbons, ----- Middletown Alfred GilderslEEve, ----- Portland Ferdinand GilderslEEve, - Portland Miss Emma C. Gilman, ----- Middletown Frederick W. Goodrich, ----- Portland Robert S. Griswold, - Cromwell James K. Guy, --..... Middletown Hon. Frank D. Haines, ----- 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 Rev. Homer W. Hildreth, - Cromwell E. Dyer Hubbard, .--... Middletown Hon. Elijah K. Hubbard, - Middletown E. Kent Hubbard, Jr., B. A., - - - Middletown Charles E. Jackson, Middletown Edward Q. Jackson, ------ Middletown Alva H. Kelsey, - . . Middletown Miss Mary E. Lyman, - Middlefield Charles E. Lyman, Middlefield Henry L. Mansfield, Middletown Revilo C. Markham, ---.. Middletown Mrs. Ellen MaThewson, ... - Durham G. Ellsworth Meech, .... - Middletown Joseph Merriam, ------ Middletown Hon. L,yman A. Mills, ----- Middlefield William MylchreEST, Middletown Isaac G. Newell, ------ Middletown Rev. John F. Nichols, ----- Portland Mrs. Elizabeth A. Northrop, - Ivoryton Richard H. Pascall, ----- Portland Charles A. Pelton, ------ Middletown Frank E. Potter, M. D., ----- Portland Albert E. Purple, - Moodus Rev. Oliver H. RaFTERY, D. D., - - - Portland Mrs. Susan C. Ray, -----. Middletown Ex-Pres. Bradford P. Raymond, D. D., IX. D., Middletown Professor William N. Rice, Ph. D., LL. D., Middletown Hon. Samuel Russell, ----- Middletown Samuel Russell, Jr., Middletown John H. Sage, ------- Portland Philip Sage, - Portland Miss Emily A. Selden, Middletown Miss Mary H. SELLEW, ----- Portland Frank C. Smith, ------ Middletown Frank F. Starr, ------ Middletown Charles O. Stone, Middletown Willis E. Terrill, ------ Middletown Mrs. Anna S. Titcomb, Boston, Mass. Miss Mariana Townsend, - Middletown Clarence S. WadsworTh, B.A., LL.B., - - Middletown Henry C. Ward, ------ Middletown Oliver S. WaTrous, D.D.S., - Middletown Hon. Frank B. Weeks, LL.D., - - - Middletown Mrs. Frank B. Weeks, Middletown William S. Wetherbee, ----- Middletown Professor Caleb T. Winchester, L.H.D., - Middletown Edward H. Wilkins, - - - . - - Middletown Utat of Arltrlra ©hmrb by tlje &omiy an& fExhibttffl in Uh Siiilimuj 1. Photograph of Middletown in 1868. 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. Hub- bard, a native of Middletown. 4. Photographs of six historic homes in Middletown, pre- pared for the Jamestown Exposition, 1907. 5. a, d, 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. Key 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-. 20. Framed State Democratic ticket, 1839. 21. Framed circular with sketches of lives of Democratic State candidates, 1839. 22. Engraved 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, Last 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, 1 768-1 841, Congressman from New York. 41. Photograph of Dr. Charles Woodward of Middletown, 1 799-1870. 42. Photograph of Charles R. Woodward of Middletown, 1832-1904. 43. Photograph of Henry Woodward of Middletown, 1S38- 1907. 44. Photograph of John Hubbard 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. and 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. 1 752-1 837. 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. 6g. 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, demolished 1893. 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 25 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. 101. 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. 10S. 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. in. 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 waffle 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 or 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 ioo years old. 154. Iron crane, owned by great-grandfather of Charles A. Pelton of Middletown. From Aunt Philinda Pelton House, Penfield Hill, Portland. J 55- Old barometer and thermometer, once belonging to the Overton family, Portland. 156. Old iron toaster. 157 158 159 when 160 161 162 163 164 165 166 167 War. 168 169 Revolving gridiron with receptacle for fat. String of eight old spools. Old Dutch axe brought over in early days. Uncovered ploughing. Small old pair of candle snuffers. Old clasp knife of odd form. Brass candlestick. Old style bullet mould. Pair of creepers, used for walking on ice. Iron snuffers and tray. Thirty-one chipped flints, made for the flint-lock mus- kets used in the old militia companies. Sword with sheath. A relic of the Spanish-American Hetchel for cleaning flax or hemp. 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. 189 190 191 192 193 194 195 196 197 198 a, b. Two astral lamps. a, b, c, d. Four military hats. Old toasting iron. a, b y c. Three Indian stone weapons. Pair of old beaded moccasins. Old iron shovel. Old-fashioned travelling bag. Flip iron. Eleven colored military pictures. Advertising signs of Joseph T. Bell, manufacturer of military caps and belts, New York. 29 199- Office 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. 201. Facsimile of judge's warrant for execution of Charles I. 202. Facsimile of Connecticut Charter of 1662, obtained of Charles II. by Gov. 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 openwork 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. A chair owned and used by 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. 217. Photograph of Mr. George H. Bishop. Born in Middle- town, June nth, 1831, died on August 19th, 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 24th, 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 frdm 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. 31 2 33- Spinning wheel. 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 Fermo 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 Haddam, 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. 255- Framed lithograph of old Middletown, which had hung in 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, 1 783-1 786. Built by Constant 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, commemor- ating 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, 1 881. 266. Medal of Centennial of the inauguration of Washington as first President of United States. 1889. The following have been added to the Society's collection during the past two years: 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, 181 7. 270. Photographs, from family portraits, of Capt. Joseph W. Alsop and his wife, Mrs. Lucy Whittlesey 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 weaving carpet-binding, in use before 1800. Formerly the property of Mrs. Comfort Johnson of Middletown, grandmother of Mrs. James P. Fay. 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 worn in latter part of 1700 by Miss Townsend of Oyster Bay, L. I., great-aunt of Miss Charlotte Jackson. 278. Straw poke-bonnet of old-time style. 279. a, b. Sabre. 280. Framed photograph of Middletown and the river, evidently taken from the Court House. 281. 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. «, 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, 1808, the first manufacturers of broad-cloth 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 1812. 291. Cradle bought for Mrs. Susan Carrington Hubbard Ray, in 1S31. 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. The Society has a library of 2,483 volumes and pamphlets, many old newspapers, letters, deeds, and other records of historic value. One hundred and twenty-nine books and pamphlets have been presented during the past year. Mansfield Post, G. A. R., of Middletown has presented the Society with its large collection of relics of the Civil War. The Society also has in its keeping many articles loaned by the owners, notably a collection of curious old wearing apparel and fine embroideries, and a number of oil portraits. LBD'14 928