Haddam Historical Society &
Thankful Arnold House Museum
News and Events
September 8, 2017
Hurricanes

Hurricanes have been in the headlines for the past few weeks and historically Connecticut has seen its share of devastating storms. In 1815 the New England Hurricane destroyed 500 homes and flooded Providence, Rhode Island. The New England Hurricane of 1938 was a Category 3 with wind gusts up to 186 mph. The storm killed over 600 people and is considered the worst hurricane to hit New England in modern times. It hit Connecticut particularly hard.  In recent memory Hurricane Gloria in September of 1985 caused extensive damage in the area and had winds clocked at 112 mph. I can remember racing Hurricane Bob across the Newport Bridge in August of 1991 and who can forget Irene and Sandy.

The National Hurricane Center suggests the following to prepare for a storm: Evacuation plan, buy supplies, check insurance coverage, make copies of important documents, protect your home, and back up electronics. I would also add- help those in need. 




Thank you to our wonderful
watering volunteers!

Many thanks to those who volunteered to water the garden this summer. Marijean Conrad, the Devlin Family, Rogene Gillmor, Ron and Mary Alice Matulevich and Sarah and David Neal. Also thanks to our hardworking garden sprites who have done a wonderful job making the garden a beautiful retreat for butterflies, bees and humans.






Name the Castor Bean Plant (tree?)
It was suggested that we have a naming contest for the HUGE Castor Bean Plant in the garden at the museum. It has been the "buzz" of the summer with all visitors "wondering what it is?".  It started out small and has grown at a tremendous pace and now stands over 6 feet tall. Some have noted that it reminds them of the plant in "Little Shop of Horrors". Send in your suggestions.

Trivia question: What was the name of the plant in the original 1960 film-The Little Shop of Horrors?






Thank you to everyone who helped out  at 
the Haddam Neck Fair

Jane Aldieri, Sue and David Costa, Sue DeCarli, Mel Ellis, Liz Glidden, Sarah and David Neal, Amy Roper, Deb Rutter, Katherine Schoonover, Terry Smith, and Elaine Stephens. We had two good days and a rainy Sunday but ate well and met some very nice people. 





September 9, 2017

Higganum Green
9 am to 2 pm

Visit us this Saturday, September 9 on the Higganum Green starting at 9 am. We will have our Haddam Island and Baseball pop up exhibits on display.




The Family of Helen Deag, long-time HHS member, former board member and community angel has invited all to join them to celebrate Helen's 90th birthday on October 29 at St. Peter's Church in Higganum. Hope to see you there.

New to the Collection!

Undina Sign- One of our newest accquisitions is the wonderful Undina Beverage Sign donation by Bill Baroni of Higganum. Made of metal the sign measures approximately 8' x 4'.




Kitchen Tour
Haddam Historical Society presents
Heart of the Home Kitchen Tour
Saturday, September 23, 2017
11 am to 4 pm

On Saturday, September 23, 2017 the Haddam Historical Society will host a tour of seven local kitchens from 11 am to 4 pm. The tour will feature some of Haddam's and Higganum's most stunning kitchens dating from the 1700s to today. Many of the featured kitchens have been innovatively and professionally renovated and demonstrate how a new kitchen can work in an old house. Visitors will also view historic 18th century kitchens where cooking was done on the hearth. Each stop on the tour will feature a special demonstration, display or tasting. Tickets are $25 per person in advance and $30 day of the tour.  Please visit www.haddamhistory.org for additional information. The tour will start at the Thankful Arnold House Museum, 14 Hayden Hill Road, Haddam, CT 06438. The tour is sponsored by Convenant Kitchens of Westbrook, CT














Looking for volunteers for Kitchen Tour  

We have a few more spots for kitchen tour docents on September 23. Please contact Amy Roper at wonkyworks@comcast.net to volunteer. We have both morning (11 am to 1:30 pm) and afternoon (1:30 pm to 4 pm) shifts. Volunteer perks include going on the tour for free and a swanky "staff" button. 



A year in the life of D & H Scovil

December 1889 to December 1890

On Sunday, October 15, 2017 at 3 pm at the Haddam Fire Station #1, 439 Saybrook Road, Higganum native, Lindamae Peck will talk about her research into the D & H Scovil company records for the year December 1889 to December 1890. D & H Scovil Company, whose factories were located along Candlewood Hill Road, manufactured hoes that were shipped throughout the southern states.

Lindamae's great-grandfather, Orlando Burr worked for D & H Scovil between 1869 and 1907 starting as bookkeeper and working his way to plant superintendent. Join us for a fascinating glimpse into Higganum's Industrial Past. Free admission and light refreshments. 



SAVE THE DATE
Tylerville Cemetery Tour
Saturday, October 21 from 1 pm to 4 pm

Meet some of the interesting people who are buried in one of Haddam's oldest cemeteries including the wife of a polygamist, the mother of  a 2 year old killed by the train and two brothers who died during the Civil War.