tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-59754272318990309172024-02-19T00:55:46.737-05:00The Hebron HarvesterGot any interesting info or stories you'd like to share within Hebron? Please send your stories to hebronmapleleaf@gmail.com.hebronmapleleafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04973506082399516836noreply@blogger.comBlogger33125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5975427231899030917.post-80017117889237620102022-03-26T17:42:00.007-04:002022-03-26T17:55:11.152-04:00Maple Fest Tractor Parade A Huge Success!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3aPkteMQ2n9QqQG9i4cEtOzZ4pm1SVQfX69MNvKVd1gmT1ia3EXWsR0FPtSF0w-FSGKi05I1xu23ZQrozDP5gAZVKlSjeBD7OIUoNVLxmscXYJl6MIq1mRjAc0E9f1rBSOjvy_3ZYdsvupJTezkDEgfC0UAoV5PkuxWeutCi-i8ekbN66tpVicoFM/s2048/tractorparade3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1579" data-original-width="2048" height="309" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3aPkteMQ2n9QqQG9i4cEtOzZ4pm1SVQfX69MNvKVd1gmT1ia3EXWsR0FPtSF0w-FSGKi05I1xu23ZQrozDP5gAZVKlSjeBD7OIUoNVLxmscXYJl6MIq1mRjAc0E9f1rBSOjvy_3ZYdsvupJTezkDEgfC0UAoV5PkuxWeutCi-i8ekbN66tpVicoFM/w400-h309/tractorparade3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><span style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div>This past weekend (March 19th and March 20th), Hebron had its annual Maple Festival hosted by the Windham Chamber of Commerce. This was the first Maple Festival in 2 years due to the Covid-19 pandemic, making it the 30th Maple Festival in Hebron, Connecticut since the event started in 1990.</span></div><p>The Maple Festival didn't disappoint. People came out both days, despite questionable weather on Saturday. The festival included several vendors (both new and old), many of which had maple-flavored or maple-themed foods and products. There were several food trucks from around the area (such as Pizza Pixie and Creamery Brook Bison), nearby vendors and organizations (like Hebron Parks and Recreation, Hebron Democrats and Hebron Republicans), as well as several activities (balloon darts and inflatable bouncers). And of course, we can't forget maple syrup, the local maple sugar houses and the Lion's Pancake Breakfast. The Hebron Maple Leaf made his return, accompanied by Alexandra the Mermaid, a newcomer for this year. Of course, this is only the short list. The festival had so much to offer and became a fun event to get everyone outside after a long two years of dealing with the Covid-19 virus.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLmxwaixNp0opP5z6lo03mdffuYdbcnLyjRQvX1XRVrN35bq42THeXhxj-c_jaEJlxI2DEXmd8OfkOQDFCFotFdRB_KCIpXZAABKVsErY54wMvCqPLWcywBzAlNoP3Dufy-adUsmeSfq6YSeKVBUbIMKYboJfGf770b71sf-TE77pbTjsC7f3-LwhH/s2048/mapleleaftractorparade2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLmxwaixNp0opP5z6lo03mdffuYdbcnLyjRQvX1XRVrN35bq42THeXhxj-c_jaEJlxI2DEXmd8OfkOQDFCFotFdRB_KCIpXZAABKVsErY54wMvCqPLWcywBzAlNoP3Dufy-adUsmeSfq6YSeKVBUbIMKYboJfGf770b71sf-TE77pbTjsC7f3-LwhH/w400-h266/mapleleaftractorparade2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hebron Maple Leaf in the tractor parade</td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsQ8BW-n-EF-H7Q_1LyAP8PjNC1gf0z81qRcmbnsJm9ymRlZ_rjScjTcjG2ZYVOeTxFjfamsC2fVuAuvKa-ouqPy99vpZVjl2mWslZt8el8hr3Y7c9XfhrQLEgot38StRgapn88Cw-1IyJ_9tUkv5zcA3L2Y4OXzVFGWy-MZZ5VKJkPnE6rHHusThn/s2048/tractorparademermaid.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1365" data-original-width="2048" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsQ8BW-n-EF-H7Q_1LyAP8PjNC1gf0z81qRcmbnsJm9ymRlZ_rjScjTcjG2ZYVOeTxFjfamsC2fVuAuvKa-ouqPy99vpZVjl2mWslZt8el8hr3Y7c9XfhrQLEgot38StRgapn88Cw-1IyJ_9tUkv5zcA3L2Y4OXzVFGWy-MZZ5VKJkPnE6rHHusThn/w640-h426/tractorparademermaid.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Alexandra the Mermaid in the tractor parade</td></tr></tbody></table><p>But one thing to me that truly brought home the Maple Festival wasn't just the return of all of these fun events, but the tractor parade itself. Put together by Kevin McDonnell, the tractor parade was bigger than it has ever been before. Just recently, Chester had had a tractor parade of 44 tractors, and Hebron was out to beat that mark.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" class="BLOG_video_class" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xhLUubO6e9k" width="320" youtube-src-id="xhLUubO6e9k"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">In this video, you can see the tractors at Ted's before they head out on the tractor parade</div><p>On Sunday, March 20th, 2022, the Hebron Tractor Parade took place on Main Street and looped around Colebrook Village on Horton Boulevard. In the last 6 or 7 years since the tractor parade became popular, it has been increasingly bigger each year. That being said, it was little by little. This year, however, was astounding. After a 2-year hiatus because of Covid-19, 92 tractors became a significant growth from 2019's tractor parade. Nearly twice as many tractors lined and filled the lower section of Ted's parking lot. There were several participants from within town and surrounding towns, with some participants coming as far as Rhode Island to join the tractor parade (according to the Hebron Maple Festival Tractor Parade Facebook page). And it all came after two years of the Maple Festival's absence.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoBh06BKVhtS0s7HTyZSjcEVTcwnt92vaSGNAShpc8ie1FZunA5W3nVgRkyMnsYO4argV6C64G96uB6oaTmlml0qlSF7rmDOaj6Exrs7JNjjCynU8MjZ8sDaTvkG6neOniR55jZTmlV-MI06oDEgG7gQfvjI2k4EwRwoDqRqv6XVB0AOWx4PKmAjyw/s2048/kevinmcdonnell2.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1450" data-original-width="2048" height="284" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoBh06BKVhtS0s7HTyZSjcEVTcwnt92vaSGNAShpc8ie1FZunA5W3nVgRkyMnsYO4argV6C64G96uB6oaTmlml0qlSF7rmDOaj6Exrs7JNjjCynU8MjZ8sDaTvkG6neOniR55jZTmlV-MI06oDEgG7gQfvjI2k4EwRwoDqRqv6XVB0AOWx4PKmAjyw/w400-h284/kevinmcdonnell2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kevin McDonnell, organizer of the 2022 Hebron Maple Festival Tractor Parade</td></tr></tbody></table><p>This was the largest tractor parade in the Maple Festival, which according to the Hebron Maple Festival Tractor Parade Facebook page, included "92 tractors, 13 trailers, over 100 participants, and thousands of thrilled spectators." One can attest to the size of this tractor parade, as some of the tractors had already made their journey through Main Street, and were returning to Ted's, while the last few tractors were still just setting out and beginning their trek down Main Street. </p><p>Many of the tractors were spring-themed and decorated for St. Patrick's Day. On some of the trailers, participants threw candy to the onlookers alongside the road. The event was very festive, with hats, balloons, flower pinwheels, and flags decorating the tractors. Even the Hebron Maple Leaf and Alexandra the Mermaid found their ways onto the tractors, accompanied by the many cheers of citizens alongside Main Street and watching the parade. The tractor parade at the Maple Festival was even filmed by a drone as tractors rode along Main Street (click the link below to see the sky view video on Facebook).</p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://fb.watch/b-fHjOPE9y/">Sky View of Hebron Tractor Parade</a><br /></p><p>While the Hebron Maple Festival has had tractor parades before, this one was different. It was bigger, twice the size of what the "little farm town" had ever done before. The 2022 Hebron Maple Festival Tractor Parade showed that the citizens of Hebron, Connecticut and other surrounding towns wanted to come out and celebrate. This pivotal tractor parade showed that the citizens of Hebron wanted to put Covid-19 behind them and look toward a promising spring and summer. It showed how resilient and strong our town truly is. And it showed our farm-town spirit, which is forever strong in Hebron, Connecticut.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaV_TknaxbxMpUn5R0JdhyBLKQ41Wrcrt6-XIQwxrQP7LmbngIjAxomTIai97LDDS-JdPk1qyHG9mJVy0cNMtL3tQj1YC0DImSiD33M-1XtWvAO-ZEfcqbwNzpZL84xW4NUX7sPtmJ4THiDQxnMuJC5LoZuBKoOdh8jSpBmF_yRb2phIitI9z3xPRQ/s3125/tractorparade5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1341" data-original-width="3125" height="274" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaV_TknaxbxMpUn5R0JdhyBLKQ41Wrcrt6-XIQwxrQP7LmbngIjAxomTIai97LDDS-JdPk1qyHG9mJVy0cNMtL3tQj1YC0DImSiD33M-1XtWvAO-ZEfcqbwNzpZL84xW4NUX7sPtmJ4THiDQxnMuJC5LoZuBKoOdh8jSpBmF_yRb2phIitI9z3xPRQ/w640-h274/tractorparade5.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Is it possible that next year, the tractor parade can be even bigger? 100 tractors? 150? Who knows. It is certainly a goal Hebron can reach. One thing for sure, however, is that the 2022 Hebron Maple Festival Tractor Parade was special, not just because it was the biggest, but because it showed how strong Hebron is coming out of the pandemic. Now, we must look toward the summer, 2023, and an even bigger tractor parade next year.</p><p>If you have any pictures, videos, or further information about the 2022 Hebron Maple Festival Tractor Parade you would like to include (or you feel fit this story), please email <a href="mailto:hebronmapleleaf@gmail.com">hebronmapleleaf@gmail.com</a>. </p><p><br /></p>hebronmapleleafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04973506082399516836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5975427231899030917.post-81820257528922199782021-05-10T20:37:00.005-04:002021-05-13T21:35:13.010-04:00Vandalism at Veterans Memorial Park<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4nxY4Y0Y-ON5mCpReNj8XCJdS_M3z7bWtzSC6tAskYO8oWxDI1hUutXJ9q9NjOcCE1oaafgeODIyfD8wMVi-FVRgaEsZWNEuRTlT3svLSo-6-wyi5RKR1wEkqS3j4s4BAOlaoCiUltnU/s500/DSC00391.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="500" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4nxY4Y0Y-ON5mCpReNj8XCJdS_M3z7bWtzSC6tAskYO8oWxDI1hUutXJ9q9NjOcCE1oaafgeODIyfD8wMVi-FVRgaEsZWNEuRTlT3svLSo-6-wyi5RKR1wEkqS3j4s4BAOlaoCiUltnU/w400-h300/DSC00391.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p>As we are in the middle of a pandemic (hopefully coming out of it), many of us are looking for activities to do. What better way than to spend some time at one of our local parks? More recently, Gay City State Park has been booming, as well as Grayville Park. Hebron certainly isn't short of public parks for entertainment, that's for sure.</p><p>One park that has been garnering a lot of attention lately (and not necessarily for the best reasons) is Veterans Memorial Park. Veterans Park has been a mainstay in Hebron for several years, having a playscape and being the main place where many sports teams play during the spring and summer months. The park is also well known for its skate park, as well as where Parks and Rec used to hold its yearly summer camp. If one moves to the garden area of the park, he or she will notice bricks with written names of families and sponsors who have supported the park in its earlier days. There are so many supporters over the years, however, the park isn't exactly kept up to form these days.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8_C9OUQLj1U0fZLn5GIw6aR9izpP_4HoLp8Auid4-9d1HiGo0va8luk9GAHdfZq9FKPO63ChCtBmn-VJN2fIHHImDEgwWqwlAZ5TzsFw-bEd1adt6mDZ77ifK5n3_xUSbpfMlkuq7o6g/s2048/20210509_095222.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8_C9OUQLj1U0fZLn5GIw6aR9izpP_4HoLp8Auid4-9d1HiGo0va8luk9GAHdfZq9FKPO63ChCtBmn-VJN2fIHHImDEgwWqwlAZ5TzsFw-bEd1adt6mDZ77ifK5n3_xUSbpfMlkuq7o6g/w400-h300/20210509_095222.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Names of families and sponsors for the park</td></tr></tbody></table><p>More recently, the park has led itself to vandalism. Trash has lined the park from time to time, pocketed by fences and in areas of the woods. This has led to many community cleanups. People have come for yearly Earth Day cleanups and regular everyday cleanups in order to keep the park clean, enjoyable and free from candy wrappers. Littering has been an ongoing problem, and it can also be noted that the lack of trash cans do not help the situation. There are areas with trashcans, but I do know from previous experience that they often fill frequently and aren't always cleared in a timely fashion.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhezT51NglAJNsatrv30rztPvpDT3SkSsArROleOHyu7-z5dFxzr0ZePGY8CBs1KtnHlf6IEqvBTcvJgH53yGn-rzi0h-4WQIe-LaXMSijoeCZPn07zHg-d-5IYReShbvEGBWPEk3Wdc90/s2048/20210509_102939.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhezT51NglAJNsatrv30rztPvpDT3SkSsArROleOHyu7-z5dFxzr0ZePGY8CBs1KtnHlf6IEqvBTcvJgH53yGn-rzi0h-4WQIe-LaXMSijoeCZPn07zHg-d-5IYReShbvEGBWPEk3Wdc90/w400-h300/20210509_102939.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Trash lining the skate park fence</td></tr></tbody></table><p>The bathrooms, which were installed several years ago (but are still new in comparison to much of the park), have seen damage several times. They are also not the most tidy bathrooms, often looking a little more rundown and unkempt. Like the trash, most of this is due to people not properly taking care of their public parks.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5l7lPy5g2zv2dl7F3YUGT1aIi0LG-NeDYil85kHXnlOXyLWuj-fTin1W_6AwNQvvmOiMZpwUUViCIvJ1PeYbMXy8LO1zCFu9Q1HIYho8TrlNHsE590s-2LyNrq-QUWq-tI9dhlFvgPbc/s960/FB_IMG_1620499004917.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5l7lPy5g2zv2dl7F3YUGT1aIi0LG-NeDYil85kHXnlOXyLWuj-fTin1W_6AwNQvvmOiMZpwUUViCIvJ1PeYbMXy8LO1zCFu9Q1HIYho8TrlNHsE590s-2LyNrq-QUWq-tI9dhlFvgPbc/w400-h300/FB_IMG_1620499004917.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vandalism in the bathrooms at Veterans Memorial Park</td></tr></tbody></table><p>But probably the most alarming part of the park is the skate park. Over the years, the skate park was the highlight of Veterans Park. Many people would come and skate on the ramps. Oftentimes you would see five to ten people at once, enjoying their time on the ramps. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLBq1RX_Y_p7vgF-TCR14XedvV-tTbUZdLh6LydYvPK4jVBhok6fhCnI6pwVqQk-yaQ7QZ0XNREWUvZQ5sCJygNUifO0_bppz1NI18BFK2Ir6b9-cxKxlkQmaSDeTCN_M1zHxrNgiKOXM/s475/xUQ0RLCsTQyuf5vgmSro_IMG_8171.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="355" data-original-width="475" height="299" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLBq1RX_Y_p7vgF-TCR14XedvV-tTbUZdLh6LydYvPK4jVBhok6fhCnI6pwVqQk-yaQ7QZ0XNREWUvZQ5sCJygNUifO0_bppz1NI18BFK2Ir6b9-cxKxlkQmaSDeTCN_M1zHxrNgiKOXM/w400-h299/xUQ0RLCsTQyuf5vgmSro_IMG_8171.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Residents at the skate park</td></tr></tbody></table><p>However, the skate park is much different today. It is often desolate, and another area which has led itself to littering and graffiti. I last visited the skate park and noticed that there was a "closed" sign etched on its fence, no longer remaining open to the public. In the former years, the skate park used to have surveillance. Someone would be assigned to watch over the park and make sure that the skate park was being used properly and was adequately maintained. Today, however, the skate park (much like the park itself on days when sports aren't being played) is often deserted. </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0qGwyyIecmHEjDCLM4SDjW7eMjPiwUpUTmw2IOTZ1zMtbavDYZXWbJQXENFXGvanFdhGOT1fIjhBlbtP7w7oATLafbFEETinX2R4Gcj5GgSR0iyCq_VdvaK78fYiLNj0fbaX9yUEdv7M/s2048/20210509_102914.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0qGwyyIecmHEjDCLM4SDjW7eMjPiwUpUTmw2IOTZ1zMtbavDYZXWbJQXENFXGvanFdhGOT1fIjhBlbtP7w7oATLafbFEETinX2R4Gcj5GgSR0iyCq_VdvaK78fYiLNj0fbaX9yUEdv7M/w400-h300/20210509_102914.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Closed" sign at the skate park</td></tr></tbody></table><p>Is this because of covid? A lack of skaters? Whatever it may be, it should be known that the skate park has been mistreated over the years. There has been little to no maintenance. People have brought in bikes even when they aren't allowed. When the park was closed, I've witnessed kids jumping the fence to get in and skate. The accountability the skate park once had is now gone, and what lies in its place is a very different skate park- one that is rundown and beat up.</p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzoS7BxOl3Z4gGNLJ3TivMtXqTjaRotL62RsvnRMfXAwh6kaaCACjhL3dPZJNkMNiCHCxgDZnP4HCufbOrk9hST5KjbgfFAehMqrAeTxRqjKaaYvYbUsuJYKlWE9zLiqlfksm_oSJ24yY/s2048/20210509_103004.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzoS7BxOl3Z4gGNLJ3TivMtXqTjaRotL62RsvnRMfXAwh6kaaCACjhL3dPZJNkMNiCHCxgDZnP4HCufbOrk9hST5KjbgfFAehMqrAeTxRqjKaaYvYbUsuJYKlWE9zLiqlfksm_oSJ24yY/w400-h300/20210509_103004.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The skate park at Veterans- notice the graffiti written on the ramp</td></tr></tbody></table><p>The question that remains is what should we do? Should we keep the skate park? Take it down? What advantage would we have keeping it if there is little to no maintenance? Is there a liability in keeping the skate park? So many questions. I do know, however, that people are tired of the vandalism and do not want to deal with our public parks being mistreated. It should also be noted that there are residents in Hebron who have petitioned to get the skate park rebuilt: <a href="https://www.ipetitions.com/petition/rebuild-hebron-skatepark" target="_blank">Petition for Hebron Skate Park</a></p><p>While this is a great idea, how will we maintain the skate park so that it does not become vandalized once again? </p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnamqTi5M1wQEu8H9ASLNG0uDok8xjwBBooxeYYo5A5ES2wu20P9OZaWXtpdZhPRfsZ6elC2i3aOH6WJQjyAFxHVTHVYvjEjgOeMLvWNDSnxur6OvVEcQWkXiaoS4AaW_SFq0OkFhZv8k/s2048/20210509_103050.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1536" data-original-width="2048" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhnamqTi5M1wQEu8H9ASLNG0uDok8xjwBBooxeYYo5A5ES2wu20P9OZaWXtpdZhPRfsZ6elC2i3aOH6WJQjyAFxHVTHVYvjEjgOeMLvWNDSnxur6OvVEcQWkXiaoS4AaW_SFq0OkFhZv8k/w400-h300/20210509_103050.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another view of the skate park</td></tr></tbody></table><p>It does seem, however, that Veterans Park has been forgotten. Since the birth of Burnt Hill Park, Veterans Park has been secondary. Burnt Hill Park is home to the Parks and Recreation office. It has more fields for playing sports and there is more surveillance. The "newness" of Burnt Hill Park attracts more people, including those who walk their dogs. Veterans Park just isn't the same as it used to be. Burnt Hill Park has become the "go-to" park. But, that doesn't mean we should forget about Veterans Memorial Park.</p><p>Hebron Parks and Recreation is entering a new era with a new director. Hopefully, Veterans Parks will be on the rise to becoming a cleaner and more friendlier park. Obviously, it can't rest on the Parks and Recreation staff alone. We as citizens need to keep our parks clean and enjoyable. Without our part, we won't have the wonderful parks. We need to do our job to keep the parks clean, otherwise we may no longer have a memorable park for sports and recreation.</p><p>As for the skate park, who knows? Should we take it down? Close it permanently? Provide staff to oversee its maintenance? (Keep in mind, some of the options require money). These are questions that may not be so easily answered, but it is a main concern looking forward. As citizens, we must really look into keeping our parks clean as well as maintaining the beauty and heritage of Veterans Memorial Park.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeOjvnTQom-B8vwate_y4BN5leRwQ6mEX6MvImLFFXoJ7EXX1sq0zDtlMRh_oGFN3fFhBxKH2VXBr6wcK30t1cL-RxjWJvRZWoYtzyG5QEt0DoF60AeCjLLfLCwEsrvKb_MisWWfzcPCA/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="500" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeOjvnTQom-B8vwate_y4BN5leRwQ6mEX6MvImLFFXoJ7EXX1sq0zDtlMRh_oGFN3fFhBxKH2VXBr6wcK30t1cL-RxjWJvRZWoYtzyG5QEt0DoF60AeCjLLfLCwEsrvKb_MisWWfzcPCA/w400-h300/image.png" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">What are your thoughts? Please comment and share below.</div><br /><br /><p></p>hebronmapleleafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04973506082399516836noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5975427231899030917.post-73566729725260063342020-06-03T20:29:00.003-04:002020-06-05T14:05:55.948-04:00The Old Amston Silver Company Becoming a Brewery?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCK30t4zpj0NEag940u9ybyTumSxbxNl1Qqxm_qQaaDbFnBnt8lmlRELLNVBZIfwkFe7TSTANGWv2-1JFcUNug7ik8cmAiHzBgiWWAqwU03i32Rt_ukZDAeHiGtAE0Yvcsr9eQrDDCuOQ/s1600/20200522_180956.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCK30t4zpj0NEag940u9ybyTumSxbxNl1Qqxm_qQaaDbFnBnt8lmlRELLNVBZIfwkFe7TSTANGWv2-1JFcUNug7ik8cmAiHzBgiWWAqwU03i32Rt_ukZDAeHiGtAE0Yvcsr9eQrDDCuOQ/s320/20200522_180956.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Featured in the above picture is an old recognizable building ("The Silver Company") that has been sitting on the edge of Route 85 in Amston, heading toward Colchester. This building has been sitting empty for awhile now, but rumors are it is soon to become a brewery.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzzAhGkiXqYVMrk4nKS5lOHKrGgs_a5LwXWI41pJ71oqBrf-LnXpAhdvs66cX0Py8tu9Atltet63aOHFysX3pv_T2-3LaBE9rMBZoI-GisxGFKiq9mtwJHSn1FJbo-a3UCGGV3y0YWOU0/s1600/20200522_180939.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzzAhGkiXqYVMrk4nKS5lOHKrGgs_a5LwXWI41pJ71oqBrf-LnXpAhdvs66cX0Py8tu9Atltet63aOHFysX3pv_T2-3LaBE9rMBZoI-GisxGFKiq9mtwJHSn1FJbo-a3UCGGV3y0YWOU0/s320/20200522_180939.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
The fact that a truck has recently been left there and the "for sale" realty sign has been damaged (when it recently wasn't) can imply something to come into this building.<br />
<br />
Some know the building as The Silver Company. Others know it as the antique place, the Treasure Factory, or Schaeffer Plastics Manufacturing. Whatever the case may be, it is mostly recently known as the rundown deserted brick building on route 85. No one has been there for awhile, so it came by surprise that it had been bought and is becoming a brewery.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwd2WqbIs88QiXUpmH-2HGe-ymxYuztsWV8C-txRN7pvKpIrYo4bHQIUaw-t9Q018ya-NTDs3WGxqrp0WPqMnlO9Jf_-rZyFX_xlRVFQwcp5RDaOdzZlPewju1eeHuLYvg8fwruCWF3CM/s1600/20200522_180850.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwd2WqbIs88QiXUpmH-2HGe-ymxYuztsWV8C-txRN7pvKpIrYo4bHQIUaw-t9Q018ya-NTDs3WGxqrp0WPqMnlO9Jf_-rZyFX_xlRVFQwcp5RDaOdzZlPewju1eeHuLYvg8fwruCWF3CM/s400/20200522_180850.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A shot from afar- a back portion of the building is open and being worked on</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The building's history is quite astounding, because so many businesses were held in this brick building. Contrary to popular belief, this building was not the automobile shop known as Ams Sterling Place. Ams Sterling was located in Hebron, farther south on Lake Road. Some may have also gotten confused by the name, thinking that "Sterling" meant "silver" as in The Silver Company. The two names were both companies in Hebron of similar name, which could be why they became confusing. But Ams Sterling (according to sources) went out of business in the early 1900's (roughly between 1910 and 1927), which was just around or before this brick building was even built. What was even more confusing was that, according to Facebook posts from Hebron citizens, automobiles and trucks were held in this building at one time, under Bill Leary's company called Leary Transportation.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH35xn2wYa-byw3LOMZ3cMk_zowytRYX8ENOIXRUOhOLdWz6xvlx6VtrJ-kgepE2h0o6_uEWqMH0qAzk28jek66ZoXSx4r8QueoGbK_I6uX1HXzwIdUHbYd7gNnJOMPXlugOWzaVPtnNc/s1600/20200522_181018.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH35xn2wYa-byw3LOMZ3cMk_zowytRYX8ENOIXRUOhOLdWz6xvlx6VtrJ-kgepE2h0o6_uEWqMH0qAzk28jek66ZoXSx4r8QueoGbK_I6uX1HXzwIdUHbYd7gNnJOMPXlugOWzaVPtnNc/s400/20200522_181018.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As you can see by the stairs on the side, the building has multiple levels</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So what is the history of this building? There is a lot of debate as to the historical accuracy of this building, but I will do my best to correctly convey the information that has been shared through several Hebron and Amston residents on Facebook. many of these residents have been involved in the building at some point in their lives, whether it was their parents who passed down stories or had other relatives involved. I do my best to tell what I've heard and piece together the stories to truly understand the history of the building.<br />
<br />
According to Hebron citizens, the initial development was a "wood frame building company that produced window and sash moldings" before becoming a grain mill after 1922. After this point, the building was sold to Philip Gross and Anna Zablotsky in 1925, who transferred half of the ownership to their daughter Sadie Turshen in 1926. The original building burned down in 1927, and Sadie's husband, Ira (who was a Russian Jewish immigrant) rebuilt the site in fire-resistant brick. From then on, Izzy Turshen (as I'm assuming was Ira), housed his general store and building supply businesses in the brick building. Some have claimed that Izzy used a lot of recycled materials to put the building together. According to sources, the building contains three enormous steel beams on the side, which were originally part of a bridge.<br />
<br />
Some sources indicated that the building had run as a mill, titled "Amston Grain Mill." This mill may have been in conjunction or part of Izzy's general store, as Journal Inquirer acknowledges in its article that it was once the "Turshen Mill" (source: <a href="https://www.journalinquirer.com/towns/hebron/hebron-looks-to-redevelop-former-turshen-mill/article_93f65d9e-ef7f-11e5-ba43-e3cb422d29dc.html">https://www.journalinquirer.com/towns/hebron/hebron-looks-to-redevelop-former-turshen-mill/article_93f65d9e-ef7f-11e5-ba43-e3cb422d29dc.html</a>). When Izzy Turshen died, Mrs. Turshen sold the building was sold to Ellmore Silver Company in 1946/7. Ellmore Silver Company was founded in 1910 and was originally out of Meriden. It is assumed that the names Ellmore Silver Company and Amston Silver Company are the same. The Ellmore Silver Company produced silver plate wares until 1961.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWkwP-HDkYIEcIExzkfPhidcM2BsmK7h7wqGrotbJ3qeeJt5sxUwF_Dma2do18AlTBUZqSvW4s0sEChwAcvpmAO9UqMm4vOXHy5HQqm-tA1QKkh2ADd_7I4mkmC5gMJwK-BUUfVeM5_00/s1600/ellmoresilverco.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="640" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWkwP-HDkYIEcIExzkfPhidcM2BsmK7h7wqGrotbJ3qeeJt5sxUwF_Dma2do18AlTBUZqSvW4s0sEChwAcvpmAO9UqMm4vOXHy5HQqm-tA1QKkh2ADd_7I4mkmC5gMJwK-BUUfVeM5_00/s400/ellmoresilverco.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These items were made at the Ellmore Silver Company and are displayed in museums and sold in auctions (<a href="https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/21642/lot/1070/">https://www.bonhams.com/auctions/21642/lot/1070/</a>).<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: 12.8px;"><br /></span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
After the Ellmore Silver Company, the building was known to be home to a lot of different businesses. Some of these businesses were claimed to have existed at the same time since the building had multiple levels. The timeline is as follows:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<ul>
<li>Leary Transportation in the 60's and 70's. According to sources, Leary ran the trucking company out of the lower level of the building. He hauled steel out of Jones and Loughton's Steel in Willimantic. Bill Leary rented out the upper section to the Caron Bros, Joe, Emile, & Adrian a local construction company who built many homes all over Hebron.</li>
<li>Blue and yellow kayak-like boats, as well as paddle boats were made under a Mr. Patton somewhere between the 60's and 70's. Some sources claimed it was early 60's while others said late 70's, so it could have been in the span of twenty years.</li>
<li>Sources claimed that Schaeffer Plastics Manufacturing occupied the building at the same time as Joe Hnat's Hnat Mold and Die. Additionally, Sabrina Pools made hot tubs in the lower section.</li>
<li>At one point, the upper level was used as a car club.</li>
<li>Another source mentioned that it was the Treasure Factory 25 years ago, a company that sold furniture and antiques in a flea market type setting. This has also been confirmed by the above Journal Inquirer link. This took place during the mid-90's (94-95).</li>
<li>For the last fifteen years or so, the building has remained vacant and has eerily looked like a haunted house out of a Halloween movie.</li>
</ul>
<div>
This info has been gathered from Hebron and Amston residents. Admittedly, some information may be inaccurate or may be lost to the building's changing property owners and abandonment over the last fifteen years. What we do know today is that the building looks like it needs a lot of work with reconstruction, especially after being abandoned and sitting empty for at least a decade. Pictured below, you will see a large image of the building with damaged windows. Additionally, if you look close enough in the second photo, you will see a damaged section with the words "Keep Out" in blue ink. The dilapidated building is certainly not in the greatest condition and will need work before it opens up again as a brewery.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOCMAFbzzn_FFYuj815VTuv6ndG7aWqMjqLIew0bQam3zTuV2iLI2PXa0ZMSBar7kF-kdsX-lfceWP2gaRBdeCxFoZ3x8sWC-ip9glaG63yuPhMn2Fvgo8WT2SLSpIc5pNrX0iO96FYhU/s1600/20200522_181006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOCMAFbzzn_FFYuj815VTuv6ndG7aWqMjqLIew0bQam3zTuV2iLI2PXa0ZMSBar7kF-kdsX-lfceWP2gaRBdeCxFoZ3x8sWC-ip9glaG63yuPhMn2Fvgo8WT2SLSpIc5pNrX0iO96FYhU/s640/20200522_181006.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJAyJrK2f3ixx4axZ8fBQQEW0i1YJeTeIL902PUvIFEzOGiRtKZq3t4VEqYaGu6JyT6vTokvrGpTt_oy5bF56LSxpTNAQ0TucCp7GiK83GeT28kZpPtWWW4tmQKBOA9mARwfrGQGss8Gw/s1600/20200522_180939.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJAyJrK2f3ixx4axZ8fBQQEW0i1YJeTeIL902PUvIFEzOGiRtKZq3t4VEqYaGu6JyT6vTokvrGpTt_oy5bF56LSxpTNAQ0TucCp7GiK83GeT28kZpPtWWW4tmQKBOA9mARwfrGQGss8Gw/s640/20200522_180939.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Who knows when the building will be open for business. One thing for sure is that the building needs a lot of work and renovations before it becomes a brewery. I was selfishly hoping they would turn it into a Halloween-style brewery, just to keep the same eerie feeling, though I would certainly appreciate if the new owners held onto the history of the building so that they would be able to talk about all the places this building once was.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div>
If you have any history about the building or any stories you'd like to share about the building that hasn't been mentioned (or that adds historical value), please comment on this blog page. Additionally, you can contact me at <a href="mailto:hebronmapleleaf@gmail.com" target="_blank">hebronmapleleaf@gmail.com</a> to share your story. We would love to hear from you and add to this great story. </div>
<br />
<br />hebronmapleleafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04973506082399516836noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5975427231899030917.post-70093590987807700482020-05-20T20:17:00.003-04:002020-05-20T20:25:28.378-04:00RHAM Raptors: Right Direction?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCf36WAv5yA8jUw8gJzb3X4I_OA8AMRYfToX8-ynbwm_Y-6SqLVT7sIIePo6cTx5irkwjOztnLITOsbxCmID36rSUnEjnGWM5s-4BjUiyNgTKEt4g-ICB092Z2LJ2AJv2-pXVoeMVmBgU/s1600/raptor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="390" data-original-width="750" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCf36WAv5yA8jUw8gJzb3X4I_OA8AMRYfToX8-ynbwm_Y-6SqLVT7sIIePo6cTx5irkwjOztnLITOsbxCmID36rSUnEjnGWM5s-4BjUiyNgTKEt4g-ICB092Z2LJ2AJv2-pXVoeMVmBgU/s400/raptor.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Recently, the RHAM Board of Education voted to
accept a raptor as the new mascot for its community, replacing the longtime
“Sachem” mascot, which was deemed politically incorrect.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN">Question is: is this the right direction for
RHAM?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A raptor as a mascot is rather
unusual.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As you can see from the
picture, an eagle is also presented in the original artwork.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Apparently, the RHAM Board of Education is
leaving open the question of whether the school will accept an eagle or raptor
as the main mascot, though the name “Raptor” looks to stay. In my honest opinion, an eagle has a much better connotation ("lordly, impressive, sharp-eyed) than a raptor does, the name which means "seize by force."</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN">An eagle makes sense.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Perched up on the side of route 66 is the
famous eagle rock, which is a symbol of our town ever since the rock was
painted in 1989 (you can read the story here: </span><a href="http://thehebronharvester.blogspot.com/2016/04/the-legend-of-eagle-rock.html">http://thehebronharvester.blogspot.com/2016/04/the-legend-of-eagle-rock.html</a>). There is some history to
this mascot, though the idea is very cliche, as several other towns use the
eagle as their mascot. I can see why it wouldn't be a mascot, simply on the basis that it's been overused.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ZNiAlrEanknNqO0ovur8ZTGJ6F_JQOZpzTgs24GrKPTYPxPApZxHbecQyP6IrchYCkqL2TCGavYQTtNDKH6FY8IJE-b5hO59d-pTSYL6CSVMwYYfmhGeqc9QuD5Y2VcB2NYfa9YzBvw/s1600/16Velociraptor_1_1200x630.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="630" data-original-width="630" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ZNiAlrEanknNqO0ovur8ZTGJ6F_JQOZpzTgs24GrKPTYPxPApZxHbecQyP6IrchYCkqL2TCGavYQTtNDKH6FY8IJE-b5hO59d-pTSYL6CSVMwYYfmhGeqc9QuD5Y2VcB2NYfa9YzBvw/s320/16Velociraptor_1_1200x630.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Do we really want to be remembered as "raptors"?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
But a raptor?
What significance would a dinosaur hold for RHAM? Don’t get me wrong. It’s creative and the logo is phenomenal, but
historically, it doesn’t resonate. How
will the school look to embed this mascot into its culture? It’s hard to imagine this. When you think of the RHAM community,
hundreds of animals and symbols come to mind, but it’s hard to imagine a
raptor, an extinct creature, as one of them.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN">While some may call the Sachem politically
incorrect, it held history in our town and our state.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If everyone really wants to know the history,
the Native Sachems ceded the town of Hebron on friendly terms to settlers.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There was no war, at least in Hebron.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> The Sachem wasn't a derogatory symbol from its beginning, it was a symbol of honor in the town and a sense of royalty from Hebron's heritage (history of the Sachems can be read here: </span></span><a href="http://thehebronharvester.blogspot.com/2020/03/rham-sachems-no-more.html">http://thehebronharvester.blogspot.com/2020/03/rham-sachems-no-more.html</a>)<span lang="EN">. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
And there’s no denying Native American
culture in Connecticut’s past. The name
Connecticut itself is an adapted Mohegan-Pequot name meaning “long river.” Several roads in our town connect to the
Sachem heritage (one being Attawanhood Trail).
Shall we rename these names as well to remain politically correct? I'm not saying yes or no, I'm simply just saying look at the context and history of the use of Sachem.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo-c-MzXsEmrkDcOcwDafWoSlNYMEBJp3FLUdlTLqhQUhrQ8f5VjnHxncQ-S2btufEe2AfmNqfgdwOc_HyIAIH9fmfuQHS7G1_gjRnPnrjWY1W3Nsv3XbnPjhf4p2maYvOq8x1WZtlKkQ/s1600/ctheritage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="179" data-original-width="262" height="273" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo-c-MzXsEmrkDcOcwDafWoSlNYMEBJp3FLUdlTLqhQUhrQ8f5VjnHxncQ-S2btufEe2AfmNqfgdwOc_HyIAIH9fmfuQHS7G1_gjRnPnrjWY1W3Nsv3XbnPjhf4p2maYvOq8x1WZtlKkQ/s400/ctheritage.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Known Native American tribes within Connecticut's history</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
Not to mention, the Sachem was a long-lived mascot that many do not want to give up. Several have alluded to this on social media. Connecticut itself is embedded with Native American culture, so it’s hard to just dismiss our past. I understand a need to change the mascot for those who personally oppose the Sachem, but why not choose something more relevant to the community’s culture and history? Why not choose a mascot that students can take pride in and look up to, almost as some kind of royalty? A raptor is far off from this image. A raptor symbolizes fierceness and violence, which is far less welcoming than one of royalty or bravery. Do we really want our students representing these traits that a velociraptor would represent?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN">A raptor as a mascot (while very
cool), does not do justice to represent our town’s community and heritage.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While the Sachem may be considered
“politically incorrect,” it did have a sense of royalty, with Sachem being a
Native American “chief.”<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>A raptor does
not portray a royal image, nor does it represent our community’s culture and
history, or sets apart the community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>People are not going to remember RHAM because of the raptors.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyT1VFEcvP3YKTJ3rsg9k79Lk2kAcmbsgpe3OM0INb6lV7J7o0zgglhhcNXEZnC0sqmZGCYDQqUIbPFcaI0zoVzM_sb4epNK7OB_t6vR5dYAvSi-qUjtHUV4TvsoYMTOnPsCPlWqK9ISQ/s1600/DynamicImageHandler.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="385" data-original-width="385" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyT1VFEcvP3YKTJ3rsg9k79Lk2kAcmbsgpe3OM0INb6lV7J7o0zgglhhcNXEZnC0sqmZGCYDQqUIbPFcaI0zoVzM_sb4epNK7OB_t6vR5dYAvSi-qUjtHUV4TvsoYMTOnPsCPlWqK9ISQ/s320/DynamicImageHandler.png" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A RHAM hat with the old "Sachems" name</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><br />But as it is, what’s done has been done.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The only thing we can do is move forward and
see the result of how this unfolds and where it takes our community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I know one thing for sure, I find it pretty
awkward for being remembered as a “raptor.”<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN">If you have any opinions or concerns about the RHAM "Raptors" please feel free to post below and discuss. Remember that RHAM is now headed into a new era as the "Raptors."</span></div>
<br />hebronmapleleafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04973506082399516836noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5975427231899030917.post-61445156892153807152020-03-16T09:45:00.004-04:002020-03-16T09:45:31.966-04:00RHAM Sachems No More?As the world hides away from Coronavirus, the Maple Festival is rescheduled for later this year (no actual date scheduled yet), as is several other events throughout the nation. Be sure to stay safe and healthy as we endure this pandemic that is sweeping the nation and Hebron, Connecticut.<br />
<br />
With that being said, there is still much to talk about. The Facebook group Hebron Peeps has been buzzing with activity, and one of the main issues Hebronians are mentioning is that RHAM High School has considered changing its school mascot, even though "Sachems" has been the mascot for several years. Whether you agree with this premise or not, it may be inevitable that RHAM decides to change its mascot to remain culturally acceptable in today's day and age. (The Journal Inquirer has an article explaining how a proposal has been made to change the name. See here: <a href="https://www.journalinquirer.com/towns/andover/rham-starts-process-to-replace-its-sachem-mascot/article_94d6957c-5e38-11ea-bf05-373d2ed158f9.html">https://www.journalinquirer.com/towns/andover/rham-starts-process-to-replace-its-sachem-mascot/article_94d6957c-5e38-11ea-bf05-373d2ed158f9.html</a>)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8aSVfWD0bVrOnQytcZcUWZW5BcUK177bpWGfBBwb6sN9KUumnGCNXJDNeuzUJXvghLFlb6cnlXmBcuseqm1Jj45cLIsjaQhL4lWUZCYDI36mw9HbjUSIS6VedCGzNhyGCk4Gn7z9GMe4/s1600/D00783_RHAM-Sachems_Factory_a27c196c-d598-492e-974b-44397cde12bd.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="750" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8aSVfWD0bVrOnQytcZcUWZW5BcUK177bpWGfBBwb6sN9KUumnGCNXJDNeuzUJXvghLFlb6cnlXmBcuseqm1Jj45cLIsjaQhL4lWUZCYDI36mw9HbjUSIS6VedCGzNhyGCk4Gn7z9GMe4/s320/D00783_RHAM-Sachems_Factory_a27c196c-d598-492e-974b-44397cde12bd.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Most of this mascot change has been brought up by speculation (so far), but it certainly isn't surprising if it is true. Several sports teams have gone the route of changing mascots that individuals find culturally offensive. With this being said, if RHAM is to move away from the Sachems, what mascot would they choose? <br />
<br />
Debate has been circulating. One thing for certain is that whatever mascot is chosen, the community must accept the mascot for years and years to come. Sachems is a name embedded within our history. Whether you consider it socially acceptable or not, the name comes from the name of the Native American Indian Chiefs of the Algonquin Tribe. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlgyuND0sWkes1lCxgb3GXIm9gc0qTQMnfDQ9plS63D-J6XovNi8PJ-dFVpExHmsVW94yq6p1-Vhn6UcuZrFG_YUfvqB_ZyGMDeB3Vn8N1wrhOoaXDOOZpXoXekZBYBmZTdHmu4ayssUM/s1600/5e5fdd5ebdac0.image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="300" data-original-width="400" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlgyuND0sWkes1lCxgb3GXIm9gc0qTQMnfDQ9plS63D-J6XovNi8PJ-dFVpExHmsVW94yq6p1-Vhn6UcuZrFG_YUfvqB_ZyGMDeB3Vn8N1wrhOoaXDOOZpXoXekZBYBmZTdHmu4ayssUM/s320/5e5fdd5ebdac0.image.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Timothy Phelps and William Shipman were the first two settlers to arrive in Hebron from Windsor in 1704. Hebron, at the time, was a hunting ground for the local Indians, and several had passed through the lands to reach other locations.<br />
<br />
What makes Hebron unique, however, is that the land was not obtained by seizure. According to John Sibun's book, <i>Our Town's Heritage</i>, the land was "obtained legally, in the form of a legacy drawn up by Joshua, Sachem of the Western Nehantics." Joshua was also called Attawanhood, and according to Sibun, him and his father, Uncas, Great Sachem of the Mohegans, had "accepted the white man and his ways" (Sibun, 12). In fact, Sibun notes, Joshua "died in May 1676 while assisting the English who were fighting hostile Indians along the Connecticut shore." While it's not entirely clear about what specific tribe used to reside in Hebron, it's clear that they used the name "Sachem" as a role within their tribe, and it's clear that other names extend from the tribe, such as "Uncas," which could have a connection to "Uncas Drive." <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheMVUsdi8PosRkbGHQrVS_L6Lh3OqEBfKLyVAjMoE1t05Kz0XjdF2On2WvuwWV95SMmF000a3xqKfX8vt6lhw6cZsvrgE5wy6SjriLBSpwSAVovmMuTlClJeBmXN6gpYwF7gaJUjefS6s/s1600/800px-Sachem_Daniel_Nimham_%25281920px_x_1920px%2529%252C_border_cropped.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="984" data-original-width="800" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheMVUsdi8PosRkbGHQrVS_L6Lh3OqEBfKLyVAjMoE1t05Kz0XjdF2On2WvuwWV95SMmF000a3xqKfX8vt6lhw6cZsvrgE5wy6SjriLBSpwSAVovmMuTlClJeBmXN6gpYwF7gaJUjefS6s/s320/800px-Sachem_Daniel_Nimham_%25281920px_x_1920px%2529%252C_border_cropped.jpg" width="260" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: #f8f9fa; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.3704px; text-align: left;">Statue of Daniel Nimham, Sachem of the </span><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wappinger" style="background: none rgb(248, 249, 250); color: #0b0080; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.3704px; text-align: left; text-decoration-line: none;" title="Wappinger">Wappinger</a><span style="background-color: #f8f9fa; color: #222222; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 12.3704px; text-align: left;">.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
If there are more connections to the tribes than the name "Sachems," then the next question we must ask is whether we change other names associated like "Uncas" or "Attawanhood," which is clearly connected to "Attawanhood Trail." Are we going to change all the names to be culturally acceptable or just the mascot name? Also, must we consider that the name "Sachem" is to honor the Indians who gave us the land peacefully, without fighting or seizure? These are just thoughts to consider but certainly not and end-all be-all. Many still find the name "Sachems" offensive in today's society. I mean, does it make sense to have students and the community cheer for the "RHAM Sachems" in this day an age? It doesn't sound socially acceptable, even if history disagrees. A case can certainly be made to consider changing the mascot to a more relevant mascot in today's society. But then you lose the history behind the name.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMPlEIqW926QWbkuRxeeXWPJg_yHibHFHNDD_4QL8bEpqzCYCL0FsTTgO5H-5UUS38f94227pb2XqYaFlSbnKDzujb6ycRjcw0USJAyzh6BwGEPJOCx03PAwQtQ7fgdCJC885OzCsfxP0/s1600/rham-sign-721new1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="430" data-original-width="845" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMPlEIqW926QWbkuRxeeXWPJg_yHibHFHNDD_4QL8bEpqzCYCL0FsTTgO5H-5UUS38f94227pb2XqYaFlSbnKDzujb6ycRjcw0USJAyzh6BwGEPJOCx03PAwQtQ7fgdCJC885OzCsfxP0/s320/rham-sign-721new1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The sign outside the high school, "RHAM High School, Home of the Sachems"</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Whatever it may be, the "Sachems" mascot is in jeopardy. Many speculate RHAM is out to change the mascot. So the next question is, what will they change it to? Many have mentioned rams, claiming that RHAM used to have a ram as a mascot in its early days. This could be a possibility, though historical context and originality will be lost. Rockville High has the rams, Woodrow Wilson Middle School has the rams, and Cheshire has the Ramsey the ram. Certainly RHAM would not separate itself with originality if they accept a ram.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq47idIu_PD0yJpBHufxvQtIsr5nxISu38Cz5C2LvQYZwIZRpeqYfRWUZx5i1X132gFECAGOv-t_RBzL6gH6V0mr5oLRKUb6dwPCQ9fdmiGnhoeI8HrUoPQ2OWi4fOG7BQnfVQWJuXdv8/s1600/rhamrams.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="225" data-original-width="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq47idIu_PD0yJpBHufxvQtIsr5nxISu38Cz5C2LvQYZwIZRpeqYfRWUZx5i1X132gFECAGOv-t_RBzL6gH6V0mr5oLRKUb6dwPCQ9fdmiGnhoeI8HrUoPQ2OWi4fOG7BQnfVQWJuXdv8/s1600/rhamrams.png" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"RHAM" Rams as used for RHAM Youth sports</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Others have mentioned an eagle, in reference to the eagle rock that sits at route 66 on the way to Marlborough, but this is a widely overused mascot throughout many high schools. USA Today mentions that eagles are the #1 mascot used throughout high schools in the country in places like Arlington, Cleveland, Federal Way, Graham Kapowsin, and Issaquah. At least 24 schools use the eagle as their mascot, with likely several more. Our local Hebron Elementary School also has an eagle as its mascot. While the eagle is fitting to our town with the symbol of an eagle rock, it is a widely overused mascot. Not a bad idea, but not a mascot that would make "RHAM" original.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF5RVGwv7s2uu3HpjX7XHKn550MSguelvI34ScT-NW3Wo-fG60rhuISCFEK6zPWmrCGmbt-tqTM5INehUNLjZm_Dj16Dd2KiAIRf0kEVJBRgKOMqnoEF9vSdjDNX2w7OGfY4_fbHMBS6k/s1600/rock2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="510" data-original-width="640" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF5RVGwv7s2uu3HpjX7XHKn550MSguelvI34ScT-NW3Wo-fG60rhuISCFEK6zPWmrCGmbt-tqTM5INehUNLjZm_Dj16Dd2KiAIRf0kEVJBRgKOMqnoEF9vSdjDNX2w7OGfY4_fbHMBS6k/s320/rock2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eagle Rock located along Route 66 in Hebron, Connecticut. <br />Read about the history of the Eagle Rock here:<br /><a href="https://thehebronharvester.blogspot.com/2016/04/the-legend-of-eagle-rock.html">https://thehebronharvester.blogspot.com/2016/04/the-legend-of-eagle-rock.html</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There are other options as well. Nearly any animal could suffice, but would they hold heritage within our community? Bobcats are relevant, as is many other native animals, but they don't make "RHAM" RHAM anymore as they promote the towns around Hebron, Andover, and Marlborough. <br />
<br />
So why not take a chance on the Maple Leaf? Some people claim the "Maple Leaf" is not a mascot, but it has been used by many Canadian teams (specifically hockey) and many other sports teams use socks (Red Sox and White Sox). A mascot can be made out of original thought. And a Maple Leaf promotes our town's (and community's) history. Since 1990, the Maple Festival has been a community event, which was originally started to raise money for the town's library through the selling of maple products from local maple houses. The Maple Festival is a big New England event where people from all over New England come to our little town of Hebron to share in the New England treasures of fresh maple syrup and maple products.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSxgnwCPhQT75RLky6v4botG76pHFxy1PCOuSG1jM2A2qLQDuyhAOs3dinuM42JJtraV4XGT5e_dm6I-wbSTxjAkWDtSq9nghb6Uv1A9QtIYq0o1W1Lu7RfQ9wU7aNlotfS5mFRJ-uopw/s1600/mapleleaf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="853" data-original-width="853" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSxgnwCPhQT75RLky6v4botG76pHFxy1PCOuSG1jM2A2qLQDuyhAOs3dinuM42JJtraV4XGT5e_dm6I-wbSTxjAkWDtSq9nghb6Uv1A9QtIYq0o1W1Lu7RfQ9wU7aNlotfS5mFRJ-uopw/s320/mapleleaf.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Hebron Maple Leaf riding on a tractor in the tractor parade during the Hebron Maple Festival</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Being the Maple Leaf, I may be a little biased, but I feel that if we change the name "Sachems" to something else, the mascot shouldn't just be any other animal. Rather, the mascot should promote and hold some heritage within our towns. The mascot should be what puts our local schools on the map. The mascot should bring pride to our community and represent who we are. Maple Leaf? It's been done before, and people know the mascot. Should it be RHAM's mascot? Maybe. Maybe not. I'm sure we can admit the "RHAM Maple Leafs" sounds ridiculous. In theory, and historical context, however, the idea doesn't sound so bad. It could be loosely adapted to "RHAM Maples" or associate an animal with the "Maple" label. It could work. <br />
<br />
But one thing is for sure. If we move away from the "Sachems," which is so well known and intertwined in our community's history, please don't choose a mascot that has little relevance to our community. Choose a mascot that supports our community and does Hebron, Marlborough, and Andover justice.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Works Cited</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-indent: -16px;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: TimesNewRoman, Times New Roman, Times, Baskerville, Georgia, serif;">Sibun, John. <i>Our Town's Heritage, 1708-1958, Hebron, Connecticut</i>. Douglas Library of Hebron, 1975.</span></div>
<div style="text-indent: -16px;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: TimesNewRoman, Times New Roman, Times, Baskerville, Georgia, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-indent: -16px;">
<span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: TimesNewRoman, "Times New Roman", Times, Baskerville, Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px;">Thomasseau, Allison L. “Top 10 Most Common High School Mascots.” </span><i style="box-sizing: border-box; color: #333333; font-family: TimesNewRoman, "Times New Roman", Times, Baskerville, Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px;">USA Today</i><span style="color: #333333; font-family: TimesNewRoman, "Times New Roman", Times, Baskerville, Georgia, serif; font-size: 16px;">, Gannett Satellite Information Network, 21 Oct. 2014, www.usatoday.com/story/sports/high-school/2014/10/21/common-high-school-mascots/17662249/.</span></span></div>
hebronmapleleafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04973506082399516836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5975427231899030917.post-48772871124440271782019-10-27T08:42:00.004-04:002019-10-27T22:58:51.029-04:00Hebron Legends and Folklore- Gay City State ParkWe tend to remember Hebron legends and folklore (ghost stories) around this time of year. With so much going on and Halloween around the corner, it's always great to hear scary stories and legends that may have actually taken place. Are they real? Maybe, maybe not, but at least they can keep you wondering.<br />
<br />
One of the legends and folklore surrounding Hebron, Connecticut is Gay City State Park. Gay City State Park became an abandoned "ghost town" after its mills burned down shortly after the Civil War. A few people still settled in the village, but it was mostly abandoned throughout the early 1900's.<br />
<br />
Emma Phelps Foster lived in the last house standing at Gay City State Park, which was the saltbox house by the entrance of the park. Upon her death in the 1940's, Emma ceded the park to the state, allowing it to become a state park. Since then, the saltbox house was moved to Coventry, Connecticut.<br />
<br />
Now today, Gay City State Park remains a state park, but not without its past legends and folklore. Back when it was a 19th century mill town, some strange events happened. Legends and folklore dictate the credibility of what exactly happened. However, stories have been told (and several consistent stories) about the strange village and what went on at the time.<br />
<br />
Below is a video about Gay City State Park. The third section highlights the legends and ghost stories about Gay City State Park.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/A9kGKXN-Ipw/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/A9kGKXN-Ipw?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<br />
After the Methodist village originated in 1797, legends say that there were religious gatherings that had led to feuding and fighting. Alcohol had been one of the main factors, as it was used routinely during religious gatherings, but brought little peace. Brawls erupted between families, which led to some disastrous and fatal events.<br />
<br />
But it wasn't just brawls among families. There were some odd individuals who presided at the colony (now Gay City State Park), such as a circuit riding travelling preacher and community jester named Loomer. Loomer was known to impersonate others within the village. He took it upon himself to impersonate the travelling preacher, Reverend Colton. Reverend Colton then mimicked Loomer to see who the better impersonator was.<br />
<br />
A legend also mentions that one of the workers during the construction at the mill refused to build a canal because he claimed he saw water running uphill and that it was the "work of the devil." He left the job site and never returned.<br />
<br />
But the most alarming stories are the murders that weren't brought to justice. The first story is about a blacksmith who murdered his teenaged apprentice because the boy was late to work. There are variations to the story, but most are similar in that they claim the blacksmith beheaded his assistant. Legends say the boy still haunts the park today, running around and carrying his head in his hands.<br />
<br />
Another legend states that a jewelry peddler was murdered (possibly robbed) and thrown into a charcoal pit. The murderer was never brought to justice.<br />
<br />
Obviously there are variations with local spin offs to these stories and even additional stories and ghost sightings. Many people have their own stories about the park and they claim the park gives them an eerie feel. Some stories have been blogged on the website "Damned Connecticut" and can be read here: <a href="https://www.damnedct.com/gay-city-hebron" target="_blank">https://www.damnedct.com/gay-city-hebron</a><br />
<br />
Not everything is known about Gay City State Park. Those familiar with the park and its stories have since perished and much of the information is lost. However, local folklore about the park still thrives and there are still parts about the park we can find out and learn about. The above video has a lot of info about the park as well as the "Damned Connecticut" website. Feel free to share your local Hebron ghost stories and Gay City State Park stories here, or email them to <a href="mailto:hebronmapleleaf@gmail.com">hebronmapleleaf@gmail.com</a>.<br />
<br />
<br />hebronmapleleafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04973506082399516836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5975427231899030917.post-18421807013084580292019-09-02T11:52:00.002-04:002019-09-02T11:52:17.470-04:00Hebron Rocks!This past June, the Hebron Historical Society hosted their annual plant and clothing drive. In addition to the plant and clothing drive, HHS hosted "Hebron Rocks," an event where children and adults could come and paint various rocks to hide around Hebron.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiocz7UhmruYlSzNO0zmh8y4sZp_2xfbacjbTqZFm5HlOu_csVCTq6I3aT8DSZxrrK-12-xviw8v0B_ulEWee4Rp6Tk9BV8KHP8pXvDgn0mUdFR8n5k5CsVGNtpIXWtFiMALV1hTTW8hic/s1600/61665181_433568774150306_7768955235501867008_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="540" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiocz7UhmruYlSzNO0zmh8y4sZp_2xfbacjbTqZFm5HlOu_csVCTq6I3aT8DSZxrrK-12-xviw8v0B_ulEWee4Rp6Tk9BV8KHP8pXvDgn0mUdFR8n5k5CsVGNtpIXWtFiMALV1hTTW8hic/s640/61665181_433568774150306_7768955235501867008_n.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
The idea behind the event was to decorate the rocks, hide them, and then have Hebron civilians see if they can find them throughout the town. The rocks are hidden in everyday spots, in public parks or grounds, and even near accessible locations (stairs, lampposts, or chairs).<br />
<br />
This isn't just a Hebron thing. Other towns and places have created a similar phenomenon. Through hiding and finding rocks, it adds a culture and pride to one's town and home and gets people involved in the community.<br />
<br />
When you find a rock, follow these instructions:<br />
1. Admire the art on the rock and look to see what the art symbolizes<br />
2. Pick it up and flip it over. Notice that it has @hhsrocks written on it in marker<br />
3. Post a picture on Facebook, Instagram, or in our Facebook Group, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hhsrocks/" target="_blank">HHS Rocks</a><br />
4. Keep it, hide it in a new location, or put it back for the next traveler to find<br />
5. Smile! You are a part of Hebron’s history!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzNQmLJEM8myZjw_nnW92qndmFU9hV36arR1TENIu3YaopxWP4YTbLNmXohrFSHih7yYhCQVfNGib1v0Bo0s1n-sNqCWz7h5iQbWtba0SEUTTr2TKUBn18rFoFNefgtqml0z1Wrbh51P0/s1600/62015293_433569744150209_1019239539417284608_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="540" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzNQmLJEM8myZjw_nnW92qndmFU9hV36arR1TENIu3YaopxWP4YTbLNmXohrFSHih7yYhCQVfNGib1v0Bo0s1n-sNqCWz7h5iQbWtba0SEUTTr2TKUBn18rFoFNefgtqml0z1Wrbh51P0/s640/62015293_433569744150209_1019239539417284608_n.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<br />
You are also welcome to make your own Hebron rocks to hide around town. This is the perfect time of year now that the summer is over and we are all back at school again. It is a great opportunity to remember, share, and experience Hebron as you embark on a new school year.<br />
<br />
Another great idea would be to record how many rocks you can find, including their locations. Then you can add additional locations or move the rocks to anew location (almost like geocaching). There are endless possibilities and you can be the one to partake in them. You can make HHS Rocks a fun and entertaining exploration!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAa2ZnL_HzZVtMvLXoIdfnl1F13YrSGLJHyS9GgrOvIRpqSyrRqaJXGyBMrd2GPfLhXA6mADz-Pd6kham8Ti5qpBUT1B9JiVo2f9xSONw7vOgEOGD3vHJxyb_MW0WUDdIhLg02tkJiqsg/s1600/61735825_433628764144307_3400698995520045056_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="540" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAa2ZnL_HzZVtMvLXoIdfnl1F13YrSGLJHyS9GgrOvIRpqSyrRqaJXGyBMrd2GPfLhXA6mADz-Pd6kham8Ti5qpBUT1B9JiVo2f9xSONw7vOgEOGD3vHJxyb_MW0WUDdIhLg02tkJiqsg/s640/61735825_433628764144307_3400698995520045056_n.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
These are some of the rocks that are hidden around town! See if you can find them!</div>
<br />
I will be sure to post HHS rocks to this page as I find them throughout town.<br />
<br />
As you return back to school, and attend the Hebron harvest Fair this coming week, think and find HHS rocks and remember where you came from, that little town called Hebron. Share in our community and enjoy Hebron rock hunting!<br />
<br />
As always, share your story at <a href="mailto:hebronmapleleaf@gmail.com">hebronmapleleaf@gmail.com</a>.hebronmapleleafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04973506082399516836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5975427231899030917.post-37206205080183110352019-07-27T13:40:00.000-04:002019-07-27T13:41:37.085-04:00Come to the Hebron Farmers and Crafters Market<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh25BGrvdMnmCTLSyVo91wb0c6HM05Qa1iVbiBi9WK3p0IxdbU7FbvfFhGQ7TampPQJB5dCRYDnuZbwsKV5moOmj1u68zLrvUQZq1FK0o9UHuCx7_d_u8np9Vaq5y4lsvu5UJ3MitzRHAI/s1600/crowds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh25BGrvdMnmCTLSyVo91wb0c6HM05Qa1iVbiBi9WK3p0IxdbU7FbvfFhGQ7TampPQJB5dCRYDnuZbwsKV5moOmj1u68zLrvUQZq1FK0o9UHuCx7_d_u8np9Vaq5y4lsvu5UJ3MitzRHAI/s640/crowds.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
We in Hebron, Connect cherish our summers and outdoor events. From Hebron Day to the Hebron Harvest Fair, there are so many events that take place in this town (no, it's not always that boring Connecticut town with nothing to do, contrary to the belief of many residents). Part of enjoying your hometown is getting involved in your local community, and one way you can get involved is by attending our Local Farmers and Crafters Markets.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN5rG7VRodr3gdI9n3vb9pXatMo4YD2zNU0gwIPafa4uQ-9YfaNDujsI2piXE-0sG7ZEh35M-nX88yiO1_hKnE2Fm10W8oo8Sfd0N766Xkx5XS0grWXj7xi9EEl9AnDLAjalwJLlcZkYQ/s1600/boguefarm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN5rG7VRodr3gdI9n3vb9pXatMo4YD2zNU0gwIPafa4uQ-9YfaNDujsI2piXE-0sG7ZEh35M-nX88yiO1_hKnE2Fm10W8oo8Sfd0N766Xkx5XS0grWXj7xi9EEl9AnDLAjalwJLlcZkYQ/s400/boguefarm.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Bogue Farms vendor</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ3Im6lSINXf0cFolpYzqn4OdY5Mf5lsqngdu4Oh34Smsbyh4cnUUyuou8U0IFupVTdW8dcsbpBtmbmq6diwVYtLmXAcRSn3BjdUs54ZAopZXvvXQBDUBDAqiiW2r8ip_MRyJziTOLF9U/s1600/nonnie%2527s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ3Im6lSINXf0cFolpYzqn4OdY5Mf5lsqngdu4Oh34Smsbyh4cnUUyuou8U0IFupVTdW8dcsbpBtmbmq6diwVYtLmXAcRSn3BjdUs54ZAopZXvvXQBDUBDAqiiW2r8ip_MRyJziTOLF9U/s400/nonnie%2527s.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Nonnie's Gourmet Pies</div>
<br />
Some may envision these markets as a smaller version of Hebron Day, leading up to the Hebron Harvest Fair. While that may be true, the Farmers and Crafters markets are all about our local businesses within our Hebron community and surrounding towns. There are several of these markets throughout the summer, and they are a fun Saturday morning event that includes food, music, and vendors. One way you can enjoy your summer here in Hebron, CT is to come to our local Farmers and Crafters Markets. The Farmers Market has
existed for some time in the Hebron community. In the recent past, the markets have been sponsored and hosted by different
groups within the Hebron community.
Now, for the past two years, Hebron Parks and Recreation hosts the event. Rich Marzi, alongside Hebron Parks and
Recreation staff have done a fantastic job preparing vendors and organizing the event.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dzrd5FuXXvyIQ1MzkcYYHTtt32IC3qoIy9hbiZ7581hvBBezvkqjJ0e7Wvmu2oFeQSBBGzx0pNeYN3zjTANhg' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Activity at the Farmers Market (music playing in background)</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
The
Hebron Farmers Market takes place on various Saturday mornings (usually two a month, first and third Saturdays) throughout the
summer in the Hebron Elementary School parking lot on 92 Church Street. So far, we’ve had three Farmers Markets, two
in June and one in July. The remaining Farmers
Markets events are scheduled for 8/3, 8/17, 9/14, and 9/28 from 9 AM to 12 PM.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
The Hebron Farmers Market has local farmers, crafters, and several other vendors. The last market had nothing short of variety, including more than 20 vendors. Some of these vendors have come to multiple Farmers Markets, while others joined in for the first time. The vendors included fresh fruits, clothes, crafts, ice cream, and food trucks. Additionally, musicians performed for entertainment.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
The greatest part about the market is that all of these vendors are local to our community. Some of the list of vendors and businesses that were present at the 7/13 Farmers Market include:</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
</div>
<ul>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Audra Casella</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Black Cate White Dog</li>
<li style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; line-height: normal;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Bogue Farms</span></li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Cambera Farm</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Classic Scoop</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Colchester Curry House</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">East Willow Farm</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Hartford Courant</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Home Prep Products</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Jeanne Z- Nanna’s Knitty</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Melzen Pet Supply</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Mike N. Harvest Grove Farms</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Granny’s Pie</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Simply Soy</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Soaps for Days</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">White Oak Candle</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Wholly Goat Farm</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Wilkinson Farm</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Nana’s Pies</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Hebron Fire Department</li>
<li style="text-align: left;">Creative Living</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyv3SKfqYmDN3mo6c7oYgAS6tDjinqRMWm0ezjWWtYLQjy5dyhvd7X0KbdKCiiF5PGBN41wFKybFkgxmzxSbaHaQj9Y19I_gMCEajsqI4dR7y8VxyViLj3uRmpvIi1C8fJWdCn2ZPfSCY/s1600/classicscoop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyv3SKfqYmDN3mo6c7oYgAS6tDjinqRMWm0ezjWWtYLQjy5dyhvd7X0KbdKCiiF5PGBN41wFKybFkgxmzxSbaHaQj9Y19I_gMCEajsqI4dR7y8VxyViLj3uRmpvIi1C8fJWdCn2ZPfSCY/s320/classicscoop.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The Classic Scoop Ice Cream</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-yFre_ZTcEYTi-tpdUQ1K7BT5LbfR9q0zlZ2GFyfDZIb4Rdh7LmKjEp_-9rpIVJvgEXFt11qmqj1kkC-T5joTpfWIC454AWb51hEJsZCv8kgsUn3Kmaswsy8EMBcavy2nJRkeEJDD1CU/s1600/blackcatfarm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-yFre_ZTcEYTi-tpdUQ1K7BT5LbfR9q0zlZ2GFyfDZIb4Rdh7LmKjEp_-9rpIVJvgEXFt11qmqj1kkC-T5joTpfWIC454AWb51hEJsZCv8kgsUn3Kmaswsy8EMBcavy2nJRkeEJDD1CU/s320/blackcatfarm.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Black Cat White Dog Farm</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV6Qvw5jiBAjKyD77T_TBmUhKxXnqC0NGTKrl-m1vP8KsHkxkqxgOsFxY-RzjQKk0DikO0h5HLY1aX8rLa7vMMWm6e-3gfxN3upyUuKEVXymAajqNw7PpuNH2JxS61GShjPL7v7IhLwX0/s1600/clothes1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV6Qvw5jiBAjKyD77T_TBmUhKxXnqC0NGTKrl-m1vP8KsHkxkqxgOsFxY-RzjQKk0DikO0h5HLY1aX8rLa7vMMWm6e-3gfxN3upyUuKEVXymAajqNw7PpuNH2JxS61GShjPL7v7IhLwX0/s320/clothes1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Purses and other items for sale </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdznrA_qG1qXfm2I23YfxKqTYl6TtOuBW6FmW8O74YHo4MtrGbYTQXV1UzvJm8uxVQhCEf5UaAbUsPQDeqiJnGycXhBDexvxsql52E8uDF_gUSj_XOwh-so16kCgYBrKvJAZhXiG5FtnM/s1600/firedepartment.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdznrA_qG1qXfm2I23YfxKqTYl6TtOuBW6FmW8O74YHo4MtrGbYTQXV1UzvJm8uxVQhCEf5UaAbUsPQDeqiJnGycXhBDexvxsql52E8uDF_gUSj_XOwh-so16kCgYBrKvJAZhXiG5FtnM/s320/firedepartment.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Hebron Fire Department</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijTWakND800xMLlVbFZpZNGykbeWsDGbHwudMbfvvLd_-GeZusgK5g7Z0dJ81KktguIUEX2qyMMOqsxiIlqWNWAwEnxgRFaGYC-F6AYHHRu0SYRXwg2lMW4t1rg9iKUHthDyaW-lu8TMU/s1600/foodtruck.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijTWakND800xMLlVbFZpZNGykbeWsDGbHwudMbfvvLd_-GeZusgK5g7Z0dJ81KktguIUEX2qyMMOqsxiIlqWNWAwEnxgRFaGYC-F6AYHHRu0SYRXwg2lMW4t1rg9iKUHthDyaW-lu8TMU/s320/foodtruck.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
A food truck</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMQ8YbpHsKVimwKqhwAmzfj-WIkR_VS0E9V4TDzg5rzMOMyElEZKyH0RgsZAo19z6PcMZ9g8TKiA7Db2iK0Cy2BBv_EWkr8wXhNxvt06lKamHX76qOd1c6R3whvop2hrkZvVJSy3WZpKQ/s1600/harvestgrove.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMQ8YbpHsKVimwKqhwAmzfj-WIkR_VS0E9V4TDzg5rzMOMyElEZKyH0RgsZAo19z6PcMZ9g8TKiA7Db2iK0Cy2BBv_EWkr8wXhNxvt06lKamHX76qOd1c6R3whvop2hrkZvVJSy3WZpKQ/s320/harvestgrove.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Harvest Grove Farm</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBCjKivo08HUOMiz36u3clxHj2WfXah1BwmKRCc3M4eP6WjNXICc_R5i0HoTDvAJQO4uJPLzbB7uSDPAibKnHFZFNXWaqrpYIcqZkT9EDi0L86MRk7bSBTtp_I9BKG7XGCUxR7JJxjLfc/s1600/homeprepproducts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBCjKivo08HUOMiz36u3clxHj2WfXah1BwmKRCc3M4eP6WjNXICc_R5i0HoTDvAJQO4uJPLzbB7uSDPAibKnHFZFNXWaqrpYIcqZkT9EDi0L86MRk7bSBTtp_I9BKG7XGCUxR7JJxjLfc/s320/homeprepproducts.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Home Prep Products</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_z9d0bEb6d3jtF8uiwE-wqTiEy9xT-a7bpGETpLOt11GRoHEKrHpjFFv7DcrbuItK36X0aaJ0rhhX9wuRuB8_cw7BgnJcSr50Ye2QSq2oCFoyg_7mvHOuEYUb4EHhsvPkkMFDytT_YLU/s1600/icecreamdogs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_z9d0bEb6d3jtF8uiwE-wqTiEy9xT-a7bpGETpLOt11GRoHEKrHpjFFv7DcrbuItK36X0aaJ0rhhX9wuRuB8_cw7BgnJcSr50Ye2QSq2oCFoyg_7mvHOuEYUb4EHhsvPkkMFDytT_YLU/s320/icecreamdogs.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Walking dogs by the Classic Scoop Ice Cream</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhOvtiSXyrQgJ6OsTwCd3ogJussJRVcvJ_IqHeJUBjPQM0yq0q_CEZ9xaW3ROf2l1INCX4qOXiXnX49fmE6SeyCx-Zkt2qOuIE5pHAwTev0cDIEICmDGc1xE5r6YBwJpH_I-yxcdCVp3g/s1600/melzen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhOvtiSXyrQgJ6OsTwCd3ogJussJRVcvJ_IqHeJUBjPQM0yq0q_CEZ9xaW3ROf2l1INCX4qOXiXnX49fmE6SeyCx-Zkt2qOuIE5pHAwTev0cDIEICmDGc1xE5r6YBwJpH_I-yxcdCVp3g/s320/melzen.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Melzen's Pet Supply</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUYccwleyJyUR1-tYUtyShD-A6zp2DXh0If0Eu65mhkR-BSDlCvROobSbJ22ixtiRCUV6jzK9f_I5hLmL0YrCLMTJ2aDnVmvhi2l952Mj3M_hgE4jmsImJc3GdLkix35m2eBfiCYW4Dsc/s1600/microgreens.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUYccwleyJyUR1-tYUtyShD-A6zp2DXh0If0Eu65mhkR-BSDlCvROobSbJ22ixtiRCUV6jzK9f_I5hLmL0YrCLMTJ2aDnVmvhi2l952Mj3M_hgE4jmsImJc3GdLkix35m2eBfiCYW4Dsc/s320/microgreens.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Micro Greens</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlHMJtkrTxKAT0QWQWivphddpoduyvGA7CIprjxU8gXutGJ2chepo2kNsr-P58wEsp7rqOB2dPg_dmtXGWpcKwWpVLbea7VHX04ODQKec8znFIaiZfRIQdVN9x8fnbrZNKTIkmnilWWfg/s1600/necklaces.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlHMJtkrTxKAT0QWQWivphddpoduyvGA7CIprjxU8gXutGJ2chepo2kNsr-P58wEsp7rqOB2dPg_dmtXGWpcKwWpVLbea7VHX04ODQKec8znFIaiZfRIQdVN9x8fnbrZNKTIkmnilWWfg/s320/necklaces.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Lots of necklaces for sale</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtpBstIBj4DhY4ANxR4bOsF38pSnxEJ3O6TA0OUBJZX-NI2CntWZUZP7eD-stRMshXNe5yQYs8rfHgcyBLisBNObjYwWeFDPRX9t_S60qIEBX3t46p8KvbC2u4nNrBzY9bWRj2PY3dX7I/s1600/pielife.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtpBstIBj4DhY4ANxR4bOsF38pSnxEJ3O6TA0OUBJZX-NI2CntWZUZP7eD-stRMshXNe5yQYs8rfHgcyBLisBNObjYwWeFDPRX9t_S60qIEBX3t46p8KvbC2u4nNrBzY9bWRj2PY3dX7I/s320/pielife.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Pies for life</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Eb95hCxiiTGvJ7I4W8rlsJ1eXX_qxugFV1lcgSvpDM1bdwNsF78K0Ov8KP8lqXADZIAsUdKiZO_KKc3wCV8MqeePh2YPy3OR2YoPoggwx3t0JxUeknbWRdImKcy0a0hNle5RbpBbDKI/s1600/simplysoy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3Eb95hCxiiTGvJ7I4W8rlsJ1eXX_qxugFV1lcgSvpDM1bdwNsF78K0Ov8KP8lqXADZIAsUdKiZO_KKc3wCV8MqeePh2YPy3OR2YoPoggwx3t0JxUeknbWRdImKcy0a0hNle5RbpBbDKI/s320/simplysoy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Simply Soy</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6xSjxK0_wLzMNGCK8rLzOFileu704vlFYaJSTMcT_fC7_TjnWzAPmVr6F1fiWVb2nHyKrIrLp8SFfJRYxyAe-21dkPs6Q4epF5CEFKRwLuafl9qQVn3K79LKcwtHpH5AEPvGcv87AtWk/s1600/soapsforday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6xSjxK0_wLzMNGCK8rLzOFileu704vlFYaJSTMcT_fC7_TjnWzAPmVr6F1fiWVb2nHyKrIrLp8SFfJRYxyAe-21dkPs6Q4epF5CEFKRwLuafl9qQVn3K79LKcwtHpH5AEPvGcv87AtWk/s320/soapsforday.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Soaps for Days</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjATRyuBtgReEYNft2CqriwnVK_JGimpETlaW1HcgoCS3imlp4O8536R8OfYG0rkRz7-dvYFQVJpMHaqkTtSxBQw4l5vwu6yNdTZx9w9qL-JpT-EiL9KJtN2cyEkqKt-cv3t_9G_jCM6Gk/s1600/tiedye.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjATRyuBtgReEYNft2CqriwnVK_JGimpETlaW1HcgoCS3imlp4O8536R8OfYG0rkRz7-dvYFQVJpMHaqkTtSxBQw4l5vwu6yNdTZx9w9qL-JpT-EiL9KJtN2cyEkqKt-cv3t_9G_jCM6Gk/s320/tiedye.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Lots of tie-dye shirts</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigVCw8nk3xkEdBO6hBB91kV6HYfD6eX5M4M_ei5KYyRYNCNkMvpmIVX_ChLqetGg4-NkXx3HRoRMul4hZ5xVUGkHoF9eoS0800ydGUMAlWOBDRnMDR9XJKknQTEfG0mLt9QWOsr8obzJE/s1600/welcomesigns.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigVCw8nk3xkEdBO6hBB91kV6HYfD6eX5M4M_ei5KYyRYNCNkMvpmIVX_ChLqetGg4-NkXx3HRoRMul4hZ5xVUGkHoF9eoS0800ydGUMAlWOBDRnMDR9XJKknQTEfG0mLt9QWOsr8obzJE/s320/welcomesigns.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Wooden made welcome signs</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7MDJwTbBAOU8OiC_tx5_CKDMXk6iKio7B4evEMZdN3iRcsoHorkoLCDsobhyePk8B_mEyIf7NPZRb6bILl-BqEw7z2rGTQJl-WUGMElmZ7THxKfqm5c_RUFe5xTmiMxVfZNfYsmeC3aY/s1600/whollygoatfarm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7MDJwTbBAOU8OiC_tx5_CKDMXk6iKio7B4evEMZdN3iRcsoHorkoLCDsobhyePk8B_mEyIf7NPZRb6bILl-BqEw7z2rGTQJl-WUGMElmZ7THxKfqm5c_RUFe5xTmiMxVfZNfYsmeC3aY/s320/whollygoatfarm.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Wholly Goat Farm</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3JmPiTii-3deZBVMZDK9FmvaEvS2RLpm-58qinA65NXe2k0VoIadCqgDSOp0e_Af6Pzu6U7IV9rtgrMVue9c4Gbwmwnm6FaqfzEVYxa5f5X03rXxTsHKP2BoHaDeOvaNkIZNcFrg9D5U/s1600/wilkinsonfarm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3JmPiTii-3deZBVMZDK9FmvaEvS2RLpm-58qinA65NXe2k0VoIadCqgDSOp0e_Af6Pzu6U7IV9rtgrMVue9c4Gbwmwnm6FaqfzEVYxa5f5X03rXxTsHKP2BoHaDeOvaNkIZNcFrg9D5U/s320/wilkinsonfarm.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Wilkinson Farm</div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">
And still there’s more that may have not been listed
here and/or have participated in earlier Farmers Markets events (I apologize if
I missed your business. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Please send an
email to <a href="mailto:hebronmapleleaf@gmail.com">hebronmapleleaf@gmail.com</a>
if you aren’t mentioned here and I will add you to the list).<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Still more may come for the later markets in
August and September.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was interesting
to see so many local vendors throughout Hebron and surrounding towns.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not every market is exclusively from Hebron;
however, the markets are all local and supporting our town and local community by participating at the event.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Still, some of the vendors have
participated in order to get residents in our community involved, like The
Hebron Fire Department, who held a booth at the Farmers Market in order to recruit
new volunteers. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
These
vendors are here for our town and for the residents of Hebron, Connecticut.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I recommend that everyone come out and
support our local businesses and our community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>It is through local businesses that we grow as a town and create a thriving
community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>An event like this puts
Hebron on the map, as local vendors have traveled from Bolton, Middletown,
Manchester, Glastonbury and several other towns in order to share their businesses.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>You may even run into people you know- a few
of our Board of Selectmen members even showed up in attendance to check out the
community and local vendors!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
These
Farmers Markets are a perfect event for the summer months, especially if you're feeling extra lazy on a Saturday morning. I urge everyone to come and have a great time. Our Farmers
Market on August 3rd will be very special because it will include a musical performance
from the singer and songwriter, Emily Hope.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Hear her perform between 10 AM and 12 PM.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Also come to support our community and see
our vendors between 9 AM and 12 PM.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It
is always great to support our local businesses, so please come to the market
to enjoy your Saturday morning!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
For more information, visit the Facebook page for Hebron Farmers Markets: </div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1076204862569257/">https://www.facebook.com/events/1076204862569257/</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/Hebron.Farmers.Market.CT/">https://www.facebook.com/Hebron.Farmers.Market.CT/</a></div>
<br />hebronmapleleafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04973506082399516836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5975427231899030917.post-63851423489411225362019-07-04T11:38:00.004-04:002019-09-02T11:56:40.441-04:00Hebron's 4th of July CelebrationHappy Independence Day everyone.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH9mdRdQKxvFaAMSrnRc4NxU7xzzYyf66PPUK5bWl3UjN8ywtMEi0djLFUxRabUJL1OJWKnMaOb-VrBirL5NtbE42yXHoi7400ru2EPrRMmZYplYM6Jomg-PHd5QAghPXVqJRbiXC1R1c/s1600/0704190855.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH9mdRdQKxvFaAMSrnRc4NxU7xzzYyf66PPUK5bWl3UjN8ywtMEi0djLFUxRabUJL1OJWKnMaOb-VrBirL5NtbE42yXHoi7400ru2EPrRMmZYplYM6Jomg-PHd5QAghPXVqJRbiXC1R1c/s640/0704190855.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hebron residents gather at the green in front of the Old Town Hall to share in the Independence Day festivities. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Today we had a special event sponsored by TTCP (The Town Center Project). Hebron residents came together at the Old Town Hall to celebrate our nation's 243rd birthday. This is the second annual celebration of the Fourth of July in Hebron, CT sponsored by TTCP. The event was held in front of the Old Town Hall, which is the building owned and maintained by the Hebron Historical Society.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpTksdmLuv9GEqOG2BEYAs9SUZRg9Vg0evyxlYxkHkuGPtsrLjB0fKxirWI9Dzi402nAXbRO2171t4rojMj1xLvROVaGQ8KnZykp4vWtDOHcPUvSLONknLydiVx-FOrVKnxjQgxGu02g0/s1600/0704190905a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpTksdmLuv9GEqOG2BEYAs9SUZRg9Vg0evyxlYxkHkuGPtsrLjB0fKxirWI9Dzi402nAXbRO2171t4rojMj1xLvROVaGQ8KnZykp4vWtDOHcPUvSLONknLydiVx-FOrVKnxjQgxGu02g0/s640/0704190905a.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hebron residents participate in the Pledge of Allegiance at the Fourth of July Celebration in front of the Old Town Hall.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
In lieu of the holiday, there were a series of speakers, singers, and a poet. John Collins, one of the First Selectmen, took to the podium to kick us off with the event at 9 AM this morning, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, the National Anthem and the reading of the Constitution and Declaration of Independence. TTCP was prepared, offering booklets containing the Declaration of Independence, as well as song packets for residents to bring in the holiday through singing patriotic songs.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQNGDDVLRoPApq_yyO3ey9oBPRG6RQ62bpm1BtBnyJEFRAKbNs7olbv_LTbxrVk5sBxXcuP3lEfbTWZwGA97XX-fVZ-GIj4qGcQt9VtfSGLYBnbIU-PtrKOPJGOIDUoTjEXOcLlLxzCGY/s1600/0704190858_HDR.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQNGDDVLRoPApq_yyO3ey9oBPRG6RQ62bpm1BtBnyJEFRAKbNs7olbv_LTbxrVk5sBxXcuP3lEfbTWZwGA97XX-fVZ-GIj4qGcQt9VtfSGLYBnbIU-PtrKOPJGOIDUoTjEXOcLlLxzCGY/s640/0704190858_HDR.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For the event, TTCP offered refreshments, mini flags, a packet that included American songs, and booklets that included the Constitution and Declaration of Independence.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Danielle Golden, a senior at RHAM High School sang her phenomenal rendition of the National Anthem, to which John Collins acknowledged and mentioned it was "one of the best renditions of the National Anthem I had heard."<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnH4vh14DB2kRvKi3rwaODsPXNPF-X_tWBM_lLEzdUtCYXbH8rBlGMftfvlhh4w0_JH7uibK8VIvbiM8F2dRiHsRpuVcbxPi3bTw9p34C92qBnPXdOMI5UJiUOsm6lM2ZtJ58Q9UjOyjM/s1600/0704190905b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnH4vh14DB2kRvKi3rwaODsPXNPF-X_tWBM_lLEzdUtCYXbH8rBlGMftfvlhh4w0_JH7uibK8VIvbiM8F2dRiHsRpuVcbxPi3bTw9p34C92qBnPXdOMI5UJiUOsm6lM2ZtJ58Q9UjOyjM/s640/0704190905b.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Danielle Golden (center) is featured here, singing the National Anthem. John Collins is standing behind her to the right.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
David Rose as William Williams, read the Declaration, along with three Boy Scouts: James Abu-Rahmeh, Ben Sullivan, and Triston Emmons.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA7OUT3Ek7LlF8qMdCGRI_EiXUCu8fw7Xo_Lr43MU0i1FJUie7B1wnv8ypMVd4HumZVkTwaOj1nqUCndyDXKspXCgB0Bgyc-cKLcSf4bRHSpTPjDM1LggRNQm-yVF7pKK-f2mXuIlOE0U/s1600/0704190922.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA7OUT3Ek7LlF8qMdCGRI_EiXUCu8fw7Xo_Lr43MU0i1FJUie7B1wnv8ypMVd4HumZVkTwaOj1nqUCndyDXKspXCgB0Bgyc-cKLcSf4bRHSpTPjDM1LggRNQm-yVF7pKK-f2mXuIlOE0U/s640/0704190922.jpg" width="360" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">David Rose, as William Williams, reads the Declaration of Independence. Two Boy Scouts stand in the background.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
After the Declaration was read, Tom Brancato of the American Legion Post 95 gave his remarks, which was then followed by "Americana in Song," led by Florence O'Sullivan and Dan Hollenbeck on keyboard. Together, the Hebron residents sang several patriotic songs including "My Country 'Tis of Thee," "America the Beautiful," and "God Bless America."<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaubKBeyuKwiRyArOaVpH6r_Dw20RV9JSLUcTxJQZKLewzWl0YVWzxqdqU9pfN_bCVim63vi2kXDoSnIkXRuIj-9rbrSUo_Em_0_KQUEE8ihvEq7JfccScO-3iz8y1wspbtgCrqaxHUiw/s1600/0704190923a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaubKBeyuKwiRyArOaVpH6r_Dw20RV9JSLUcTxJQZKLewzWl0YVWzxqdqU9pfN_bCVim63vi2kXDoSnIkXRuIj-9rbrSUo_Em_0_KQUEE8ihvEq7JfccScO-3iz8y1wspbtgCrqaxHUiw/s320/0704190923a.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tom Brancato, of American Legion 95, shares<br />
his remarks during the celebration</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie75QU4788eeoM_9_NuHraKhNqlpBmkUO61OPbB0HUKcGKqwT1Cw7X9kfGsK2k7XMw0pGMOe87RFyPQNyKSkzpAvWij3luGWxy4qPxhexEaGWYv6JnvLf65KE8lgAhivwnQlB9Dp89WIc/s1600/0704190929b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie75QU4788eeoM_9_NuHraKhNqlpBmkUO61OPbB0HUKcGKqwT1Cw7X9kfGsK2k7XMw0pGMOe87RFyPQNyKSkzpAvWij3luGWxy4qPxhexEaGWYv6JnvLf65KE8lgAhivwnQlB9Dp89WIc/s320/0704190929b.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Florence O'Sullivan (right) leads the residents in song with Dan Hollenbeck (left) on keyboard</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuPmEWNv89OnQLr4i01M0sJahddE-FcU_Q4_YVRimI0RSTU_8PIVQihhXgdyV3997xdL1RVimvcxuC7j7-nLGiW7UdXZI6Rfse3UcR1sNyPQKbPNeG1EGfVIhtn7aWwez5kbPCYzDyMVs/s1600/0704190929c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuPmEWNv89OnQLr4i01M0sJahddE-FcU_Q4_YVRimI0RSTU_8PIVQihhXgdyV3997xdL1RVimvcxuC7j7-nLGiW7UdXZI6Rfse3UcR1sNyPQKbPNeG1EGfVIhtn7aWwez5kbPCYzDyMVs/s320/0704190929c.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8px;">Hebron residents join in singing patriotic songs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
After leading in song, Larry Zimmerman, a local resident and author, shared his patriotism by reading a poem he had written for the event.<br />
<br />
Lastly, Judy Podell spoke about patriotism and TTCP's efforts to recognize Hebron ancestors and where Hebron residents had come from before ending up in Hebron. Judy acknowledged that some residents may have been here for years while others have been in town for two weeks, but no matter the difference, everyone comes from somewhere. TTCP had created a map with various pins on it that recognize the heritage of individuals.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNyNxI2C7MT7lr4XoJCaSl_d5jCbNmpqBFfirICFiVC1CeWnq5HEQk9JMpG1KS_6V3P2Nj35KhwSwcDCrrIe8SmU5YSBXNh0aZKoD8jVoBDbsBx0QPLVRptlI5t_kiMY95kpJQl2V1_A8/s1600/0704190937.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="900" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNyNxI2C7MT7lr4XoJCaSl_d5jCbNmpqBFfirICFiVC1CeWnq5HEQk9JMpG1KS_6V3P2Nj35KhwSwcDCrrIe8SmU5YSBXNh0aZKoD8jVoBDbsBx0QPLVRptlI5t_kiMY95kpJQl2V1_A8/s320/0704190937.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Larry Zimmerman, a Hebron resident and<br />
author, shares his poetry</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<span style="text-align: center;"><br />The red pins are people who had participated in the survey, which was held earlier at various points throughout town. The red pins are placed where the participants claimed they were from. The white pins are where the participants' parents were from, and the blue pins recognize where the participants' grandparents immigrated from. As the map showed, many of the participants' ancestors and relatives had immigrated from Europe, though there were other places marked by indicators as well.</span><br />
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>
John Collins then spoke again to wrap up the event and kick off our nation's holiday. He had mentioned that attendance had doubled from last year's event and he hoped that the attendance would continue to climb as the event continues throughout the years. The celebration of the 4th of July was an event that really brought several Hebron groups together to share in our nation's holiday, and it will be great to see it grow throughout the years as we celebrate our town, our nation, our heritage, and our American patriotism.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiuUWCvIJMrxeh-wb8kqyYBPt_2TVbt5xRABF03kkGngCXkF1qxKUI6b04Ipw-xX-_rM1anlp6bi-49vuVdsbw53os1DRVOjVwOMPFjlUXkWf6lxSTEFTYHaQa9J8JcVGYBTjM4RMZNs8/s1600/0704190926.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiuUWCvIJMrxeh-wb8kqyYBPt_2TVbt5xRABF03kkGngCXkF1qxKUI6b04Ipw-xX-_rM1anlp6bi-49vuVdsbw53os1DRVOjVwOMPFjlUXkWf6lxSTEFTYHaQa9J8JcVGYBTjM4RMZNs8/s640/0704190926.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The world map with pins placed where Hebron residents came from</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Mal Leichter, a volunteer for CVC, had filmed the event. The event can be watched here: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJgI1QyrKqs">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJgI1QyrKqs</a><br />
<br />
Additionally, if you'd like to help prepare events in Hebron, such as the Independence Celebration, consider joining TTCP (The Town Center Project). Take a look at the Facebook page and contact Judy Podell if interested. See here: <a href="https://www.thetowncenterproject.org/">https://www.thetowncenterproject.org/</a> or <a href="https://www.facebook.com/towncenterprojectinc/">https://www.facebook.com/towncenterprojectinc/</a><br />
<br />
TTCP has other events planned throughout the year, such as the Summer Concert Series and The Harvest Moon Festival in October. TTCP is always looking for help with these events, as well as with new and fresh ideas to "put feet on the street" and make Hebron a fun and lively town that everyone can enjoy.<br />
<br />
If you missed this event, please watch the video (once posted) and plan to attend next year to support Hebron, Connecticut and bring in our nation's birthday. If you have any other stories about Hebron you would like to share, you are welcome to post below and/or email at <a href="mailto:hebronmapleleaf@gmail.com">hebronmapleleaf@gmail.com</a>. </div>
hebronmapleleafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04973506082399516836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5975427231899030917.post-75057965229731975932018-03-12T18:22:00.002-04:002018-03-12T18:27:04.277-04:00Hebron Town Center Project Looking to Put "Feet on the Street"The Hebron Town Center Project formed in order to bring more entertainment, socialization, and integration into our beloved town of Hebron, Connecticut. When the committee first met at the Douglas Library, it was opened up to the population to bring their ideas to promote more activity in Hebron. The committee talked about what was working and what wasn't working in Hebron, and opened up to suggestions on how the town could improve, what events it could offer to keep more people in town, and how to utilize the town green in the center of town. At the last Hebron Day, this past August, the Town Center Project hosted a survey asking residents what they would prefer for events in order to increase both activity, efficiency, and the feeling of "home" within our town.<br />
<br />
The top five events were announced at the September Town Center Project meeting in the Douglas Library. With the motto "Bring more feet to the streets," the Town Center Project met and divided up into five groups, all of which promote a different activity or event within the town. Since the meeting in September, these groups have met and developed their own individual meetings to host their various events. These various events are scheduled as follows:<br />
<br />
1. Summer Concert Series: <span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">Enjoy music from 3 different bands, on 3</span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">summer Sundays, July 15, July 29, Aug 12, starting at 5:30 pm. Bring a picnic, your lawn chairs and enjoy music in the heart of Hebron. Located in the field behind Co. #1 Firehouse.</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-right: -12.65pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
2. July 4th Parade Celebration: <span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">An old-fashioned celebration with a twist-everyone will be on wheels! 10:30 am. on Route 66. The parade will start at Hope Church, proceed down Rte. 66 towards Teds, turn around at the Post Office and return. There will also be a reading of the Declaration of Independence on the Old Town Hall steps before the start of the Parade.</span><br />
<br />
3. Lazy Sundays of Summer on the Hebron Town Green: Slated for one Sunday a month from May through September (dates and time posted in the image below). The intent is to create a low-key laid back atmosphere along Main Street. The bulk of events are pick up games of kornhole, bocce, crochet, tug a war, potato sack races, yard Yahtzee, a and a life-sized chess and checkers board. Possible activities are sidewalk chalk, hopscotch, tic tac toe, and a drop-in class of yoga, Tai Chi, or Pilates. The committee is also searching for local musicians to and street performers. Each month will have a "main" activity that is intended to draw people to the town green. In May, a local high school student, Melanie Shalayda will be hosting a "Shoes Off" poetry slam on the side lawn on Main Street and will promoted as a "bring your lawn chair, throw down your blanket, and stay awhile" event for all ages. Other months are looking at including an obstacle course or karaoke. Holly Habicht, the president for the Hebron group "Lazy Sundays" says that "the hope is to bring the Hebron community and their friends to the center of town to utilize the beautiful sidewalks, and spend some good, quality time with each other." For more information, please contact Holly Habicht at <a href="mailto:Daisiesndaffies@sbcglobal.net">Daisiesndaffies@sbcglobal.net</a>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHbBTagINrzOfJWA3YPSIZ5JGWsi4bYOwmHtGxm8WU5X12fBS5rCxBmjHKMQSn3UIUma34_4Kf0oXYmGWCdVxpuWZIII5KDMh9aHjFt6o_EDAyvpp85MeoxGi1rlfg2hfOuSJbwAKiYfw/s1600/28053459_10215194996098586_275281136_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="360" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHbBTagINrzOfJWA3YPSIZ5JGWsi4bYOwmHtGxm8WU5X12fBS5rCxBmjHKMQSn3UIUma34_4Kf0oXYmGWCdVxpuWZIII5KDMh9aHjFt6o_EDAyvpp85MeoxGi1rlfg2hfOuSJbwAKiYfw/s400/28053459_10215194996098586_275281136_n.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
4. Harvest Moon Festival: The harvest Moon Festival will be held on Saturday, October 20th, 2018. The committee plans to have artisans, vendors, family games, pumpkin chuckin', a fun run, and a nighttime pumpkin walk. Right now the committee is in the early stages of planning. For more information, contact the president, Wendy Weingarten at <a href="http://ewwo@comcast.net./">ewwo@comcast.net.</a><br />
<br />
5. Town Wide Tag Sale: The town wide tag sale is scheduled for June 2nd, 2018, rain or shine from 8:30 AM to 2:30 PM. Hebron residents, businesses, and organizations can all participate. People can register to hold a tag sale at their homes or business for a fee of $25 ($30 if after 5/7/18). People can also reserve a table at Town Hall for a fee of $20 ($25 if after 5/7/18). House tag sales will be given a house marker sign for easy tag sale locating and maps with house locations will be distributed throughout town at select locations. To register, you can print out a tag sale registration form the TTCP Facebook page or contact the chair, Emily Turker at <a href="mailto:emilyturker@gmail.com" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px;" target="_blank">emilyturker@gmail.com</a> or <a href="tel:(860)%20559-5554" style="background-color: white; color: #1155cc; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14.6667px;" target="_blank" value="+18605595554">860-559-5554</a>. Registration forms must include a check payable to "The Town Center Project." Registrations must be received by Monday, May 21st in order to be included on the town location map.<br />
<br />
Please come out and support Hebron, Connecticut with these upcoming events! Feel free to contact the individuals posted if you would like more information. Thank you.hebronmapleleafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04973506082399516836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5975427231899030917.post-31568719468776258502018-03-05T21:15:00.001-05:002018-03-06T17:13:45.014-05:00Boy Scout Cleans Up Godfrey Hill Cemetery For Eagle Scout Project<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTH1w5xT2TK3VOltjIpDgN4VuiuZhWSC4_4GM_NZFsSxB9zYbNQerJnNESP0DP5hJp_sAGTZRbfi6iOEgbAAHApGdZmuSsiKtLFJ-XUOsM-sduNz9q1nP822y99FgdcP6MfseD4K9YsIw/s1600/godfreyhill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTH1w5xT2TK3VOltjIpDgN4VuiuZhWSC4_4GM_NZFsSxB9zYbNQerJnNESP0DP5hJp_sAGTZRbfi6iOEgbAAHApGdZmuSsiKtLFJ-XUOsM-sduNz9q1nP822y99FgdcP6MfseD4K9YsIw/s320/godfreyhill.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Godfrey Hill Cemetery</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal;">
Situated on a hill on
route 85, between a couple houses and behind some brush and trees, lies the
Godfrey Hill Cemetery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is no sign or parking spot to mark the cemetery, so it is rather unnoticeable to many drivers passing by. Some people may see
the graves on the hill if they observe as they drive by, but many people are
unaware of the cemetery’s existence. </div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
The
Godfrey Hill Cemetery is part of the Saint Peter’s Church, located right where
the old church used to lie in the 1700’s, before it was replaced at its current
location along Church Street in 1824.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>While Saint Peter’s Church has its own cemetery next to its current
church, the Godfrey Hill Cemetery is the church’s older cemetery that contains
the graves of many of the original families who attended the church before it
was moved.<o:p></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-jksEb6PvXNa2odNwPKi1W_dDkmrB7qdUb5DBVmZx3X0m2_mU5wcm5ITCHQnPdF5-1bjssnkqYSrJce0D0egBjIN1oB2t81Iv5xSHvLX06UhV_ueu2fqhusJN_j_On0KHRt-QzRBQ1ZE/s1600/garrity2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1141" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-jksEb6PvXNa2odNwPKi1W_dDkmrB7qdUb5DBVmZx3X0m2_mU5wcm5ITCHQnPdF5-1bjssnkqYSrJce0D0egBjIN1oB2t81Iv5xSHvLX06UhV_ueu2fqhusJN_j_On0KHRt-QzRBQ1ZE/s400/garrity2.jpg" width="285" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Connor Garrity supporting his Eagle Scout Project at Godfrey Hill Cemetery</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
Connor
Garrity, a Boy Scout in Troop 28 in Hebron, CT is finalizing his Eagle Scout
project at the Godfrey Hill Cemetery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Garrity led Troop 28 to cut down and clear trees, branches, and shrubs
that had been overgrown in the cemetery area.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Connor inserted a sign post where he will be posting a sign of the
cemetery which will include some history and a map of those who
were buried.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Connor’s project not
only benefits the Godfrey Hill Cemetery by maintaining its foundation, but also
provides a record and history of those who were buried and once belonged to
the parish in the 1700’s.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
Some
of the common names buried and known in the Godfrey Hill Cemetery include: Bliss, Haughton,
Horton, Hutchinson, Jones, Mann, Peters, Phelps, and Shipman.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Many of these were the earliest attendees of
the church and are familiar names within our town’s history.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Particularly, John Bliss and Samuel Peters are
two names that were essential in the creation of the Episcopal Church in Hebron,
Connecticut.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
John
Bliss, a graduate of Yale in 1710, was called upon to be the town’s first
settled minister.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was soon resented
by several southern Congregationalists.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>In 1733, about fifty people were dissatisfied with Reverend Bliss, so
they petitioned the town to be set off into a Congregationalist society and
requested to secure a minister of their own.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>While their request was denied, Reverend Bliss soon resigned, and in
1734, he and his followers became loyal to the Church of England.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Bliss had been brought up in the Church of
England, and most of his followers were also of the English church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The return to the church was only natural for
Bliss under the current circumstances of his relationship to those of the
Congregationalist Society.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
Bliss
had been given a plot of land along Godfrey Hill, and this soon became the
first site for Saint Peter’s Church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>While the construction of the site started in 1735, the church wasn’t
finished until 1766 due to lack of funds.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Records claim the church stood at 58 by 30 feet in size.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>While he did so much to organize the church,
Reverend Bliss was not the first ordained minister, as his Congregationalist
ordination was not recognized by the Episcopal church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 1741, just before he was to depart to
England for the Holy Orders, Bliss died of smallpox.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He was then buried in the Godfrey Hill
Cemetery, near the original church’s site. <o:p></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv_t6WiVPBpZzyjxMUL9RMphMLRy7LE_XtGvndsQrQ08pqxl_c30mRkUYWlOD0gU9vVv8beF7yGRgmjr6EOf5VqH_uzRl1ZMMBaA24M5bKHJuXrvMvWHmW3tnbI_Z9FaNkqn9G20daNBg/s1600/0303181104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv_t6WiVPBpZzyjxMUL9RMphMLRy7LE_XtGvndsQrQ08pqxl_c30mRkUYWlOD0gU9vVv8beF7yGRgmjr6EOf5VqH_uzRl1ZMMBaA24M5bKHJuXrvMvWHmW3tnbI_Z9FaNkqn9G20daNBg/s400/0303181104.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boy Scouts clear the area of sticks at Godfrey Hill Cemetery</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Samuel
Peters was born in Hebron in 1735 and was a graduate of Yale in 1757.</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">He sailed for England in 1758 and received
the Holy orders in 1759, before returning to Hebron the following year.</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Samuel Peters would soon become the church’s first
Reverend.</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Peters was a Loyalist, being tied to the King
of England.</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">He believed that the
colonists who destroyed the tea in the Boston Tea Party had committed a
“horrible crime” and should have consequences for their actions.</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Peters soon became the target of attacks by
the patriots of the Sons of Liberty from Windham and other surrounding
towns.</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">On one occasion, Peters, with
help from Reverend Benjamin Pomeroy (Reverend of the Hebron Congregational
Church), barely escaped death from a mob of Patriots who had stripped him of
his priestly robes and demanded that he longer side with the King of
England.</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Peters, soon fled to Boston and
later took a ship to England.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
While
still in England, Peters was notified by the Episcopal clergy in Vermont to
become a bishop, but the Archbishop of Canterbury chose not to consecrate
him.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Later, Peters returned to America
and settled in New York City.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 1806,
he returned to Hebron and was welcomed by the citizens.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He died in 1826 and was buried next to his
three wives in Godfrey Hill Cemetery.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>His remains were then moved to the present Saint Peter’s Church in 1841,
which is his current marking place.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Saint
Peter’s Episcopal Church was then named after Samuel Peters, the church’s first
Reverend.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
Over
the years since it was erected, the church had grown to 58 families, 40
communicants, and a Sunday school of 35.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The 30 by 58-foot church on Godfrey Hill was soon becoming too small.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>In 1824, a new church was constructed more
appropriate to the parish’s size and importance within the community.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The church was consecrated on October 19,
1826 by Bishop Brownell, who claimed it as the second most beautiful church in
the diocese.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>This church currently
resides on the southern part of Church Street heading toward Amston,
Connecticut.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The old church on Godfrey
Hill was soon torn down, and all that remains today are the cemetery, three
wooden candlesticks, and the pewter baptismal basin.<o:p></o:p></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLVHZ9AEoilN61D06-jn1FxSrz8Jsmd-qXqqLLTlPKYAtGKsKUapOy0nBd2ooTHzF5GQCECSPektLNJNH-qzHUi49KEPjCAevNvVLJlvs0SFFAe5pcIF42I7vgLRl1dmF5ujJNl24bEdw/s1600/church-with-sign-21.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="274" data-original-width="400" height="219" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLVHZ9AEoilN61D06-jn1FxSrz8Jsmd-qXqqLLTlPKYAtGKsKUapOy0nBd2ooTHzF5GQCECSPektLNJNH-qzHUi49KEPjCAevNvVLJlvs0SFFAe5pcIF42I7vgLRl1dmF5ujJNl24bEdw/s320/church-with-sign-21.gif" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saint Peter's Episcopal Church</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
While
the church has moved to Church Street, the Godfrey Hill Cemetery is still home
to many of the deceased members of the original church.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The cemetery is a vital part of both Saint
Peter’s Church and Hebron’s history.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Connor Garrity has done a magnificent job to maintain the church’s and
town’s history, and his efforts to preserve the church’s records will be
recognized for years and years to come.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
Information about Saint Peter's Church and history from: <a href="http://www.stpetershebron.com/">http://www.stpetershebron.com/</a></div>
hebronmapleleafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04973506082399516836noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5975427231899030917.post-66419436753340155652018-02-18T19:43:00.004-05:002018-03-08T08:34:40.519-05:00The Old Town Hall: Then and Now<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;">
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal;">
<span style="font-size: large;">If
you drive by the town green Route 66, you will notice a white building next to
the library. This is the Old Town Hall. It used to be the Town Hall
at Hebron, Connecticut before the new town hall was built on Route 85.
Now, the Old Town Hall includes many historical artifacts serves as a museum
for the town community. Various Boy Scouts throughout the years have
dedicated their time and service to help the Historical Society repair and
upkeep various parts of the building. The Historical Society has maintained
the Old Town Hall since the town of Hebron gave the Society the rights to the
building in the 1960’s. </span><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTqUC-yWcH_w8rjtItwA-hsT8_hOWG68WMwo_6ZpoM7Nv5SWJeSonCPb7QR7CsrlnUUoO3-HdJQ_6bBDvhHYCsmIw0Wlo_hybPuVyacrEsKP_v3CRSJT1VPMC7zFHeyOytGBO7s2iaulo/s1600/IMG3860.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="240" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTqUC-yWcH_w8rjtItwA-hsT8_hOWG68WMwo_6ZpoM7Nv5SWJeSonCPb7QR7CsrlnUUoO3-HdJQ_6bBDvhHYCsmIw0Wlo_hybPuVyacrEsKP_v3CRSJT1VPMC7zFHeyOytGBO7s2iaulo/s1600/IMG3860.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boy Scouts repair the Old Town Hall building</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">But what is the
history of the Old Town Hall? When was
the building first erected? It was the
Methodists who were responsible for providing Hebron with its first site for
town meetings. In 1828, the Methodists
decided to hold services in the center of town.
They chipped in around $100 while the town of Hebron paid $260 toward
the construction of a second floor on the new Hebron Center School. This upper section of the school house was to
be shared by the church for its religious gatherings and the town for its town
meetings. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The shared
building worked for ten years until the Methodists decided they wanted their
own church, which would be their third meeting place since coming to
Hebron. The Methodists built their new
church a few hundred feet east of the Hebron Center School. The deed for their church is in the Hebron
Land Records, filed with the town for December 1<sup>st</sup>, 1838.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">In 1845, the upper
floor framing let go during a town meeting held at the Center School, and the
town was then without a meeting place.
The Methodists offered the basement of their new church for the town
meetings. Around 1850, the Methodists
broke apart. They also had constructed
another new meeting house, effectively disbanding the 1838 building they used
as their church.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">In 1859, the town
Selectmen of Hebron negotiated with the Methodist Society to purchase the 1838
building to use as the Town Hall. The
old Methodist Church was negotiated for $650.
Around 1863, the possession of the deed secured the building for the
town of Hebron. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpFt-jrvNK8J2wYyHg4TNIC5RRVT7jCUUsabkME30-7RW09__UrX4YyGCtqi88_9kesCRaEzkj62asJ6sDmBDL8q-T4q-iA16bYtPTSgl370wgihFfvoPRAocnVpmhdCLNa2nePIhgdVc/s1600/1e2f066a876aba4c7a0ea5641f09013a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="221" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpFt-jrvNK8J2wYyHg4TNIC5RRVT7jCUUsabkME30-7RW09__UrX4YyGCtqi88_9kesCRaEzkj62asJ6sDmBDL8q-T4q-iA16bYtPTSgl370wgihFfvoPRAocnVpmhdCLNa2nePIhgdVc/s1600/1e2f066a876aba4c7a0ea5641f09013a.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Old Town Hall</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">At the end of the
19<sup>th</sup> Century and into the beginning of 20<sup>th</sup> Century, the
Old Town Hall had some memorable moments in history. In 1875, the building was somehow lowered
from its original two-story to a story and a half. In 1928, electricity was installed into the
Town Hall. And in 1942, the hall
underwent repairs and redecoration in preparation for the commencement of
Hebron’s 8<sup>th</sup> grade students.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqWq6i5wjLlTvndXawjJ3JeyVrUS4dSCt10j6JF-pAIOPhV7o4UAbtjJXFfsP37dlnzXqaQYzW8hIrV3NHwVBcatILTa-uP4Au0sM2Oz56sVU4IsOaKMP7MUJMSBesw96kURs8PpYU-Jc/s1600/0726162005b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="180" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqWq6i5wjLlTvndXawjJ3JeyVrUS4dSCt10j6JF-pAIOPhV7o4UAbtjJXFfsP37dlnzXqaQYzW8hIrV3NHwVBcatILTa-uP4Au0sM2Oz56sVU4IsOaKMP7MUJMSBesw96kURs8PpYU-Jc/s1600/0726162005b.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pictures of past Hebron school years in the Old Town Hall</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Following the
building of Hebron Elementary School in 1950, the Town Hall ceased to hold its
town meetings. It was then used for
other civic organization meetings. Soon,
the Historical Society had been formed, and the members of this group started
to restore and maintain the old 1838 Methodist Church until the building became
their own.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">Over the years,
the Old Town Hall has shown its wear and tear, and it was the Historical
Society who needed to upkeep the building, despite being a nonprofit
organization. The first renovations done
on the roof were in the 1990’s where cedar shingles were replaced. Although this held up for twenty plus years,
it came to a point where the roof once again needed to be replaced.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: large;">The Historical
Society in 2016 created the “Raise the Roof” Campaign where they raised money
to repair the roof once again. The money
contributions came from businesses throughout town, such as Gina Marie’s and
Ted’s, as well as through generous donations from several individuals. Within three months, $10,000 was raised in
contributions, with some businesses and individuals contributing $50 to $1000.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">It was then decided
that the roof should be replaced with asphalt rather than cedar shingles. Asphalt roofs can last up to fifty years as
opposed to cedar shingles, which had lasted us roughly twenty years. Asphalt also costed much less than
cedar. With the approval from Historic
Properties Commission, it was agreed that the Old Town Hall should be replaced
with asphalt. </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/ItKjvv2MCOA/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ItKjvv2MCOA?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">On August 29<sup>th</sup>,
2017 Klaus and Larsen Roofing Contractor LLC, a local roofing repair crew came to replace the roof. This video posted below shows the replacement made
on the roof, all of which was completed in a single day. The Historical Society was honored to have a
local business (Klaus and Larsen Roofing Contractor LLC) to offer a quote to repair the roof. All the hard work and fundraising seemed to
be done, except that was still more to do: paint. The exterior north and east sides of the
building are in need of prep and paint.
The campaign for the Old Town Hall continues to raise money to paint
these designated areas and maintain the building’s foundation.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs6sId-OqMsEOh1h1OaePoo4-bHX4c99XC35cbeu5Cm4i_BGQRGTXzQte8zdLkUXcJslQvL9gHOTP6brUBjPDkEebhV292Ac34g6F7x1KGxV9T_t-e2quDN6FEubb4xRTxixxOywYuRPI/s1600/0726162005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="180" data-original-width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs6sId-OqMsEOh1h1OaePoo4-bHX4c99XC35cbeu5Cm4i_BGQRGTXzQte8zdLkUXcJslQvL9gHOTP6brUBjPDkEebhV292Ac34g6F7x1KGxV9T_t-e2quDN6FEubb4xRTxixxOywYuRPI/s1600/0726162005.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="font-size: medium; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">A sign from inside the Old Town Hall reads</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="font-size: medium; line-height: normal; text-indent: 0.5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">"Burritt Mutual Savings Bank Martha Crowe Phelps Office established 1889"</span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO1oxUdp7aMa2TBPByE89acPl37n3J9zEbGeN-wlTTeV1-mOD0iGpGtXg9-xsnYISvTxi7QpmmOJ8CXkgLGDyjXITszIdF3piNatv9z8JmIcLKiVSR7P97rLmyQbtQt9xrddYLNUQ1S2w/s1600/oldtownhall2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO1oxUdp7aMa2TBPByE89acPl37n3J9zEbGeN-wlTTeV1-mOD0iGpGtXg9-xsnYISvTxi7QpmmOJ8CXkgLGDyjXITszIdF3piNatv9z8JmIcLKiVSR7P97rLmyQbtQt9xrddYLNUQ1S2w/s1600/oldtownhall2.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More artifacts from inside the Old Town Hall</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">If you would like
to learn more about the Historical Society’s Capitol Campaign or are
considering to give a donation to support the cause, please check out the
<a href="http://hebronhistoricalsociety.org/" target="_blank">Hebron Historical Society’s website</a>.
The Historical Society continues to maintain and preserve the Old Town
Hall to cherish our town’s history.
Please come and visit the Old Town Hall during the annual Maple Festival
and other Hebron events! </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc5sRWqQK-z_UIhe_bIWeWdD97XVl0LIif5eRGGKZ7EkOFdEgK3kZRsNMb-KuYncpPY8XC-rUOcXlVLiJhSgTue0Kk-UkONkonH2FGUUmd8YZOxgKrbemXakhvcVJbCZKDYl6UOK2ACqE/s1600/maplefest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="195" data-original-width="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc5sRWqQK-z_UIhe_bIWeWdD97XVl0LIif5eRGGKZ7EkOFdEgK3kZRsNMb-KuYncpPY8XC-rUOcXlVLiJhSgTue0Kk-UkONkonH2FGUUmd8YZOxgKrbemXakhvcVJbCZKDYl6UOK2ACqE/s1600/maplefest.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Old Town Hall at the Hebron Maple Festival</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">Also check out a video featuring the train shows at the Old Town hall from today and 1976:</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/9tjeeC6DCWI/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/9tjeeC6DCWI?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">As always, feel free to comment and send your stories to <a href="mailto:hebronmapleleaf@gmail.com">hebronmapleleaf@gmail.com</a>.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Credit to Hebron Historical Society for the info on the Old Town Hall: <a href="http://hebronhistoricalsociety.org/">http://hebronhistoricalsociety.org/</a></span></div>
hebronmapleleafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04973506082399516836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5975427231899030917.post-83239032864251287602017-03-14T14:47:00.000-04:002017-03-14T16:01:14.416-04:00Enjoy Something Simple Cafe!Hello everyone,<br />
<br />
I want to recognize another restaurant that has gained attention in Hebron, not only by its welcoming environment, but because of its rich history within our town. Along Route 66, near the town green, there is a small cafe, Something Simple Cafe. It's kind of hard to see from the main road as it's off to the side, though anyone local can point it out to you. It's reachable by entering the Douglas Library parking lot over by the Old Town Hall building.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVspd4qUPk2JpJIF1Q9Aa-a2kkdewdA-e7HiI8LF7yFvb8SrcpgAlpj0UPV3BLlFoT_VXxG34XliES5JyAUvSHVT_EXpHUO78Izp9mR2yxIynEIfGboPRHR0BnnEm4zz5EMCgNiTO4KYI/s1600/somethingsimple3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVspd4qUPk2JpJIF1Q9Aa-a2kkdewdA-e7HiI8LF7yFvb8SrcpgAlpj0UPV3BLlFoT_VXxG34XliES5JyAUvSHVT_EXpHUO78Izp9mR2yxIynEIfGboPRHR0BnnEm4zz5EMCgNiTO4KYI/s320/somethingsimple3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTsO6NxnSvYEHdvXe-mVEOTcHgj20pD1RXJuK0rmxqNTzmhmqJgpqd6oaNTSDAm4gpwWrBjvsT1IAH5YWsds6VA2lCr0ik-bY84x0iNcRkjI8stLZ-pYJzLjku82F_71A7gnsZi3_buGM/s1600/somethingsimple1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTsO6NxnSvYEHdvXe-mVEOTcHgj20pD1RXJuK0rmxqNTzmhmqJgpqd6oaNTSDAm4gpwWrBjvsT1IAH5YWsds6VA2lCr0ik-bY84x0iNcRkjI8stLZ-pYJzLjku82F_71A7gnsZi3_buGM/s400/somethingsimple1.jpg" width="323" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Something Simple Cafe is relatively new, as it was established four years ago with the goal of "providing a warm environment for people to talk and enjoy each other over a good warm cup of coffee (espresso or latte) along with good healthy food" (Jessica Dapsis, manager).<br />
<br />
The restaurant focuses on local businesses, using Hosmer's Soda for soda, a local coffee roaster out of New London, and Deep River Chips (Jessica Dapsis). Personally, I think we have more to cherish when we have a cafe that is local and representative of our town, aside from the Subways and CVSes. It's great to know that people in our town still want to protect our heritage, and I believe that's simply a core value of Something Simple Cafe.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD_o5NU72FvME21CWr0wRfcyTZ58kvBD14JpyAO5lag9rGGOoJBfG0dzyaldA3akfblRRncck0inEpHpvdXbWNsKiF59ftebO5D6jI_f2_zP_rsuB4ta21nWW7ZOYRiIkB9xTWnFKUfVQ/s1600/somethingsimple2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD_o5NU72FvME21CWr0wRfcyTZ58kvBD14JpyAO5lag9rGGOoJBfG0dzyaldA3akfblRRncck0inEpHpvdXbWNsKiF59ftebO5D6jI_f2_zP_rsuB4ta21nWW7ZOYRiIkB9xTWnFKUfVQ/s400/somethingsimple2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
What makes the restaurant even more interesting is its past history. The building was built in 1750 and made into a store somewhere between 1816 and 1829. A history of the building was provided to Alma and Clarence Porter in a letter dated December 26th, 1930 from Mr. F. C. Bissell, the Comptroller for the State of Connecticut. The Porters, upon receiving the building, ran a store at the site for 25 to 30 years. It was later purchased on May 17th, 1954 and operated by a man named Bishop for a short period of time, before Mr. and Mrs. Celio purchased the building on April 19th, 1958. They later ran the store as Frank and Marion's from 1958 until 1972.<br />
<br />
The first meeting to form the Hebron American Post Legion was held on the second floor of the building, which at that time was used for storing goods for the business. Today, as you venture through the building, there are various artifacts such as the hand prints in the cement step in the back, and the Old Bob-Bet Bait box in the attic that a tell a story of Hebron on their own. I suggest you may take a look at these when you visit the building yourself.<br />
<br />
But the building has also been a cause for mysterious activity over the years. The manager, Jess Dapsis mentions that "We have had employees experience being pushed (gently) on the stairs" and there have been several things "passing by an employees' heads that could not just have fallen down." Dapsis also mentions that "bagels came off shelves, coffee cups came off shelves." Employees have heard voices when no one else is there and lights randomly have turned on after being shut off. Dapsis mentioned that the women who formerly owned the art/frame shop had also experienced similar paranormal activities (Schrayter, Geeta, "A Ghostly Night at Something Simple in Hebron"). The Connecticut Ghost Hunters came to Something Simple, and after three hours of investigation, their findings confirmed many of these strange paranormal occurrences, such as hearing footsteps, chairs moving, or having their jackets tugged. Take a look at the videos below to see Chris Baricko's (member of Connecticut Ghost Hunters) findings while visiting Something Simple Cafe. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/8krVbm5gQD0/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/8krVbm5gQD0?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/s-8zGSLR2ro/0.jpg" frameborder="0" height="266" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/s-8zGSLR2ro?feature=player_embedded" width="320"></iframe></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(These are only a few, there are more!)</div>
<br />
Does it seem scary for you? Well, don't fret, because Something Simple is a warm and inviting restaurant that anyone can enjoy.<br />
<br />
Something Simple Cafe offers a wide variety of foods from its menu, including several different kinds of coffees, bagels, sandwiches, grinders, toasted panini's, soups, salads, and much more. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSNYXK-wjw8-WTWhGHbuOJivuAGhvZ0iEZlTsWOyrCTUbu33wFDahdCHl42XrJwqgktgf-9qTi7Bi5nUoL34ntXb_FIB3KmnCT2hvyGJqcmQMCKikJmaXC8HYGqctLyKu2bePkJpZpEIg/s1600/somethingsimple6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSNYXK-wjw8-WTWhGHbuOJivuAGhvZ0iEZlTsWOyrCTUbu33wFDahdCHl42XrJwqgktgf-9qTi7Bi5nUoL34ntXb_FIB3KmnCT2hvyGJqcmQMCKikJmaXC8HYGqctLyKu2bePkJpZpEIg/s400/somethingsimple6.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Not only does it have a wide variety of foods, the restaurant provides entertainment, specifically in the arts. Oftentimes singers and guitarists will share their music, and the Something Simple staff provide events like a "Fused Glass Workshop" and "Art Lab Paint Parties" that may also include crafts and local artists. I believe it's great that they don't only offer food, but they offer events to keep their company entertained. There are also many seats both indoors and outdoors for when the spring and summer weather finally comes. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh85gPSPF6GswNQm-NeVvHUIoEsBmmgX06L2CjPRsh39h1xRbN72ef3lVguzpFTlbMbCpJRUoSCUyGfm0pLnAWaXJwBi7Za6Cb-elDblu5ev1yiY3p8ZtNRDXF5ODwU17ed7ErNsDQ-2y0/s1600/somethingsimple4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh85gPSPF6GswNQm-NeVvHUIoEsBmmgX06L2CjPRsh39h1xRbN72ef3lVguzpFTlbMbCpJRUoSCUyGfm0pLnAWaXJwBi7Za6Cb-elDblu5ev1yiY3p8ZtNRDXF5ODwU17ed7ErNsDQ-2y0/s400/somethingsimple4.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Looking out from the restaurant where people enjoy the seasonal seating</div>
<br />
Something Simple is certainly a place I'd recommend anyone try, whether you are in town (and haven't been there yet), or if you're simply passing by. With a great selection of food, entertainment, and a rich history including the many wonders of our town of Hebron, you won't be disappointed. In fact, I think you'll simply be amazed.<br />
<br />
Something Simple Cafe is open 7 AM to 5 PM on weekdays, 8 AM to 5 PM on Saturdays, and 8 AM to 3 PM on Sundays.<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
As always, post to the blog and/or email your stories,
pictures, reviews, and thoughts to <a href="mailto:hebronmapleleaf@gmail.com">hebronmapleleaf@gmail.com</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
hebronmapleleafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04973506082399516836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5975427231899030917.post-44700092485595557322016-05-22T13:31:00.000-04:002018-02-19T21:06:08.957-05:00Hebron Maple Leaf: King of the Maple Festival<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiphB-MqSncXRbpA8c2TL6EqEpnSb-eSQwgx5VdJj2bn_VS97NsFvAdZoUIMjbItyFON16qulU1j6o5vbmTClsBNT3WM3V_C-q6PXFzHYl7QxlsBz5pJhkp_wit-sKnlLbx_U_OztZxOP8/s1600/mapleleaf.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiphB-MqSncXRbpA8c2TL6EqEpnSb-eSQwgx5VdJj2bn_VS97NsFvAdZoUIMjbItyFON16qulU1j6o5vbmTClsBNT3WM3V_C-q6PXFzHYl7QxlsBz5pJhkp_wit-sKnlLbx_U_OztZxOP8/s320/mapleleaf.jpg" width="245" /></a></div>
<br />
The Hebron Maple Leaf
brings joy to the Maple Festival each year.
It was always great to see a young boy or girl about three or four years
old give me (as the great Maple Leaf) <span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">a high-five or a big
hug to show that they appreciated me.</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">It’s the greatest feeling, and it’s the reason why I felt like a
superhero when I became the Hebron Maple Leaf.</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">I gave out high fives, hugs, and most importantly, I created
smiles.</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Lots of smiles.</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">I felt this strange sort of power like no
other, but it was a friendly kind of power.</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">
</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">I wasn’t there for any other reason than to spread joy and make them
happy.</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">That’s what superheroes do, only
they spread joy by fighting crime rather than entertaining.</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">My role was a bit different, but it’s the
same concept.</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><br />
<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq9GxXGE-ICNhEDZNqiM6X1jNDvFtiwMBzuxu1pjBAwjZEbwjUBJsBiTsBhpqz8k3RJldgOrICToHfZ9yezNAnVEKcpgrh-OLIAaSmKxRQuwl0XWWW9Onw5556Fdsb1uKb0j3MBB4Ksy0/s1600/mapleleaf6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq9GxXGE-ICNhEDZNqiM6X1jNDvFtiwMBzuxu1pjBAwjZEbwjUBJsBiTsBhpqz8k3RJldgOrICToHfZ9yezNAnVEKcpgrh-OLIAaSmKxRQuwl0XWWW9Onw5556Fdsb1uKb0j3MBB4Ksy0/s400/mapleleaf6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .5in;">
In its twenty-six years,
the Maple Festival has seen new venues come and go, and some completely
changed. I had remembered when I first
attended the festival and it was widely accessible with lots of
entertainment. The entertainment was
still there, but over the years, it had reached a low point. Publicity dwindled down, there were fewer maple sugar houses to visit, and there were no longer buses transporting people back and forth. One of the biggest shockers of all was that no one could find where to buy maple syrup. Previously, the maple syrup had been sold on the village green, but it had now been limited to sugar houses, which were far off from the village green. While in costume, I had multiple people ask me, “Where can we get Maple Syrup?” People came from all over to the Hebron Maple Festival, and several were disappointed that it was difficult to find maple syrup at a festival that promoted maple syrup to begin with. The festival was still widely acclaimed, but it just didn’t feel like the “golden years” when I first went to the Maple Festival. <span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> I
could only imagine that maybe Hebron was losing its passion for Maple Sugar
making?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .5in;">
I wasn't entirely sure what I could change. At this time, I had ideas, but nothing I could change all on my own. But I had thought about making some kind of change, if I had the power to do it. I wanted
to make something much more memorable, much more passionate, and much more iconic
of the Maple Festival. I wanted to make children and people feel a lot more friendly and passionate. <span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">I wanted to capture a “Maple
Fest spirit” among the residents who came to the festival.</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">I wanted people to feel passionate about our
town and our Maple Festival.</span><br />
<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKPWzxqqfASyVDMNWKS8VJnNau0HijuabV_a8BzxJK8CeZbwqtQsjwsNRB9AY4z39yUvZbxa1xY6UrxLbAGWtSpo-fypIb0HxteRrbLzgYuCpsDCX59Stks5GFn5Fw6wbGn6WHfXX-OYs/s1600/mapleleaf.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKPWzxqqfASyVDMNWKS8VJnNau0HijuabV_a8BzxJK8CeZbwqtQsjwsNRB9AY4z39yUvZbxa1xY6UrxLbAGWtSpo-fypIb0HxteRrbLzgYuCpsDCX59Stks5GFn5Fw6wbGn6WHfXX-OYs/s320/mapleleaf.png" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .5in;">
It took me some time to
research, but I finally came across a Maple Leaf costume while searching
online. I immediately thought to myself,
<i>this is it. This is the next big idea. </i>I knew this costume would be something big
(and not just because of its size). Previously, there were other mascots at various times throughout the festival, but none of them brought the kind of passion that the festival really needed. Until now. <span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">A
giant red leaf, in the shape of a cylinder, with spikes protruding out of its
head to make the arms of a leaf.</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">It was
absolutely ridiculous, weird, and corny, but so </span><i style="text-indent: 0.5in;">perfect</i><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">.</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">It was the symbol
of the Maple Festival.</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><i style="text-indent: 0.5in;">This costume will be the next greatest
thing for the Maple Festival, </i><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">I thought.</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">I never imagined
how right I was at that very moment.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .5in;">
When I bought this
costume, it did raise some plausible concerns.
I wasn’t sure if people wanted a random guy walking around town in a
Maple Leaf costume. The idea was
ridiculous, and it was kind of creepy if you thought about it. I mean, a person you don’t know can see
everything through a mask, but no one can see him? I didn’t technically have permission to
become this “official” Maple Leaf mascot.
If I put on this costume, I would be doing it of my own free will. I
thought to myself, <i>someone has to start
it. </i>Bringing up the costume to the
Maple Festival committee was kind of ridiculous, because it was so unnatural
and unfamiliar that I was almost certain they would disregard it. But I figured, what the heck, I’ll wear it
anyway and blend in and draw the support of the community. I knew I could make the case for a mascot at
the Maple Festival. I had the passion,
and whether I was accepted or not, I was going to bring it to the festival.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .5in;">
So that began my venture
into town, which became a yearly tradition.
You might think it’s easy to put on a costume and walk around town, but
honestly, there’s a lot of prep work involved.
First of all, a mascot is never supposed to reveal his or her true
identity. While a lot of people know who
I am, I generally don’t go around broadcasting it. Many people still do not know who the real
person is beneath the Maple Leaf costume, and I’d like to keep it that
way. I had a challenge ahead of me. Where would I be able to put on and take off
my costume without being noticed? This
was something I needed to figure out. I
had to find a spot where I was well hidden, and where I could leave a few of my
belongings (car keys, shirts, the costume’s bag) without the fear of them being
taken away. I found my secret spot, some
ways away from the town green, which wasn’t a distance I couldn’t tackle. It was just one of the much smaller
challenges I had to endure if I were to be the mascot.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Next, a great mascot
needs endurance. I have to be able to
stay in the costume for a while, no matter how warm it gets. I usually prepare myself by wearing shorts
underneath the costume, bringing lots of water or Gatorade, and extra t-shirts,
preferably white shirts that aren’t as hot.
Either way, I sweat. Sometimes
I’ve sweat through two or three shirts, so it gets very, very hot if you intend
on ever being a mascot (especially an incognito one around town). And then there’s the deal with shoes. It was always the shoes everyone
noticed. The few who ratted me out for
my true identity noticed my shoes. They
were the same shoes I had worn as a human.
Not very smart on my end, I guess, but children are observant. Although the costume comes with its own shoe
holders, they aren’t very supportive to wear when walking around town. I used to spray paint my shoes red, which
looked absolutely ridiculous and artificial, until I thought of the better idea
of buying red shoes to complement my everyday shoes. So, now I just wear red shoes that match the
costume. Took me awhile to figure it
out, but I finally realized that rather than spray painting an old pair of
shoes or trying to wear the complicated foot holders, matching red sneakers were
the path of least resistance. And with
that, there’s a lot of walking and a lot of strain on the feet, so one must
endure all these perks of being a mascot, even if it means getting blisters. Trust me though, it's not that bad.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3OS2ZDsT4-xP79CIC88bkQKa-8HI9mZDVHOHxxEnoOXcT6AwzvOp405XSOq8IIIiw7CwoZsarOwf6MCuY9O4JDybM-Nptc7J7rORQMZcNUfRoxC8ykmr0FAq7WGiT2A-7mpaLVpGWwY4/s1600/mapleleaf2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3OS2ZDsT4-xP79CIC88bkQKa-8HI9mZDVHOHxxEnoOXcT6AwzvOp405XSOq8IIIiw7CwoZsarOwf6MCuY9O4JDybM-Nptc7J7rORQMZcNUfRoxC8ykmr0FAq7WGiT2A-7mpaLVpGWwY4/s400/mapleleaf2.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">When they first saw me,
they thought I was a red sun or a giant burning sausage.</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">It never occurred to the civilians what I
truly was.</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Then I got smarter, and I put
a logo on the costume.</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Only then they
knew to refer to me as the name etched upon the logo: “Mr. Maple Leaf.”</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">There’s still much debate to this day as to
whether this mascot is truly a maple leaf or a giant burning sausage, but the
identity of the mascot is left for interpretation.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .5in;">
A couple times I’ve been
asked, “How much do they pay you to be the mascot?” Of course, I never answer them in
costume. Most people probably thought I
was part of the Maple Festival committee.
They probably thought I was a mascot because someone from the town had
asked me and forced me to be one, not because I wanted to be the mascot. This was my own purpose from the
beginning. No one told me I had to do
this. And I don’t do it for money. What makes being the mascot so much fun is
that I know I’m passionate about what I do.
I don’t think about what holds me back, I only strive to make it work
for everyone.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJoKSNoJb02SJ3XDnY55WnmbJFmkf2eLOfWX6mAEk-yW2n106B8YTa_OtH-zrrwEpwTyrBWcc0L2Z4qyktICPtjIc871-ifl-ZCdOTrBDrSMVIkTwDANyEJw_Poe8IO9zAzQjTuP7JRy0/s1600/mapleleaf4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJoKSNoJb02SJ3XDnY55WnmbJFmkf2eLOfWX6mAEk-yW2n106B8YTa_OtH-zrrwEpwTyrBWcc0L2Z4qyktICPtjIc871-ifl-ZCdOTrBDrSMVIkTwDANyEJw_Poe8IO9zAzQjTuP7JRy0/s400/mapleleaf4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .5in;">
And I was respected. When I was across the street, the Girl Scouts
would yell, “Maple Leaf, over here.”
They were waving to me, reaching out to me, wanting me to see them. I took pictures with senators, the local
Republicans, the local Democrats, and the local news people who spotted me
out. It was like I was some king walking
through my own kingdom. I truly was a
superhero, as was announced on Facebook:<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: .5in;">
“My day is made! I always get a pic
of the Maple Leaf every Maple Fest!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
“All the girl scouts LOVE you!!! We
all do... you Are the symbol of Hebron maple fest!!!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
“You were
awesome yesterday, Maple Leaf. You were the ‘Maple’ in Maple Fest.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
(Facebook comments)</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
Just when everything goes well, and people
appreciate what I’ve done, someone is always there to protest. I had one lady there that claimed she was
part of the festival committee who yelled at me and was trying to kick me out,
“You’ve done your time here already. You
don’t have permission to be here,” she yelled at me. “Now it’s time to go home. C’mon, leave already.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
There were people waiting in lines to see me,
and now they were kicking me out. This
lady had no idea what she was trying to get rid of. The people were the ones who wanted me here,
and now this lady was trying to take it all away from me.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
As
furious as I was, I had support.
Residents were willing to boycott the event if I didn’t show up next
year. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
“My daughter will be mortified if
there is no maple leaf. He was so
amazing he took the book from the kids and carried it around with him all
day. You are amazing maple leaf. These 3
loved you.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
“Poor Hebron Maple Leaf - the
ubiquitous They are trying to get rid of him! Leaf needs our support, fellow
Hebronians!!!”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
“We got your back Hebron Maple
Leaf!! You bring joy to this event and solely do it for the people. Love having
you there and will not attend if you aren't allowed.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in;">
(Facebook comments)<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
It was amazing how I could spread so much joy and
so much controversy just from wearing a Maple Leaf costume around town. I was only doing the event a favor, and doing it free of cost. But like a superhero, there’s always that
idea of not knowing the unknown (which scares a lot of people). But honestly, <o:p></o:p>I think they were just jealous that I became the festival.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu4plvQZZJjSnbaeyW7sGM2QD5mmUFslQ_uIIpt29XCCpBQG-JCX119uxX3ap6mx72J8KuhDkwRtL_bxx5UWc0cnvRrb-c7iUWu8F_DUzEcS83MMiAP6cmwE9DqqDzx_zF9IF7zBNyWoM/s1600/mapleleaf7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu4plvQZZJjSnbaeyW7sGM2QD5mmUFslQ_uIIpt29XCCpBQG-JCX119uxX3ap6mx72J8KuhDkwRtL_bxx5UWc0cnvRrb-c7iUWu8F_DUzEcS83MMiAP6cmwE9DqqDzx_zF9IF7zBNyWoM/s400/mapleleaf7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
Eventually,
I was allowed back to the Maple Festival.
I had fought the town, and new management came to run the festival this year- new management which allowed the Maple Leaf to spread joy around town
during the Maple Festival. There were
always new challenges to face this year, and there will be more in the future. But this won't stop me from doing what I love. I became a celebrity, and I keep trying to spread my joy in all new
kinds of ways, whether it be riding on the tractor parade with Miss Connecticut
Teen, taking the bus back and forth, or starting dance parties with citizens at
the event. I hope to continue the reign
of the great Maple Leaf for years to come as it brings passion and joy to the
town during one of its annual events.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
hebronmapleleafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04973506082399516836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5975427231899030917.post-42785687391548554592016-04-30T23:17:00.003-04:002016-05-01T16:39:33.171-04:00The Legend of the Eagle Rock<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">
For twenty-seven years, the Hebron Eagle Rock,
positioned along route 66 heading towards Marlborough, has been iconic. It’s been mentioned in several newspapers multiple times over the years, it’s been used as a symbol throughout
the town including the town website, and the eagle has become the Hebron Elementary School mascot. The Eagle Rock
has become a Hebron legend, and one of the top fifty landmarks throughout all
of Connecticut. It certainly has “made
its mark” says the Eagle Rock creator himself, Jason Sawyer.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ-F13BA8TtAcVdIcQBOhktWaH0cRBUoIRtV8O1mXMZi13EgZ7MQcIQSbB51KUIx71FvN-WRQz-YGwczmCMPmyUj0OyXluQVSRPDLL8_AgX67C9LHAGbec-u9Of_PifI_XNEDTklMBKtM/s1600/rock1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ-F13BA8TtAcVdIcQBOhktWaH0cRBUoIRtV8O1mXMZi13EgZ7MQcIQSbB51KUIx71FvN-WRQz-YGwczmCMPmyUj0OyXluQVSRPDLL8_AgX67C9LHAGbec-u9Of_PifI_XNEDTklMBKtM/s400/rock1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">It wasn’t until 1989 that
Jason Sawyer, a former Hebron resident, and now a Senior Art Director for
AetherQuest Solutions in Virginia, painted the rock into an eagle. Jason claimed he was a bored teenager looking for something to do in the summer before his senior year at RHAM High School. He remembers the
seniors painting the senior rock at RHAM High School (a tradition still held
today), which at that time included many references to the first Batman movie that
had just come out. This piqued Sawyer’s
interest as a teenager looking for something to do in a small New England
town.</span></div>
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
Sawyer had noticed the rock as a landmark along route 66 since first moving to the town when
he was five or six. Before it was an
eagle, urban legend claims that the rock had been painted into a variety of
different things, from a monster to a frog, though it never stayed long enough
as a single entity. Sawyer only
remembers seeing the remnants of paint wearing out atop the rock.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
But
the rock was apparently an important landmark, having been painted before, and
positioned along route 66 as drivers headed into Hebron. Sawyer claims that whenever he drove from
Marlborough into Hebron, he saw the rock, and through his artist’s eyes, he
noticed that it had a large beak. “I’m
not sure exactly what made me choose that rock,” said Sawyer. “It could have been that it had been painted
before, not sure. The eagle is what I
had seen when driving by, and the vision was the deciding factor.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
Sawyer contacted the state and got approval to paint
the rock into the image of the eagle he had seen driving by. Since painting the eagle back in 1989, Sawyer
has been back to Hebron at least four to five times to repaint. He hasn’t been alone. He’s had individuals help him repaint the
rock, along with various families within the town who have helped to “color in
the lines” and maintain the trees and shrubbery around the area of the rock.
Together they have helped to uphold the historic site of the great Eagle Rock
of Hebron, Connecticut.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
According
to Sawyer, the “greatest part was that I did it, and didn’t
think much about it.” Yet, the rock has
become a legend, storied in several newspapers over the years, as well as the Channel 3 News. The rock wasn’t just the
artwork of a teenager looking for something to do. Rather, it had become a phenomenon, a
“beakon” into Hebron for those entering eastward along route 66. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .5in;">
“Pride grew around Hebron
from it,” said Sawyer. “People still
talk about it and share it with their kids.”<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Today, the rock still
sits as a landmark along route 66. It
has been repainted over the years, and has had some minor changes by various
residents within the town who intend to hold the eagle’s composure. The Bordick family, who are local residents
of Hebron, cleaned and repainted the rock back in 2011 after it had been
vandalized shortly after Independence Day.
Not only did Andy Bordick clean up the vandalism, he refurnished the
Eagle Rock. He added some minor
renditions to the eagle’s eyes, depth, and 3D structure, so as to enhance the
foundation and the composure of the rock for years to come. <o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVQTVCEy5gwg40pysI8IP86ufyhfwxc3rCmeKPNCamK46pe4A6MgZpNnF66VD4IIg6F8SPhDrb45W7wlRIDhyphenhyphenRUIhskXLS0NH6meUk0yngNJYu0dR4gBUdKteoduLiH2pckpb6ObNEmtM/s1600/eagle2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVQTVCEy5gwg40pysI8IP86ufyhfwxc3rCmeKPNCamK46pe4A6MgZpNnF66VD4IIg6F8SPhDrb45W7wlRIDhyphenhyphenRUIhskXLS0NH6meUk0yngNJYu0dR4gBUdKteoduLiH2pckpb6ObNEmtM/s400/eagle2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Vandalism at the Eagle Rock in 2011. Image credits to <a href="https://steadyhabits.wordpress.com/2011/07/06/america-haters-or-drunk-teens-or-both/">https://steadyhabits.wordpress.com/2011/07/06/america-haters-or-drunk-teens-or-both/</a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">2011 was not the first
time the rock had been vandalized, however.
Sawyer mentioned that the rock had first been vandalized in 1991. People had vandalized the rock with political
statements and symbols relating to the United States invasion of Iraq. The vandalism didn’t cause a setback to the
Eagle Rock, however. Residents of Hebron stepped
up and chipped in to uphold one of the town’s greatest traditions. Sawyer mentioned that vandalism will always
occur at one time or another, though having a town of supportive residents who care will mend
our town’s tradition and heritage.</span><br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Jason Sawyer doesn’t
always get the time to go back to Hebron to see his Eagle Rock, but he knows
it’s still standing, and in very supportive hands. Living in Virginia, Sawyer admits that it
“gets harder and harder to come back to Hebron,” but he hasn’t passed up the
opportunity when he gets the chance. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .5in;">
“Growing up in a small
town, it feels very personable going back and seeing the people you know,” says
Sawyer, “I like the memories, and creating the rock was my way of saying thanks
to the town.”</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Although he is now living
in Virginia, Sawyer mentions that he intends to plan a trip back to Hebron to
paint his Eagle Rock once again, as it needs another face lift. After twenty-seven years, Sawyer admits that
“he never thought the rock would last this long.” But indeed, the eagle rock still stands, and
it has become a phenomenon greater than just a work of art. We, as residents of Hebron, must share in the
pride of Hebron by helping to maintain and sustain the great Eagle Rock that is
so representative of our town.<o:p></o:p><br />
<br />
For more info on the Bordick restoration of the Eagle Rock, check out this article here: <a href="http://www.norwichbulletin.com/article/20110610/News/306109922">http://www.norwichbulletin.com/article/20110610/News/306109922</a><br />
<br />
And, as always, post to the blog and/or email your stories, pictures, reviews, and thoughts to <a href="mailto:hebronmapleleaf@gmail.com">hebronmapleleaf@gmail.com</a>. </div>
hebronmapleleafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04973506082399516836noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5975427231899030917.post-81151025955404512162016-03-13T20:37:00.000-04:002018-03-18T21:04:43.417-04:00The Hebron Maple Festival<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbeXSTSH952rg30e8ACZseIjnL-BYSqF8PqeDUE3-jZkJtOKKy8XRcZAGe63WNCNWClMWc9gB9JvzVzTVeImI1Y1equjc_cc8IOEQCzKtuSUAgLUJea1MxR1c9nkbDeaRnhzPhXVu09CQ/s1600/hebron.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="370" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbeXSTSH952rg30e8ACZseIjnL-BYSqF8PqeDUE3-jZkJtOKKy8XRcZAGe63WNCNWClMWc9gB9JvzVzTVeImI1Y1equjc_cc8IOEQCzKtuSUAgLUJea1MxR1c9nkbDeaRnhzPhXVu09CQ/s400/hebron.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Twice a year, Hebron has two very significant
events that put the small town on the map.
The first is the Hebron Harvest Fair, which attracts visitors from all
over the state to come to our town. The
second event, the Hebron Maple Festival, may not be as widely attended as the
big Hebron Harvest Fair, but it is still a very special and important Hebron
event taking place each year, six months after the Hebron Harvest Fair.</div>
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
The
twenty-sixth annual Hebron Maple Festival is coming this March. While the event originally promoted
twenty-six years of maple sugar making, it eventually developed into a town phenomenon
representing many maple products, supporting local business vendors, and
offering entertainment for children. The
event comes at the perfect time betwixt seasons- the Maple season is best when
the days are warm and the nights are cold, so the event being held in mid-March
marks the end of winter and the beginning of spring for local Hebronians.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
The
event started twenty-six years ago when Selden Wells, a sugarhouse owner in
town, went to the library with gallons and gallons of surplus syrup, suggesting
a “Sugar on Snow” fundraiser. The
fundraiser had become such a success that next year Wells asked all the local
sugar makers to open their sugar houses. </div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Throughout
the years, there have been a number of sugar-making houses in Hebron, including
Wenzel’s Sugar House on East Street, Winding Brooks Sugar House on Skinner Lane,
Well’s Sugar House on Cone Road, Dad’s Sugar House on Wall Street, and the Hope
Valley Sugar House on Hope Valley Road.
Not all of these sugar houses partake in the event each year, but they
have participated in the past to share in Hebron’s New England tradition of
maple sugar making. It is these sugar
houses that really brought to life what the Hebron Maple Festival has become
today. Several are still active sugar houses, including Wenzel's Sugar House, and Woodyacres Sugar House, both of which will be accessible in this upcoming Maple Festival.<br />
<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> Soon, however, the
festival has become something bigger, something larger, something more Hebron. One walk through Main Street on the Maple
Festival weekend and you will see possibly snow and lots of mud, people walking
through the town, on sidewalks, up and down Main Street. On each side of the road are several groups
and businesses supporting the town’s event: Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts selling
cookies and snacks, a quilt show, maple milk, and a teacup auction from the Hebron Historical
Society, as well as maple icecream from a local Farmer’s Cow farm, and cotton candy from
Hebron Volunteer Fire Department. Aside
from these various town-supported vendors, there’s also many activities at the
event for children, including a moonwalk, face painting, ice-cream eating
contests, and a visit from the Hebron Mapleleaf himself. The list goes on and on… </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Aside from all the
greatness that the event offers, much of it is imbued in Hebron’s history as
well. Previously during the event, the
Historical Society have presented many of Hebron’s historical buildings, such as the Burrows
Hill and Gull Schoolhouses, including the Boy Scout renovations throughout the years. The Maple
Festival is a great way for the whole town to come together, share their love
for the town and its history, and put Hebron in the limelight. People who come to the event from different
parts of the state are amazed at how wonderful the town has come together to
present such a family-friendly event. The
Hebron Maple Festival has become an event representing the heart of Hebron,
Connecticut. There are many dedicated
local businesses who come together to represent how great it is to be a part of
the small New England farm town.</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .5in;">
This year, the Hebron Maple Festival will be taking place on March 19th and 20th. The Windham Chamber of Commerce has decided to run the event this year and expand the "Hebron Maple Festival" to a "Maple Madness" event, which features a variety of sugar houses all throughout eastern Connecticut. Hebron, still is, of course, the main attraction of the event, but we can see the event has come a long way to expand outward into other parts of Connecticut. I would only assume this would help bring more publicity into Hebron, the main attraction of the event. <br />
<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">As you venture through the Maple Festival this year, feel free to send your photos to </span><a href="mailto:hebronmapleleaf@gmail.com" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">hebronmapleleaf@gmail.com</a><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> and I can post them here (especially if they are Maple Leaf mascot photos). To learn more about the Hebron Maple Festival, check out </span><a href="http://www.hebronmaplefest.com/" style="text-indent: 0.5in;">http://www.hebronmaplefest.com/</a><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">.</span></div>
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
hebronmapleleafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04973506082399516836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5975427231899030917.post-77490334555944293362016-01-31T15:04:00.003-05:002016-02-02T18:19:52.581-05:00The History of the Burrows Hill Schoolhouse and Hebron's Efforts to Maintain its Historical Heritage<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk4GTdE-XysZUQSxIX-mh-KlxR-Wpv2docHZet99rhoZSy5ghk33RMOO-bJsZ9AvEGJnZIfDkdEKJ8YlrYWWMl7gVkCLfj5pQCcBRXICCKF9VcKlzYQlF5co_8_GvH28I0A8MFybw2RtI/s1600/0116161617a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk4GTdE-XysZUQSxIX-mh-KlxR-Wpv2docHZet99rhoZSy5ghk33RMOO-bJsZ9AvEGJnZIfDkdEKJ8YlrYWWMl7gVkCLfj5pQCcBRXICCKF9VcKlzYQlF5co_8_GvH28I0A8MFybw2RtI/s400/0116161617a.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: .5in;">
On the corner of School House
Road lies a small red one room building.
Inside, in the front of the room, stood a teacher’s desk, on which was
placed a few old pencils. The blackboard
was, amazingly, still intact. On the
floor, near the doorway, was a bright red piece of wood which was used to cover
the “tobacco hole,” the place where colonial students disposed their tobacco
before coming to class. These are the
descriptions of the Burrows Hill Schoolhouse from a 1993 article, “It was
moving day for Burrows Hill School” written in <i>The Chronicle</i>. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .5in;">
The Burrows Hill
Schoolhouse is one of nine one-room schoolhouses in Hebron, Connecticut that
remains standing, and the oldest one to date.
The original Burrows Hill Schoolhouse was built around 1730, when some
of the earliest families in the Burrows Hill area, such as the Porters, Macks,
Skinners, and Tillotsons realized that a school was necessary for the education
of the increasing number of children in town.<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_V53-iZ_0XGXDDL33exw2kCjh3koisxRCI95aP5TLa_1Y4bqJMAgyqcuZTQwQ7okzyjii_GTGshMpxW58GP-G3KWgzTSGckpgu1L0qMpF492_xGCBjB-Yzlnk2fsGuJ1SbkBWBPQJfAs/s1600/burrowshillschool5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_V53-iZ_0XGXDDL33exw2kCjh3koisxRCI95aP5TLa_1Y4bqJMAgyqcuZTQwQ7okzyjii_GTGshMpxW58GP-G3KWgzTSGckpgu1L0qMpF492_xGCBjB-Yzlnk2fsGuJ1SbkBWBPQJfAs/s1600/burrowshillschool5.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">
The school operated from its start until between
the years of 1834 through 1860, because of the decline in the number of children
in the Burrows Hill area. Desks were
removed from the inside the schoolhouse and transferred to the Hope Valley
section where, at the time, the population was greater. Later, around the 1860’s, the Burrows Hill
Schoolhouse reopened when Hope Valley experienced a decline in population. The Burrows Hill Schoolhouse flourished into
the 1870’s, until the population gradually declined in the early 1900’s. Around 1911, the Burrows Hill Schoolhouse
offered its last school session to the town of Hebron, before closing its
doors. Students were then transferred to Hebron Center School. While no longer in use, the Burrows
Schoolhouse is one of the oldest buildings within our town (some argue it is
the oldest existing building to date), and now a historical monument. The Hebron Historical Society is responsible
for maintaining the foundation of the building.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Since its founding, which
is believed to be somewhere around 1725 through 1735, the Burrows Schoolhouse
has been through several refurbishings and restoration projects. In the past year and into 2016, Ron Vitarelli
from Hebron Boy Scouts Troop 28 has repaired the outhouse at the Burrows Hill
Schoolhouse as part of his Eagle Scout Project.
Ron began by taking down and cutting up the maple that was overhanging
the outhouse and then began repairing various parts of the outhouse from replacing
boards, painting the entire building, installing the stone for better drainage
beneath, and moving the outhouse back to its original foundation. Ron and his fellow Eagle Scouts have
refurbished and restored the outhouse for the public eye. While Ron’s renovation is the most recent
renovation on the historical building, it is certainly not the first. The Burrows Hill Schoolhouse has a long list
of renovations just in the past twenty five years.<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlJaBBALLdmARTkcH6MuVFUTTC-FyFmwVyCioPuwXgaiU32qCDtKsuE017aVXDl6eWRjXEDKaCkdU47AxqsgVuf_m-kC9FvNjRK-xm-U2eXoztGBBHA71FkckvIMQHTK1VGuX3xKphGnY/s1600/burrowshillschool3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlJaBBALLdmARTkcH6MuVFUTTC-FyFmwVyCioPuwXgaiU32qCDtKsuE017aVXDl6eWRjXEDKaCkdU47AxqsgVuf_m-kC9FvNjRK-xm-U2eXoztGBBHA71FkckvIMQHTK1VGuX3xKphGnY/s320/burrowshillschool3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">In 1993, the Burrows Hill
Schoolhouse was moved from the corner of Burrows Hill and Schoolhouse Roads and
placed on a foundation forty feet from its original location, away from any
oncoming traffic.</span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="text-indent: 0.5in;">Since then, there
have been several occasions for up keeping and maintaining the schoolhouses’
historical heritage. </span>The original article about the Burrows Hill Schoolhouse 1993 move can be read on the Historical Society's website, at this link: <a href="http://www.hebronhistoricalsociety.org/images/files/BHSMovingDayChron122193.pdf">http://www.hebronhistoricalsociety.org/images/files/BHSMovingDayChron122193.pdf</a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Ben Staba and his
son-in-law, John Hoban, originally supplied and installed the Burrows Hill
Schoolhouse eighteen years ago (see below).</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPM-uSMHXA1xfG9KAGhNqQQ9ddFAkpo_Vi36Jqyx2i2KMxACc1HNdAj_maBLxPkPIqL1a2h31L5osKMk6tgl6BmcGVf6AUcDs_uxg0sUXFiXfHiRLMrp8K8iol8_QWYd-L_YrBQEGXDA8/s1600/burrowshillschool.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPM-uSMHXA1xfG9KAGhNqQQ9ddFAkpo_Vi36Jqyx2i2KMxACc1HNdAj_maBLxPkPIqL1a2h31L5osKMk6tgl6BmcGVf6AUcDs_uxg0sUXFiXfHiRLMrp8K8iol8_QWYd-L_YrBQEGXDA8/s400/burrowshillschool.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi29on8mbvzaUblP1ub0eVuQThvF0OnxbVKI3ZsyBrLXJ4PnYUF4Lvv5f7fSloldqmoh8MMg_4lPjktLOkabuu8PLOJLZHsPOM2N6cifkRd60vXeyeqldkPKrqE_Hp5KDT_RGFm4sGtJg8/s1600/BHS+outhouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .5in;">
More recently
in 2005, Matthew Siok, a Hebron resident, led a team of volunteers to repair and
refurbish the Burrows Hill Schoolhouse as part of his Eagle Scout project for
Troop 28. He and his team of volunteers
scraped and painted the exterior of the Burrows Hill Schoolhouse, as well as
painted and repaired the windows. If you'd like more info on Matthew's renovations on the Burrows Hill Schoolhouse, please check here for more details: <span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"><a href="http://www.hebronhistoricalsociety.org/restoration-projects/101-matthew-sioks-eagle-scout-project-on-burrows-hill-school-house.html">http://www.hebronhistoricalsociety.org/restoration-projects/101-matthew-sioks-eagle-scout-project-on-burrows-hill-school-house.html</a></span><br />
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGuK8cxzPpXq5kDUdp7bd0YQBhiTiptWGkqzHdp9bxUN-JDKQ8GmpICeCEBVlaEaFJevRh9OgOQ65b70Uc71UGczwCysN3wi1SukaG0y1-uN0wR9mgGgRs8VQh769xJYnW5wEJitltWSA/s1600/BHS+outhouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGuK8cxzPpXq5kDUdp7bd0YQBhiTiptWGkqzHdp9bxUN-JDKQ8GmpICeCEBVlaEaFJevRh9OgOQ65b70Uc71UGczwCysN3wi1SukaG0y1-uN0wR9mgGgRs8VQh769xJYnW5wEJitltWSA/s320/BHS+outhouse.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Matthew Siok in front of the Burrows Hill Outhouse</div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .5in;">
And now, Ron Vitarelli has
followed up these repairs for the outhouse at the Burrows Hill Schoolhouse as
part of his Eagle Scout Project. The
Hebron Historical Society is very thankful for Ron Vitarelli’s assistance, as
well as Ben Staba, John Hoban, and Matt Siok for preserving our town’s heritage
and history. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOjMx-ih5kyw8oobmCPmF7IBMyBurzYIw_UqGSBYhvlx5ieZxElqxqWFjYAyGKvHEEhQRqSe0k9EqdL0YLjXgJom4diaOTxHJ0CctvrDdJdKrBd7egSuvEH5WPux6xkwiH-pb69Cfuws8/s1600/burrowshillschool2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOjMx-ih5kyw8oobmCPmF7IBMyBurzYIw_UqGSBYhvlx5ieZxElqxqWFjYAyGKvHEEhQRqSe0k9EqdL0YLjXgJom4diaOTxHJ0CctvrDdJdKrBd7egSuvEH5WPux6xkwiH-pb69Cfuws8/s320/burrowshillschool2.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .5in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="text-indent: .5in;">
Check out the Burrows
Hill Schoolhouse on School House Road.<o:p></o:p></div>
hebronmapleleafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04973506082399516836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5975427231899030917.post-64209665775670511822016-01-09T21:15:00.000-05:002016-01-17T16:52:53.763-05:00Hebron New Year's Resolutions (Let's Make Hebron Even Greater in 2016!)<b>1. Fix the RHAM High School Nature Trail</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
RHAM High School used to have an amazing nature trail with a small brook running through it. I remember going down there during science classes to do some research back when I was in high school. Students even put up a sign and pointed out where the various plants and animals were located.<br />
<br />
If you were to go there today, you'd notice that the previous trail isn't even noticeable. It's got a ton of weeds and bushes growing where it used to be and trash is all over the place. It's time we clean this up and give the high school and our community a respectable nature trail where we can learn and explore our town's forestry areas. We shouldn't take away learning just because we haven't maintained our town nature trails (It's actually better than I thought, but let's take it a step further).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicxE3GF9TOVC9x6ikHT0bzCXSi8kzUr7xvTA_bj1GmclhmdvuARFmx8w_FH_BsWdWlfUlM9kjTriLhQwncv0Js2TEWtZqwlxPrBaBUOvE2J-sk8JydE3o4yR5f-1GFzkxDXWpFk71OWTQ/s1600/0116161554.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicxE3GF9TOVC9x6ikHT0bzCXSi8kzUr7xvTA_bj1GmclhmdvuARFmx8w_FH_BsWdWlfUlM9kjTriLhQwncv0Js2TEWtZqwlxPrBaBUOvE2J-sk8JydE3o4yR5f-1GFzkxDXWpFk71OWTQ/s320/0116161554.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtr-lUP3nWRxjIWI9ux4E6bZkoQbgK0hyphenhyphenpB7q04Cp0ZkVF4DwnA4BNKrMJG2jkoSISXc4U4e-OB0dn3OpMNj2x6smHlXiEH9GkPcRvSrfoFzXZpjJtgq326K3cpz-MkmRK7oE-ysUdBa8/s1600/0116161559.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtr-lUP3nWRxjIWI9ux4E6bZkoQbgK0hyphenhyphenpB7q04Cp0ZkVF4DwnA4BNKrMJG2jkoSISXc4U4e-OB0dn3OpMNj2x6smHlXiEH9GkPcRvSrfoFzXZpjJtgq326K3cpz-MkmRK7oE-ysUdBa8/s320/0116161559.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>2. Bring a Business into the Old Gas Station</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
It's about time we actually put something here, rather than drive by everyday seeing a roped off area with weeds growing out of concrete. I know it's a small little area, but c'mon, we have to put something in it's place. It's been about three or four years, I can't even count how many... I just drive by and see the empty building looking old and decrepit.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEherkKi4XsQvDqqxQfucdBBPERx5zyFy8JZHIgsiZsFS227EmmkCV4bxLgGIeyPcIjVstD3blVfnQjegw5y-s7IRxxUtiKnV-3vUER2LwD5IOJkTXngKBg8RYDiZ2CGhvAZdIrB3_g5IA8/s1600/0116161545a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEherkKi4XsQvDqqxQfucdBBPERx5zyFy8JZHIgsiZsFS227EmmkCV4bxLgGIeyPcIjVstD3blVfnQjegw5y-s7IRxxUtiKnV-3vUER2LwD5IOJkTXngKBg8RYDiZ2CGhvAZdIrB3_g5IA8/s320/0116161545a.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<b>3. Fill in the Village Green Area</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
You know that large green area across from Ted's that's called the "Village Area" or something like that? I'm not sure people even know what it is, or what's moving into the area, but it's about time we put something there besides just a walking path. A long road goes up through the area, now we just need some scenery (or businesses) to go alongside it. Please bring something here to fill our town's gaps.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeWoQa7dWEhlMDViDBZuMRZ2JcTDOYHX3cpFgqbCYTjdOKB0J-oPqc3CC-QokX2s6BuGQFZ3Ct7jZxfDu5FCzblsT5jc03yjiET5yZzTrAejUpxY61jSDFAHfJ9JTzcoJ8f9YyV_YrusA/s1600/0117161109b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeWoQa7dWEhlMDViDBZuMRZ2JcTDOYHX3cpFgqbCYTjdOKB0J-oPqc3CC-QokX2s6BuGQFZ3Ct7jZxfDu5FCzblsT5jc03yjiET5yZzTrAejUpxY61jSDFAHfJ9JTzcoJ8f9YyV_YrusA/s320/0117161109b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
The road to... nowhere.</div>
<br />
<br />
<b>4. Buses at the Maple Festival</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Remember four or five years ago when the Maple Festival was at its peak? Maple syrup was sold at the center of town, and they had buses that went all around town, delivering people to the various sugar houses and events. What happened to the buses? The festival feels so disconnected without the buses transporting people from the center of town to the sugar houses. Let's bring it all together again. I challenge the Windham Chamber of Commerce who is taking over the event this year to bring back buses and unite this wonderful event!<br />
<br />
<b>5. Recreational Center</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Sure, we have the Teen Center (if that's even in use anymore), and there are gyms, schools, and golf courses throughout town, but we don't have a generic recreational center. You know, somewhere where bands can play, or maybe there's an arcade, or just some place for people (young people) to hang out on a Friday night that isn't a bar. Maybe a coffee house or something of the sort. We need to make this town have more events and more places that will keep our youth active. If we don't bring in a Recreational Center then we need to make our preexisting ones more active.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvh5BoUnrjc2DcocZN_7REV_SzHqDRIdlo9PiFhjLxaUoZRouzYAtFIkOUBKy58wP2RP66fNTmHgQYGSkywOEx-AOYfSIfY9WmfgDtIW2-h8NhuN_mGMGYuI55Yow3THWzw34XxHkjnsU/s1600/1452977095633.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvh5BoUnrjc2DcocZN_7REV_SzHqDRIdlo9PiFhjLxaUoZRouzYAtFIkOUBKy58wP2RP66fNTmHgQYGSkywOEx-AOYfSIfY9WmfgDtIW2-h8NhuN_mGMGYuI55Yow3THWzw34XxHkjnsU/s320/1452977095633.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Enjoy all our nature trails while you're at it.</div>
<br />
Yeah, I'm probably missing something... no worries, I will update! What are your Hebron New Year's resolutions? Send them to hebronmapleleaf@gmail.com and I will post them here!<br />
<br />
<br />hebronmapleleafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04973506082399516836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5975427231899030917.post-45198176769525670662015-12-26T15:30:00.000-05:002015-12-26T15:30:04.834-05:002015 in ReviewWell, 2015 is almost over, and that means we'll be going into 2016 expecting to see more from our beloved town of Hebron, Connecticut.<br />
<br />
As 2015 comes closer to an end, let's remember some moments from the year. As far as I know, there wasn't a complete change in the town in 2015. We hosted many of the same events we've hosted in the past, like the Hebron Harvest Fair, the Maple Festival, and the second annual Hebron Day. These are events we've hosted this year and should be back for 2016.<br />
<br />
As for new businesses, I noticed that the old Hebron Pharmacy building is getting a new business (Physical Therapy?). We will have to wait and see, but the building will be used for some kind of therapy.<br />
<br />
As for attractions, I noticed many more nature paths throughout the town. I'm not sure if these were constructed in 2015 or not, but I had not known about them prior. One of the trails goes from Veteran's Park to Ted's Supermarket, which is a nice walk through some wooded areas and behind new construction. Secondly are the trails behind Burnt Hill Park which extend to roads around the park. Maybe these were here before? I had not known of them before.<br />
<br />
In any case, there wasn't too much change overall, but 2016 is coming and we can bring more change to our town in the coming year. What would you like to see? What would you expect from Hebron? Where will we be this time next year?hebronmapleleafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04973506082399516836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5975427231899030917.post-72064441234016821382015-10-11T20:12:00.001-04:002018-02-19T20:37:20.604-05:00Autumn is Here!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs_IxniuxoV9kNw8uDlpgthySDgNUqnvR_NhFYpTofaccrd5QOtYGR_Yu94GEYDnVy0dEHj18kgKkxu-pQndZQKSmm9imbOnKtYNSrH_MCUkAv2v2KuIYTnD8TyzzUAzUyk22i4SNlNH0/s1600/fall2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs_IxniuxoV9kNw8uDlpgthySDgNUqnvR_NhFYpTofaccrd5QOtYGR_Yu94GEYDnVy0dEHj18kgKkxu-pQndZQKSmm9imbOnKtYNSrH_MCUkAv2v2KuIYTnD8TyzzUAzUyk22i4SNlNH0/s320/fall2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
Look at the beautiful autumn weather around Hebron! Autumn is in full circle. Hebron really shows its colors at this time (no pun intended). The fair and harvest has come and gone, the kids are in school, and the images of the farm town we know and love has really come to life.<br />
<br />
Other than that, missed posting about the fair and Hebron Day. September was a huge month. Kids came back to school, sports were flourishing in the town (autumn baseball and softball, soccer), and we had tons of different events like the Hebron Harvest Fair, Hebron Day, and Hebron Historic Day.<br />
<br />
Some pictures below are from the fair from this September, back when it still looked like summer in Hebron, even though Autumn was on the rise.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM0z4gdDQVALCpKqYlkzFCkTjydIgynoSSQTraxuWnYC0zYgZNiIFQE-ck-Lo6sfCxDv9K85ds3UWHV3HHP50uDOUIZ9kyY7nxQKhx2yEtkLEI83zjhzVkX0XzrccP2W0DYM6SN9OsJ2E/s1600/ferris.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM0z4gdDQVALCpKqYlkzFCkTjydIgynoSSQTraxuWnYC0zYgZNiIFQE-ck-Lo6sfCxDv9K85ds3UWHV3HHP50uDOUIZ9kyY7nxQKhx2yEtkLEI83zjhzVkX0XzrccP2W0DYM6SN9OsJ2E/s320/ferris.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR3BqB8klX27CqlakAqQzRDNG6RkGtdOqMOCx-TpsqY4S92Hsj32XaA6XcQAwVVHlq5_8LF4MNGOuwtDGxniiYeCeEDAJr5jDv_490WaLtDlL1NP-QgKomOo77XBFWJ9z4_LJ5OOKO5Pk/s1600/horses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhR3BqB8klX27CqlakAqQzRDNG6RkGtdOqMOCx-TpsqY4S92Hsj32XaA6XcQAwVVHlq5_8LF4MNGOuwtDGxniiYeCeEDAJr5jDv_490WaLtDlL1NP-QgKomOo77XBFWJ9z4_LJ5OOKO5Pk/s320/horses.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Autumn has come swift and fast, so who knows when the winter will get here. We still have some time, but be prepared for when the snow hits. In the meantime, enjoy the wonderful rural autumn look around us all! My only suggestion would be to continue the festivities in some way. The fair might be over, but we should still celebrate our town's country life in the autumn. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br />hebronmapleleafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04973506082399516836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5975427231899030917.post-65243194960404392992015-08-15T21:32:00.001-04:002015-08-15T22:10:14.790-04:00Hebron Historical Society Helps to Uncover Hebron's Cemeteries<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhId2FhRxY5S0kw_kd_VbfJBMkRvks3uHcTW0ksxM5UKMmqQ-mITxFqaLnfT1hgavN7VcLeztYgirL5MGf4OUAqUy-H4rgw7N2qGOBrPCSUJeraksSqf1YeKu3e8Hzu0AmmeZsfLkdEzZ4/s1600/108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhId2FhRxY5S0kw_kd_VbfJBMkRvks3uHcTW0ksxM5UKMmqQ-mITxFqaLnfT1hgavN7VcLeztYgirL5MGf4OUAqUy-H4rgw7N2qGOBrPCSUJeraksSqf1YeKu3e8Hzu0AmmeZsfLkdEzZ4/s320/108.JPG" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjssE0_Ojp6ZVjWYHApE8kUiTjRBckRs06QBzN3I5on7WFN_f2vpMfD45dlag0XklAI3PLoBMmvNBTMQ5O-mTq5iUTUmAyeyWKBzWjHYgdf_RvHxb-7EmyQcUOx6abakLkcIdmntvHwYS8/s1600/107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: center;"><br /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjssE0_Ojp6ZVjWYHApE8kUiTjRBckRs06QBzN3I5on7WFN_f2vpMfD45dlag0XklAI3PLoBMmvNBTMQ5O-mTq5iUTUmAyeyWKBzWjHYgdf_RvHxb-7EmyQcUOx6abakLkcIdmntvHwYS8/s1600/107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjssE0_Ojp6ZVjWYHApE8kUiTjRBckRs06QBzN3I5on7WFN_f2vpMfD45dlag0XklAI3PLoBMmvNBTMQ5O-mTq5iUTUmAyeyWKBzWjHYgdf_RvHxb-7EmyQcUOx6abakLkcIdmntvHwYS8/s320/107.JPG" width="320" /></a>The Hebron Historical Society is currently underway with uncovering the graves at Hebron cemeteries, starting with The Old Cemetery on Wall Street. The volunteers have learned proper cleaning techniques and how to reset the stones. The Historical Society and volunteers know that cemetery maintenance is appropriate because it shows respect to the people buried, and recognizes their contributions to the community. <br />
<br />
It might not seem like a monumental task, but it takes a lot of hard work. Volunteers can tell you that it is amazing to see the original carved words appear on a grave after being hidden underneath layers of dirt and mulch. When cleaned, many of the graves look like they had been created yesterday, and not three hundred years ago when the town was first established. See the grave pictured below and how it looked both before and after it was cleaned. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUdJVWxPG2fhyptyCUn3ZFgw9xS68SYcwwJfVsLsk3_siPPyi1Wc1Vx-KIDjHjuRrjJWvkveFrHPVplwTKJbetcuUiZx-ScXiBkcmoO8seOwwOGqaM_oFeTGYlMip8OqwlnmBMIIG0gbU/s1600/098.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUdJVWxPG2fhyptyCUn3ZFgw9xS68SYcwwJfVsLsk3_siPPyi1Wc1Vx-KIDjHjuRrjJWvkveFrHPVplwTKJbetcuUiZx-ScXiBkcmoO8seOwwOGqaM_oFeTGYlMip8OqwlnmBMIIG0gbU/s320/098.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px; text-align: center;">Before<br />
<div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifS6R68GjDJJlHQM8lO-bi_BUtir1TSNbhruTbz5Ckn-rn703Od36h-mjdCINkriFX7NjKvWYWIwlZ5K10C4csvWxkAGKPMhTtStvobAYglZD2Gsws6Cbvk5t-_envnF_Dmj3a40wx6rk/s1600/134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifS6R68GjDJJlHQM8lO-bi_BUtir1TSNbhruTbz5Ckn-rn703Od36h-mjdCINkriFX7NjKvWYWIwlZ5K10C4csvWxkAGKPMhTtStvobAYglZD2Gsws6Cbvk5t-_envnF_Dmj3a40wx6rk/s320/134.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 12.8000001907349px; text-align: center;">After<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Those graves that are not fully cleaned through typical methods are then treated with an environmentally safe solution recommended by the Office of the State Archaeologist.<br />
<br />
What is even more interesting is that names of citizens are now becoming visible to society. These particular names on the graves match the three hundred names of individuals on documents from the Historical Society, and their burial locations. The Hebron Historical Society is not only recovering the lost names of individuals in the cemetery, but maintaining historical records, and uncovering additional information about the individuals who lived in Hebron long ago. <br />
<br />
The cleaning sessions uncovered many citizens, and much was learned from the hard work of the Hebron Historical Society, including the location and confirmation of several burial sites, one of which was <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 12pt;">Obadiah Horsford’s. Horsford </span>was a prominent citizen involved in Hebron’s early development. He was Captain of Hebron’s first military company and responsible for establishing this cemetery as Hebron’s burying ground. He died in 1741. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuTdwDXUjEfVud8cREyB35Td71g6BBMXIBr4Ok2Gg671NFcl2Gmcbqkj_FK7OC1EEA2kUYfh3s2SjTOk4FV8a5oYoT_pV1V9ugh9FUrUbgRu2GVz0WAeboN5Q_8RbNOeH3QaVn4EVsqEM/s1600/129.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuTdwDXUjEfVud8cREyB35Td71g6BBMXIBr4Ok2Gg671NFcl2Gmcbqkj_FK7OC1EEA2kUYfh3s2SjTOk4FV8a5oYoT_pV1V9ugh9FUrUbgRu2GVz0WAeboN5Q_8RbNOeH3QaVn4EVsqEM/s320/129.JPG" width="320" /></a>Hosford’s stone is the largest single stone in the cemetery. It was carved by Benjamin Collins, from Columbia, Connecticut. Collins’ stones were ornately carved and his faces more realistic. The inscription on Hosford’s stone is extensive and relates Hosford’s service to the town and his good standing as a citizen. The inscription was not deeply carved. It may be fortunate that the stone lay in the dirt for many years because the inscription is still legible. Without the efforts of the Hebron Historical Society and volunteers from the town of Hebron who helped to clean and restore Hebron's cemeteries, Obadiah Horsford's stone may have never been found. <br />
<br />
The hard work of Hebron citizens to restore the cemeteries results in not only making our cemeteries a more welcoming place, but also restoring the lost history of our three hundred year old town. This project will take many months, and even possibly years of work. The Society welcomes volunteer assistance. Donations are gratefully accepted and can be sent to the Historical Society @ PO Box 43, Hebron, CT. 06248. Volunteers and those with questions can call Mary-Ellen Gonci @ 860-228-3388 or mergonci65@comcast.net.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Thanks to Mary-Ellen Gonci for help in writing this article and providing images of The Old Hebron Cemetery.<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEZj6cwCoKFUAyn91kip5I7koXLQiGogL1ppoKaV8W9qKrxUKeK8lJ5t6fMYK5y3tfSx2yeliWMMkHudsLQ_FUc0E9L5LTbCP5VBBscJ7YS4M9ymu6AWLwQyZhTHzEmRvsqOrD2Gjo9Oc/s1600/123.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEZj6cwCoKFUAyn91kip5I7koXLQiGogL1ppoKaV8W9qKrxUKeK8lJ5t6fMYK5y3tfSx2yeliWMMkHudsLQ_FUc0E9L5LTbCP5VBBscJ7YS4M9ymu6AWLwQyZhTHzEmRvsqOrD2Gjo9Oc/s320/123.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
hebronmapleleafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04973506082399516836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5975427231899030917.post-87342263670136530512015-08-11T20:42:00.001-04:002015-08-11T20:43:08.268-04:00Hebron Historical Society Hosts 2nd Annual Hebron Historic Day!What do you know about your hometown other than the places to go, the people to see? How did your hometown come to be? I'm sure you've heard the phrase "home sweet home," though maybe you wouldn't imagine the same phrase for your home if you imagined the town years and years before we had the same technology we have now.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVNo8tu1xECYuMV-hzcMxS_OGx02DcWJ2KaFq4Qe_qu5Uolm-kR0Q6S7ZrPAx1-VLtmjd0vO31kGKkwJdTcYGB39QLjVcPeHuEmP3849wF7im_b1nMdYWNikwHWdzPfY-m5HZrkbZU4Es/s1600/HistoricHebronDay-Group-s.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="226" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVNo8tu1xECYuMV-hzcMxS_OGx02DcWJ2KaFq4Qe_qu5Uolm-kR0Q6S7ZrPAx1-VLtmjd0vO31kGKkwJdTcYGB39QLjVcPeHuEmP3849wF7im_b1nMdYWNikwHWdzPfY-m5HZrkbZU4Es/s320/HistoricHebronDay-Group-s.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVdzQlR2cOmb_Fb8hQMfWDvbvZ_-ur2m3a4WTXkjYYyQmyvEdIsXArR5Me8t1uM0aL9_6_Ke-SZYz3tvpUCZOAberhP0z3QleADsPV_bnQ0JJ4CNWkZ8geojoYaA7sCeiz7RDEyBt4GCI/s1600/DSCN2000.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVdzQlR2cOmb_Fb8hQMfWDvbvZ_-ur2m3a4WTXkjYYyQmyvEdIsXArR5Me8t1uM0aL9_6_Ke-SZYz3tvpUCZOAberhP0z3QleADsPV_bnQ0JJ4CNWkZ8geojoYaA7sCeiz7RDEyBt4GCI/s320/DSCN2000.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
On September 19th, Hebron residents and town visitors will have the chance to learn about their town's history. Come join the Hebron Historical Society at the Old Town Hall, where you will be given a map of historical sites throughout Hebron, view exhibits in the museum, and shop at the local country store.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaBxvnGdhSJ5ku-2IwNtP74AYDxTQWBgvjbgdJyORsOQlCBQWaB_94pYhUHgrA_JsVtMYB3MdBDr04XQO0tyL4PebxIfQAFQa6xOw5fIKAMuteEtKhIvt_f4jmVs5YjKwyKrirVmY-LVc/s1600/Historic+Hebron+Days+Sept+2014+006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaBxvnGdhSJ5ku-2IwNtP74AYDxTQWBgvjbgdJyORsOQlCBQWaB_94pYhUHgrA_JsVtMYB3MdBDr04XQO0tyL4PebxIfQAFQa6xOw5fIKAMuteEtKhIvt_f4jmVs5YjKwyKrirVmY-LVc/s320/Historic+Hebron+Days+Sept+2014+006.jpg" width="320" /></a><br />
There will be several Hebron Historical figures and sites awaiting your arrival, including Burrows Hill Schoolhouse, the Civilian Aircraft Observation Post, Prophet's Rock, and several churches that have grown over the 300 years of Hebron. You can learn about how all these sites and figures have shaped Hebron into the town it is today.<br />
<br />
<br />
This event will last from 10 to 4, so please be sure to stop by to educate yourself and learn about the origins of your hometown. It will be a fun and engaging experience for everyone, whether you are a student trying to learn about your heritage, or an adult who would like to be informed and educated about the town they live in. See you there!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwAYarigI6HzRHv_Kca6AB0v4uoTVi7RIn5s69CCJbmUIawjDrDpu0JHWufm1knp8G7OhlDJdrxqjvnyhjNPxAs0UJuzAP8WSVvEFI-fpAjgHGqbotszsN4-43uASxypztL2u0-ima1ZE/s1600/DSCN1974.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwAYarigI6HzRHv_Kca6AB0v4uoTVi7RIn5s69CCJbmUIawjDrDpu0JHWufm1knp8G7OhlDJdrxqjvnyhjNPxAs0UJuzAP8WSVvEFI-fpAjgHGqbotszsN4-43uASxypztL2u0-ima1ZE/s320/DSCN1974.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRn34LTuDoS3MOicWjQ_jlH16AIxO39JtpK-kels62laT6MRWYTFOc9RUpk74L-M7zj5yHSEWlDltILQytfeCIDwHrmlCj9hGWAoMWuGEHpGV4v9RaY29aH7R7rn9TM5S3daeiENBpwys/s1600/10694468_10203474175747951_7405354028980485457_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRn34LTuDoS3MOicWjQ_jlH16AIxO39JtpK-kels62laT6MRWYTFOc9RUpk74L-M7zj5yHSEWlDltILQytfeCIDwHrmlCj9hGWAoMWuGEHpGV4v9RaY29aH7R7rn9TM5S3daeiENBpwys/s320/10694468_10203474175747951_7405354028980485457_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
hebronmapleleafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04973506082399516836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5975427231899030917.post-46942360540082098892015-03-23T21:16:00.000-04:002018-03-18T21:01:58.585-04:00Review of the 2015 Hebron Maple FestI went to the Maple Fest this past weekend. It was very enjoyable, though I must say I have noticed a similar trend of changes that have happened in the past couple of years. Let me start by reminding people of the questions I've heard so many others ask, especially out of towners: "Where can I buy maple syrup?" "Where are the maple sugar houses?" I'm still unable to answer the fisrt question, and the second one I can answer, but much easily than I would have been able to years ago.<br />
<br />
Has anyone noticed that the Hebron Maple Festival is becoming less of a treasured social event about maple syrup, and more of a business vendor in downtown Hebron? As much as I love passing by vendors selling treats and goodies, I must say that this shouldn't be sole the focus of the event. Increasingly over the years, it seems like the vendors have taken precedence over what the festival is truly about: making maple syrup and sugar.<br />
<br />
Surely, there are still signs of maple sugar making throughout the festival. The maple sugar houses are up and running for people to go to, maple syrup is sold, and there are pancake breakfasts. However, these events are hardly advertised and aren't easily accessible. As early as three or four years ago, when walking around the center of town, people were able to walk up to demonstrations of maple sugar making and ask about how one was able to make maple syrup. I vaguely remember a boy with his parents talking about how it would be interesting to make his own maple syrup from a maple tree after Wayne Palmer had demonstrated how to retrieve sap from a maple tree.<br />
<br />
Just three or four years ago, people were able to buy maple syrup at a clearly seen booth in the front of town. You could smell the sweet sap of maple sugar in the air.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEtr1V4_vtmfJWug5dX4Wei2jRDeT6r8Oqu5X7P7j9iAhhTlIg5_h7J6FnfAER8KGtnyPXuPo5d-Ey6QQnvEeetWfDwEYXNP_VC8jRkyv5726NP6581JDdSOcCYr1uC_0ECQGt6p3aHUc/s1600/Maple-Syrup1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="331" data-original-width="500" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEtr1V4_vtmfJWug5dX4Wei2jRDeT6r8Oqu5X7P7j9iAhhTlIg5_h7J6FnfAER8KGtnyPXuPo5d-Ey6QQnvEeetWfDwEYXNP_VC8jRkyv5726NP6581JDdSOcCYr1uC_0ECQGt6p3aHUc/s320/Maple-Syrup1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I didn't feel this same passion for maple sugar making as I did in the past, so I must ask, "Where is the passion, and what is the event truly about?"<br />
<br />
It seems as if the social event itself has dwindled down to various vendors uptown, where all the maple sugar making and teaching has moved to the maple sugar houses. And the maple sugar houses used to be easily reachable: there used to be a shuttle bus that would take people to and from the various spots along Hebron's maple sugar houses and other Maple Fest events throughout the town. This is no longer the case. The shuttle bus has disappeared, leaving the main section of the festival apart from the maple sugar houses.<br />
<br />
Is it because maple syrup is harder to obtain nowadays? Is the event facing financial issues? Are there different sponsors? I'm sure there are answers to these questions, though I have no idea what they are. In any case, I definitely believe the focus on maple sugar and maple syrup has greatly decreased within the event the past few years.<br />
<br />
Despite the inconvenience of access to various maple sugar making activities, there is still much to do. People were happy and joyful uptown, there were lots of booths selling food, crafts, and girl scout cookies, and the tractor parade really made a big scene. The girl scouts are always eager to sell their cookies. There were certainly a fair share of events, but there just didn't seem to be a huge passion for maple sugar making. Most of the event has turned into a social event that is set to make a profit, rather than teach the community the historical and knowledgeable aspect of maple sugar making. I must ask, what has happened to the maple festival that teaches families about maple syrup making and that sells maple syrup uptown? Why are we so detached from this knowledge that made the festival important in the first place?<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPBFznr05_4X9QTfwsirVpST99tBQKeuYLPiidGVonoN7lgy32e55RDM_2D6_XbAygQR6pbblrmx9lsaBSoUlf4t9IhOaWl7JhYLFcpbA2nfv3Ock4J3dxe0gQWHkbj9V8i49XD1iKlo8/s1600/maxresdefault.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPBFznr05_4X9QTfwsirVpST99tBQKeuYLPiidGVonoN7lgy32e55RDM_2D6_XbAygQR6pbblrmx9lsaBSoUlf4t9IhOaWl7JhYLFcpbA2nfv3Ock4J3dxe0gQWHkbj9V8i49XD1iKlo8/s400/maxresdefault.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wells Sugar House in Hebron, CT</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />I'm not saying "let's get rid of the vendors." I'm just saying we should bring back the education that shaped the event along with the vendors that make it a success. It should be as much an event to commemorate our town, as much as it is an event to raise money. Reaching this compromise would work in the interest of everyone. And the transportation to and from events really did help- it brought the various sites of the event together.<br />
<br />
Don't get me wrong- I very much enjoyed the event, and I always will. I just feel there are some parts of the event that just fell out the last couple of years, and I believe the event can be made stronger by bringing them back and making the event more of a community event.<br />
<br />
I must say one last thing... please don't get rid of Mr. Maple Leaf! He brings joy and compassion to many children and families at the event. I hope he, as well as many of these other events that have fallen off the past couple years will return strong as ever in 2016!<br />
<br />
Please share your Hebron Maple Festival memories and pictures here, or email me at <a href="mailto:hebronmapleleaf@gmail.com">hebronmapleleaf@gmail.com</a>. Thank you, and let's hope for another great Maple Festival next year!hebronmapleleafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04973506082399516836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5975427231899030917.post-45528972867383003082015-02-16T19:46:00.001-05:002015-02-16T19:49:07.415-05:00Blast to the Past!<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/BuPW5nqDJ88" width="459"></iframe><br />
<br />
Nothing much new, I just found this old video on youtube of RHAM High School Class of 1998 (there are actually 3 of them). Boy, 1998 feels like yesterday, but it was really 17 years ago! How much time here has aged. These videos aren't really anything of substance, just some typical high schoolers having fun in Mr. Law's math class, though it is interesting to look into the past to see RHAM High School almost 20 years ago.<br />
<br />
I wonder if any of these students have looked back to see themselves on film? Were you a former RHAM graduate? Well, in any case, enjoy the nostalgia.<br />
<br />
Do you have any Hebron memories you'd like to share? Please send them to <a href="mailto:hebronmapleleaf@gmail.com">hebronmapleleaf@gmail.com</a> and I'd be happy to share them here!<br />
<br />
On another note, the 2015 Maple Fest is almost here!hebronmapleleafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04973506082399516836noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5975427231899030917.post-1427851052436023132015-01-28T19:38:00.001-05:002015-01-28T19:43:43.199-05:002015 Happy New Year!I've been really bad at updating this blog. It's already almost February, and well, the Maple Festival and spring are right around the corner (I have to make sure to get pics of the Maple Fest this time, but you know it's kind of hard for this Maple Leaf to hold a camera and everything).<br />
<br />
In any case, I thought I'd touch on some of events that happened in 2014 in Hebron. A lot were former traditions like the Hebron Harvest Fair and the Hebron Maple Festival, but one event that was new and a success was Hebron Day which was put on by Hebron Parks and Rec. A lot of people attended this event, and it brought the different town venues and clubs together.<br />
<br />
I bet you didn't know that 2014 marked the 125th anniversary of The Douglas Library. Yup, it's true. Our town library is now 125 years old. I remember when I was wee young Maple Leaf and the library was in the old building (okay, I don't remember it that well, but it's true).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIJi1BglxNR1zeXwbU921FLnoj8kiTg28v8jT-CFS8CrxB2gaZjvRyuGYYFlahfdc_yjAj6Yxp6C77VQFz6ojgwshXSgYTktckv1caPyMLb4CstXrFuuvP7V0bksMSJOHopr3kgRAO-B8/s1600/1129140825c.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIJi1BglxNR1zeXwbU921FLnoj8kiTg28v8jT-CFS8CrxB2gaZjvRyuGYYFlahfdc_yjAj6Yxp6C77VQFz6ojgwshXSgYTktckv1caPyMLb4CstXrFuuvP7V0bksMSJOHopr3kgRAO-B8/s1600/1129140825c.jpg" height="225" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
What other events happened in Hebron? I'm sure there's many more.<br />
<br />
Gina Marie's got an expansion to add to an already successful restaurant. It's pretty much become the title of our town restaurant over the past couple of years. Every time I go by, a lot of people are there.<br />
<br />
I know the holidays are over, but I thought I'd stop and take a look at these beautiful lights that were at Brain Freezers.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtbv-q_R9Xj4qL3eha3fhCEgcNqa9Mdmk_vzzHZM_EnF0Sk7Yf8sjuhSP6dE-i7nTEGALAyPo1VLwENA8w7eizOHwdrQVeiOC9qslueAvHHpcKuuq9UMobOSxxSiA3ZpPNftsgaN0QCCc/s1600/0101151830b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtbv-q_R9Xj4qL3eha3fhCEgcNqa9Mdmk_vzzHZM_EnF0Sk7Yf8sjuhSP6dE-i7nTEGALAyPo1VLwENA8w7eizOHwdrQVeiOC9qslueAvHHpcKuuq9UMobOSxxSiA3ZpPNftsgaN0QCCc/s1600/0101151830b.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifqNpXV8VA63kBIpTNLeg4Wr9qMmS3vblf0mmNeToOq3-nHMD4c3ai2av-yrqjMO5CU5gxYfOT4ZLeDiZ5r8Ig4ltSU8v0-kHd7OtJ1MVaKb944eiUiRLE3wBxAZ0slV6bJqFSOlo2Nnk/s1600/0101151831a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifqNpXV8VA63kBIpTNLeg4Wr9qMmS3vblf0mmNeToOq3-nHMD4c3ai2av-yrqjMO5CU5gxYfOT4ZLeDiZ5r8Ig4ltSU8v0-kHd7OtJ1MVaKb944eiUiRLE3wBxAZ0slV6bJqFSOlo2Nnk/s1600/0101151831a.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtfIdOis4MU4VNJ_He2FBcWtiJC85eJ0ms6zSRX99RKwWne9NiYJzxeEo3gPB0-79hSQMyI8ZTlJC98ZLVJxo5SPs5iK3YjB0RuXpFZBp329Fondd9_VnmIO0WM88jEI2HkgQFSJy5ynw/s1600/0101151831b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtfIdOis4MU4VNJ_He2FBcWtiJC85eJ0ms6zSRX99RKwWne9NiYJzxeEo3gPB0-79hSQMyI8ZTlJC98ZLVJxo5SPs5iK3YjB0RuXpFZBp329Fondd9_VnmIO0WM88jEI2HkgQFSJy5ynw/s1600/0101151831b.jpg" height="180" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It was quite a beautiful sight this holiday season. Glad to see Hebron had the spirit and was very creative in its light demonstration.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If you have any more fun Hebron 2014 moments, don't hesitate to share them with me! I'm always looking for stories to add to my blog. What are you expecting in Hebron for 2015? Please share with me at <a href="mailto:hebronmapleleaf@gmail.com">hebronmapleleaf@gmail.com</a>.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And have a happy, fulfilled, and Hebronized 2015!</div>
<br />hebronmapleleafhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04973506082399516836noreply@blogger.com0