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  © 2004 
The Ridgefield Historical Society
Page updated 12/22/2005

Max Caldwell (left) and Don Stevens (right) in the chair 
caning shop. Stevens and Caldwell will teach chair caning a 
six-session workshop at the Historical Society in January.

Chair caning offered in January

This January 2006, a living history workshop will be conducted in the art and craft of chair caning.  Woven cane used for chair seating was first introduced in England in the second half of the 17^th century and practiced in the colonies from themid-1700s. Participants must provide a chair that is sanded and finished with tight joints and in good repair. Don Stevens and Max Caldwell will guide beginners through the steps necessary to produce their own, decorative and practical hand-caned chair.
Don Stevens has been restoring old treasures and teaching chair caning for over 20 years. He has also demonstrated chair caning at the Keeler Tavern’s Colonial Days.
The six-session workshop will run on Monday and Thursday evenings from 7-9pm on January 9, 12, 16, 19, 23, and 26 at the Ridgefield Historical Society’s David Scott House on 4 Sunset Lane.  Class size is limited to 12 people. The cost is $65 for non-members and $60 for members. In addition there is a $20 materials fee. Advance registration is necessary.
Please call the Society to register or for additional information at (203) 438-5821, or email: ridgefieldhistory@sbcglobal.com.

Holiday Decoration Workshop

The Ridgefield Historical Society will offer a Holiday Decoration Workshop taught by Terry Watkins on December 15th, 16th, and 17th.
Participants will learn how to make holiday table centerpieces similar to those displayed in colonial times. Simple techniques will be taught on preserving fruits, sugaring and arranging. Materials will include citrus fruits, sugared fruits, nuts, boxwood and other greens, apples and pinecones. A variety of forms will be available for centerpiece design. 
Classes will be offered as follows at the Ridgefield Historical Society on 4 Sunset  Lane: Thursday, December 15th at 7 pm with wine and cheese refreshments, Friday, 
December 16th and Saturday, December 17th at 10 am with a Holiday Coffee Hour. The cost per class is $45  for members and $55 for non-members. Cost will include supplies, permanent form, and refreshments. To register please call the Society at 438-5821. 

Annual Meeting of the Ridgefield Historical Society

The Ridgefield Historical Society will hold its annual meeting on Tuesday, October 18 at 7:00 p.m. in the Scott House. The nominating committee will present a slate of officers and directors. Society members are invited to attend as well as anyone from the community who wishes to know more about the organization’s purpose and projects.

The Ridgefield Historical Society was launched four years ago with its headquarters in the Scott House, a 1714 building that was dismantled and reconstructed to serve this purpose. It is located at Grove Street and Sunset Lane opposite the Corner Pub.

In its first years of service, the Historical Society has been working to identify and preserve historic structures; to collect and catalogue materials that document the town’s history; to provide local history materials to school children and architectural and genealogical information for adults. The Society has recently introduced a program on oral history and is heading the townwide anniversary of Rochambeau’s march to Yorktown.

The Ridgefield Historical Society welcomes and depends upon the volunteer efforts and financial support of the community. For further information, call 438-5821 or visit the Scott House on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday afternoon from 1:00 to 5:00.

Members enjoy Wethersfield trip

Around 35 people joined the society and the Keeler Tavern Museum on a visit to Wethersfield Thursday, Sept. 22, 2005. The group were given tours of three 18th Century houses, and a walking tour of the architecture of Wethersfield, which some say is the oldest town in Connecticut, having been settled in 1634. In this photo, a guide describes the Silas Deane house to tour members.

2005 interns

For the third consecutive year, Ridgefield Historical
Society is participating in Ridgefield High School's
Intern Program -- a five week option to graduating
seniors. Pictured from left to right in the attached
photo are 2005 interns Jessica Bow, Katy Brown, Lise
Rosenberger, and Kelly Eichman. Jessica and Katy will
work on a project recording grave markers in
Ridgebury Cemetary using digital photography and GPS
positioning equipment. Lise and Kelly will complete
the electronic data archive for town historical
structures and help launch the Historic House Plaque
Program.

Society To Offer Historic Structure Plaques

The Ridgefield Historical Society will soon introduce the first certified Historic Structure Plaque Program ever offered in Ridgefield.  
This voluntary program will provide visible historic identification and information for over 600 listed structures. The new plaque will be offered to all property owners verified through the registered Connecticut Historic Resources Inventory for Ridgefield, and will be in conformity with town signage code and display regulations.  Each weatherproof wooden plaque will be handmade using traditional materials and provided with hand wrought iron nails. 
The cost of the plaque is yet to be determined, but will be competitive with similar programs in surrounding communities. The plaque offering will likely begin in late spring 2005 and continue through Ridgefield’s Tri-centenary in 2008. For more information about the Historic Structures Plaque Program, the Connecticut Historic Resources Inventory, or other Ongoing preservation efforts of the Ridgefield Historical Society, please call the Society at 438-5821.

Interns help history

June 18, 2004 -- Three Ridgefield High School interns  just completed their internship with the Ridgefield Historical Society.  They are Amelia Vanderlinden, Courtney Cahill, and Marlie Vredenburg.  Using global satellite technology (GPS), digital photography, and a Museum software package, they visited over 500 historic grave sites in Ridgefield Cemetery and entered the data into our electronic archiving system. The girls completed the first of eight such projects that the society will conduct to preserve identities of the inhabitants of town cemeteries.  This fall Amelia, Courtney, and Marlie will be off to college respectively at American University, Fordham University, and Bucknell University.

Battle of Ridgefield program April 24

History buffs will have a field day Saturday, April 24th, 2004, when the 227th anniversary of the Battle of Ridgefield will be honored by a multi-faceted celebration at Ballard Park in Ridgefield.  The event will begin at 10:00 a.m. and is offered free to the public by the Ridgefield Historical Society.  (There is no rain date.)
Residents and visitors to Ridgefield will have the opportunity to view an 18th century military encampment in Ballard Park, where the 5th CT Regiment of the Continental Line will demonstrate what life was like in a Revolutionary War military camp.  The encampment will include a recruiting station, a surgeon and his gruesome equipment, a musket demonstration, casting of lead a pewter,  regimental drills, and camp cooking.  Examples of maps and money will be shown.  Music of the time will be playing, and a soldier's life and the role of women in the camps will be described.   
Honorary services at the Battle marker on Main Street, and at colonel  Philip Burr Bradley's grave site in the Old Town Cemetery will be held.
The Wilton Militia, who came to Ridgefield's aid during the battle of Ridgefield, will  come to town and  demonstrate their new brass 6-pounder artillery piece.  
The Discovery Center, as it has done for the past seven years, will send costumed men and women to describe the story of the battle as it happened here so long ago.  They will be at several locations in Ballard Park and along Main Street.
For further information on the day's events, please contact the Ridgefield Historical Society, 4 Sunset Lane, Ridgefield, 203-438-2581.

Donald Stevens will teach chair caning

Well-known craftsman Donald Stevens will lead a six-session workshop on chair caning at the Ridgefield Historical Society, 4 Sunset Lane, Ridgefield, beginning on Monday, March 22nd, 2004, 7:00 to 9:30 p.m. 
The cost of the six workshops will be $100 for non-members of the Society and  $75 for members, plus cost of materials, which is expected to be about $15.  There will be three Monday sessions - March 22, 29, and April 5, and three Wednesday sessions, March 24, 31 and April 7.  One makeup class can be held.
Mr. Stevens has been conducting chair caning classes for 20 years and has been a participant in the Keeler Tavern's colonial Days events, where he has demonstrated the process and shown examples of his work. He will be assisted in teaching the class by Max Caldwell. 
Participants should bring in chairs that are in good repair, solid, with tight joints.  It is preferable that they be sanded and finished, but that is not necessary, as it can be done after the caning is completed. 
For further information please call the Ridgefield Historical Society at 438-5821 or e-mail ridgefieldhistory@sbcglobal.com

A Workshop for Beginning Genealogists

Searching for the fascinating facts of one’s own family heritage is a compelling hobby for many Americans today. To help beginning genealogists with their research, the Ridgefield Historical Society offers a workshop Saturday afternoon, March 20, at the Scott House, 4 Sunset Lane. Following light refreshments which will be served at 1:30 p.m., the program will take place from 2:00 to 4:00. The cost is $10 for members of the Ridgefield Historical Society, and $20 for non-members.
The workshop is intended show how one may start doing American genealogical research. The presenters are the members of the Genealogical Committee of the RHS: Reed Livingston, Kay Ables, Sandy Koppen and Bob Law.
The presenters will cover the topics of how and where to gather initial information, organizing what is found, differentiating between facts and hearsay and planning research. Sources of information, and how to proceed with future research will also be discussed.
To enroll in the workshop and for further information, please call the Ridgefield Historical Society at 438-5821.

Series examines local architecture

Anyone who drives or walks through our area will notice the many antique homes and mansions from earlier times which grace the residential streets. These buildings will be described, and their mute presence enriched by tales from local history and hundreds of slides, in a series of three talks by Keith Jones and Phillip Esser, beginning Thursday, Feb. 26, 2004 at the Scott House, corner of Grove Street and Sunset Lane, and continuing on subsequent Thursdays, March 4 and March 11.
There are actually more than 500 architecturally significant homes in Ridgefield in addition to Keeler Tavern, the Lounsbury House and the Scott House, 30 of which will be featured in the course. 
The programs will run from 7:30 to 9 p.m., and the cost, including a workbook by Madeleine Corbin, is $35 for the public and $25 for members of the Ridgefield Historical Society.
The series, entitled "History of American Architecture in Southwestern Connecticut," will cover American architecture from the Native Americans through 20th century modern. The first class will take the participants through the Federal Period (1785-1820), and the second will range from Greek Revival through Victorian and Queen Anne styles (1830-1890). The third class will include Beaux-Arts, Prairie Style, Art-Deco, Neo-Classical revivals, and Moderne to Contemporary. 
Keith Jones, local historian and president of the Ridgefield Historical Society, will conduct the first two classes and Phillip Esser, a cultural resources consultant with a degree in historic preservation, will lead the third.
The class size must be limited to 20 participants -- so register early by calling the Ridgefield Historical Society at 438-5821.

Keith Jones on historic stone walls Jan. 18

It's been suggested that at the end of Creation, there was a handful of stones left over, and God let them fall, saying "Let there be Connecticut." Grey stones abound here, and the stone walls that grew as colonial settlers tilled the land are all around us. 
Keith Marshall Jones, author/historian of "Farmers Against the Crown," a history of the Battle of Ridgefield, 1777, will tell some of his findings about these wonderful artifacts, with numerous illustrative slides, on January 18th, 2004, at the Ridgefield Community Center, 2 to 3 p.m. 
The presentation is sponsored by the Design Council, Ridgefield Historical Society and the Ridgefield Community Center. Attendance is free and open to the public.
Mr. Jones describes his talk as "an attempt to convince the audience that stone walls are a work of folk art, a museum in the fields." Drive down almost any street in Ridgefield, and you will see examples of these quiet relics of a bygone time, testimonies to the labor and perseverance of the men and women who lived here long ago and were determined to remain. These walls are not replaceable. They are constructed with techniques that were unique to the period. Maintenance of existing walls presents us with the dilemma similar to that facing anyone maintaining antique outdoor artworks - do we repair them with current techniques, which would in effect create something new, or do we leave the existing work to the mercy of the elements? Several examples of wall types exist concurrently in the area, according to Keith Jones. There are "thrown walls" - made by the early farmers, as they threw the stones into place. Then there are dry-laid walls which were built in the later 18th and 19th centuries, and the wet-laid estate walls of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. 
All types will be described and illustrated, adding to our knowledge and appreciation of Ridgefield's traditions.
For further information on the lecture, please contact the Ridgefield Historical Society, 203-438-5821, or the Ridgefield Community Center, 438-6962. 

Williamsburg wreath-making workshop

Beautiful and long lasting wreaths combining fresh greenery,  fruit and berries are a tradition of Southern home decoration and provide a welcoming and hospitable look to one's home.  Terry Watkins, Ridgefield Historical Society, is shown with a typical Williamsburg (VA) wreath of fresh greens, holly, Lady apples, Seckel pears, chestnuts and tallow berries.  Ms. Watkins will present a workshop under the auspices of the Ridgefield Historical Society on Friday, November 21, at the Scott House, 4 Sunset Lane, Ridgefield, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.  The cost of the workshop is $40 (including class and all materials) and reservations may be made at 438-5821.   Space is limited, so please reserve early.
A wreath can be designed for a harvest theme as well as for the Holiday season or other times of the year.  Wreath making does not require any experience, and Ms. Watkins will instruct in techniques of construction and preservation, and  provide a variety of materials from which participants can design and assemble their own wreaths.  
Terry spent several years living in Virginia and South Carolina and while living in the South she participated in her community's annual decorating of historic homes for Open House and Holiday Home Tours.   She combines her natural artistic talent  with this experience and will help participants create outstandingly attractive decorations.
For further information, please call the Ridgefield Historical Society, 203-438-5821.

Annual meeting

The Ridgefield Historical Society held its Annual Meeting Tuesday, October 28th 2003 at the Scott House. 
Vice President Jeanne Timpanelli presided in the absence of President Keith Jones and was pleased to report that the Society had met or surpassed its goals for the year. 
Of special interest was the development of a local genealogy reference resource for the community and the development of local history educational programs.
Improvement of the library through donations and software programs, as well as educational outreach to the High School and Adult Education Department are two major achievements for the year. 
An Adult Ed. Course on American Architecture with Ridgefield Emphasis taught by Keith Jones is planned for November 12th, and a one hour course on Stone Walls of Ridgefield is offered on November 13th. The Adult Ed. Dept. can be contacted for further information on their course, and the Ridgefield Library for the course on Stone Walls. Or you may e-mail the Historical Society at ridgefieldhistory@sbcglobal.net. 
New officers were elected at the meeting, including President, Keith Jones, 1st VP Gary Singer, 2nd VP Jeanne Timpanelli, Co-Treasurers Georgianne Kasuli and Pat Kearney, Recording Secretary Michele Mahland and Corresponding Secretary, Nancy McDaniel. 
The Historical Society welcomes new members and volunteers. For further information, please contact Linda Hannah, Membership Chairman at lhannah624@aol.com, 438-5031.

Scott descendant dies

Sidney Burr Scott, a direct descendant of the man who built the Scott House and lifelong Ridgefielder, died Friday, July 25, 2003. See his Obituary.

Historical Society Earns Award of Merit

 Last month the Ridgefield Historical Society received an Award of Merit from the Awards Committee of the Connecticut League of History Organizations (CLHO) for its Scott House project.  Accepting the award for the Society were Vice Presidents Jeanne Timpanelli and Kay Ables.  The CLHO committee was impressed with the Society’s preservation methodology and its vision of the Scott House’s ultimate rebirth as the Society’s headquarters.

The Connecticut League of History Organizations encourages and supports the activities of state history organizations, enhances knowledge of state history, promotes professional standards, serves as a network for the exchange of information, and advances historical interests at the state level. 

Other 2003 Award of Merit winners included: The Architecture Resource Center of New Haven for its publication entitled, New Haven’s Cultural Landscape: Its Changing People and Places, the Historical Society of the Town of Greenwich for its project on the “Dual Interpretation of the Bush-Holley House, and the Prudence Crandall Museum, Canterbury for its project known as “Equality Under the Law.” 

Board of Trustees Convenes

The inaugural meeting of the Society’s Board of Trustees took place on June 11 at the Scott House. Eleven distinguished Ridgefielders have volunteered to serve two-year trustee stints under local attorney and new chairman, Rex Gustafson. Planning and Zoning commission member John Katz will support the new chairman. Other trustee members include Thomas Belote, Jeanne Cook, John Couri, John Frey, Gordon McGovern, Vera Neligan, Lynn Ryer, Hope Swenson, and Anne Tracy. The trustees will serve as a sounding board to the Board of Directors on such issues as the society’s financial condition, role in the community, and operating issues.

Fresh Preserves

…Historic Preservation Committee Activities, by Gary Singer

What would Ridgefield be without the more than 600 historic structures that give our community its unique character?  What if a flock of home-improvement “Hummers” reconfigured our community in tragic Cass Gilbert fountain fashion?  Not a pretty picture?  To help keep Ridgefield Ridgefield, the Historic Preservation Committee is embarking on two important projects: a Demolition Delay Ordinance, and a Historic Home “Plaque” Program. 

We have drafted language for a draft ordinance that requires a 90-day waiting period before any historic structure can be severely altered or torn down. During this grace period we will try to find a way to save the building by working with the owner to find a common solution. Our draft has been presented to the Town Selectmen, and will come up for action this fall.  The Connecticut legislature long ago passed a bill to enable such action, and more than 30 towns have already put it in place.  If you believe such an ordinance would benefit Ridgefield, drop us a line or, better yet, send a letter to First Selectman Marconi. 

Many communities (Wilton for one) have graced their truly well preserved homes with plaques that identify the original owner and date of construction. If you have any thoughts on such a program for Ridgefield, or believe your own residence might qualify for such a plaque, why not give Gary a call at 438-3633

Best Face Forward

Thanks to John Katz, Pete Hill, and Selectman Marconi, the Scott House parking lot is receiving a new asphalt surface. By using recycled millings taken from town road surface upgrades, the town is able to pave our weather-worn parking area at no cost!

In ‘gene’ ious Thoughts

…What’s happening in the Genealogy Committee, by Reed Livingston

We are a group whose members include both some very accomplished genealogists as well as some just starting out. In addition to yours truly, and Chairman Robert Law, our ranks include Kay Ables, Bill Brower, Sandy Koppen, and Barbara Safford. So far we have acquired the genealogical software program Family Tree  (which is available for use by Society members at no charge) and a number of books and periodicals donated by generous citizens of the community.  We have also become a part of Genweb and are already receiving research inquiries online.  As a committee we hope to enhance the genealogical record of the original proprietor families of Ridgefield, but we are also here to help Society members get started on their own family histories.  

If you are a “newbie” and want to track down your own ancestors, be sure to start with yourself and your children.  Gather up marriage, birth, and death certificates , then talk to your oldest surviving relatives to document earlier generations. Ridgefield Library has two free online search tools which you can use to go back even farther  -- Ancestry.com, and HeritageQuest. In the future we plan to hold a seminar to help those who have encountered stumbling blocks in their own research.  To find out more, or to join our committee, call Robert Law at 438-8471.

To contribute news, e-mail Jack Sanders.

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