Meriden Historical Society

Tours at the Andrews Homestead are today at 11:30 and 1:00 . Reserve your spot below. https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/6f84e790-543e-4fc2-9bbe-a676395feea4

This weeks figure it out

Last week was a Simpson, Hall ,Miller & Company spoon holder. In the 1880s, the Simpson, Hall, Miller & Company headquarters and primary manufacturing facilities were located at 656 Center Street, Wallingford, Connecticut. This facility was later designated as "Factory L" after merging into the International Silver Company.
They were elaborate serving centerpieces designed with cutouts to hold a dozen spoons vertically around a central axis, and like the one shown, featured integrated dinner bells.

Photo from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Simpson,_Hall,_Miller_%26_Co.

Aug 13 1881
Following the economic depression of 1873, an influx of displaced, unemployed workers traveling by foot or rail in search of jobs led to widespread social panic and punitive legislation across New England. Under Connecticut's 1879 act, individuals classified as tramps faced forced labor and prison sentences. The statute authorized local authorities, including those in Meriden, to arrest and imprison “all vagrants living without labor, or visible means of support, who stroll over the country without lawful occasion”
A popular historical footnote surrounding Connecticut’s Tramp Law involves the Old Leatherman, who walked a 365-mile periodic circuit through Meriden and surrounding towns. While local lore claimed towns passed special exemptions for him, state library archives indicate no formal legal exemption existed; rather, local police and constables chose not to enforce the strict tramp statute against him due to his harmless reputation and local popularity.

Thanks for being a top engager and making it on to my weekly engagement list! 🎉

Donna Baird Cossette, Martha Colaresi, Zack Pietrantonio, Meghan McDonald, Sherwin Borsuk. wow guys. thanks!

What Meriden multi faceted person received federal recognition as the Thomas Jefferson Community Leadership National Award winner for CT?
Photo fromhttps://www.wrtv.com/lifestyle/multiplying-good

George Jeffrey (1830-1906) was a leading activist on the state and national level for civil, economic, and political rights and equality for African Americans. He was president of The Lincoln Colored People’s Association of Meriden from 1878 to 1886. The Lincoln Club was established both to honor Abraham Lincoln and to work to advance civil rights and equality of opportunity for African Americans. His single greatest achievement was spearheading the campaign that led to the Connecticut General Assembly in 1887 passing into law “An Act to prevent Discrimination by Life Insurance Companies Against Persons of Color.” Jeffrey was a man of stature and influence among African American members of the Republican Party, as demonstrated by his activities at the Republican National Convention of 1880. The house at 66 Hillside Avenue is the only surviving property known to be associated with George Jeffrey.George S Jeffrey was a delegate to the 1880 Chicago Republican Presidential Convention representing the People of Color from Connecticut. https://www.ctmq.org/meriden-2/
Pictured below is his former home located at 66 Hillside Avenue.

Volunteer Spotlight
This is our Archivist, Barbara Austen. She is responsible for preserving, organizing, and maintaining our historical records. This role involves cataloging photographs, documents, and other archival materials and ensuring proper storage and conservation practices. She also helps document new acquisitions, develops finding aids and digital records, and collaborates with collections. With a passion for local history and an eye for detail, she plays a key role in safeguarding Meriden's heritage for future generations.

THIS WEEK AT THE MUSEUM
Our monthly tour at the Andrews Homestead is happening this Saturday, August 15th at 11:30 and 1:00 . Reserve your spot below. https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/6f84e790-543e-4fc2-9bbe-a676395feea4

Meriden Historical Society Preserving the Past Inspiring the Future

Facebook Friends
I need your help. I am looking for Meriden Vets of WWII(I know this one is a stretch), Viet Nam, Korea, Iraq and Afghanistan who are willing to share their stories. Please put me in contact with anyone you know who would be willing to be interviewed and or share their stories at a night time event.