Here are three interesting and fun opportunities from the GPA, PLUS: A Guilford Minute…
SACHEM’S HEAD COMMEMORATIVE PLAQUE CEREMONY, MAY 19, 2018
The Guilford Preservation Alliance endorsed and financially supported (Hugh McK. Jones Memorial Fund*) this event as part of its mission to preserve the history of our Town.
You are invited to attend and witness this commemorative ceremony.
One of the most successful actions during the American Revolution by Connecticut troops was launched from Guilford in the spring of 1777.
In retaliation for the burning of Danbury by British troops earlier that year, Lieutenant Colonel Return Jonathan Meigs conducted a daring counter-attack on the British supply outpost at Sag Harbor, New York. Commencing May 23, 1777, 170 Connecticut men departed from Sachem’s Head Harbor. Using whaleboats (small boats used to hunt whales) they rowed across Long Island Sound, avoiding British ships patrolling the coast.
Under the darkness of the night, they safely arrived at Sag Harbor, and at 2 A.M. commenced the surprise attack. During the engagement with the enemy, not a single patriot was killed or wounded; twelve British ships were destroyed, supplies confiscated, and 96 prisoners captured. Congress recognized the “Prudence, Activity, Enterprise and Valor” in which the successful 25-hour expedition was conducted. Lt. Col. Meigs was awarded a ceremonial sword for leading the action, which today rests at the Smithsonian Institution.
Local resident Craig Reynolds is spearheading the efforts to install a plaque commemorating the attack, known as in the history books as “Meigs Raid” at Sachem’s Head. Mr. Reynolds is a corporal in the recreated 6th Connecticut Regiment, a living history group that portrays the Revolutionary War army unit commanded by Lt. Col. Meigs. “The town’s historic role in this important moment in the Revolutionary War isn’t well known”, said Mr. Reynolds. “After 240 years we felt it was important to raise the profile of this important event.”
The commemorative plaque will be revealed during a ceremony on Saturday, May 19, 2018, at 11:00 a.m. at “The Landing,” lower Colonial Road, Guilford, Connecticut (with a rain date on Sunday, May 20th, 11:00 a.m.). The public is invited to attend. Parking is recommended along Colonial Road and Uncas Point Road, with limited parking for persons with disabilities closest to the event. The Community Center bus will be able to transport 20 people from the Community Center, leaving there at 10:30 and returning after the ceremony. Questions regarding the event can be directed to Tracy Tomaselli, historian for the event, by calling 203-671-9351.
(For driving directions, use 650 Colonial Road)
THE INFORMATION KIOSK WILL OPEN MAY 24, 2018
The Guilford Preservation Alliance is proud to announce the seasonal opening of the Kiosk, at the Guilford Information Plaza for the 2018 season.
We will open Memorial Day weekend, Thursday, May 24, 2018 and stay open till Labor Day Sept. 3, 2018.
Past Greeters have welcomed and assisted visitors from almost every state in the United States, Europe, Asia, and Australia.
The Kiosk, at 32 Church Street, next to the Community Center, is hosted by volunteer Greeters, who volunteer for either a 10am-1pm or 1-4pm shift, Thurs.-Mon.
There is a short get together and orientation before we open in May.
If you are interested in becoming a Greeter, please email Marcia Safirstein at safirstein1428@gmail.com, Allison Alkire at allisonalkire@comcast.net., or Tracy Tomaselli at tomasellitracy@sbcglobal.net.
We offer FREE walking tours around the Green. If you are interested in becoming a guide, contact any one of the above.
See you at the Kiosk!
A SITE FOR ALL SEASONS
There’s value for businesses and residents on visitguilfordct.com
Whether you are new to town, a long-time resident looking for something new or different to do near home, or a business looking for greater exposure within our local community, visitguilfordct.com is just what the doctor ordered.
Developed more than two years ago by the Guilford Preservation Alliance, the site is highlighted at the information plaza located on Church Street at the top of the Green (next to the Community Center). It’s a great “walk-up” resource for hundreds of people who visit our town primarily between May and September. And, of course, the site is accessible to anyone and everyone year-round. So, whether you’re on your home computer or tablet or out walking the green with smart phone in-hand, use the site to locate shopping, dining, and local services, parks and trails, or upcoming events.
There’s no question that visitguilfordct.com is a great continuing resource for residents. And local advertisers will appreciate the benefits of being seen on the site by the growing number of residents and non-residents who visit it.
Please note: statistical usage indicates use of this site has doubled this past year!
A GUILFORD MINUTE
The first white child born (1639) in Guilford, Connecticut, was John Leete, the second child of William and Anne (Payne) Leete. Some of the names Guilford parents gave their children in the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries were Increase, Prosper, Comfort, Friend, Wait, and Jehosaphat, if you were a boy. If you were a girl, you might have been named Mindwell, Obedience, Submit, Silence, Prudence, Thankful, Temperance or Freelove. If a child died young, it was not uncommon to give the same name to a later child.
* Learn about the Hugh McK. Jones Memorial Trust Fund for Historic Preservation in the upcoming Summer 2018 edition of Guilford Events.
