"Bloom where you are planted. That is Windsor Locks which is my strength and life" -Ella T. Grasso
News from the Society:
July, 2019
Greetings!
Another year has flown by and the Windsor Locks Historical Society has undergone some positive changes which took place during the annual Society meeting in November and we’d like to share them with our membership.
First, we held elections for officers, the yearly affair where all directors and members are welcomed for input and suggestions. We have a new team for 2019 with fresh ideas, lots of talent and lots of energy. We are excited about the future, and we’d like you all to be a part of it.
The newly elected officers are: President, Ann Marie Claffey; Vice President, Katie Claffey; Membership Secretary, Laura Gagnon; Treasurer, Bob Pearce; and Recording Secretary, Beth Gerber. Also, Mickey Danyluk was named the new curator and Chet Pohorylo was named assistant curator. The elected officers are committed to continuing the work that began four years ago, and much has been accomplished, but much more still needs to be done.
Some of the accomplishments have been a result of collaboration with town officials, Department of Public Works, the School District, Historic Commission, Park Department, Board of Finance and, most importantly, you…..our membership. With the involvement of everyone over the past several years, we were able to reorganize the Reed House, digitize the Windsor Locks Journals and post them on line, have the Greenhouse productive once again, and our 1936 American LaFrance fire engine has been put back in running order, create a web site which includes a fantastic collection of photos for everyone’s enjoyment, and much more.
You may notice that the bricks are being repaired on the Historic Train Station, another important part of our historic legacy. The renovation of the Montgomery Building is another reason for celebration. That project has transformed the Montgomery factory in a way that we couldn’t imagine. The Historical Society has been active in collecting as many artifacts as possible in the way of photos and documents. They will be on display in the main lobby of the renovated building to tell the story of this most iconic part of our history.
Last year’s Octoberfest was a huge success and collaboration between the Town of Windsor Locks and the Historical Society. This year’s Farm Fest, yet another successful event, was also paired with the Town of Windsor Locks’ Spring Festival. Beautiful weather and great organizational efforts for parking and vendor layout proved to be a winner.
All of this is proof that . . . “It Takes a Village!”
Our future efforts are going to be focused on these collaborative efforts to bring awareness to the awesome treasure that is Noden Reed Park. Imagine, after being on Main Street with the newly renovated Historic Train Station, the Montgomery Building, the relocated train platform and then heading up to Route 75 with the proposed Sports Facility, as well as the Air Museum, then being able to come back to twenty two acres of peace and tranquility, right in the middle of town.
Our efforts will be concentrated on bringing awareness to a park where you can see historic buildings, open space, picnic areas and hiking trails; a park where you can let small children run and play as they prepare themselves for the Pesci Park scene later in their young lives; a place where mothers and fathers can spend quiet time with their babies. Peace on earth at Noden Reed.
But we can’t do this alone. We need you, the membership, to make it all happen. We’re not asking for a commitment of your time, as we know everyone has their daily struggles with family and jobs, but we do need your support by way of your membership dues, and participation in the enjoyment of all the things that are our historic legacy.
We welcome all ideas and suggestions on ways to attract more members, and member participation. What would you like to see at the Noden Reed Farm? What activities might interest you, or what can we do to make Noden Reed more welcoming to you and your family. You can contact us at windsorlockshistoricalsociety@gmail.com with any questions or recommendations. We’d love to hear from you.
Remember, in a few short years we will be the ones with the “historical” information for the generations that come after us. Let’s pull together to keep organizing and documenting the Windsor Locks Historic Legacy and work together to make the Noden Reed Farm a family destination.
Thank you!
Sincerely
Ann Marie Claffey
President
Windsor Locks Historical Society
Please note: Historical Society Membership Dues runs from July 1st to June 30th yearly. Please visit www.windsorlockshistoricalsociety.org to become a member or renew your membership. You also may join or renew by mail with the form below. Thank you for your support!