tag:www.ctssar.org,2008:/blog//1 2008-07-03T13:46:07Z The news blog of the Connecticut Sons of the American Revolution. Movable Type 3.34 tag:www.ctssar.org,2008:/blog//1.38 2008-06-17T13:40:51Z 2008-07-03T13:46:07Z

Dear Compatriots of the Connecticut Line CTSSAR, Today the CONNECTICUT LINE participated in the annual Bunker Hill Day Ceremonies commemorating the 233rd Anniversary of the Battle of Bunker Hill, First Major Battle of the American Revolution (June 17, 1775). This...

Today the CONNECTICUT LINE participated in the annual Bunker Hill Day Ceremonies commemorating the 233rd Anniversary of the Battle of Bunker Hill, First Major Battle of the American Revolution (June 17, 1775). This was our 12th year participating in the Bunker Hill Day Ceremonies, and again this year, we were the largest Colonial unit present. HUZZAH!!! The Connecticut Line CTSSAR, along with the Charlestown Militia Company, fired the musket volley to the Heroes of Bunker Hill. We also placed a wreath at the Connecticut Gate on behalf of the Connecticut Society of the Sons of the American Revolution. Following the ceremonies, we walked into Boston and had lunch at the Green Dragon Taverne. Attached are 2 photos, one from the ceremonies, the other from the Green Dragon. Note: we found a new recruit at the Dragon. Our next event will be at the Nathan Hale Schoolhouse in New London on Saturday. Put your faith in God and keep your powder dry, Todd Gerlander Colonel Commanding]]> tag:www.ctssar.org,2008:/blog//1.37 2008-06-08T13:39:15Z 2008-07-03T13:40:21Z

Compatriots, Despite the rain on Friday the students had a great time at the School Day in East Haddam. We had just over 100 3rd grade students from the town with a dozen or so chaperons. Many thanks to everyone...

Compatriots, Despite the rain on Friday the students had a great time at the School Day in East Haddam. We had just over 100 3rd grade students from the town with a dozen or so chaperons. Many thanks to everyone who helped: Sue Beecher Jerry Carroon Mike Juhase Fred Rivard Bob Rivard Dana Rusconi Stephen Shaw Russ Wirtalla A belated report for the Spring Food Stroll in New London. It was a perfect evening with about a 1,000 people on the stroll. The schoolhouse set a record for the stroll with almost 80 visitors. Our Color Guard members were doing musket firing demonstrations on the Parade and ended up on Fox 61 News as part of their segment on tourism. Thanks to: Bruce Cunard Fred Rivard Stephen Shaw Upcoming Events: June 14th - CT Open House Day at museums around the state and our three. The Color Guard will have a Flag Display at the War Office and Mike Nigro of the SAR will have his historic flag collection at the Schoolhouse in New London. June 21st, 1pm - Grand Opening of the new Nathan Hale exhibit in New London. June 28th, 1pm - Grand Opening of the new Nathan Hale exhibit in East Haddam. Patriotically, Stephen P. Shaw tag:www.ctssar.org,2008:/blog//1.36 2008-05-26T13:36:46Z 2008-07-03T13:38:18Z

Dear Compatriots of the Connecticut Line CTSSAR, 2 Reports: 1) 5-26-2008 - Memorial Day Parade, Westport, CT 2) 5-24-2008 - Flag Placing Ceremony, New London, CT First, I would like to report that the CT LINE CTSSAR marched today in...

Dear Compatriots of the Connecticut Line CTSSAR, 2 Reports: 1) 5-26-2008 - Memorial Day Parade, Westport, CT 2) 5-24-2008 - Flag Placing Ceremony, New London, CT First, I would like to report that the CT LINE CTSSAR marched today in the Memorial Day Parade in Westport, CT. It was a nice parade followed by patriotic ceremonies on the Town Common. We then walked/drove to the local VFW for a GREAT lunch! We had a lot of nice comments from the event organizers, Town, and the public. Special Thanks to Compatriot Bob Lasprogato for arranging the invitation. Three Huzzahs to: Lee Gerlander - Putnam Todd Gerlander - Putnam Randy Gerlander - Putnam Norman Gilman - Putnam Michael Juhase - at Large Robert Rivard - Huntington Frederick Rivard - Huntington John Towle - Putnam Russell Wirtalla - Putnam Bonnie Burke - Camp-Follower --------------------------------------------- (Second) Colonel, It is my honor to report that the 7th Connecticut and Huntington's Regiments participated in a Flag Placement Ceremony in Cedar Grove Cemetery, New London, in honor of our Patriots. It was a great ceremony on a beautiful morning with about 40 people from the SAR, DAR, Girl Scouts and general public in attendance. We honorably placed flags at the graves of our patriots followed by a short ceremony where all 72 names were read allowed. A prayer was lead by the branch Chaplain and a Musket Salute. Those mustered were as follows. Harry Clarke Pvt. 7th CT Bruce Cunard Capt. 7th CT Daniel Davis Sgt. 7th CT Gregory Peck Lt. 7th CT Frederick Rivard Capt. Huntington Christine Coutant - Camp-Follower Respectfully submitted, Capt. Bruce Cunard ------------------------------------------------ Put your faith in God and keep your powder dry, Todd L. Gerlander Colonel Commanding tag:www.ctssar.org,2008:/blog//1.35 2008-04-28T13:33:29Z 2008-04-29T13:37:03Z

Compatriots, Thanks to so many people the painting of the first floor in New London is complete. On Sunday, April 27th, we had ten volunteers including three more Cadets from the Coast Guard Academy. We put the final coats of...

Many thanks to: Bruce Cunard Robert Herel Tim Jacobs Cadet Luke Mayotte Cadet Gregory Ostrov Frederick Rivard Donna Samulenas Stephen Shaw Thomas Smith Cadet Cameron Welicka I am so impressed with some many members and non-members who have helped to make this happen. The schoolhouse looks so good and is ready for the new exhibits which will be installed in June. Patriotically, Stephen P. Shaw Property Steward Connecticut, Sons of the American Revolution]]> tag:www.ctssar.org,2008:/blog//1.34 2008-04-22T13:10:37Z 2008-04-29T13:13:27Z

Compatriots of the Connecticut Line CTSSAR, Another year of Patriot's Day Parades is over, and once again the Connecticut SAR marched in ALL 5 Parades commemorating the start of the American Revolution: Liberty Pole Capping Parade/Ceremony, Bedford, MA. Meriam's Corner...

Compatriots of the Connecticut Line CTSSAR, Another year of Patriot's Day Parades is over, and once again the Connecticut SAR marched in ALL 5 Parades commemorating the start of the American Revolution: Liberty Pole Capping Parade/Ceremony, Bedford, MA. Meriam's Corner Parade/Ceremony, Concord, MA. Paul Revere Capture Parade/Ceremony, Lincoln, MA. Patriot's Day Parade, Concord, MA. Patriot's Day Parade, Lexington, MA. I think that deserves FIVE HUZZAHS!!!!! This was my 11th year marching in Concord, 4th or 5th in Lexington (I will have to look back to check that), and I can honestly say that this was our BEST year yet. I thought we really looked GREAT yesterday! The crowds were large, particularly in Lexington. I heard so many comments from the public as we marched, "GO CONNECTICUT", "Those are the Sons of the American Revolution", "They look Great!", just to name a few. GREAT job everyone!!! I would like to thank the Compatriots who marched in Concord and Lexington yesterday: Wayne Bickley Geoffrey Colby Lee Gerlander Todd Gerlander Randy Gerlander Howard Greene Fred Rivard Russell Wirtalla Richard Wright Camp-Followers: Liisa Colby Gina Gerhard and I would like to thank everyone who marched in the 5 Parades, keeping the name of the SONS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION ALIVE!!! at these important historic commemorations. Once again CONNECTICUT has answered the LEXINGTON ALARM: Wayne Bickley Geoffrey Colby Lee Gerlander Todd Gerlander Randy Gerlander Howard Greene Bob Lasprogato Fred Rivard Bob Rivard Allan Van Wert Russell Wirtalla Richard Wright Camp-Followers: Liisa Colby Gina Gerhard I will try to e-mail some photos tonight. On to BUNKER HILL in remembrance of the 200 CONNECTICUT men who fought under the Command of General Israel Putnam and Captain Thomas Knowlton . . . . Put your faith in God and keep your powder dry, Todd L. Gerlander Colonel Commanding tag:www.ctssar.org,2008:/blog//1.33 2008-04-20T13:20:32Z 2008-04-22T13:28:30Z

Compatriots, The Nathan Hale Schoolhouse is getting so close. The restoration of the first floor is almost complete and will be ready to be opened on April 26th when 700 Coast Guard Cadets parade up State Street. Twelve of us...

Twelve of us did more and more detail work. It's amazing how many little items can take a chunk of time; such as filling in the holes where the pulleys had been for the old rope and weight windows (eleven of them) and the trim work on the new mantel which needed to be scribed into the stone fireplace. Tom Smith is a tremendous painter. We touched up the ceiling and wall paint, put a second coat of the paint on the windows and chair rails and corner casements, a primer coat on the baseboard and mantel, a final coat on the walls and stairs of the stairwell, cleaned out the basement, swept and vacuumed the first floor, moved the larger furniture from the second floor to the first, sanded the stair rail and table top and much more. It's amazing how much you can get done with the help of six Coast Guard Cadets. And we found out that Cadet Higbie and Cadet Schwartz are both SAR members in other state societies. I wish to thank the following for all the help: Bruce Cunard Daniel Davis Cadet Mike Gordon Cadet Mike Higbie Tim Jacobs Stephen Marshall Cadet Shae Quinn Cadet Kaelon Russell Cadet John Schwartz Stephen Shaw Thomas Smith Cadet Adam Tanner We will be at the schoolhouse again on April 27th at 9am to finish things off. If you can help, please let me know. Patriotically, Stephen P. Shaw Property Steward ]]> tag:www.ctssar.org,2008:/blog//1.32 2008-04-13T13:38:58Z 2008-04-15T13:39:36Z

Compatriots of the Connecticut Line CTSSAR, We had a GREAT day in Bedford, Concord, and Lincoln, Massachusetts yesterday. We were dry in Bedford and Concord, and it was not until we were ending the parade in Lincoln that it started...

Compatriots of the Connecticut Line CTSSAR, We had a GREAT day in Bedford, Concord, and Lincoln, Massachusetts yesterday. We were dry in Bedford and Concord, and it was not until we were ending the parade in Lincoln that it started to POUR! Three Great Events honoring Patriot's Day, and the SONS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION were announced at each of them. THREE HUZZAHS FOR THE CONNECTICUT LINE!!! I would like to thank the following members for marching with the Connecticut Line CTSSAR: Wayne Bickley Geoffrey Colby Gina Gerhard Lee Gerlander Todd Gerlander Randy Gerlander Bob Lasprogato Fred Rivard Bob Rivard Russell Wirtalla Richard Wright Allan Van Wert (becoming a dual member w/CT) THREE HUZZAHS!!! Our NEXT event will be the PATRIOT'S DAY PARADES at Concord and Lexington, Massachusetts on MONDAY, APRIL 21, 2008. I will e-mail details tomorrow. Put your Faith in God and keep your powder dry, Todd L. Gerlander Colonel Commanding tag:www.ctssar.org,2008:/blog//1.31 2008-04-13T13:28:13Z 2008-04-15T13:32:29Z

Compatriots, The painting is looking wonderful at the Nathan Hale Schoolhouse in New London. With everything all cleaned up the room just seems so much bigger. With the help of nine volunteers, we put a final coat on the ceiling...

The painting is looking wonderful at the Nathan Hale Schoolhouse in New London. With everything all cleaned up the room just seems so much bigger. With the help of nine volunteers, we put a final coat on the ceiling and the walls and put a primer coat on the windows and trim. The paint colors are now historically correct. The multiple paint samples which were sent out for analysis resulted in an off white color for the walls and a light grey on the trim. Thank you so much to our members and the Coast Guard Cadets who helped: Cadet Katie Colella Bruce Cunard Daniel Davis Tim Jacobs Cadet Mike Haas Steve Marshall Cadet Lauren Power Stephen Shaw Thomas Smith Sunday April 20th will be our last day of major painting. We will likely have a minor day of fine tuning and cleanup on April 27th. Patriotically, Stephen P. Shaw]]> tag:www.ctssar.org,2008:/blog//1.30 2008-04-08T13:39:25Z 2008-04-08T13:40:20Z

FELLOW AMERICAN REVOLUTIONARY WAR ENTHUSIASTS: Two If By Sea Publishing, LLC is proud to announce that Common Patriot: The American Revolutionary War Magazine is now Patriots of the American Revolution starting with the June 2008 issue. Featuring: The Revolutionary War...

www.patriotsar.com. ]]> tag:www.ctssar.org,2008:/blog//1.29 2008-04-06T21:21:55Z 2008-04-06T21:28:54Z

Compatriots, We had another great weekend of work at the two schoolhouses. In New London on Saturday, we prepared more of the surfaces with primer, sanding, plaster, wood filler and so on. We even had six visitors. Our volunteers were:...

The volunteers were: Damien Cregeau Pamela Hall Stephen Marshall Frederick Rivard Thomas Smith Stephen Shaw I can't tell you how proud I am of the dedication of our volunteers to help us preserve our Revolutionary War history for future generations. On Sunday, April 13th and April 20th at 9am in New London we have a lot of painting to do. So far we have eleven volunteers which include cadets from the Coast Guard Academy. This is the final two days to be ready for May 1st. If you would like to help, please let me know or just stop by. Patriotically, Stephen P. Shaw]]> tag:www.ctssar.org,2008:/blog//1.28 2008-03-23T18:37:30Z 2008-03-31T18:39:02Z

Compatriots and Docents, Another great day of prep work to get ready for repainting the interior of the Nathan Hale Schoolhouse in East Haddam. This will all look great when our season opens on May 1st and our new permanent...

Compatriots and Docents, Another great day of prep work to get ready for repainting the interior of the Nathan Hale Schoolhouse in East Haddam. This will all look great when our season opens on May 1st and our new permanent exhibit opens on June 28th in East Haddam. We accomplished a lot with just three of us in just over an hour. Boxed up most items for storage. Removed everything from the walls and display area. Removed all hooks, nails and hangers. Brushed down all walls, ceiling and floor. Mopped all wall surfaces. Thanks to: Tricia Chapman-Herel Timothy Jacobs Stephen Shaw The next work days are: April 5th, 9am Saturday - New London - Prep work, painting April 6th, 9am Sunday - East Haddam - Painting If you can help on either day, let me know as we can use more hands. Patriotically, Stephen P. Shaw Property Steward tag:www.ctssar.org,2008:/blog//1.27 2008-03-18T18:10:42Z 2008-03-31T18:33:33Z

Hello, With six volunteers yesterday, we accomplished so much as we continue to restore the Nathan Hale Schoolhouse in New London. We did the following: Removed remaining hardware from all the windows. Scraped more chipping paint from the walls and...

We did the following: Removed remaining hardware from all the windows. Scraped more chipping paint from the walls and ceiling. Mopped all wall and ceiling surfaces. Patched cracks and holes in the plaster. Removed the incorrectly sized mantel. Removed the plaque above the fireplace. Painted all wall and ceiling surfaces with a primer coat. Moved the new wood flooring into the building for installation. Many thanks to the following for giving up a Sunday: Bruce Cunard Tim Jacobs Steve Marshall Ted Nelson Frederick Rivard Stephen Shaw The next two restoration/painting sessions are: March 23rd, 9am Sunday - East Haddam - Prep work (won't take long) April 5th, 9am Saturday - New London - Prep work and painting If you can help let me know. The repainting is being partly funded by a generous grant from the Connecticut Humanities Council. Patriotically, Stephen P. Shaw Property Steward]]> tag:www.ctssar.org,2008:/blog//1.26 2008-03-09T17:30:22Z 2008-03-31T18:10:12Z

Dear Compatriots of the Connecticut Line, The CT Line marched today in the St. Patrick's Day Parade in New Haven, CT. I would like to thank the following members for participating: Bruce Cunard Lee Gerlander Randy Gerlander Norman Gilman Howard...

Dear Compatriots of the Connecticut Line, The CT Line marched today in the St. Patrick's Day Parade in New Haven, CT. I would like to thank the following members for participating: Bruce Cunard Lee Gerlander Randy Gerlander Norman Gilman Howard Greene Bob Lasprogato Frederick Rivard Robert Rivard Todd Gerlander - Colonel Russell Wirtalla - Lt. Colonel Upcoming events, March 29 - Reenactor Tag Sale, and in April, the BIG 3 & the PATRIOT'S DAY Parades. Details soon. . . Todd L. Gerlander, Colonel Commanding tag:www.ctssar.org,2008:/blog//1.25 2008-02-23T17:17:01Z 2008-03-31T17:30:12Z

Dear Compatriots of the Connecticut Line CTSSAR, Attached is a photo of the Connecticut Line CTSSAR in front of J. Timothy's Taverne today. Below are the details and orders passed at the Annual Meeting/Luncheon of THE CONNECTICUT LINE, Living History...

Members Present: 27 (01) Wayne Bickley (11th Conn. Regt.) (02) Ken Buckbee (Wolcott's 6th Brigade) (03) Bonnie Burke (Camp-Follower) (04) Jerry Carroon (Wadsworth's Conn. Regt.) (05) Russ Cashman (Wolcott's 6th Brigade) (06) Geoffrey Colby (11th Conn. Regt.) (07) George Crede (11th Conn. Regt.) (08) Damien Cregeau (Wadsworth's Conn. Regt.) (09) Bruce Cunard (Huntington's Conn. Regt.) (10) Paul Everett (Wolcott's 6th Brigade) (11) Lee Gerlander (11th Conn. Regt.) (12) Todd Gerlander (11th Conn. Regt.) (13) Randal Gerlander (11th Conn. Regt.) (14) Norman Gilman (11th Conn. Regt.) (15) Pamela Hall (Camp-Follower) (16) Michael Juhase (Independent Conn. Co.) (17) James Klaneski (Wolcott's 6th Brigade) (18) Bob Lasprogato (9th Conn. Regt.) (19) Stephen Marshall (11th Conn. Regt.) (20) Stephen Messier (11th Conn. Regt.) (21) Cece Messier (Camp-Follower) (22) Robert Rivard (Huntington's Conn. Regt.) (23) Frederick Rivard (Huntington's Conn. Regt.) (24) Clark Selnau (Wolcott's 6th Brigade) (25) Stephen Shaw (Wadsworth's Conn. Regt.) (26) John Towle (11th Conn. Regt.) (27) Russell Wirtalla (11th Conn. Regt.) MEETING HIGHLIGHTS: ---------------------------------------------------- Meeting Called to Order: 10:50 AM. ---------------------------------------------------- Invocation: Rev. Paul Everett. ---------------------------------------------------- Pledge of Allegience: Geoffrey Colby. ---------------------------------------------------- Member/Detachment Introductions. ---------------------------------------------------- Around the Table: Member Highlights of the 2007 Campaign. ---------------------------------------------------- Color Guard Business: * Treasury concerns were resolved. * CT Line CTSSAR Membership numbers verified. CTSSAR Color Guard Membership stands at 47 active members. * The 2008 Liability Insurance was discussed. * 2008 Approvals and Permits were also discussed. * 2008 NRA Black Powder/Muzzleloader Certification: The course basics were explained, and a date in April/May 2008 is being investigated. Members firing muskets will be required to complete this course. ----------------------------------------------------- Bylaws: Todd Gerlander, Michael Juhase, Bob Rivard, Stephen Shaw, and Russell Wirtalla volunteered to be on the Color Guard bylaw committee. ----------------------------------------------------- 2008 Calendar of Events: The proposed 2008 Campaign calendar was handed out. The calendar was discussed, additions were added, and unanimously approved. (A final corrected version of the calendar will be posted soon). ----------------------------------------------------- Old Business/New Business: Stephen Shaw announced that the Colonel Jeremiah Wadsworth Branch CTSSAR has formed the "Colonel Wadsworth's Connecticut Regiment" Detachment. Compatriot Damien Cregeau will hold the rank of Captain. Also mentioned, the Captain Nathan Hale Branch CTSSAR is in the process of forming a Detachment in the near future. ---------------------------------------------------- The following 2008 Field Officers of the Connecticut Line CTSSAR were elected: Colonel (Commander) - Todd Gerlander Lieutenant-Colonel - Russell Wirtalla Major - Michael Juhase Field Officers are ordered to wear RED or PINK cockades. If epaulets are worn, 2 silver epaulets are to be worn to designate Field Rank. ----------------------------------------------------- Commander Gerlander thanked everyone for their continued support of the CTSSAR Color Guard and its activities. He was happy to see ever increasing CTSSAR Color Guard membership, and enthusiasm, keeping Connecticut the largest and most active SAR Color Guard/Living History Unit unit in New England. ----------------------------------------------------- Benediction: Rev. Robert Carroon, CTSSAR President. ----------------------------------------------------- Meeting Adjourned: 2:00 PM. ----------------------------------------------------- Annual Connecticut Line CTSSAR Group Photo outside the Taverne. ----------------------------------------------------- Todd L. Gerlander Colonel Commanding 2/23/2008]]> tag:www.ctssar.org,2008:/blog//1.24 2008-01-27T14:48:45Z 2008-02-03T14:50:51Z

Compatriots, I'm amazed at how much we accomplished today. With eight volunteers for six hours, we just tore through one project after another. We did things which we hadn't even planned on yet, but were due to be completed. Accomplished...

Compatriots, I'm amazed at how much we accomplished today. With eight volunteers for six hours, we just tore through one project after another. We did things which we hadn't even planned on yet, but were due to be completed. Accomplished on the 1st floor: Remove nails leftover from second layer of flooring. Scrape pealing and cracked paint from ceiling and walls. Remove nails and cleanup the basement stairwell. Reopen all windows. Remove old weights from windows. Scrape paint from windows. Remove unneeded hardware from windows. Remove old unused lock from front door. Accomplished in the basement: Loaded old flooring into truck to haul away. Removed old spacer boards from ceiling. Load new beams into basement, which will be used later. Brace up floor as needed. The great volunteers for the day were: Stephen Marshall Stephen Shaw Tim Jacobs Harding Dies Jim Klaneski Bill Fredericks And from the Coast Guard Academy Cadet Lelea Littlefield Cadet Sullivan Everyone worked so hard. The next stages are for Stephen Marshall to repair the posts and beams for the flooring structure and send out paint samples so we can determine the original colors. He will then put down the new flooring on the first floor. Once that is done, then we will need volunteers to cleanup the walls and ceiling before the painting begins. Patriotically, Stephen P. Shaw