The Archives
Volume XLV No. 1 - February 2017
Hall School’s Vintage Time Keeper
By Paul Weigold
Quite a few years ago the Historical Society received a gift of the clock that kept Hall School on time from when the school was built and opened in 1923 until the last major expansion in the 1980’s. As always, the Hall Family had the vision and the wherewithal to install the best; at that time the best was from the Standard Time Clock Company in Springfield, MA. The system was based on a master clock that resided in the Principal’s office. This master was the time keeper with an oversized pendulum in a tall case that was wound automatically once each minute using batteries. The batteries also synchronized the secondary, or “slave” clocks in each classroom to keep perfect time throughout the entire school. The bells were rung at precise times through the use of a paper tape with holes punched in it. At Hall School there were two bell circuits - one for the interior of the school, and the second set for the playground.
The clock has resided in the vault at the Old Town Hall for many years but was recently moved to the Glazier Tavern and is now close to running, only needing its 24 volt power supply. I found an example of a slave clock which will be connected to the master to demonstrate the system. I remember the clock well; perhaps I spent a little too much time in the Principal’s office. Boy, how long that last 5 minutes took for the last bell!
From the President’s Desk
Well, here we go with another promising year for our Willington Historical Society. I believe that this will be possible judging by the volunteer and donor support given to the Society last year. A number of projects were completed at the Glazier Tavern by our dedicated volunteers:
*They professionally cleaned, prepped and painted the front parlor walls, over a number of days. This was in anticipation of the arrival of the Willington Train Station memorabilia, donated by First Niagara Bank (now Key Bank) in June 2016. Volunteers were also around to transport and arrange the items at the tavern!
the1950-60’s vintage kitchen vinyl floor was stripped and reconditioned, to return it to that now timely shine.
the garage area was cleaned and partly organized, dump runs were completed during that morning session.
If you happen to follow the Society on FaceBook you’ve noticed a few other projects made possible by Society volunteers. They stabilized, secured and moved a donated privy from across town to the yard at the Tavern (yes indeed, it will become an exhibit).
Have you noticed the sign posts in the tavern front yard, yep the volunteers were at it again. Pictures on FB!
Secondly, I’d like to shout out to the many donors to the Society. Donations make the Society what it is in two ways. Monetary donations are the pendulum that keeps the Society moving. We’ve done quite well so far with fundraising for the re-roofing of the Tavern, please read more about that under the Tavern Times heading. Secondly, item donations directly fill a need with the 1800’s appearance of the building but most importantly donated items help us tell the story of Willington. Donations of items from Willington’s Wild Animal Farm have really filled out our knowledge and archive of this once thriving Willington attraction. Additional donated items are in use in the taproom fireplace, iron utensils and stoneware are in the restored kitchen area. The donated privy will attract additional attention to the yard. Restoration of that is to begin in the spring, with a volunteer already stepping up for that project.
I hope that you’ve had a chance to visit the Glazier Tavern during our Open Houses at either the annual Flea Market in September, or the tree lighting in December to enjoy the exhibit and the evolving 1800’s-1960’s surroundings. Another Open House is planned during the Colonial Days event sponsored by the Public Library in June.
Stop and visit. It’s everyone’s Society!
Be your own historical hero, volunteer.
Happy 2017!
Tavern Times
Roof Fundraising
Just like everything else, roofs wear out too. HELP put a new roof on the Historical Society’s 1815 Glazier Tavern (estimated replacement price is $8,500). Because of this substantial investment, the Society is solicit-ing donations to help finance the roof replacement cost. The Society will be doing its part by pursuing a 50/50 matching grant to help offset the cost as well. All donations are fully tax deductible, as the Society is a designated IRS 501(c)(3), non-profit organi-zation.
Consider contributing in any of the following ways:
one square of shingles (includes labor) that will cover 100 sq. ft. of roof area, for $450.
one bundle of shingles (includes labor) that will cover 33 sq. ft. of roof area, for $150.
donations of any amount are greatly appreciated.
To date seven squares of shingles have been funded. It will take 19 squares of shingles to replace the entire roof.
You may donate online at: www.willingtonhistoricalsociety.org
or by mail to
Willington Historical Society, P.O. Box 214, Willington, CT 06279
We would like thank to the following contrib-utors to the Roof fund; Betty Robertson, Sue & Paul Schur, Willington VFW Post, David and Margaret Gankofski, Marjorie & Lynn Brown, Christine Psathas & Bob Shabot, Chopeta Lyons & Mark Palmer, Suzanne Chapman, Lisa Ferriere, Pam & Sam Wheeler and several anonymous donors. To date al-most $3000 has been raised.
Sign to Identify Society and Glazier Tavern
Hopefully, this Spring or Summer the Society will be erecting a tavern type sign on the front lawn of the Glazier Tavern, at the inter-section of Ct. Route 74 and Common Road. The sign will alert those passing by that the site is the home of the Willington Historical Society and the site of the historic Glazier Tavern. Look for the sign that features a cen-tral image of a representation of the Liberty flask produced by the Willington Glass Com-pany. The flasks were manufactured by the glass company in the 19th century and are still highly sought after by antique glass col-lectors. As you might have already noticed while driving by, the support posts have been installed. If you don’t frequent the area of the tavern building, check out the photos posted on FaceBook and “like” us!