The Society is always looking for and asking for donations of a variety of items. These help tell the history of Willington

The following are several recent donations that tell that story as well as highlight the products of local manufacturers or relate to family histories.

An oak softball bat with burnt emblem that reads: Made by C.S. Amidon & Sons WILLINGTON SLUGGER East Willington Conn. The Amidon Co. was well known for manufacturing portable sawmills and associated equipment.

A 4”x 61/2” leather bound notebook belonging to the Reverend David Lillibridge listing names & dates of weddings at which he officiated, dating in the late 18th & early 19th centuries. Gift from Mary Lillibridge

Two engraved silver napkin rings commemorating the wedding day of: Caroline and Daniel Eldredge “Mch” 29, 1879 Given by Daniel Eldredge’s great, great grandson, Robert White

A box of various size spools of Hall thread, a box of spooled thread and a paper wrapped selection of Hall’s Best spooled thread. Gift from Betty Robertson

Tavern Times

The Society wrapped up 2022 with its December Open House at the Glazier Tavern in conjunction with the Annual Tree Lighting on the Green. About 130 folks stopped by to warm up by the fires, listen to holiday music by the Hall Memorial School Select Choir, grab a snack and chat. A surprise guest was George Glazier, who stopped by from Massachusetts. He is a descendent of Daniel Glazier’s brother, David. We were able to share several photos with George, that the Society had acquired at an auction. The images may be of his relatives from Hartford CT, circa 1860-70’s. Fundraising for the Tavern’s accessibility and ADA compliance has been successful, with sufficient funds raised to start looking for a contractor to begin the bathroom portion of the project. Thank you to all those who have generously supported this necessary work. Programming coordinator, Julie Engelke is striving to get the Historical Society back on track with quarterly programs with a historic focus for the Willington community. She hopes to partner, at times, with the Willington Library and the Mill Works from South Willington. Grants! The Society has been able to secure a $5,400 CT Cultural Fund Operating Support Grant from CT Humanities (CTH) for the second year. These grants are administered by CT Humanities with funding provided by the Connecticut State Department of Economic and Community Development/Connecticut Office of the Arts (COA) from the Connecticut State Legislature. They are designed to help augment the Historical Society’s annual expenses and outreach costs. This is a significant help to the Society as membership and dues have declined while operating expenses have increased, as everyone is experiencing. Additionally, the grants help financially, as work begins on correcting accessibility code issues which now limits the use of the Tavern by the community. Additionally, a $15,000 grant was awarded to the Society, by the Willington Town American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Committee. The Society had asked for the funds to support an expansion of storage and display space at the Glazier Tavern. The proposed work in the garage will provide a cement floor, new insulated doors, and new thermal pane windows. This will enhance the ability of the Society to archive donated items and increase accessibility for the public. Work is expected to begin in the Spring.