BOOK SIGNING AND REPRISE SHOWING OF BRISTOL REMEMBERED
AT BRISTOL HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Saturday, August 28th
Bristol resident, Lynda J. Russell, has written a fourth book in the Image of America series published by Arcadia Publishing Company. The title of this book is Bristol Business and Industry. The book covers the same 225 years which are being celebrated during Bristol’s 225th anniversary year. Bristol Business and Industry’s pictorial history begins with the clock industry which played a major role in the development of other local industries such as spring manufacturing, an industry still active in Bristol today.
Lynda Russell will be available for a book signing at the Bristol Historical Society’s museum, 98 Summer Street, on Saturday, August 28th, from 12 noon to 4 p.m. In addition to her new book, previous ones including Bristol Historic Homes, Lake Compounce, and Plainville will be available for purchase and signing.
The royalties from each of her books have been given to Bristol and Plainville non-profit organizations. Royalties received from the sale of Bristol Business and Industry will be given to the American Clock & Watch Museum.
Lynda is a member of both the Bristol and Plainville Historical Societies. She serves on the boards of the American Clock & Watch Museum, the Plainville Chamber of Commerce and the Chrysanthemum Festival.
In addition to the book signing, at 2 p.m. there will be a reprise showing of Bristol Remembered, a photo history of Bristol prepared by local historian Tom LaPorte, a member of the Bristol Historical Society as well as many other local organizations. The first of two parts of his program contains images of Bristol from one hundred years ago up to the present. Classic shots of Main and North Main Streets bring back warm memories of a vibrant downtown Bristol. The second part interestingly shows a series of historic sites which dissolve into the present. Tom took the present shots from the exact spot where the historic shots had been taken. The program has had an enthusiastic reception in previous showings.
Copies of Bristol Business and Industry and Bristol Remembered are available for purchase at the Gift Shop.
Admission is free for the book signing. Bristol Remembered is free for members of the Bristol Historical Society; the charge for non-members is $4.
PATRIOTS WEEKEND
A WEEKEND OF QUILTS
Saturday, September 11, 2010 9:00am-4:00pm
Sunday, September 12, 2010 10:00am-4:00pm
Come and view over 50 rarely shown World War II era quilts made to commemorate a loved one or event during the War years. Enjoy a lecture by guest curator Sue Reich. (Sat. 10:00 a.m., Sun. 1:00 p.m.) Receive verbal appraisals for quilts. Try your hand at the "quilting bee," and buy your lucky ticket to win "The Bristol Star" quilt specially designed for the city's 225th anniversary. Admission is $6 per adult, $1 for children under 12 and is good for both days and all events.
QUILT QUEST FOR KIDS (Fabric of a Nation)
The Historical Society welcomes (future) members for a fun activity!
Saturday, September 18, 2010, 1pm, free
A creative, interactive quilting activity for children ages 5-13. Enjoy a Colonial story and hands-on craft. Experience how individuals come together to create a community project. Limited seating. Register on Patriots weekend or call 860-583-6309.
The 4th Annual Evening on the Hill Auction Event
The 4th annual “Evening on the Hill” Auction for the Historical Society is scheduled for Friday night, October 15, 2010 from 5:30-9pm. The Auction is a popular social evening and a way to support the Society. The event begins with a silent auction, an array of hot and cold hors d’oeuvres, wine, soda and desserts. The auction will be hosted again by entertaining auctioneer Paul Stansel.
The Auction Committee is asking for donations of items and also will need volunteers interested in soliciting items, arranging drop-off and pick-up of larger items, packaging the silent auction items, writing descriptions, and working that day as greeters, helpers, and auction volunteers. The auction is critical to the Society's operations budget, and it’s also a fun event. From the running commentary of Mr. Stansel, to the spirited bidding and friendly competition for the most soughtafter items, people genuinely look forward to the night.
Business sponsorships for this event are available starting at $250 and will be included in all of the event materials and publicity.
Do you have an item that is collecting dust in your attic, cellar or garage? If you would like to donate it for the Auction, please call the BHS Office at 860-583-6309, or e-mail Ellen Zoppo-Sassu at ellen@bristolhistoricalsociety.org. The Committee may have the opportunity to pick up items if needed, and tax letters are available upon request.

BRISTOL’S 225th ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
The City of Bristol is celebrating its 225th anniversary as a town (1785) and then city (1911). An eight person committee under the auspices of Mayor Art Ward is charged with handling the many events and details associated with this celebration. Bob Montgomery, Bristol’s Historian and Bristol Press Correspondent, is Committee Chairperson. Other members include Michele Boyko, Judy Murrone, Linda Dimatteo, Bill Englert, Jack Denehy, Tom LaPorte and Tom Dickau.
Tom LaPorte and Tom Dickau have combined to publish a commemorative postcard for this event. The card includes four scenes depicting the eighteenth century (First Congregational Church), nineteenth century (the first Bristol High School, now home of the Bristol Historic Society), the twentieth century (ESPN) and the current century is depicted by an artist rendition of the proposed downtown as provided by Renaissance Downtowns. The center of the card displays the City of Bristol Seal with the number 225 superimposed. These cards are available for purchase at all Webster Banks, both public libraries, Beacon Prescription Centers, Martino’s Italian Market, Stafford Diner, City True Value Hardware, the American Clock and Watch Museum and the Bristol Historical Society. Cards may also be purchased for one dollar by contacting Tom LaPorte (860 583 2688) and Tom Dickau (860 582 1537). All proceeds are being utilized to defray expenses and to support activities throughout the year.
Numerous activities are planned and will be held throughout the year. Any groups or organizations are welcomed to sponsor related activities and are asked to contact Tom Dickau (860 582 1537) or Bob Montgomery at (860 584 0501).
The Historical Society is proud to be part of this year's 225th celebration.
Past Bristol Historical Society Programs included in the anniversary celebration have been:
Bristol Copper Mine Presentation - Thursday, March 18, 7pm
Collaborative Presentation with the Cemetery Commission - Thursday, April 15, 7pm
A Walking Tour through North Cemetery on Lewis Street - Sunday, April 18, 2pm-4pm
History of Bristol Presentation - Friday, June 11, 2010, 7pm MEMBERS ONLY, seating limited to 100
History of Bristol Presentation - Saturday, June 26, 2010, 2pm Open to the Public, Seating limited to 100
Celebration events will be published in the Bristol Press and the Bristol Observer, and can also be found by visiting the Central Connecticut Chamber of Commerce website , www.bristol-chamber.org
First click Calendar; follow by clicking Community Calendar.
The calendar can also be accessed through links from the following sites:
The City of Bristol Website: www.ci.bristol.ct.us
Forestville Village Association: www.fvact.org
Federal Hill Association: www.bristolfederalhill.org
American Clock and Watch Museum: www.clockmuseum.org
From the website: www.bristolct.net
The Bristol Historical Society's brick patio was installed in November, 2009. Located to the left of the Summer Street entrance and facing the scenic west view, the patio creates a handsome addition to our landscaped grounds. We are grateful to all our members and friends who purchased bricks during the past few years.
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