On today’s 23rd of September 2022 show, we’ll travel back in history to a period the late Town Historian William E. Finch, Jr., referred to as “the flowering of Greenwich,” when the word ‘Greenwich’ was synonymous with the word ‘millionaire.’
The Great Estates Greenwich, Connecticut 1880-1930 was published by the Junior League of Greenwich.
Made of stucco in the Spanish Mission style with a red-tile, hipped rod, arcaded porches, wings of varying levels, roof chimney resembling small bell towers and so much more, Northbrook Farm was the vision of John H. Flagler.
The Cold Spring, New York native showed marked executive and organizational ability, was an inventor of certain scientific processes of great value in the iron-and-steel industry, even going on to creating a company that controlled perhaps the most extensive line of drug stores in the world.
Among other things, you’ll hear stories about Flagler’s two marriages as well as events held at the estate -including a benefit for the Greenwich Equal Franchise League and another for the inmates at Sing Sing Prison.
On Greenwich Before 2000, we’ll go back to the year 1914 to glean what happened in the town’s early 20th century history.
For example, on June 12, “Famed aviator Walter Johnson drops toys from the air as he makes two flights daily over Island Beach amusement park.” July 31, “Belle Haven residents demand and get two deliveries of mail daily.”
On August 15, 1922 -a century ago- “The first actual work toward the erection of a Masonic Temple in Greenwich was taken…” That building still stands today on its Mason Street lot diagonally across from the Central Fire Station in downtown Greenwich.
On Crimes and Misdemeanors, a maid employed by Mrs. Leslie C. Bruce, Jr., of Maher Avenue, was arrested for stealing a diamond and platinum watch valued at $800 a century ago.
I'll have more about Discover Greenwich Creating a Sense of Place, celebrating the 90th year anniversary of the Greenwich Historical Society.
You'll hear news of exhibits, activities and events for the public. These include Cos Cob Fire Department’s upcoming 100th year anniversary; the Fall Scarecrow Festival; the 200th year birthday celebration for renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted; Life and Art: The Greenwich Paintings of John Henry Twachtman and more!
It’s the 23rd of September Year 2022 -the first show of Autumn. You’ve come to the right place to learn about the history of the Town of Greenwich, Connecticut, one of America's most interesting and extraordinary communities.
We’ll have all this -and more- as history continues to unfold.
Be sure to check out all the events and activities where you can immerse yourself in Greenwich history, thanks to the Greenwich Historical Society. Learn more at GreenwichHistory.org.
Contact me at GreenwichATownForAllSeasons@gmail.com. I’m on Facebook, too. Just look for Jeffrey Bingham Mead and send me a friend request. The show is also available on Facebook at Greenwich, A Town For All Seasons.
Learn more about the show -and listen to past episodes for free- on the web at GreenwichATownForAllSeasons.blogspot.com
Be sure to tune in for our next show which is scheduled for Friday, the 30th of September 2022.
