HMT Rohna Disaster, Belle Haven’s ‘The Knoll,’ 1839-1841, Deacon Abraham Mead and His Pottery, and News!

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On Talk of the Town, you’ll hear an encore conversation I had several years ago with Greenwich playwright Catherine Ladnier and her associates about the HMT Rohna Disaster in 1943 -which was kept classified for decades. 

Of the 1,981 U.S. Navy personnel aboard, 1,015 were lost -including one who called Round Hill in Greenwich, Connecticut his home. 

This is from the Greenwich News & Graphic, dated October 31, 1924: "One of the features of the day was the appearance of Master John Campbell Moore, the three-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Moore, attired in full Highland costume, carrying a miniature set of bagpipes. The little fellow marched about the grounds playing with the band and his performance was most amusing and greatly enjoyed." 

Sadly, John Campbell Moore died in the attack on the HMT Rohna. His father was Charles A. Moore, Jr., founder of the Round Hill Highland Games. 

My guests believe that the family here in Greenwich never knew what happened to him -or why because the circumstances of the attack was classified. You'll learn why. 

On Victorian Summer, we'll pay a visit to 'The Knoll,' thanks to Matt Bernard's acclaimed book The Historic Houses of Belle Haven Park, Greenwich, Connecticut. 

Before it was demolished in 1943, The Knoll was built in 1893 for George Washington Helme at 204 Otter Rock Drive. That vacant lot recently sold for over six million dollars. 

On The Judge’s Corner, Frederick A. Hubbard wrote in 1930, “One hundred and fifty years ago Abraham Mead, the eleventh son of Ebenezer Mead, was apprenticed to a Dutchman who operated a pottery where the Held house now stands, at the head of Indian Harbor.” “Potter” Mead’s works are the subject of commentary, collector’s items in both private and in museums. 

A century ago, “One of the most notable things about the growth of Greenwich, is the increase and important of business transacted in the town. Half a century or more ago, men of affairs, who gave thought to civil conditions, were unanimous in their opinions that there never would be much retail business done in Greenwich.”  

On Greenwich Life As It Is -And Was you’ll hear how wrong such assertions were. 

In 1840, it was voted that “no sheep or horses be allowed to run at large” on the public highways and a penalty of a dollar for each offense is imposed. We’ll go back in history to the years 1839, 1840 and 1841 as found in Greenwich Before 2000: A Chronology of the Town of Greenwich 1640-1999.

We’ll share all sorts of historical news of crimes, fires and more. 

Tis the season!

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. 

I'm Jeffrey Bingham Mead, your host. Thank you for listening to the weekly podcast, now released on Tuesdays. 

Contact me and join our growing number of listeners anytime via email at greenwichatownforallseasons@gmail.com. 

Show podcast episodes are posted weekly on various social media platforms. Click this link to the show's Facebook site. 

I also encourage you to like and visit the group You Know You're From Greenwich Ct If, where links to the show are posted weekly, too. 

The discerning shopper’s destination for unique accessories and gifts, the Greenwich Historical Society's Museum Store is a local gem.  The store offers convenient online shopping and pick-up, ample parking and complimentary gift wrapping. Ask about discounts. 

Browse the latest arrivals, and relax at the Artists Café during your next visit, too. 

The Museum Store is open Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm, Weekends 12pm – 4pm.

Our next show is scheduled for Tuesday, December 20, 2022.