Wendy Felton & Grand Central Terminal Tours, New York City (SHOW #38, Wed., February 26, 2020)

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I extend my sincerest thanks to the following for making the February 26 , 2020 broadcast possible: Catherine Ladnier and John Mickey Robinson; Kevin M. J. O'Connor of The Jeffrey Matthews Group; Sue Hill McClenachan and listeners to the Greenwich, A Town For All Seasons Show on Radio 1490 WGCH and WGCH.com anywhere. 

A marvel of engineering, architecture, and vision, Grand Central Terminal's Beaux Arts structure on 42nd Street housed an underground electric train station that would revolutionize the way people traveled and transform midtown Manhattan. 

Built in 1913, Grand Central Terminal is the world’s largest in terms of platforms—there are 44 of them serving 63 tracks—and its famed for its elaborate details such as the magnificent celestial ceiling mural and the iconic four-faced clock -worth an estimated $10–20 million in the main hall. 

On the Wednesday, February 26, 2020 broadcast we’re taking a walk down memory lane and diving head first into the history of this legendary railway terminal with Wendy. She is a docent with  Grand Central Terminal Tours, licensed operators from the MTA and Metro North. Official self-guided tours are available for you in seven languages. Learn more at grandcentralterminal.com. All docents are expertly trained by The Municipal Art Society. 

Did you know that on the eve of its opening more than 150,000 people eagerly rushed to Grand Central Terminal to gaze at New York City's newest landmark? What captivated them? You'll learn about its Beau Arts design and what was so revolutionary about its circulation plan. 

Wendy Felton illuminated us about Grand Central Terminal's architects and lesser known elements that surprises visitors even in the 21st century. Ever hear of the kissing galleries?

I want to express my heartfelt thanks to Grand Central Terminal Tours, licensed operators from the Metropolitan Transit Authority (MTA) and Metro North Railroad. They were a pleasure to work with. Official self-guided tours are available for you in seven languages. All docents are expertly trained by The Municipal Art Society. Learn more at grandcentralterminal.com. 

You'll have on opportunity to see Grand Central Terminal as never before. Be engaged, energized and inspired on my special small-group journeys into history. 

I'm delighted to announce a partnership with my new friends at Grand Central Terminal Tours. We'll be personally escorted by docents immersed in this landmark's precious history. 

Contact me at GreenwichATownForAllSeasons@gmail.com or call 808.721.0306. 

And there's more!

Starting today and through September 2, 2020 we're featuring a new segment: Rightfully Hers. Inspired by the new exhibit An Unfinished Revolution: The Woman's Suffrage Centennial at the Greenwich Historical Society you'll be treated to historical factoids from the exhibit on each broadcast focusing on granting women the right to vote. Listen to my conversation with Guest Curator Kathy Craughwell-Varda on the January 15, 2020 show (Click here) 

Greenwich, A Town For All Seasons airs on Radio 1490 WGCH Greenwich, Connecticut USA, FM 105.5 Stamford and WGCH.com anywhere via live audio streaming. The show is hosted by Jeffrey Bingham Mead, a direct descendant of the 17th century founders of Greenwich, Connecticut. It is the first show ever focused on the stories of Greenwich history as well as that of area communities. Tune-in every-other Wednesday morning after the top-of-the-hour 9:00 a.m. news.  You can contact the host at GreenwichATownForAllSeasons@gmail.com.

Eli Schaffer, Greenwich Audubon Center Director (SHOW #37, February 12, 2020)

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I extend my sincerest thanks to the following for making the Febuary 12, 2020 broadcast possible: Catherine Ladnier and John Mickey Robinson; Kevin M. J. O'Connor of The Jeffrey Matthews Group; and listeners to the Greenwich, A Town For All Seasons Show on Radio 1490 WGCH and WGCH.com anywhere. 

For generations the Greenwich Audubon Center in the northwest backcountry has welcomed residents and visitors from seemingly everywhere to enjoy its majestic forests, its rich history and the most amazing nature trails around. 

If you were here in Greenwich in January you were undoubtedly delighted one weekend when outside temperatures soared, and when matched with clear blue skies the great outdoors beckoned. 

On a whim I headed to the Greenwich Audubon Center at 613 Riversville Road in the backcountry. 

While traversing its trails, lake, vernal pools and exploring its forests I not only reconnected with a favorite gem from my youth I ended up making new friends, rediscovering a natural preserve with a rich history that dates from the 18th century and learned about the great efforts made to sustain this special nature sanctuary for present and future generations to enjoy. 

Its Kimberlin Nature Education Center welcomes visitors from everywhere. It’s Hilfiger Children's Learning Center, Nature Store, and Perch Coffee Lounge is an active hub for conservation events, exhibits, offices, and classrooms. 

With us on Talk of the Town by phone on the Wednesday, February 12, 2020 show is Eli Schaffer, the director of the Greenwich Audubon Center. 

The Greenwich Audubon Center at 613 Riversville Road in the town's backcountry has been welcoming visitors for generations. I'm inviting you to reconnect with nature and history like no where else in town by visiting the Greenwich Audubon Center. Learn more at greenwich.Audubon.org. Perhaps you'll see me there!

Also, February is Black or African American History Month in Greenwich and the rest of America. You might remember that back in 1995 I published a book titled Chains Unbound: Slave Emancipations in Greenwich, Connecticut. You can find copies in libraries and archives -but did you know that I have the entire book's contents freely available online? Click here to see for yourself. 

An Unfinished Revolution: The Woman's Suffrage Centennial exhibit is open to the public at Greenwich Historical Society, and I'll share some historical minutiae and more as today's show unfolds. 

Greenwich, A Town For All Seasons airs on Radio 1490 WGCH Greenwich, Connecticut USA, FM 105.5 Stamford and WGCH.com anywhere via live audio streaming. The show is hosted by Jeffrey Bingham Mead, a direct descendant of the 17th century founders of Greenwich, Connecticut. It is the first show ever focused on the stories of Greenwich history as well as that of area communities. Tune-in every-other Wednesday morning after the top-of-the-hour 9:00 a.m. news.  

Nancy Wolf, President of Israel Putnam House Association Show #36, Wed., January 29, 2020

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I extend my sincerest thanks to the following for making the January 15, 2020 broadcast possible: Catherine Ladnier and John Mickey Robinson; Kevin M. J. O'Connor of The Jeffrey Matthews Group; and listeners to the Greenwich, A Town For All Seasons Show on Radio 1490 WGCH and WGCH.com anywhere. 

With me on the Wednesday, January 29, 2020 broadcast to talk about Putnam Cottage in Greenwich is Nancy Wolfe, the president of the Israel Putnam House Association. Learn more at PutnamCottage.org. 

Up and down our shores, 18th century historic buildings with connections to the American Revolutionary War are not only still standing, they’re open to visitors like you and me. 

Whether they were the former homes of soldiers or places where notable players in the war of our independence passed through they have a place in our hearts and in the foundation of our history. 

Still revolutionary into the 21st century, Putnam Cottage at 243 East Putnam Avenue is one of the Town of Greenwich’s most iconic historical gems. 

This bright red house on the Boston Post Road has had a long and colorful history. Every time Putnam Cottage’s doors are opened to the public we are offered a chance to rediscover and celebrate with pride a vital chapter of our history. 

Greenwich, A Town For All Seasons airs on Radio 1490 WGCH Greenwich, Connecticut USA, FM 105.5 Stamford and WGCH.com anywhere via live audio streaming. The show is hosted by Jeffrey Bingham Mead, a direct descendant of the 17th century founders of Greenwich, Connecticut. It is the first show ever focused on the stories of Greenwich history as well as that of area communities. Tune-in every-other Wednesday morning after the top-of-the-hour 9:00 a.m. news.  

Kathleen Craughwell-Varda & An Unfinished Revolution: The Woman’s Suffrage Centennial at the Greenwich Historical Society

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I extend my sincerest thanks to the following for making the January 15, 2020 broadcast possible: Catherine Ladnier and John Mickey Robinson; Sue Hill McClenachan; Kevin M. J. O'Connor of The Jeffrey Matthews Group; Linda Heald; Cathleen Blood of Speritas Capital; and Janeen Bjork, and listeners to the Greenwich, A Town For All Seasons Show on Radio 1490 WGCH, FM 105.5 and WGCH.com anywhere. 

The campaign to grant women the right to vote culminated a century ago with the passage of the 19th Amendment to the United States Constitution. Greenwich saw women of all backgrounds come together to fight the good fight. 

An Unfinished Revolution: The Woman’s Suffrage Centennial opens to the public on the 5th of February 2020 at the Greenwich Historical Society. The exhibit illuminates 21st century visitors with the history and legacy of the woman’s suffrage movement as we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the ratification of the 19th Amendment. 

We’re joined on the Wednesday, January 15 broadcast by Kathleen Craughwell Varda, the exhibit’s guest curator. On Talk of the Town we heard details of An Unfinished Revolution: The Woman’s Suffrage Centennial. Learn more at the Greenwich Historical Society's web site. 

We recently lost two community icons in Greenwich. 

Lou Caravella was the proprietor of Post Stationery in Cos Cob for decades. He purchased the store in 1953 and worked seven days a week, 15 hours a day until 1988. He also served as the Town of Greenwich Tax Collector from 1998 to 2009.

Douglas L. Francefort passed away January 7 peacefully at home at the age of 91. His major passion was the Book Shed in the recycling area at Holly Hill. He designed it and ran it for many years with the help of many volunteers including his wife. He had a love for reading and enjoyed giving the books away.

The Greenwich Historical Society's cafe in the restored Toby's Tavern is serving hot and cold beverages, sandwiches, salads, pastries and snacks. After perusing the museum store relax in the cafe and access its complimentary free WIFI. Bring your friends, family and colleagues to this undiscovered alternative to crowded coffee shops. Free parking! Conveniently located near the Cos Cob Railroad Station and the village center of Cos Cob, too. 

47 Strickland Road. Hours: M-F 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; weekends noon to 4:00 p.m. Learn more at GreenwichHistory.org or call 203.869.6899. 

We’ll have all this and more as today’s excursion into history unfolds. 

Greenwich, A Town For All Seasons airs on Radio 1490 WGCH Greenwich, Connecticut USA, FM 105.5 Stamford and WGCH.com anywhere via live audio streaming. The show is hosted by Jeffrey Bingham Mead, a direct descendant of the 17th century founders of Greenwich, Connecticut. It is the first show ever focused on the stories of Greenwich history as well as that of area communities. Tune-in every-other Wednesday morning after the top-of-the-hour 9:00 a.m. news.  

Happy New Year 2020!

NEW YEARS AT TEN ACRE FARM (1903) A Crowd of Skaters Enjoy the Day at this Popular Pond

Photo Courtesy: Greenwich Library 

Source: Greenwich Graphic. Saturday, January 3, 1903. Page 1, Column 6.


Ten Acres is flocked with skaters. Merrily the skates clink as someone goes whizzing past. The bright steel glimmers in the afternoon sunlight. 

It is New Year's Day, and five hundred souls are merry as they softly fly over the icy surface. Hardly a safe on the pond which is not dotted with skaters.  The old winter sport is on. Everyone is enjoying it to the utmost. 

Here and there will be seen a trio coming along in a row. Swiftly a single flyer dashes past. There a couple with hands clasped come gracefully up, pausing for a moment to make a turn, then gliding away to some other part of the pond. In and out among these go the skaters in another direction. 

Not a moment is lost. It is a grand panorama. 

The eye first feasts itself upon one happy group and then another as each goes by. The bright coats of the ladies catch the eye. Now it is red, now blue. Sweaters are much in evidence. 

Here comes a hite one, and the graceful outline of the girl's figure is seen for a moment. Next comes a red, and from another direction one of brown. The variation bring rest to the eye. 

Bright hats are everywhere to be seen. Jauntily they sit upon the heads of the fair wearers. How well the colors harmonize. What a picture for an artist to paint! The rosy color of the fair one's cheek is heightened by the exhilarating exercise. 

Here comes a couple! It is worth while to watch them a moment. See how their blades move together; the same ray of light strikes one and the other. The flash comes together. The man's strength tells in that stride, but his fair partner is no hindrance. Away they go with a short glide and then to a catch-step which sends them away out to the side. Off they go again on the other tack. 

Now a single skater goes sailing by with hands clasped behind his back. 

Off at a distance some of the more inexperienced skaters are hovering about the shore, skating back and forth in the hope that no one will notice their poorer efforts. 

In the enclosure at the lower part of the pond two teams are playing the king of ice games-hockey. They are very much in earnest, as their shouts of "Here it is!" "Pass it here!" and other terms familiar to the sport would prove. 

Here and there on other parts of the pond a match game is on and the same earnest spirit is shown. Now and then someone gets a fall, but quickly rising is away again.

Occasionally a skate comes off, and the disgusted skater wanders to some secluded spot to put it on again.

A fancy skater is doing his "stunts," and an interested group looks on. Then the group breaks up. 

Everyone goes where fancy leads him. The bank of earth which crosses the northern side of the pond is covered with weary ones in groups or alone. No one stays there longer than is necessary for rest. 

Carriages come to the edge of the pond to bring fresh skaters or to carry others home. 

A car goes by and another crowd is dumped at the lower end. The car going the other way carries back those weary with the sport. Coming or going, skating or resting, all are happy, all are beginning a happy new year. 

Snow Fever in Mianus 1894 (featured on Jan. 1, 2020 Show)

Source: Greenwich Graphic. February 24, 1894.

Editor Graphic:

A mysterious affection has made its appearance in Mianus which has been diagnosed as "snow fever." In most cases it appears immediately after a snow storm. 

The person effected, (in all cases so far, it has been confined to the male gender), arises at six a.m., and finds snow to a considerable depth, has fallen during the night. He takes a large dose of the best rye whiskey and repeats it every half hour for the succeeding four hours, but finds no relief; on the contrary is afflicted with symptoms about the head known as dizziness; being anxious and finding that he gets no relief, applies a double dose at eleven o'clock. 

After the last dose he feels relieved, and is ready to discuss the medical properties of all vegetables or minerals, with those best qualified to discuss such subjects. At twelve o'clock he again repeats the dose. 

The patient is then ready to diagnose any case that pertains to horses or cattle such as "exudations," "exostosis," and "fibrinous inflammatory conditions of the cartilaginous surfaces." 

At one p.m., finding that the disease has reached his lower extremities, he makes another application of the remedy, and lapses into a semi-comatose state, which necessitates his removal to the hospital.

With the train of symptoms enumerated above, the best physicians have diagnosed the disease as a pronounced attack of "Snow Fever." The doctor recommends five hours' rest. The patient awakes, takes another dose and patiently awaits another snow storm.

OLD TIMER

Happy New Year! Elise 'Easy' Kelsey of Kelsey Farm in Backcountry Greenwich

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Did you ring out the old and ring in the new? 

I hope you did because this is the January 1, 2020 Greenwich, A Town For All Seasons Show on Radio 1490 WGCH and WGCH.Com anywhere.

Happy New Year! May your new year be filled with all the good things that make life worthwhile. 

A Greenwich, Connecticut tradition since 1949, Kelsey Farm is one of the town's oldest equestrian farms in the backcountry. I grew up just down the road. With us on this first day of Year 2020 is Elise "Easy" Kelsey who is carrying on the farm into the 21st century. 

The Kelsey Farm tradition continues! You'll hear a little about how the people of Greenwich enjoyed New Years Day 1903 at Ten Acres -a Mead farm that is now the campus of Greenwich High School. You'll also hear a humorous letter from 1894 about a epidemic of 'Snow Fever in Mianus' among the men there. 

See below for the text of both newspaper clippings:

*NEW YEARS AT TEN ACRES (1903) A Crowd of Skaters Enjoy the Day at This Popular Pond (CLICK HERE).

*SNOW FEVER IN MIANUS (1894) (CLICK HERE).

Greenwich, A Town For All Seasons airs on Radio 1490 WGCH Greenwich, Connecticut USA, WGCH.com anywhere via live audio streaming and 105.5 FM Stamford. It is the first show ever focused on the stories of Greenwich history as well as that of area communities. Tune-in every-other Wednesday morning after the top-of-the-hour 9:00 a.m. news.  Contact the host at the email address GreenwichATownForAllSeasons@gmail.com.

Pastor Leo Curry, First Church of Round Hill: December 18, 2019

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The final guest of Year 2019 on the Greenwich, A Town For All Seasons Show on Radio 1490 WGCH in Greenwich, Connecticut and WGCH.com anywhere via streaming over the Internet is Pastor Leo Curry. 

The First Church of Round Hill -located at the intersection of Round Hill Road and John Street -is the quintessential New England edifice. It stands proudly as it has for nearly two hundred years in this location. The church is a Christian community in the Methodist tradition that is rich in heritage, open and caring and bound together by faith. 

You'll hear about this Philadelphia native's early life, upbringing and early career. As Robert Marchant of the Greenwich Time noted in its 3rd of November, 2019 edition, "The Rev. Leo Curry went into the family business-becoming a minister and educator." Pastor Curry will share background about his leadership positions in the New York Annual Conference of the United Methodist Church, and some history of his new church in Round Hill. 

We'll also learn about his philosophy and role of the church in both families and the larger community -and, yes, we'll discuss Christmas! 

On our most recent broadcast two weeks ago we featured a Greenwich History Question! We'll announce the winner. We'll part with some Christmas thoughts, too, such as this:

Xmas Rush is on at the Post Office: Horses Wanted for Mail Delivery

Greenwich Press. December 20, 1917. Page 1.

Postmaster Meany has issued a call on public spirited citizens for the use of their horses for the purpose of facilitating mail deliveries during the Christmas rush which face delay owing to the congestion in traffic because of the snowstorm. Because of the heavy fall of snow automobiles are practically useless especially in the outlying districts. Mr. Meany has thus far experienced considerable difficulty in obtaining horses, and owing to the scarcity, he is anxious to receive offers from horse owners to tide over the situation.

The Christmas rush is on in full tilt and indications point to a much greater business than during the 1916 holiday season. Tuesday, the clerks and carriers started on double shifts, working from 5:54 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.

If weather conditions are favorable Postmaster Meany plans to obtain automobile machines for the delivery of the big influx of Christmas gifts as was done last year. At that time under favorable weather conditions every Christmas package was delivered on time.

The incoming and outgoing packages began to pile in large numbers Monday and quantities increased everyday. Yesterday all of the available space was occupied by the hundreds of Yuletide packages. All of the substitutes have been drafted into service in an effort to take care of the large volume of business.

Hundreds of packages for the soldiers have been sent abroad and to home camps. One recent consignment from Christ Episcopal Church to the "boys of France" consisted of about seventy packages.

Postmaster Meany is elated over the splendid showing of the Greenwich office this year. It is expected that the 1917 volume of business will exceed last year's receipts by between $6,000 and $7,000. The approximate business for the last year was approximately $50,000.

The First Christmas

Greenwich Graphic. Saturday, December 22, 1894

On Juda's hills long centuries past

In the dim and silent night

The Shepherds watching o'er their folds

Beheld a glorious light.

A light as the sun by day,

Shone through the midnight still,

Illuming wth silvery sheen

Each dark Judean hill.

A star from out the eastern sky,

In flood of radiance broke;

While "Peace, Good Will to all the Earth"

A Heavenly music spoke.

What mystery holds that Orient star?

What means the angel song?

Why shine those hills and deep ravines?

Why float those notes along?

"The promised one of Israel.

Savior of every land;

The Christ Child lies in Bethlehem,"

Proclaim the angel band.

Thus in that far Judean land,

Broke the first Christmas morn

Where in the centuries long gone by,

"The Prince of Peace" was born.

EMILY STUART WEED.

Greenwich, December, '94

The Merry Christmas Time

Greenwich Graphic. Saturday, December 28, 1901. 

It probably is fortunate for the post office and express company's clerks that Christmas comes but once a year, for to them this is the hardest part of their season's work.

The Christmas mail in Greenwich was unusually heavy this season and extra deliveries were made about town on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday of this week, there being two on Christmas day. The new mail schedule, which was put into operations a few months ago helped to relieve any accumulation of packages in the post office, and there were six of these mails in which bundles could be sent away, where last year there were only two. 

The rural delivery carries also had their fair share of packages, which delayed them somewhat in making their journey through the country.

The Adams Express Company's clerks were kept busy from the early morning till late in the evening delivering and receiving the many Christmas tokens.

Their workers were loaded to the top with bundles, and it seamed as though the horses had about all they could pull through the streets. 

The trains, too, were delayed in many cases over an hour and Christmas eve the crowd in Grand Central Station was the largest ever seen there.

It was indeed a Merry Christmas and enjoyed by all throughout the land. 

Greenwich, A Town For All Seasons airs on Radio 1490 WGCH Greenwich, Connecticut USA and WGCH.com anywhere via live audio streaming. It is the first show ever focused on the stories of Greenwich history as well as that of area communities. Tune-in every-other Wednesday morning after the top-of-the-hour 9:00 a.m. news.