The Glorious Life and Sad Death of Author Oscar Wilde
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George Crawford of New York City rings the bell at the Eric Sloane Museum Saturday in recognition of the Fourth of July.
Ruth Epstein
So enthralled with the idea of bells, Sloane and Eric Hatch, who was the head of the Connecticut Historical Commission, called themselves the “committee of two Erics,” and campaigned to have bells around the nation ring at 2 p.m. or close to it each Fourth of July.
Their persistence led to a congressional resolution signed in June 1963, proclaiming that since the Liberty Bell had tolled on that momentous day to mark the birth of the country as free and independent, that anniversary should be appropriately observed each year by the ringing of bells. When President John F. Kennedy established National Bell Ringing Day, he said, “Let’s ring freedom bells.”
The idea was met with much appreciation and Sloane received many awards for the campaign. “It’s interesting to see how much impact he had on educating about colonial America,” said Rowand. The pair also wrote a book titled “A Celebration of Bells.”
Among the supporters was Connecticut Gov. John Dempsey. A bell given to him by Sloane and Hatch came back to the museum when the Dempseys’ daughter donated it last year. It is engraved “Let Freedom Ring” and contains the governor’s name, year and states “From the two Erics.”
Andrew Rowand, curator and site manager at Eric Sloane Museum in Kent, greets the guests whom came for the bell ringing on Saturday.Ruth Epstein
At 2 p.m. Saturday, Rowand welcomed the several guests who came out for the event, which he said always brings out people. He began by reading the Preamble to the Declaration of Independence. Then he invited people to keep ringing the bell for at least two minutes.
Nancy and Jonathan Kapstein of Woodbury came, saying it was the second time they’d attended. “I find it charming,” she said, while he said, “History brings us here.” They were pleased that their daughter and her family from New York City were on their way. When they arrived, their son-in-law Richard Crawford said their interest in American history is what attracted them to the event. His daughter Dulcie, 12, said, “It’s part of our history; it’s important.
Theresa Porter of New Britain was drawn to the site because she grew up reading Sloane’s books, merging them with the “Little House on the Prairie” series. She was looking forward to walking the museum’s grounds.
Experienced Horse Equestrian: to train three-year-old white Persian Mare for trail riding. 860-364-0603.
Help wanted: Small Angus Farm seeks reliable help for cattle and horses. Duties include feeding, fence repair, machine repair. Will train the right person. 860-364-0603.
PART-TIME BOOKKEEPER: The Millerton Antiques Center is looking for a full-charge bookkeeper with knowledge of accounting principles. Flexible hours. Only 1-2 hours per week plus an additional 3-4 hours at the beginning of the month. Most work can be done from home. Weekly/monthly data entry; accounts payable; payroll; monthly financial reporting. Must know Quickbooks. Pay determined by skills and experience. Call or text Bob at 917-301-2509.
Sharon Congregational Church is seeking a pianist: to join our music team. We host a blended worship service; knowledge of traditional hymns is beneficial. The team practices once per week and on Sunday in preparation for our 10:30 worship. A stipend is available. call 860-364-5002 or e-mail PastorDawson06@yahoo.com.
The David M. Hunt Library in Falls Village is hiring: an Assistant Director/Youth Services Coordinator to start mid-August. The position is 28 hours a week. A full job description and how to apply can be found at huntlibrary.org/employment/
Town of Cornwall Hiring Park & Recreation Director: The Town of Cornwall is hiring for a Park & Recreation Director. For more details and to apply, contact First Selectmen’ ‘s office 860-672-4959.
The Town of Cornwall is accepting bids: for asphalt paving work this summer. Inquire at selectmen@cornwallct.gov or 860-672-4959.
Services Offered
Hector Pacay Service: House Remodeling, Landscaping, Lawn mowing, Garden mulch, Painting, Gutters, Pruning, Stump Grinding, Chipping, Tree work, Brush removal, Fence, Patio, Carpenter/decks, Masonry. Spring and Fall Cleanup. Commercial & Residential. Fully insured. 845-636-3212.
Antiques, Collectibles
Private sale of selected furnishings/furniture: and household items from Ballyhack Farm in Cornwall. For more information please contact us on jbjb4859@gmail.com. Viewings by arrangement only.
Pets
LABRADOR ORPHAN: wanted as companion for RESCUE MIX (5 years). Sharon. 407-620-7777.
Lawn and Garden
DAYLILIES FOR SALE!: Fifty years “working with nature” to produce beautiful one-of-a-kind Lilies in many colors and sizes. Call 860-824-5560.
Computer Products
Epson Work Force Pro 7720: All in one print (8.5 to 11.17 inches). Scan, Copy, Fax, WiFi. Rarely used. Excellent for art projects, portfolios, engineering, architecture, student projects. $325 or best offer. 860-248-9299, leave message.
Real Estate
PUBLISHER’S NOTICE: Equal Housing Opportunity. All real estate advertised in this newspaper is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act of 1966 revised March 12, 1989 which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, limitation, or discrimination based on race, color religion, sex, handicap or familial status or national origin or intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination. All residential property advertised in the State of Connecticut General Statutes 46a-64c which prohibit the making, printing or publishing or causing to be made, printed or published any notice, statement or advertisement with respect to the sale or rental of a dwelling that indicates any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, sex, marital status, age, lawful source of income, familial status, physical or mental disability or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.
Tag Sales
Sharon, CT
Tri-Family Tag Sale!: July 12 10-4 and July 13 12-3. Furniture, Home Goods, Silver, Vintage Clothing and much more. *No* early birds, please. 296 West Cornwall Road, Sharon, CT.
