2009 community guide

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A look at the history ofmetal boxes in Durham and

mills in Middlefield inside.

Business inour towns ....

Old and new, large and small,inside and outside, all are part ofthe fabric of life in Durham andMiddlefield.

2 March 2009 Town Times Community Guide

Index of AdvertisersTo advertise in the Town Times,

call Joy Boone at (860) 349-8026.

ABC Academy ............................30Advance Care.............................12Brenda’s Main Street Feed........29Carolyn Adams Country Barn ..17Coginchaug Family Practice.....37Dean Autoworks...........................3Desjarlais, Marsha, realtor ........38Durham Dental ...........................14Durham Fitness..........................18Durham Healthmart Pharmacy....20Durham Market...........................13Ferri Godmother .......................22Glazer Dental Associates ..........28Huscher, Debbie, realtor ...........36J. Randolph Kitchens ................23Lino’s Market..............................16Lyman Orchards ........................39Madison Wool.............................38Micheli Unisex Styling Salon....32Middlesex Community College.39Middlesex Dance Center ...........12Midstate Medical .......................11Midstate Tractor .........................31Miss Joanne’s Learning Center....28Neil Jones Home Improvement....35Paint Spot ...................................21Painter’s Edge..............................7Perk On Main..............................18Perrotti’s Country Barn .............19Pet Stop ......................................34Pools By Murphy .......................25RLI Electric .................................27RSK Pool Service.......................32Sharon McCormick Design ........5Skincare Studio..........................16Sticks and Stones......................14Time Out Tavern.........................15Torrison Stone & Garden ..........40Uncle Bob’s Flower & Garden ..33Whitney Ridge Stables ................9

Local newsLocal eventsLocal issues

Every week in the

Town Times

Table of ContentsDurham history.......................12-14Durham town information .......4 & 6Libraries .................................16-17Middlefield history ..................18-22Middlefield town information ...6 & 8Political committees ...............16-17Regional School District 13.........10State and National Reps .............22Organizations ..........24, 26 & 28-29Worship ..................................36-37Youth Organizations...............30-31

March 2009

To our Readers,Every community is made up of man

strands, and one of those strands is itsbusiness life. All of us can see someaspects of that life – we shop in localstores (hopefully now more than ever),we hire local tradespeople, and wedrive by several bustling “industrialparks” on a regular basis.

It is interesting, however, to note thatbusiness has a strong historical pres-ence in these towns as well, with millsalong the Ellen Doyle Brook andCoginchaug River figuring heavily inMiddlefield’s story and metal boxes asingular part of Durham’s past andpresent. In this Community Guide, weshare a bit of those stories.

In this especially challenging year forthe American economy, it is also reas-suring to note that businesses inDurham, Middlefield and Rockfall seemto be holding their own. As one of thosebusinesses, we are happy to play a partin helping our fellow entrepreneurs sur-vive and flourish, and we commendthem to you for your support as well.

The Town Times Staff

Town Times Community Guide March 2009 3

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General town information: Durham, Conn.The town of Durham was founded in 1699 and incorporated in 1708, and is a rural

community centrally located and bordered by Middlefield, Middletown, Wallingfordand Haddam. The form of government includes a Board of Selectmen consisting of aFirst Selectman, who is the chief administrative and executive official, and two othermembers. The Board of Selectmen and the Town Meeting are the legislative bodies ofthe town and may enact ordinances consistent with the General Statutes of the Stateof Connecticut and specific provisions of the Town Charter. Together withMiddlefield, the towns form Regional School District 13, offering both Contemporaryand Integrated Day education programs for students in both communities.Town Hall administrative building: 30 Townhouse Road on the Green, Durham, CT 06422Town Hall hours: 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Mondays through FridaysCounty: MiddlesexArea: 23.3 square milesPopulation (2007 census): 6,955Zip code: 06422Website: www.townofdurhamct.orgMill rate: 26.25

TOWN DEPARTMENT HEADSFirst Selectman: Laura Francis (860) 349-3625

Selectman John Szewczyk, [email protected] James McLaughlin, [email protected]

Assessor: John S. Philip, CCMA II (860) 349-3452Assistant Assessor: Beverly A. LeVasseur (860) 349-3452Finance Director: Maryjane Malavasi (860) 349-9366Human Services, Agent for the Elderly: Janet Muraca (860) 349-3153Tax Collector: Martin French (860) 349-1165Assistant Tax Collector: Jacklyn DownesTown Clerk: Kimberly Garvis (860) 349-3453, [email protected] Town Clerk: Alicia Fonash-Willett, [email protected] Treasurer: Wendy Manemeit (860) 349-9366Bookkeeper: Karen AntinRecreation and Senior Activities Director: Sherry Hill (860) 349-8451Board of Finance chairman: Francis Earle KornCemetery Company president: Huge CurleyEconomic Development Commission chairman: Peter CasciniLibrary Director: Valerie R. Kilmartin, (860) 349-3857Probate Judge: Joseph Marino (860) 342-2650Public Works Director: Kurt Bober (860) 349-1816Recreation Committee chairman: Kate McLaughlinRegistrar of Voters, Democrat: Karen CheyneyRegistrar of Voters, Republican: Robert SchulteTown Attorney: Myron Poliner (860) 346-8691Durham Library: Regular library hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Mondays throughThursdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Website: www.durhamli-brary.org. Phone: (860) 349-9544.

LAND USEBuilding Official: Richard McManus (860) 349-8253Conservation Commission chairman: Casey CordesInland Wetlands Agendy chairman: George ZeebInland Wetlands Officer: Geoff Colegrove (860) 347-7214Planning & Zoning Commission chairman: George Eames IIISanitarian: Bill Milardo (860) 349-8253Town Engineer: Call building department at (860) 349-8253Town Planner: Geoff Colegrove (860) 347-7214Water Commission chairman: Raymond BahrZoning Enforcement Officer: Geoff Colegrove

PUBLIC SAFETY AND HEALTHResident Trooper: Peter A. DiGioia (800) 256-5761, for emergencies call 911Emergency Management Director: Francis WillettFire Chief: Harry Hall, non-emergency calls (860) 349-9112Fire Marshal: Robert Morpurgo, non-emergency (860) 349-8253, emergency (800) 618-6711Animal Control Officer: Bruce Rau (860) 349-3980Director of Health: Brad Wilkinson, M.D. (860) 349-8253DMIAAB (Durham-Middlefield Interlocal Agreement Advisory Board): (860) 349-8702Transfer station located on Cherry Hill Road near the junction of Route 147. Hours:Mondays and Thursdays 8 a.m. to 7:45 p.m., Saturdays 8 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Closed holidays.


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Durham continued...DMYFS (Durham/Middlefield Youth and Family Services) The Durham

Middlefield Youth and Family Services main mission is to provide, promote and sup-port substance-free activities and programs that encourage, strengthen and buildcharacter, self-esteem and confidence in the children, youth and families of our com-munity. Director: David Melchionne (860) 349-0258.

General town information: Middlefield, Conn.The town of Middlefield was incorporated in 1866, and is a rural community cen-

trally located and bordered by Middletown, Meriden and Durham. The form of gov-ernment includes a Board of Selectmen consisting of a First Selectman, who is thechief administrative and executive official, and two other members. The Board ofSelectmen and the Town Meeting are the legislative bodies of the town and mayenact ordinances consistent with the General Statutes of the State of Connecticutand specific provisions of the Town Charter. Together with Durham, the towns formRegional School District 13, offering both Contemporary and Integrated Day educa-tion programs for students in both communities.Town Hall administrative building: 393 Jackson Hill Rd., Middlefield, CT 06455Middlefield Community Center: 405 Main St., Middlefield, CT 06455Town Hall hours:9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesdays through Thursdays9 a.m. to 3 p.m. FridaysCounty: MiddlesexArea: 13.3 square milesPopulation (2006 census): 4,598Zip codes: Middlefield (06455), Rockfall (06481)Current Mill Rate: 25.92

TOWN DEPARTMENT HEADSFirst Selectman: Jon A. Brayshaw (860) 349-7114

Selectman David J. LowrySelectwoman Mary E. Johnson

Assessor: Steven Hodgetts (860) 349-7111Finance Director: Joseph Geruch (860) 349-7112Tax Collector: Anne L. Olszewski (860) 349-7117Town Clerk: Donna Golub (860) 349-7116Assistant Town Clerk: Nancy Davidson (860) 349-7116Agent for the Elderly: Antionette Astle, (860) 349-7121, Community Center officeSocial Services: Antoinette Astle, (860) 860-349-7121, Community Center officeHousing Authority administers the federally subsidized elderly housing complex atSugarloaf Terrace. Brenda Cowett, executive director. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 2p.m., Monday through Friday. Phone (860) 344-9933.Board of Finance chairman: Ellen WaffEconomic Development Commission chairman: Charles D. KreitlerHighway Foreman: John Wyskiel (860) 349-7118Library Director: Todd Fabian (860) 349-3857Levi Coe Library: The library is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays throughThursdays, and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays. Website: www.leviecoe.com.Phone: (860) 349-3857.Middlefield Historical Society: (860) 349-0665

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Middlefield continued...Park and Recreation Commission chairman: Robert LevinePark and Recreation Director: Chris Hurlbert (860) 349-7122Probate Judge: Joseph Marino (860) 342-2650Registrar of Voters, Democrat: Barbara Jean DiMauro (860) 349-7119Registrar of Voters, Republican: Barbara Rowe (860) 349-7119Town Attorney: Kenneth H. Antin (860) 346-8691

LAND USEBuilding Official: George R. StronkowskyConservation Commission chairman: David ChowaniecInland Wetlands chairman: Darin OvertonInland Wetlands Enforcement Officer:Planning & Zoning Commission chairman: Kenneth HamiltonZoning Enforcement Officer: Alan JohansonSanitarian: Lee Vito (860) 349-7123Town Engineer: Brian Curtis, Nathan L. Jacobsen & Associates, Inc. (860) 526-9591Town Planner: Geoff Colegrove (860) 347-7214Water Pollution Control Authority chairman: Edward Bailey

PUBLIC SAFETY AND HEALTHResident Trooper: Thomas Topulos (860) 349-9685, for emergencies call 911Constables: Michael Polansky, Scott HalliganFire Chief: David Quick (860) 349-7124Fire Marshal: Stanley AtwellAssistant Fire Chief: Rob Carlson Jr.Deputy Fire Chief: Dan WheelerDeputy Fire Marshals: Jeffrey Doherty, David Quick, Charles ZieminskiEmergency Management Director: Lee Vito (860) 349-7123Animal Control Officer: David Chowaniec (860) 349-1333Director of Health: Matthew Huddleston, M.D. (860) 349-7123DMYFS (Durham/Middlefield Youth and Family Services): David Melchionne,director, (860) 349-0258 or [email protected].

The Durham Middlefield Youth and Family Services main mission is to provide,promote and support substance-free activities and programs that encourage,strengthen, and build character, self-esteem and confidence in the children, youthand families of our community.DMIAAB (Durham-Middlefield Interlocal Agreement Advisory Board): (860) 349-8702.Transfer station located on Cherry Hill Road near the junction of Route 147. Hours:Monday and Thursday 8 a.m. to 7:45 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Closed holidays.

The orchards at Lyman’s are among the most recognizable sym-bols of Middlefield. Here the sun rises behind the bare brancheson Easter morning 2008.


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Regional District 13 SchoolsRegional School District 13 administrative offices135A Pickett Lane, Durham, (860) 349-7200www.rsd13ct.orgSusan Viccaro, Superintendent of SchoolsRon Melnik, business manager

Coginchaug Regional High School135 Pickett Lane, Durham, (860) 349-7215Dr. Steve Wysowski, principalAndre Hauser, assistant principalParent organization: Coginchaug ParentAdvisory GroupContact person: Karen Meiman

Memorial Middle School124 Hubbard St., Middlefield, (860) 349-7235Kevin Brough, principalParent organization: Memorial Parent Teacher CouncilContact person: Jill Root, (860) 788-3858Meets on the second Monday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Memorial Library.

Strong Middle School191 Main St., Durham, (860) 349-7222Scott Nicol, principalParent organization: Strong PTOContact person: Rick Hanley, [email protected] and Anne Levine, (860) 349-9543 or [email protected] first Monday of each month at 7 p.m. in the Strong library.

Brewster Elementary School126 Tuttle Rd., Durham, (860) 349-7227Nancy Heckler, principalParent organization: BKPTA (Brewster Korn PTA)Contact person: Mary Jo Griffin, (860) 349-3088Meets on the second Tuesday of each month, alternating between Brewster and Korn schools.

Korn Elementary School144 Pickett Lane, Durham, (860) 349- 7210Laurie Sinder, principalParent organization: BKPTA (Brewster Korn PTA)Contact person: Mary Jo Griffin, (860) 349-3088Meets on the second Tuesday of each month, alternating between Brewster and Korn schools.

Lyman Elementary School106 Way Rd., Middlefield, (860) 349-7240Karen Brimecombe, principalParent organization: JLPA (John Lyman Parent Association)Contact person: Michelle Rulnick, (860) 343-1617.Meets on the first Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. at John Lyman School.


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Driving down Route 17, Durham, in 2009,quite a bit has changed over the last centu-ry. From a Main Street made up of familyhomesteads, tanneries, schools, taverns,churches and businesses, it has become anHistoric District of residences, side-by-sidewith a few commercial storefronts, mostlyat each end, and one major business, theDurham Manufacturing Company.

Tucked behind the Durham VolunteerAmbulance Corps building, just north ofStrong School, the Durham ManufacturingCompany was started in 1922, in part withsome of the machinery and materials fromthe then-defunct Parsons/Francis business(see sidebar, page 14). Its 12 founders, pic-tured next page, include many of the samenames as those who were part of Merriamand Parsons.

In Century of Change, which covers thehistory of Durham from 1866-1980, the com-pany is cited as “one of the largest manu-facturers of metal boxes and cabinets inthe country.”

Initially known as a “quality supplier ofcash boxes,” the company then moved intothe manufacturing of first aid kits andtoolboxes, earning recognition as the

largest supplier of first aid boxes to thearmed forces during World War II.

In the 1980s, Durham Manufacturingwas building and selling, under its ownname, a line of storage bins, first aid cab-inets, literature racks and sesame lockboxes, and, according to Century ofChange, it was “…a leader in each ofthese fields.” More than eight millionpounds of steel were used each year intheir production.

Currently, the company’s website notesthat it “has developed into one of theleading producers of metal and plasticproducts for packaging, storage, organi-zation of maintenance products as wellas heavy duty material handling equip-ment, storage and workstations.”Elsewhere on the internet, the descrip-tion says they manufacture material-han-dling equipment and storage productsincluding storage racks, bulk storageshelving, work benches, carts, trucks,industrial storage cabinets, metal andplastic storage bins [and] gas cylinderstorage cabinets.

Still headquartered in Durham, but withlocations in Mexico as well, the plants arecalled “state of the art manufacturing anddistribution facilities,” totaling over aquarter of a million square feet. The com-pany has a “network of six strategically

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located warehouses across the U.S,” whichthe website said means “the majority ofour standard storage product lines arealways in stock, ready for immediate deliv-ery or customer pick-up.” One publishedsource reports there is also a warehouse inEngland.

Durham Manufacturing is among thetown’s top 10 taxpayers for both realestate and personal property, accordingto this year’s grand list, behindConnecticut Light and Power. It is stillDurham’s largest employer, with approx-imately 240 employees.


At right, an early bill-board advertised theproducts of Durham

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Photo at right from Century ofChange

Photo below by Betsy White Booz


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‘Metal Box Capital of the World’When it comes to the manufacture of metal boxes, although Durham

Manufacturing remains the only company still in business in Durham, it was actu-ally the Merriam Manufacturing Company that paved the way.

According to the History of Durham, Connecticut, covering local history from thefirst grant of land in 1662 to 1866, the Merriam Manufacturing Company ofDurham was organized on January 25, 1851 “for the manufacture of Japanned andStamped Tin Ware, Tin Toys, etc.” Familiar surnames like Newton, Parsons andLyman are included on the early Board of Directors lists, with the first presidentbeing Miles Merwin Jr.

William Chauncey Fowler, author of the book, wrote, “The success of the enter-prise has been somewhat varied. Its productions are well known and appreciated,and the present state of its affairs is such, as promises permanence, and, as isbelieved, will add to the prosperity of the village in which it is located.”

Prophetic words, indeed. Merriam Manufacturing did succeed and prosper formany years. During the Civil War, Merriam produced collapsible candle lanterns forthe Union Army. In the 1870s, the firm created a new line of metal stationary boxes.

Unfortunately, fire claimed the site in 1998, and it has remained, basically, avacant lot since then. Environmental concerns due to production involving leadmade the property a federal superfund site. Although the heirs of Allan Adamsoffered it to the town after the fire, Durham declined the offer.

In 1884, W.A. Parsons and George Francis became the second manufacturers ofmetal boxes in Durham. Specializing in tin cash boxes, safe deposit boxes and dis-play racks, the company dissolved around 1918.

In addition to the Durham Manufacturing Company, founded in 1922 as the thirdDurham metal box company (see prior story), there was a fourth metal box manu-facturer, the W.A. Parsons Company, established in 1950 by William A. Parsons.Although initially producing tool boxes, waste baskets and metal displays, Parsonstransitioned into the manufacture of emergency lighting cases, cabinets and spe-cialty products, as well as tool boxes. The company was family owned and operat-ed until 2002. It was sold in that year and closed its doors in June 2003.


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Levi E. Coe Library, Middlefield

Levi E. Coe Library, 414 Main Street, P. O. Box 458, Middlefield, CT, 06455. The libraryis open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. onSaturdays. Call the library at (860) 349-3857 or visit www.leviecoe.com for information or toregister for any program. You can also renew, reserve and check your library record on thewebsite.

Get involved in politics — It’s your government!Middlefield Democratic Town CommitteeCurrent chairman Seb Aresco, (860) 349-9785.

-Middlefield Republic Town Committee

Current chairman Kathleen Kokoszka, (860) 346-5321


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Durham Public Library

Durham Library, 7 Maple Avenue, Durham, CT 06422. The library is open from 10 a.m. to9 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays. Visitwww.durhamlibrary.org to search the catalog, review your account, register for a program orrenew your materials online. For information or to register for a program by phone, call (860)349-9544.

Durham Democratic Town CommitteeChairman Laurie Stevens, (860) 349 1916; e-mail [email protected]

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1104614A brief history of water-driven

commerce in MiddlefieldBy Trish Dynia

Special to the Town Times

Middlefield’s young men who came ofage during the Revolutionary War periodfully expected to carry on the long-estab-lished traditions of this farming commu-nity: receive land from their fathers,marry a local girl, raise a large brood ofchildren and live out their lives on theland as their families had done for threegenerations. But circumstances hadbegun to contrive against such a life.

By 1790, Connecticut had become thesecond most populous state after RhodeIsland, with 49 people per square mile,and Middlefield was squeezing 60 peopleinto each square mile. This seems like alot of wiggle room to us in the 21st centu-ry, but to a predominantly farming com-munity, it was suffocating.

Early settler families like the Millers,Augurs and Coes, who once held massiveland tracts, found themselves squeezingonto smaller lots as the lands were divid-ed and bequeathed through three or moregenerations. Land in Middlefield wasbecoming scarce and valuable. Faced with

the prospect of impoverishment or pro-longed dependence on fathers unwillingto part with land, young families began tolook outside the community. At first, thenearby highland frontiers in WesternConnecticut and Massachusetts beck-oned, and when those lands became popu-lous, upper New York State and Ohio werepopular destinations.

The steady drain of young people fromthe community continued through theearly years of the 19th century, and by1815 about a third of the young had leftMiddlefield, bringing the population to anall time low. When the Great Embargo ofthe War of 1812 shut down the Port ofMiddletown, this left Middlefield with nomajor outlet for farm goods. Land values,at a premium just 20 years before, werenow at an all time low.

Middlefield’s remaining populous wasnothing if not persistent, and recoverywas slow but steady. As nearby urbancommunities recovered from the traderestrictions and economic depressioncaused by two wars with England, thosetowns became more urbanized and reliedon Middlefield farmers for local produce.

And when New England’s textile industrydeveloped, long haired merino sheep wereimported from Spain, and Middlefield ledthe country in sheep production by 1826.

But nothing affected this farming com-munity’s eventual industrial successmore than the introduction of millingtechnology. Water mill technology hadbeen perfected in England prior to theRevolutionary War, but in order to keepthe colonies dependent upon the mothercountry, this technology was withheld.

Mill owners were forbidden by the crownto pass on milling technology to thecolonies.

The basic concept of utilizing water-ways to power tools was not unknown toindustrious colonists, and there weremany saw, grist, fuller and cider millsalong the West River (Coginchaug) inRockfall and Beseck River (Ellen DoyleBrook) in the Baileyville section ofMiddlefield in the 18th century. The firstrecorded mill was a grist mill established

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by William Miller about 1760 at what isnow known as Wadsworth Falls. But ear-lier town records indicate that the rightsor “privileges” to use water power werecarefully worded in land deeds. In 1734Benjamin Miller deeded land and the “lib-erty of flowing” to his son Ichabod on 120acres of his land, though he reserved tohimself the southeast corner for a mill.Later deeds used specific wording whenselling partial rights on a portion of astream: “the privilege of using water inmy turn when it shall not discommodethe corn mill” or, the privilege includedthe “right of drawing, digging or trench-ing.” And we complain about modern daywetland laws limiting the right to use ourproperty as we see fit?

By 1790 a paper mill was established inRockfall and for a time this area wasknown as the Paper Mill Quarter. Laterendeavors included two gun powder mills,one of which exploded twice and wasdestroyed by the second one in 1825. (Thistook place on the property which nowhouses Roger’s Manufacturing.) Bone andsaw mills, a pistol shop, cotton, grist milland nail shop lined the Coginchaug Riverin Rockfall for many years. The lastknown water-powered enterprise on thefalls itself was a cotton mill which gener-ated electricity for turning out 4,000pounds of fine double twisted yarn with58 employees. The manufacturer closed

down shortly after the turn of the 20thcentury, but all machines remained inplace. According to former Korn Schoolteacher and historian Ray Hubbard, whenthe Hurricane of 1938 hit centralConnecticut, several Rockfall men whohad once worked at this enterprise firedup the water wheel, which then providedthe Rockfall area with electricity for sev-eral days while the majority of the stateremained in darkness.

In 1848 a group of 12 local entrepre-neurs formed the Middlefield ReservoirCompany and built a dam on the EllenDoyle Brook. This endeavor turned theWild Cat Swamp into what we know todayas Lake Beseck. The original dam waslined with brownstone from a quarry onPowder Hill Road. When the builders dis-covered that the stones containeddinosaur footprints, they laid the stonesout in such a way that it looked as thoughthe dinosaurs were traversing the dam.Unfortunately, those original stones werecovered with concrete when the dam wasreconstructed after the 1938 hurricane.

Prior to the building of the dam, sever-al water-powered industries enjoyed amodicum of success, including saw, card-ing, grist and bone mills, all located in theapproximate area of what is now theFowler Complex/Blackbird Tavern. Fromabout 1820 to 1830, Ira and Alfred Baileyran a distillery next to what the town


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records call "the upper bridge on theBeseck River." The Bailey brothers pro-duced hard cider, brandy and whiskey, inwhat to some was "A curse to the parish,and many thought their troubles weretraceable directly to this fountain ofblackness."

After the dam was built, a button facto-ry first thrived just below the dam andlater the Metropolitan Washing MachineCompany straddled both sides of the hair-pin curve in the road. Organized in 1860,the company built several additions andeventually a company store, which laterbecame Fowler's Market (which burned

down in the late 1980s), and companyhousing for workers along what is nowHigh Street. At its height the WringerShop produced 400 machines per day andemployed 160, mostly local individuals,including recent immigrants fromIreland, Poland and Italy.

With the electrification of America inthe early 20th century, mills closed butnew enterprises took over the former landand shops, including RogersManufacturing, still in Rockfall, and theLyman Gun Sight Corporation inBaileyville which relocated toMiddletown about 10 years ago.

This industrial-ized hillside ison the cornerof Baileyville

and Way roadslooking

towards HighStreet, circaearly 1900s.


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Due to the diverse nature of businessin Middlefield, a combination of farming,industrial endeavors, and land to buildon, Middlefield avoided what was consid-ered the evil of industrialization.Endowed with plenty of land to buildhousing for workers and schools toaccommodate the children, Middlefieldnever experienced the squalor thatplagued large industrialized cities suchas Bridgeport and Waterbury. AndMiddlefield never experienced the trau-ma of becoming a ghost town by losingthe one industry that kept it afloat.

State and NationalRepresentatives

Sen. Ed Meyer (Durham)Email: [email protected]: (860) 240-0527, or 1-800-842-

1420Legislative Office Building, Room

1000Hartford, CT 06106-1591

-State Rep. Matthew Lesser

(Durham and Middlefield)1160 South Main StreetMiddletown, CT 06457

House Republican OfficeLegislative Office Building, Room

4014Hartford, CT 06106

(860) 240-8585(800) 842-8267

[email protected]

State Sen. Thomas Gaffey(Middlefield)

Email: [email protected]: (860) 240-0425, or toll-free 1-

800-842-1420Legislative Office Building, Room

3100Hartford, CT 06106-1591

-Congresswoman Rosa DeLauro

(Middlefield and part of Durham)Washington, DC

2262 Rayburn House OfficeBuilding

Washington, DC 20515(202) 225-3661

Main District Office59 Elm Street

New Haven, CT 06510(203) 562-3718

-Congressman Joe Courtney

(Part of Durham)(860) 577-8283P.O. Box 1372

Vernon CT 06066-

U.S. Senator Chris Dodd448 Russell Building,

Washington D.C., 20510(202) 224-2823

30 Lewis St., Suite 101Hartford, CT 06103

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State Representative Matt Lesser visitswith a Durham cow brought by thedairy-farming Greenbackers to the capi-tol to urge state support for farmers.


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Interest & Service OrganizationsArt Guild of Middletown

The Art Guild of Middletown was formedto foster and encourage art and the devel-

opment of the visual artists in theMiddletown area by developing quality

programs to bring artists together, provid-ing venues for the artists to exhibit theirwork and providing art instruction andworkshops in drawing and painting andrelated visual arts. The guild meets onceper month on a Thursday evening in the

fellowship hall of the MiddlefieldFederated Church. Meetings usually

include demonstrations.Art Guild of Middletown,

PO Box 205, Middletown, CT 06457Web site www.middletownartguild.org

Bob Spooner, president,[email protected] (860) 346-6546

-Benchwarmers

Fundraising organization for athleticsand scholarships in District 13, meetsonce per month. For information, con-tact president Jack Castiglione at (860)

349-2282 or visit www.durhambench-warmers.com.

-Business Networking International

The local chapter of Business NetworkingInternational conducts its weekly meeting

in the United Churches of DurhamFellowship Hall, Main Street in Durham,

at 7:30 a.m. on Fridays. To learn more,contact Kirk Hagert at (860) 349-5626.

-Cause for Paws

P.O. Box 420, Durham CT 06422(860) 349-0410 or e-mail ctcausefor-

[email protected] For Paws is a small rescue group

that will trap, alter, vaccinate and releaseadult feral cats in Durham and

Middlefield. Using an in-home volunteerfoster care system they test, treat and

socialize all kittens brought in from catcolonies and then place these kittens in

new permanent homes. Their focus is onthe feral and strays from the towns of

Durham and Middlefield and they do nothave the capacity to take in adult cats.

-Cogin-Chuggers

The Cogin-Chuggers square dance clubholds dances on the second and fifth

Fridays at Brewster School on Tuttle Roadin Durham. Dances are 8-10:30 p.m., withrounds throughout the evening. For moreinformation on beginner lessons or direc-tions, call Alicia Morse at (860) 349-8084.

-Coginchaug Valley Education

FoundationP.O. Box 19, Durham, CT 06422

President: Merrill Adams

E-mail: [email protected]: www.coginchaugvef.comThe Coginchaug Valley Education

Foundation (CVEF) was founded inMarch, 2008, as an independent educationfoundation, whose mission is to promoteexcellence, innovation and creativity in

education for the community and to sup-port life-long learning in the two towns bygiving grants and sponsoring programs.

-Durham Fair Association

Main Street, P.O. Box 225 Durhamwww.durhamfair.com

(860) 349-9495For information e-mail to

[email protected] Durham Fair will be held from Sept.

25-27 in 2009.

Durham Fair FoundationThe Durham Fair Foundation is a non-profit organization founded in 1996 by

the Durham Fair Association. The foun-dation’s mission is to preserve and pro-

mote Connecticut’s agricultural heritage,history, rural life and the Durham Fairby sponsoring educational events and

programs. Donations to the Durham FairFoundation are tax deductible to the

extent allowed by law. For more informa-tion, including memorial donations, giftsand bequests, write to: The Durham Fair

Foundation, Inc. P.O. Box 642 Durham,CT 06422. Len Baginski is president, (860)

349-3305.-

Durham Garden ClubP. O. Box 105, Durham; Barbara Olsen,

president, (860) 349-8625.-

Durham Historical SocietyP.O. Box 345, Durham

[email protected] Atwell, president, (860) 716-5497

-Durham Lions

Jay Huntington, president, (860) 349-9235Durham Lions meet on the second and


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issues concerning the lake and its com-munity. During the summer months, the

meetings are occasionally held at thetown beach. Everyone is welcome toattend. Lake Beseck Association, P.O.Box 255, Rockfall, CT 06481. President:

Dick Boynton (860) 346-6008.

Levi E. Coe Library AssociationBoard of Directors

Membership in the Association Board ofDirectors is open to any Middlefield resi-dent. The purpose of the association is

to maintain and support the library.Members serve on library committeesresponsible for fundraising, long-rangeplanning, finance and capital improve-

ments. The group meets every firstTuesday at the library at 7 p.m. If youare interested, contact the library at

(860) 349-3857.-

Middlefield Historical SocietyLynette Brayshaw (860) 349-0665, 405

Main St. There is a Historical Societyroom and permanent displays in the

Community Center.—

Middlefield Lions ClubLynn Johnson, president,

[email protected]; vicepresident, Judy Didato,

[email protected]; Website www.Middlefield-lions.org.

Middlefield Lions Club, P.O. Box 1,Middlefield, CT 06455

-Middlefield Women’s Club

Members come from all walks of life andare of diverse ages. Members are free to

give as much time as they can afford.Meetings allow opportunity to enjoy a

girls’ night out while making worthwhilecontributions to the community. The

group meets on the second Tuesday ofevery month at 7 p.m. at the MiddlefieldCommunity Center. Their calendar runsSeptember through June with a summer

break. E-mail [email protected] for info.

-Middlesex Chamber of Commerce

The Middlesex Chamber of Commerceholds monthly breakfast meetings thatfeature a wide variety of speakers, heldat the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Cromwell.Monthly business seminars take placeevery second Tuesday at the Chamber

Office, 93 Main St., Middletown, CT 06457Phone (860) 347-6924, fax: (860) 346-1043 E-

mail [email protected] Division meets second Wednesday

of each month at rotating businesses.Lou Brockett, chair for MiddlefieldJerry Lipchus, chair for Durham

-

fourth Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m.at Cantina Restaurant in Middletown.

-Durham/Middlefield Exchange Club

Web site dmexchangeclub.comE-mail: [email protected]

Durham/Middlefield Exchange ClubP.O. Box 281

Durham, CT 06422-0281Contact: Peter Cascini (860) 349-2309,

[email protected], America’s service club, is a

group of men and women workingtogether to make our communities betterplaces to live through programs of serv-ice and its national project, the preven-

tion of child abuse.-

Gaylord Cancer Survivors GroupSupport group for cancer survivors and

their caregivers. Contact VenaSutherland at (860) 349-3443. Meetingsfirst Wednesday of each month in the

Chauncey House at Gaylord inWallingford, at 6 p.m.

-Kosciuszko Club

168 Main St., Rockfall; (860) 346-9521-

Lake Beseck AssociationThe LBA meets on the third Tuesday of

every other month at 7 p.m. in theMiddlefield Community Center to dis-

cuss social, political and environmental


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Midlea Garden ClubPresident, Linda Betta (860) 349-1428.

Second Monday at the Middlefield SenorCenter at 6:30 p.m.

-Moms Club

The MOMS Club® of Middletown, achapter of the International MOMS Club®(IMC), is a non-profit, non-denominational

organization for at-home mothers andtheir children. This club serves the towns

of Middletown, Cromwell, Durham,Rockfall and Middlefield. They offer play-groups, community outings, guest speak-ers, “Moms Night Out” and much more.

Join to make friends for yourself and yourchildren! For more information, e-mail

[email protected] or visit

www.geocities.com/momsclubofmiddle-town.

-P.A.L.S.

The Durham Public Library’s PALS(Public Association of Library

Supporters) supplies most of the fundingfor the library’s special events, new col-lections and initiatives. Membership isonly $10 for an individual and $25 for a

family. Annual dues supplementfundraising activities, which include the

Taste of Durham and the annual booksale. Please pick up a membership enve-

lope at the library’s main desk andbecome a real PAL of the library today.

-Parents of Performers

POPS is a fundraising organizationdedicated to the music programs atCoginchaug High School, including showchoir, chorus, concert band and jazzband. This group meets on the secondWednesday of each month at 7:30 p.m. inthe teachers’ lounge at Coginchaug. Formore information, contact Kari Keuhnleat (860) 349-3896.

-Red Hat Society

Red Hat Society, means fun after 50 (andbefore) for women of all walks of life.

Red Hatters believe silliness is thecomedic relief of life and, since we areall in it together, we might as well join

red-gloved hands and go for the gusto.Underneath the frivolity, share a bond ofaffection, forged by common life experi-

ences and a genuine enthusiasm forwherever life takes us next. Middlefield

groups include the Scarlet O’hatters,Queen Mother Betty Ferretti (860) 349-9864; the Ruby Trippers, Queen MotherMargaret Arndt (860) 349-9724 and Girlswith Hattitude, for the working red hat-

ter, welcoming pink hatters, QueenMother Antoinette Astle (860) 346 5961.

The Durham Daring Divas, QueenMother Vena Sutherland (860) 349-3443,

also accept pink hatters.Visit www.RedHatSociety.com for more

information.-

Sixty Plus ClubThis social and travel club for seniors

meets the second and fourth Monday ofeach month at 1 p.m. in the United

Churches of Durham Fellowship Hall,Main Street in Durham. Contact presi-

dent Ellie Golschneider at (860) 349-3329for additional information.

-Special Olympics

The Greater Middletown SpecialOlympics (GMSO) serves athletes with

developmental disabilities who reside inDurham, Middlefield, Cromwell, East

Haddam, East Hampton, Haddam,Middletown and Portland. Athletes can

participate in a year round program ofwell-coached sports. For information,

call Special Olympics Connecticut at 1-800-443-6105, 1-877-660-6667 or online at

www.soct.org.

Willy’s FriendsWilly’s Friends is an organization thatpromotes the benefits of animal adop-

tion. Send e-mails to [email protected] or visit help-

willysfriends.com for more information.

Town Times Community Care March 2009 29

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1104541

AA BB CC

The ABC ACADEMY68 Main Street, Durham, CT 06422

(860) 349-8403

The ABC Academy is a private preschool for families inDurham, Middlefield, Rockfall and surrounding towns.

3 year old classesrun on Tuesdays & Thursdays from 8:30 am to 11:45 am

(after school care available up to 5:30 pm)

4 year old classesrun on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 8:30 am to 11:45 am

(after school care available up to 5:30 pm)

After school careis also available to children in grades K-4th. Buses bring

children to the Academy and care is provided up to 5:30 pm.

Please call 349-8403 for more information.

4H ClubLocal leader, Kathy Naples (860) 982-1366

-

Boy ScoutsBoy Scouts are for boys in fifth grade

through 18 years old.Middlefield Troop 33, Scoutmaster Robin

Heath (860) 349-1154Durham Troop 27, Scoutmaster Jim

Smigel (860) 349-9418Cub Scouts

Cub Scouts are for boys in first throughfifth grade,

Durham Pack 27, Cubmaster Toby Bates(860) 349-3075

Middlefield Pack 33, Cubmaster JimMurray (860) 759-0701

-Coginchaug Little League

Coginchaug Little League, P. O. Box 34,Durham, CT 06422, Rick Quirk, presi-

dent, (860) 349-3520.Visit www.coginchaugll.org for more

information.-

Coginchaug Scholarship CommitteeThe Coginchaug Regional High SchoolScholarship Fund is recognized by the

communities of Durham and Middlefield

for their efforts in raising funds to assistyoung people in educational pursuits.

This is a nonprofit organization, staffedby student and adult volunteers. Eachyear scholarships are presented to the

graduating class of Coginchaug students.Fundraising events include operating the

chocolate-covered Banana Booth at theDurham Fair, a golf tournament and theannual Scholarship Ball which is held in

March. The organization includes 18adult members (board of directors) withterms of three years each, not including

the elected officers. There are also 12directors from the student body of

CRHS, with three students appointedfrom each class. Meetings are held the

first Monday of each month (exceptDecember) at the high school.

Contact Lori Sbona at (860) 349-4046.-

Coginchaug Soccer ClubCoginchaug Soccer Club promotes the

game of soccer within the towns ofDurham and Middlefield and provides a

positive soccer experience for all clubparticipants. The club promotes thedevelopment of coaching and player

skills to enhance team play and the over-all soccer experience, and emphasizes

-

Youth Sports & Organizations


1104584

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• Generators • Snow Blowers • AccessoriesToys, Clothing and Party Supplies also available

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fun at all levels of play, good sportsman-ship, physical fitness, healthy attitudesand teamwork. The club meets the firstSunday of every month at 7 p.m. in the

Middlefield Community Center.Web site www.cogsoccer.org. Contactclub president Gary Sawacki at presi-

[email protected] or (860) 349-2120, orMatt Taber, registrar, at registrar@cog-

soccer.org or (860) 349-0647.-

Durham Basketball Association of CTVisit www.dbact.org or send an e-mail to

president [email protected] forinformation.

-Durham/Middlefield Youth and

Family ServicesThe Durham Middlefield Youth and

Family Services’ main mission is to pro-vide, promote and support substance-freeactivities and programs that encourage,

strengthen and build character, self-esteem and confidence in the children,youth and families of our community.405 Main St., Middlefield CT (860) 349-

0258, Director: David Melchionne.-

Falcon Football and CheerleadingPresident, Jim Banack, (860) 349 8773

Vice president, Robert Levine, (860) 349-6376. Forms and information are avail-

able at www.dmfalcons.com.-

Girl ScoutsGirl Scouting builds girls of courage,

confidence and character who make theworld a better place. Girls in the Durham

Middlefield area are placed in troopsgenerally by grade/age level dependent

on availability of adult leadership teams.Training and support is available to allon the leadership team; parent helpersare encouraged. Troop meeting times

vary. For more information, contact PatSidoti, Membership Marketing Manager,Girl Scouts, Connecticut Trails Council,

Dekoven House, 27 Washington St.,Middletown, CT 06457, (860) 347-5768.

Visit www.gsofct.org for more informa-tion. Contact co-manager of local service

unit Shirlon Smigel at (860) 349-9418.


1103813

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Durham AttractionsAllyn Brook Park, Pickett Lane

behind Strong Middle School, features aplayscape, a walking/fitness trail, pavil-ion, picnic tables, seasonal bathrooms,tennis courts and a brook. Site is adja-cent to high school and Little Leaguefields.

Miller’s Pond State Park, offFoothills Road, offers fishing, hunting,hiking and mountain biking. This parkis a designated “walk-in” facility.Parking is available at the main gate, pittoilets are available.

Miller’s Pond is a scenic, quiet lake

without a boat launch or beach.Numerous rock outcrops reach out intothe pond to provide fishing platforms. Aneasy, flat trail circles the lake, although itis a little rocky in places, so shoes shouldbe worn on your hike.

Miller’s Pond was acquired in 1955 bythe State Park and ForestCommission from theheirs of ThomasMacdonough Russell withmonies provided in thetrust fund of GeorgeDudley Seymour. At thattime the park consisted of30 acres of pond and 170acres of wooded land inthe towns of Durham andHaddam. In succeedingyears the state purchasedadditional property, com-pleting acquisition of allthe land around the pondin 1972.

Millers Pond is uniquein that its principal source of watercomes from large springs which create abody of unpolluted water excellent forsmall mouth bass or trout. The originaldam at the pond was erected some timebefore 1704. Thomas Miller built theupper dam to provide a reservoir to serve


1104539

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his gristmill further downstream.Directions: From Route 9, take exit 11,

follow 155 west, turn left onto MillbrookRoad, bear left onto Foothills Road. Theparking area is on the right.

Deerfield Farmwww.deerfieldfarm.org337 Parmelee Hill Roade-mail:[email protected]: (860) 301-7828Deerfield Farm is located on 75 acres

of rolling hills. This growing businessstarted as a 4-H project and hobby 34years ago. Prior to that farming was theway of life for the Naples family ofDurham.

In 2004 Deerfield Farm spread its feetand grew into a full time business. Thepresent location on the corner ofParmelee Hill Rd. and Pent Rd. is townowned open space. The land and barn areleased from the town of Durham.

In spring of 2005 the building of thenew barn was done along with the instal-lation of our milking system, tie stalls,and barn cleaner. Fencing went up andthe cows arrived in late spring of 2005. InDecember of 2005 we started bottling ourown milk and selling it from the farm.

Now all of the milk is bottled at thefarm or made into cream, butter, yogurt,chocolate milk, or soft cheese in our ownstate certified processing room on prem-ises. Our bottled Raw Milk is also sold at

10 stores throughout Middlesex, NewHaven and Fairfield Counties.

Deerfield Farm welcomes visitors andgroups for field trips.

Durham’s annual Memorial Dayparade, followed by a 10K Road Racesponsored by the Exchange Club, is abeloved tradition. In alternate years,Middlefield sponsors its Old HomeDays, ending with fireworks.

Lyman Orchards is a 1,100-acre farmat the junction of Routes 147 and 157 inMiddlefield. Established in 1741, LymanOrchards is the ninth oldest family-owned business in the United States. Oneof the most scenic areas in the state, theorchards feature a variety of pick-your-own apples, peaches, pears, berries andpumpkins.

The Apple Barrel market,Connecticut’s largest year round farmmarket, features a variety of fruit andproduce, in addition to a bakery, deli andmuch more. The Apple Barrel is openseven days a week from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.For more information, call (860) 349-1793.


1104348

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Middlefield Attractions

Lyman Orchards Golffeatures two championship18-hole public golf coursesdesigned by Robert TrentSr. and Gary Player. Call 1-888-99-LYMAN for moreinformation.

Wadsworth Falls StatePark was given to the statein 1942 through the will ofCol. Clarence Wadsworth,a Middletown resident whodevoted his life to civicendeavors and preserva-tion of real estate. The 285-acre park, located on Route Fun at Lake Beseck’s annual picnic.

157 in Middlefield, contains severalwaterfalls with an overlook, as well as anexpanse of wooded areas for hiking. Thepark also offers areas for mountain bik-ing, swimming, stream fishing and pic-nicking.

Indian Springs Golf Club, located at124 Mack Rd. in Middlefield, is a 9-holecourse featuring 3,000 yards of golf witha par of 36. Designed by Al Zikorus, thegolf course opened in 1964. Call (860) 349-8109 for more information.

Lake Beseck is a manmade impound-ment created by a dam across EllenDoyle Brook. The lake is fed by severalsmall brooks and submerged springs.


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The lake, which offers a public beach forMiddlefield residents and a public stateboat launch, has a surface area of approxi-mately 120 acres, a maximum depth of 25feet and an average depth of 10 feet. It con-tains approximately 416 million gallons ofwater. Most of the shoreline is privatelyowned and developed with numeroushouses and cottages. Fish species observedin Lake Beseck include largemouth bass,yellow perch, black crappie and sunfish.The beach is open during July andAugust, a pass is required and can beobtained at the Town Clerk’s office begin-ning July 1.

Dinosaur Park is a vest-pocket spaceon the west side of Powder Hill Roadwhere several very clear dinosaur trackscan be found on the rocks.

Peckham Park, located between MainStreet and Strickland Road, offers a vari-ety of activities for residents of all agesand features a walking path, basketballcourt, playscape areas, baseball and soccer

fields and a pavil-ion. The park isoperated by thePark and RecDepartment. (Atleft, looking overPeckham Park;above, a newclimbing feature.)

36 DateXX Town Times Community Guide

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48 Main Street Middletown, CT 06457Office: (860) 259-1060 Cell: (860) 918-4580

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Houses of WorshipChurch of the Epiphany (Episcopal)

196 Main Street, Durham, CT 06422Rev. Beth Hoffmann

(860) 349-9644 www.durhamepiphany.org.

Middlefield Federated Church (Congregational/UCC & United Methodist)402 Main Street, Middlefield, CT 06455

Rev. Dale Azevedo(860) 349-9881 www.gbgm-umc.org/mfc/

.Notre Dame Church (Roman Catholic)

272 Main Street, Durham, CT 06422Rev. Fr. Mariadas Lipton

(860) 349-3058 www.ChurchofNotreDame.org.

St. Colman’s Church (Roman Catholic)145 Hubbard Street, Middlefield, CT 06455

Father Gregory Mullaney(860) 349-3868 stcolmanchurch.com/default.aspx

.Temple of Ekcancar

1 Harvest Wood Road, Middlefield, CT 06455Sri Harold Kemp

(860) 346-2226 www.ct-eckankar.org.

United Churches of Durham (Congregational/UCC & United Methodist)228 Main Street Durham, CT 06422

Rev. Dr. Elven Riggles(860) 349-3683 www.uccwebsites.net/unitedchurchesofdurhamct.html

.Victory Tabernacle Church

191 Meriden Road, Middlefield, CT 06455Pastor Peter Leal

(860) 346-6771 www.vcconline.org


1104588Middlesex Hospital Primary Care

Durham6 Main St. Durham CT 349-1058

Dr. Brad Wilkinson Dr. Tanya FekeAmber Bowell PA-C Dina Palmer PA-C

Greta Wilt - Memorial Middle School - Grade 5

At right, Girl Scoutmembers of Church of

the Epiphany partici-pate in Girl ScoutSunday in March.

Below, walkers fromsix area churches par-

ticipate in an annualecumenical Crop Walk

to raise money forhunger relief. Bottom

right, Notre Dameraises money annually

to buy water buffalosfor Heifer

International.

Opportunities for worshipalso abound in neighbor-ing communities, repre-senting a diversity offaith traditions.


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1104380

Middlesex Community College’sMiddletown Campus offers day andevening classes leading to associatedegrees, certificate programs as well asnumerous credit and non-credit courses.

The college provides educationalopportunities and programs to a diversestudent and community population. Thecollege also offers accelerated classesand customized business and industrytraining. Its Internet Training Centerprovides additional opportunities forspecialized courses in internet and webdesign.

You may visit the Middlesex web site at:www.mxcc.commnet.edu.

Middletown Campus100 Training Hill Road

Middletown

(860) 343-5865

Middlesex Community CollegeMaking theopportunityfor highereducationaffordableandaccessible...

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Improvingthe qualityof lifethroughlifelonglearning.

YOUR LOCAL SOURCE FORFARM-FRESH FRUITS,

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2009 community guide

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