Wallingford CT Historical Society

10/16/2026

A PUBLICK NOTICE TO THE INHABITANTS OF WALLINGFORD AND THE NEIGHBOURING TOWNS

A TAVERN OF THE OLDEN TIME AT THE PARSONS HOUSE!

Let it be known to all good People of Wallingford, and to such as dwell in the adjacent Towns, that the Wallingford Historical Society doth invite you to the Parsons House on the Eighth Day of November, from One until Three of the Clock in the Afternoon, where the House shall be made ready in the Manner of a Tavern of the latter part of the Eighteenth Century.

OF TAVERNS AND THE AFFAIRS OF THE TOWN

In former Days, the Tavern was a Place of no small Consequence to the Life of a Connecticut Town. Here might the Traveller find Rest and Refreshment, the Farmer and Tradesman exchange their News, and Neighbours converse upon the Affairs of the Town and Colony. Tidings from abroad, Matters of Trade, and the Occurrences of the Day were carried from one to another over good Company and a hearty Cup. The Tavern served not merely for Eating and Drinking, but as a Place of Meeting, Fellowship, and the Exchange of Intelligence.

MUSIC FOR THE ENTERTAINMENT OF THE COMPANY

We are much pleased to announce that Mr. Richard Franklin Donohue shall favour the Company with Songs of the Eighteenth Century, accompanied by his Harpsichord. Such Music as might have enlivened a gathering in former Times shall once again be heard within these ancient Walls!

REFRESHMENTS AND PLEASANT DIVERSIONS

Apple C***r, Cookies, Doughnuts, and other good Things shall be provided for the Company. Diversions for the young and old shall be offered out of Doors, Weather permitting.

Parents are encouraged to bring their Children, and all are welcome to partake in this Afternoon of History, Music, and good Fellowship.

WHEN: Sunday, the 8th of November, 1 to 3 of the Clock in the Afternoon

WHERE: The Parsons House, 180 South Main Street, Wallingford

ADMISSION: FREE TO ALL!

Let no Person suppose that History is only for the Books! Come, bring thy Family and Neighbours, and join us for an Afternoon in the Manner of our Forefathers.

Given by Order of the Wallingford Historical Society.

We shall be glad of your Company!

10/10/2026

What do an old compass, the California Gold Rush, and three men connected to Wallingford have in common? That’s the mystery we’re trying to solve!

Among the treasures in the Wallingford Historical Society’s collection is a compass and tripod reportedly carried on a surveying expedition to California in 1849 — the year of the Gold Rush!

Meet our three Connecticut connections, rumored to have traveled to the west coast in search of fortune.

Benjamin Trumbull Jones — Born in Wallingford in 1827, Jones is identified as the reported owner of the compass and pictured below. Could this piece of equipment have traveled thousands of miles with him in search of opportunity out West?

Henry Martin — Born in Wallingford in 1829, Martin headed to California in 1849 and worked in San Francisco’s auction business until 1851. He later became Connecticut’s state bank commissioner, moved to Minnesota, and acquired land interests in the region that became Martin County in 1857. He eventually returned to Connecticut.

Henry Baldwin Fowler — Born in Guilford in 1811, Fowler married into a family with deep Wallingford roots. His son, Oswin Hart Doolittle Fowler, later became a lawyer and probate judge in Wallingford.

Rumor has it that these three men travel west together. Were they friends, business associates, or connected through Wallingford’s civic and fraternal organizations? We have clues, but the full story remains a mystery!

And imagine the journey. In 1849, there was no Panama Canal. Travelers heading west had to endure a long overland journey or travel by sea, crossing the Isthmus of Panama by land and river. No airplanes, no interstate highways, and certainly no GPS to help them find their way!

Was our compass used to survey land, map territory, or support some other activity? We’re still investigating.

Can you help us solve the mystery?

Do you have family letters, diaries, photographs, or other records connected to B. T. Jones, Henry Martin, or Henry Baldwin Fowler? Perhaps an old family story has been waiting to be rediscovered!

Please share your information in the comments or contact the Wallingford Historical Society. You never know what a family document tucked away in an attic might reveal about Wallingford’s connection to the American West.

One compass. Three Connecticut men. A journey into the Gold Rush era. And a story that’s still unfolding!

09/16/2026

The Durham Historical Society will holding a Revolutionary War Encampment and Battle on October 17th. The event will be on the lower portion of the Durham Fairgrounds with ample parking (suggested donation of $5 that will go to the non-profit handling parking). The address to use for the GPS is 30 Town House Road and take Canfield Lane into the grounds (follow the signs).

The DHS will have tactical riding demonstrations with the First Company Governor's Horse Guard, colonial dancing, a fife and drum concert, British and Continental camps, and a battle!

Updated info can be found on the historical society website: https://www.durhamhistoryct.org/ and on Facebook: DurhamCT250.

09/09/2026

This week on What's it Wednesday, who's hungry?

09/02/2026

Today on Episode 3 of What's it Wednesday, a piece of local furniture makes an appearance.

08/26/2026

Today on What's it Wednesday, Episode 2, we learn about an mid 19th century invention that revolutionized open hearth cooking.

08/20/2026

Today on What's it Wednesday - Episode 1, we learn about Wallingford's own hydroelectric plant.

Enjoy!

08/14/2026