The Greenwich, A Town for All Seasons Show with Jeffrey Bingham Mead

The Greenwich, A Town for All Seasons Show with Jeffrey Bingham Mead

By Jeffrey Bingham MeadHistory
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The Greenwich, A Town for All Seasons Show with Jeffrey Bingham Mead episodes

  • Happiest Holidays! Rockefeller Estate, Selleck Grist Mill, Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah & More!

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    This podcast is made possible by Site Design Associates; the Long Island Sound Institute (LISI), the Ambassador Museum United States of America, Kevin M. J. O'Connor of Jeffrey Matthews Wealth Management, and listeners like you everywhere on the Atlantic Learning Consortium Network!


    Tis the season! Good tidings to you, that the glorious message of peace and love fill your hearts this joyous holiday season. Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah and Happy Holidays! 

    Seasons greetings to all during this bright, magical time of the year as I have the utmost pleasure to welcome you to the 20th of December 2022 episode of the Greenwich, A Town For All Seasons Show Podcast.


    I'll share with you a sampling of how the holidays were celebrated in Greenwich's history. 



    "Few people are aware that the Rockefeller family with its "residential park" influenced the orderly development of the central part of Greenwich more than any other landowner," states The Great Estates: Greenwich, Connecticut 1880-1930 by the Junior League of Greenwich.


    "The existence of the two Rockefeller mansions is now a mostly forgotten part of the town's history, but the concerned and wise subdivision of the brothers' vast holdings has proved a priceless legacy for the Greenwich they loved." 


    We'll visit the William G. Rockefeller Estate and Owenoke Farm, principally owned by Percy Rockefeller. 



    Sylvanus Selleck Grist Mill (2018) 

    "Sylvanus Selleck got fed up with the trip and decided to build his own gristmill just east of Round Hill Road on his 47-acre farm," wrote Greenwich Realtor Mark Pruner in his column, published on the 16th of December 2022 in the Greenwich Sentinel. "Not only would he get flour for his family, but he'd get paid for providing a valuable service to the neighboring farmers in North Greenwich."


    We'll share Pruner's article with you. You'll also learn about a new initiative to preserve the Selleck grist mill. The gristmill dates from 1796. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. 


    You're invited to read my Greenwich Time piece published in 1988 about grist mills in Greenwich. 




    Published on December 11, 1930 in The Greenwich Press, Judge Frederick A. Hubbard wrote about 'Motion Pictures, Outgrowth of Earlier Inventions 40 Years Ago-Marking Towns and Keeping Up Appearances- Seed Propagation.' I'll have the details. 





    Thank you, Rick Hansen! Greenwich Library's local history librarian has announced the Heritage with Hoopla Series starting in January, 2023. I'll share details; be ready to mark your calendars. You're invited to join several events to help you achieve your genealogical research. Learn about Greenwich Library's resources here. 





    Be sure to see Life and Art: The Greenwich Paintings of John Henry Twachtman soon. The exhibit closes one month from now on January 22, 2023. Weekly tours are offered. Mark your calendar for Afternoon in the Archives: Twachtman in His Own Words on Sunday, January 8, 2023 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. $15 members/$20 Non-Members. 



    Preservation efforts are about to get underway at the Thomas Lyon House. Greenwich Preservation Trust is offering tours of the house to those who are interested. Contact Greenwich Preservation Trust for more information.


    Members of the Conservation Commission conducted a site walk at the Old Burying Ground at Byram. The gathering was a productive one. Matters concerning the cemetery are expected to be placed on the commission's January, 2023 agenda.



    The Horseneck Chapter of Daughters of the American Revolution held its Wreaths Across America ceremony at the Old Burying Ground at Byram on Byram Shore Road.







    In Greenwich Life As It Is-And Was, a century ago (1922) it was noted that Christmas in Greenwich "has become more and more celebrated... Never have the Greenwich stores carried such assortments of all kinds of articles, expensive and not costly in price, especially for the Christmas trade, as have been displayed this season..." 




    We’ll share all sorts of historical news of crimes, fires -perhaps a catastrophe or two -and more! 


    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 [email protected]. 


    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 27, 2022. 

    1 hr 30 min
  • HMT Rohna Disaster, Belle Haven’s ‘The Knoll,’ 1839-1841, Deacon Abraham Mead and His Pottery, and News!
    This podcast is made possible by Site Design Associates; the Long Island Sound Institute (LISI), the Ambassador Museum United States of America, Kevin M. J. O'Connor of Jeffrey Matthews Wealth Management, and listeners like you everywhere on the Atlantic Learning Consortium Network!


    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 [email protected]. 


    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. 


    1 hr 21 min
  • HDC Chair Stephen Bishop, Conyers Manor, Cedar Cliff, 1778, William G. Rockefeller Dies, Standard Oil & Greenwich

    HDC Chair Stephen Bishop, Conyers Manor, Cedar Cliff, 1778, William G. Rockefeller Dies, Standard Oil & Greenwich


    For your listening enjoyment! Here is the Tuesday, December 6,  2022 episode of the Greenwich, A Town For All Seasons Show Podcast.


    This podcast is made possible by Site Design Associates; the Long Island Sound Institute (LISI), the Ambassador Museum United States of America, Kevin M. J. O'Connor of Jeffrey Matthews Wealth Management, and listeners like you everywhere on the Atlantic Learning Consortium Network!




    “By the age of fifty-two years, Edmund C. Converse had a notable impact on American business,” according to The Great Estates: Greenwich, Connecticut 1880-1930, published in 1986 by the Junior League of Greenwich. On today’s show you’ll hear about his estate, Conyers Manor. “Not only did Conyers Manor overshadow the other grandly conceived homes in Greenwich, it was also one of the most profitable estates in the Northeast.” 


    On Talk of the Town, we’ll share an encore conversation from 2018 with Stephen Bishop, chair of the Greenwich Historic District Commission. The commission has been in the news recently with preservation activities underway regarding the Samuel Ferris House (1760) in Riverside, and the Havemeyer Building on Greenwich Avenue. 


    On The Judge’s Corner, Judge Frederick A. Hubbard wrote about Cedar Cliff, the home of Actor Edwin Booth, which in turn became the site of the Cos Cob Power Plant and, today, Cos Cob Park. 


    It was one-hundred years ago when Greenwich resident William G. Rockefeller died on December 1, 1922. 


    In a related bit of history, Erwin Edwards penned a piece for his column Greenwich Life As It Is -And Was regarding Greenwich and the relationship with the Standard Oil Company.


    We'll go back in history to the year 1778 as found in Before 2000: A Chronology of the Town of Greenwich 1640-1999.


    Tis the season! There's lots for you to see, do and enjoy as the December holidays fast approach. 


    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. 



    1 hr 28 min
  • Greenwich's Pillared House, Belle Haven's Russell Cottage, Samuel Ferris House, 1800-1808, Havemeyer Building & Crimes

    This podcast is made possible by Site Design Associates; the Long Island Sound Institute (LISI), the Ambassador Museum United States of America, Kevin M. J. O'Connor of Jeffrey Matthews Wealth Management, and listeners like you everywhere on the Atlantic Learning Consortium Network!


    In November, 1929, Frederick A. Hubbard wrote in his column 'The Judge's Corner' about the "History of Only Pillared House in Greenwich- Probably Built Before 1848..." Located today at 183 East Putnam Avenue and known as ‘The Columns,’ it was moved to its present location after 1877, by William G. Rockefeller. You'll learn about the history of this house and its owner occupants.


    Victorian Summer: The Historic Houses of Belle Haven Park, Greenwich, Connecticut by Matt Bernard is an incredible compilation of Belle Haven’s rich history. 


    Featuring beautiful photos and ephemera, the book is the culmination of decades of work and research, taking its readers to America’s Gilded Age. 


    On today’s show, we’ll visit Russell Cottage -also known as Bessonette- once located at 186 Otter Rock Drive. Its principal owners were Elwood W. Russell and William H. Hays. It was built in 1898, designed by architect Charles P.H. Gilbert, and demolished in 1952.


    We'll go back in history to the years 1800-1808 as found in Before 2000: A Chronology of the Town of Greenwich 1640-1999.


    We first reported last week about measures underway to grant  to the Samuel Ferris House in Riverside the highest level of historic preservation status and protection. We'll share an update with you.


    Thanks to Greenwich Free Press, a special committee has been appointed by the town government to evaluate options for future uses of the Havemeyer Building on Greenwich Avenue, presently the headquarters of the Greenwich Board of Education. (Visit this link to the Greenwich Historical Society)  


    From publisher Leslie Yager: 


    Originally, the building was a gift to the central Greenwich Meeting House School district in 1892 by Henry Osborne and Louisine Havemeyer. The building was completed in 1894. 


    Ninety-nine years ago, on November 30, 1923, there was a great deal of crime news -most of it focused on Prohibition. You'll hear about that on Crimes and Misdemeanors.


    Tis the season! There's lots for you to see, do and enjoy as the December holidays fast approach. 


    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. 

    1 hr 14 min
  • Happy Thanksgiving! Missy Wolfe, Overlook Farm and Eastover, Factories in Greenwich & Samuel Ferris House


    This podcast is made possible by Site Design Associates; the Long Island Sound Institute (LISI), the Ambassador Museum United States of America, Kevin M. J. O'Connor of Jeffrey Matthews Wealth Management, and listeners like you everywhere on the Atlantic Learning Consortium Network!



    On today’s 25th of November 2022 show, you’ll be treated to an encore conversation from several years ago with Historian Missy Wolfe on Talk of the Town. 


    Wolfe is the author of Hidden History of Colonial Greenwich, and Insubordinate Spirit: A True Story of Life and Loss in Earliest America. 


    Thanks to Greenwich Library and the Horseneck Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution, she’s appearing on the 5th of December to discuss her new two-volume set The Great Ledger: Records of the Town of Greenwich. 



    On last week’s 18th of November show, you heard a sampling of how Thanksgiving was celebrated in Greenwich, Connecticut’s history. I’ll have a few more today. 



    We’ll cast our gaze to the era known locally as the ‘Great Estates’ by visiting Overlook Farm -today’s Convent of the Sacred Heart School campus- and Eastover overlooking the glistening waters of Long Island Sound, with both estates constructed for Henry Steers. 


    Wilcox Mill on the Byram River, Riversville

    Did you know that Greenwich’s landscape was at one time dotted with manufacturing centers, especially along its rivers? Some of those buildings are still with us today. A century ago, columnist Erwin Edwards imparted facts about that history with his readers. I’ll share that with you.



    On Greenwich Before 2000, we’ll journey back to the years 1758 through 1765. 



    There’s good news about the preservation of two Greenwich historical landmarks: the Samuel Ferris House built circa 1760 in Riverside; and the Isaac Mead House built 1799 off Field Point Road, mostly known in recent years as the Homestead Inn. 



    There’s holiday magic in the air at the Greenwich Historical Society! You’ll hear news of exhibits, public activities and events that I encourage you to attend.


    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. 

    1 hr 24 min
  • Ridgecrest, 1942, Potter's Field, Thanksgiving in Greenwich, Seton's Exploration of the 'Far North' and More!


    This podcast is made possible by Site Design Associates; the Long Island Sound Institute (LISI), the Ambassador Museum United States of America, Kevin M. J. O'Connor of Jeffrey Matthews Wealth Management, and listeners like you everywhere on the Atlantic Learning Consortium Network!

    Happy Autumn! 


    It is the last smile of nature before the winter cold. 


    May the warmth and glow of the autumn season bring you endless joy! 


    And as we approach Thanksgiving next week, remember to see the beauty of autumn, let us see the blessings which are ours. 



    On today’s 18th of November 2022 show, we’ll cast our gaze back to America’s Gilded Age in the 1890’s through Matt Bernard’s book, Victorian Summer: The Historic Houses of Belle Haven Park, Greenwich, Connecticut. 


    Ridgecrest is a shingle-style residence in what Scientific American described as being in the “modern rustic style.” 


    It was built in 1892 on Bush Avenue for Nelson Mead, a Greenwich-born lawyer and businessman who, in 1912, was until recently the last Democrat from Greenwich to serve in the Connecticut State House. 



    On Greenwich Before 2000, we’ll go back to what happened in the year 1942. 


    A potter’s field, paupers’ cemetery or common grave is a place for the burial of the unknown, unclaimed or indigent people. It might surprise you to learn that the Town of Greenwich has such a cemetery. I’ll share its history. 



    You’ll meet Greenwich artist and historical columnist Whitman Bailey, whose illustrations and stories about the town’s history and historically notable places were published in Greenwich newspapers. You’ll learn about a section of Bruce Park once known as Hawk’s Nest. 




    The Greenwich News reported on its front page Ernest Thompson Seton’s seven months of exploration in the “Far North” after the famous naturalist returned to his Cos Cob estate, Wyndygoul on November 15, 1907. 


    In November, 1928, columnist L.B. Edwards penned a piece in the Greenwich News and Graphic on how Thanksgiving was observed in Greenwich, Connecticut throughout its history. 



    In early November, 1911,  John Skimmerhorn, a seventeen-year-old farmer’s boy from Webster, New York near Rochester, wandered into Greenwich police headquarters. 


    His father and mother were in Danielson, a borough in Killingly, Windham County, Connecticut on a farm he purchased. Leaving the boy to husk corn on the old farm, his instructions were to take the train to join them. How did he end up in Greenwich? Stay tuned. 





    “An armed and disguised company entered Mr. George Dayton’s home, and celebrate the 20th anniversary of his wedding” in Belle Haven. This was a novel way to celebrate, and I'll have details. 


    Thanksgiving is less than a week away! I’ve have news of the Winter Market Cocktail Reception at Christ Church Greenwich benefitting the Greenwich Historical Society. 



    Twachtman’s Greenwich Home, Then and Now is an illuminating article penned by Maggie Dimock, Curator of Exhibitions and Collections with the Greenwich Historical Society. Her piece is associated with the recently-opened Life and Art: The Greenwich Paintings of John Henry Twachtman, one that I strongly recommend.


    You'll hear news of exhibits, activities and events for the public.


    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. 



    1 hr 12 min
  • Veterans Day, Dunellen Hall, 1941, Donkey Attacks Cos Cob Trolley, Twachtman Exhibit, John Clapp House & More!


    This podcast is made possible by Site Design Associates; the Long Island Sound Institute (LISI), the Ambassador Museum United States of America, Kevin M. J. O'Connor of Jeffrey Matthews Wealth Management, and listeners like you everywhere on the Atlantic Learning Consortium Network!


    On today’s Veteran’s Day 2022 show, I’ll share with you today’s public events in Greenwich, as well as take you back in time to what was then Armistice Day a century ago in 1922.


    “Hooray, the elections are over!” My congratulations go to all candidates. It’s not easy putting yourself out there for elected office. I’ll take you back to 1922 with some post-election thoughts from that year.


    The late Town Historian William E. Finch, Jr., referred to the Gilded Age/Great Estates era in the town as “the flowering of Greenwich,” when the word ‘Greenwich’ was synonymous with the word ‘millionaire.’ 




    Thanks to the Junior League of Greenwich for publishing the book The Great Estates Greenwich, Connecticut 1880-1930, our travel back in time will take us to what is perhaps the most famous of those estates, Dunellen Hall in Round Hill. 



    On Greenwich Before 2000, we’ll go back to what happened in the year 1941. 



    John Doran, the six-year-old son of John Doran of Railroad Avenue attracted a great deal of attention in 1907 as Greenwich’s “youngest policeman.” This is a story from our history that, I hope, brings a smile. 


    On Crime and Misdemeanors, a century ago Mamie Wilson assaulted John A. Taylor with a broomstick, while New York State resident Peter Bazzella was hauled into court for having dealer’s license plates on a car while driving with eight friends on the same day as the Yale-West point football game. What happened to them? 




    In November , 1907, a donkey on Cos Cob, “Don Quixote, the joy of John Boles. Jr.’s children’s hearts, met with a tragic fate Tuesday in front of a trolley car at Cos Cob…” The headline of Greenwich News read, ‘A Donkey’s Fate. John Boles’ Mule Attacks Car for Revenge.’ As you can imagine, it was all unique and complicated -and I’ll explain why. 




    Twachtman’s Greenwich Home, Then and Now is an illuminating article penned by Maggie Dimock, Curator of Exhibitions and Collections with the Greenwich Historical Society. Her piece is associated with the recently-opened Life and Art: The Greenwich Paintings of John Henry Twachtman, one that I strongly recommend. I’ll also share with you news of a “plein air” event scheduled for tomorrow, Saturday, November 12. 




    I’m announcing that a group of associates and I have expressed interest in acquiring the John Clapp House on King Street in Greenwich’s backcountry.  Built in 1772, it is a designated landmark by the Greenwich Historical Society. 


    The property constitutes 3.2 acres with the house and a barn. We are interested in establishing a learning center for all that focuses on agriscience, a place where events can be held and more. 


    Interested in joining us? Contact me at by email at [email protected]. 


    I'll have more about Discover Greenwich Creating a Sense of Place, celebrating the 90th year anniversary of the Greenwich Historical Society. 


    If you’ve not done so yet, I invite you to Greenwich Historical Society’ current exhibition, Life and Art: The Greenwich Paintings of John Henry Twachtman. It’s been eagerly anticipated and well worth it. 


    You'll hear news of exhibits, activities and events for the public.



    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. 


    1 hr 12 min
  • Elections & Methods of Voting, Belle Haven's Kent Cottage, 1939 and Tomac Cemetery
    This podcast is made possible by Site Design Associates; the Long Island Sound Institute (LISI), the Ambassador Museum United States of America, Kevin M. J. O'Connor of Jeffrey Matthews Wealth Management, and listeners like you everywhere on the Atlantic Learning Consortium Network!


    On today’s Friday, November 4, 2022 show, you are reminded that Election Day is here! 


    Be sure to go out and exercise your precious right to vote on Tuesday, November 8. 


    Speaking of elections, I’ll share an amusing poem (see above) that was published in the Greenwich News & Graphic a century ago. 



    Also, Judge Frederick August Hubbard, also known as Ezekiel Lemondale, wrote in 1930 about then-modern methods of voting as compared to previous ones, about the secret ballot of 1864, a novel voting machine that resembled a coffin set on end, and the unfair handling of voters. 



    At the height of America’s Gilded Age, some of America’s wealthy families came Belle Haven here in Greenwich. It was celebrated as one of the first and most spectacular residence parks in the nation. Thanks to Matt Bernard’s incredible compilation of Belle Haven’s rich history, Victorian Summer: The Historic Houses of Belle Haven Park, Greenwich, Connecticut, you’ll hear about Kent Cottage, principally owned by Jennie Kent, and constructed in 1889. 





    On Greenwich Before 2000, we’ll go back to the year 1939. 


    We have over 63 cemeteries and burying grounds dotting the town’s landscape. I’ll share some history about the oldest existing one, Tomac Cemetery in Old Greenwich.





    I'll have more about Discover Greenwich Creating a Sense of Place, celebrating the 90th year anniversary of the Greenwich Historical Society. 


    You'll hear news of exhibits, activities and events for the public.


    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. 


    1 hr 4 min
  • Trick or Treat! It's the Annual Halloween in Greenwich History Show Podcast 2022!


    This podcast is made possible by Site Design Associates; the Long Island Sound Institute (LISI), the Ambassador Museum United States of America, Kevin M. J. O'Connor of Jeffrey Matthews Wealth Management, and listeners like you everywhere on the Atlantic Learning Consortium Network!

    Happy Halloween! It’s time to eat, drink and be scary!


    Welcome to the 28th of October 2022 episode of the Greenwich, A Town For All Seasons Show Podcast hosted by me, Jeffrey Bingham Mead, a direct descendant of the 17th century founders of the Town of Greenwich, Connecticut -long known as the Gateway to New England. 


    Park your brooms at the door and come sit for the Halloween chills and thrills 2022 podcast for a spell!


    Founded on July 18, 1640, Greenwich, Connecticut is one of America’s most interesting and extraordinary communities -it’s a special place we call home. 


    Whether your roots go back nearly 400 years as mine do -or even 400 seconds, or somewhere in between -whether you are here to stay or just passing through, we welcome you with open arms. 


    I confess: I’m dying to have a fantastic, fun-filled Halloween with you. This only comes once a year, a time for shivers, scares, and thrills for pumpkin grins in window sills, for black cats in the full moon’s glow, and to all near and far a happy Halloween hello!


    The Greenwich, A Town For All Seasons Show podcast is made possible by Site Design Associates; the Long Island Sound Institute, the Ambassador Museum United States of America, Kevin M. J. O'Connor of Jeffrey Matthews Wealth Management, and listeners like you everywhere!


    On today’s annual Halloween 28th of October 2022 show, we’ll travel back in history to a period the late Town Historian William E. Finch, Jr., referred to as “the flowering of Greenwich,” when the word ‘Greenwich’ was synonymous with the word ‘millionaire.’ 


    The Great Estates Greenwich, Connecticut 1880-1930 was published by the Junior League of Greenwich. We’ll visit Old Mill Farm in Round Hill, now known today as Foundation House.




    On Greenwich Before 2000, we’ll go back to the years 1779 and 1780 during the American Revolutionary War era. 



    You’ll hear about how costumed freaks cavorted one Halloween at Bush Holley House in Cos Cob when it was a gathering place for American Impressionists. 


    You’ll also hear about how people in Greenwich, Connecticut’s history celebrated Halloween at the Greenwich Country Club, private homes and elsewhere in the dawning years of the 20th century.



    We have over 63 cemeteries and burying grounds dotting the town’s landscape. I’ll share some history about a few of these places in Greenwich.


    On the Judge’s Corner, Judge Hubbard wrote about Rockefeller Park, and I’ll share that with you. 


    I'll have more about Discover Greenwich Creating a Sense of Place, celebrating the 90th year anniversary of the Greenwich Historical Society. 


    You'll hear news of exhibits, activities and events for the public.


    It’s Halloween Year 2022. 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. 


    1 hr 45 min
  • Autumn is Here! Northbrook Farm, Year 1914, Masonic Temple Built, Stolen Watch & More!
    This podcast is made possible by Peter F. Alexander of Site Design Associates; the Long Island Sound Institute (LISI), the Ambassador Museum United States of America, Kevin M. J. O'Connor of Jeffrey Matthews Wealth Management, and listeners like you everywhere!


    On today’s 23rd of September 2022 show, we’ll travel back in history to a period the late Town Historian William E. Finch, Jr., referred to as “the flowering of Greenwich,” when the word ‘Greenwich’ was synonymous with the word ‘millionaire.’ 

    The Great Estates Greenwich, Connecticut 1880-1930 was published by the Junior League of Greenwich. 


    Made of stucco in the Spanish Mission style with a red-tile, hipped rod, arcaded porches, wings of varying levels, roof chimney resembling small bell towers and so much more, Northbrook Farm was the vision of John H. Flagler. 



    The Cold Spring, New York native showed marked executive and organizational ability, was an inventor of certain scientific processes of great value in the iron-and-steel industry, even going on to creating a company that controlled perhaps the most extensive line of drug stores in the world. 


    Among other things, you’ll hear stories about Flagler’s two marriages as well as events held at the estate -including a benefit for the Greenwich Equal Franchise League and another for the inmates at Sing Sing Prison. 



    On Greenwich Before 2000, we’ll go back to the year 1914 to glean what happened in the town’s early 20th century history. 


    For example, on June 12, “Famed aviator Walter Johnson drops toys from the air as he makes two flights daily over Island Beach amusement park.” July 31, “Belle Haven residents demand and get two deliveries of mail daily.” 



    On August 15, 1922 -a century ago- “The first actual work toward the erection of a Masonic Temple in Greenwich was taken…” That building still stands today on its Mason Street lot diagonally across from the Central Fire Station in downtown Greenwich. 





    On Crimes and Misdemeanors, a maid employed by Mrs. Leslie C. Bruce, Jr., of Maher Avenue, was arrested for stealing a diamond and platinum watch valued at $800 a century ago. 




    I'll have more about Discover Greenwich Creating a Sense of Place, celebrating the 90th year anniversary of the Greenwich Historical Society. 



    You'll hear news of exhibits, activities and events for the public. These include Cos Cob Fire Department’s upcoming 100th year anniversary; the Fall Scarecrow Festival; the 200th year birthday celebration for renowned landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted; Life and Art: The Greenwich Paintings of John Henry Twachtman and more!


    It’s the 23rd of September Year 2022 -the first show of Autumn. 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. 



    Be sure to check out all the events and activities where you can immerse yourself in Greenwich history, thanks to the Greenwich Historical Society. Learn more at GreenwichHistory.org. 

    Contact me at [email protected]. I’m on Facebook, too. Just look for Jeffrey Bingham Mead and send me a friend request. The show is also available on Facebook at Greenwich, A Town For All Seasons. 

    Learn more about the show -and listen to past episodes for free- on the web at GreenwichATownForAllSeasons.blogspot.com

    Be sure to tune in for our next show which is scheduled for Friday, the 30th of September 2022. 

    1 hr 1 min

About The Greenwich, A Town for All Seasons Show with Jeffrey Bingham Mead

From the publisher's feed

This weekly podcast show takes its listener on journeys to the history and culture of one of America's premier communities, Greenwich, Connecticut USA. Hosted by Jeffrey Bingham Mead, a direct…