Portland...  On the Move |
Issue 74 ~ News from your Town Hall ~ March 2000
Help get the Quarries Nationally Recognized! |
Quarries Vie for National Recognition! We Need Your Help!!! The National Park Service has recently completed their study of the Portland Brownstone Quarries, and are nominating the quarries for a possible designation as a National Historic Landmark! On April 10, the Landmarks Committee in Washington DC will meet to evaluate the nomination. Their recommendations will then be forwarded to the National Park System Advisory Board on April 16 in San Francisco, where the final decision will be made. It is important to the future of Portland that the quarries are recognized for their historic significance. It was the acquisition of brownstone that first drew settlers to this location, developing an industry famous the world over. Shipyards were built in town to accommodate the transportation of this construction material to New York and California and even to Europe! The very existence of Portland depended on the economic value of the brownstone quarries. When brownstone was replaced by cheaper building materials, the quarries fell into disuse and remained that way for a good portion of the twentieth century. Flood waters filled the excavation sites, and the beauty of the quarries was largely ignored. Indeed, many people in town have no idea that these wonderful sites exist just 200 yards or so from Main Street’s business center. |
National recognition of the quarries is not a done deal, however. We need public support to convince the Advisory Board that the designation will be proper and well received. Please write letters of support to the following: Ms. Carol D. Shull, Chief National Historic Landmarks Survey National Park Service, National Register, History & Education 1849 C Street, N.W. NC 400 Washington, DC 20240 Include in your letter the following reference number: H34(2280). Please note! Do not send the letter directly to the above address. Deliver it to the Planning Department at the Town Hall, where letters of support will be collected into a single package and forwarded to the right location. We need these letters by March 23, 2000. Your letter might make a difference in the economic future of this town!
St. Patrick’s Day, March 17th, honors the priest who converted the Irish to Christianity in the fifth century. Legend has it that the saint drove the snakes out of Ireland, though, in fact, Ireland never had any snakes. The tale probably symbolizes his success in driving the pagans from Ireland, as snakes were often associated with pagan worship. In another bit of symbolism, St. Patrick used the three leaf shamrock to explain the concept of the Trinity (the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit). |
St. Patrick’s Day
|
By: Doris Sherrow Portland’s Jewish Cemetery Just over the brow of the hill on William Street, 3/10 mile east of the driveway for the Swedish Lutheran Cemetery, is Portland’s tiny Jewish cemetery. I attended the ceremony in 1980 when a plaque was put up on the site during the country’s Bicentennial pondering of its past. The names of those interred were read to the gathered crowd: "Lillie Zogorskie. Ida Silterman. [no first name] Hoffman. Rosa Ellis. Bessie Masser. Samuel Fierberg. Charles Luntz. Samuel Markowitz." Old peoples’ names, I thought. But it bothered me that Hoffman had no first name, so I went to Portland’s vital records to investigate. This was a cemetery of babies! The Jewish community of Middletown had been authorized to use an eastern section of Indian Hill Cemetery since 1879. Beth Israel cemetery in Hartford had been open since the 1840s; why was a cemetery established in Portland? As it turns out, there was a small but thriving Jewish community in Portland in the 1890s. The plaque at the little cemetery reads, "Here lie those of Jewish faith who came here from eastern Europe to seek employment in the Eastern Tinware Co. (organized in 1888) and to begin a new life. May their souls rest in peace." Eastern Tinware, located on Freestone Avenue Extension, produced stamped and enameled tin kitchenware, decorative ware, and "self-righting cuspidors." It was owned by Joseph Scheider, born in Bohemia in 1841, and brought to the US when he was 7. By 1900, his occupation, as listed on the census, was "capitalist." He had purchased the factory in 1874, and by the 1890s, was New York based, with nine branches between Portland and St. Louis, Missouri. When he lived in Portland, he lived in the elegant Erastus Brainerd house, the easternmost of Elmcrest’s three historic buildings (the one with the cupola) on Marlborough Street. |
The immigration process was harrowing. As people got off the boats, anyone over the age of two was made to walk, and all were carefully observed for limps, odd behavior, or signs of mental retardation, anything which might render the immigrant unable to support himself. If any of these signs were perceived, a large chalk "X" was drawn on the person’s coat, and he was held for further examination and possible deportation. Children ten or older would be deported without a parent. Many families had to make heart-rending choices: should they all go back with their disabled child? Should the father stay? Should he keep one or more of the other children with him? If they successfully negotiated this process, there were men like Joseph Scheider, or his agents, or perhaps less scrupulous men, waiting near the docks to offer employment in their factories. Unless the immigrants had valuable skills, command of English, and the resources to set up their own business in America, the factories were their best option. Portland’s 1890s Jewish community was concentrated in the area of Freestone Avenue and High Street, and along Ingersoll Avenue and Prospect Hill, two long-gone streets which existed east of High Street and north of Freestone Avenue Extension and the tinware factory. On March 13, 1897, Samuel Meirowitz and Benjamin Enowich purchased the land for the cemetery. Meirowitz had come from Austria and worked at Eastern Tinware. Enowich had worked at Eastern Tinware until 1891, when as a "green hand employed on a stamping press …one day he got his hand under the drop, with the result he lost two fingers." Thus ran the article in the April 21, 1892 Middletown Press. It continued, "Since that time Ben has made a precarious living by peddling notions about town in a basket. He now proposes to collect [$10,000] from Mr. Scheider or bring suit for the amount. Ben expressed himself to a Press reporter as in the position of one who was disposed to be lenient under the circumstances, and thought that $10,000 was a small sum for the disfigurement to his hand…" Two days later, the amount had risen to $20,000: "Ben is left handed and the loss of two fingers on that hand is looked upon as a greater source of regret than such a catastrophe would prove to the majority of men. Ben says that if some one does not kill him in the meantime he proposes to have the money; if he gets the money he will not peddle any more and if some one kills him, why of course he won’t have to peddle any more. Ben is considerable of a philosopher in his way…" Five years later, Ben was not only still among the living, but he was well-entrenched enough in the community to be one of the purchasers of the little cemetery plot. Curiously, none of his family members, nor Meirowitz’s, were ever buried there. Meirowitz moved to Derby. Eastern Tinware moved to Middletown in 1902, and the Jewish community followed. Enowich, who had feared for his life in 1892, survived until 1918, running a clothing store with Roger Kennedy, and is buried in the section of Middletown’s Indian Hill Cemetery that was set off to the Jewish community in 1879. |
|
Ever Healthy, Ever Green Salad Bar Perils Does a salad bar sound like the ultimate answer for a healthy lunch? Would it surprise you to know that some people come away from a salad bar with more fat than they’d get in a Big Mac? If you add a few heaping spoons of grated cheese, a large spoonful of chopped egg, "just a dab" of potato or macaroni salad, and a ladle full of regular dressing, you’ve done it. To keep fat content low, choose fresh vegetables that are not soaking in any oily marinade. Another step for keeping fat within bounds is to watch the dressing. If possible, choose a reduced-calorie dressing or use plain vinegar with a splash or two of oil. If only regular salad dressings are available, limit the amount you take. Salad bars do offer a wonderful opportunity to help with the problem most of us are facing: we are still not reaching the goal of eating five servings of fruits and vegetables each day, as recommended by the American Institute for Cancer Research and other health organizations. For best nutrition, choose a large variety. Many people fill up three-fourths of their plate with plain iceberg lettuce. This makes a great low-calorie filler, but it doesn’t provide the nutritional advantages of many other salad bar selections. If a darker salad green, such as spinach or a lettuce like romaine is available, take a substantial amount; these are much higher in vitamins than the pale lettuces. Also, try to choose at least one food that is a good source of beta-carotene. Besides darker salad greens, other good salad bar sources of beta-carotene include carrots, tomatoes, broccoli and cantaloupe. Add cauliflower, green and red peppers, broccoli or strawberries and you’ll also be adding good sources of vitamin C. An easy guideline to follow when making salads is the more colorful it is, the better. Fruits and vegetables all contain unique nutrient and phytochemical profiles, which researchers are learning play a key role in reducing cancer risk. By including a wide variety of fruits and vegetables in our diet, we can enjoy the healthful benefits of these different substances. Recognition "Money is not so important as a pat on the head." –C.P Snow "He who praises everybody, praises nobody." – Samuel Johnson "Do not forget little kindnesses and do not remember small faults." –Chinese proverb |
If your salad is simply an accompaniment to a meal including another entree, then most suitable salad would be a combination of various vegetables or fruits. But if your salad is a main dish salad, then you need to make it substantial enough to supply the energy and nutrients you need. Some people have tried using a vegetable salad and a couple of crackers for lunch in order to help them limit their fat or calories. Then they can’t understand why they are falling asleep by mid-afternoon and can’t seem to fight off a trip to the vending machine for a candy bar. For a vegetarian main-dish salad, include at least one-half cup of kidney or garbanzo beans. If you wish to include meat, use some sliced turkey or other lean meat. Or you can add a few spoons of chopped egg or grated cheese. Also check the salad bar for bread or rolls to round out the meal. So, is a salad bar a good idea for a nutritious meal? It has great potential. It’s up to you to make the choices that provide a meal packed with nutrients, not fat. Easing Sore Throats Ease the discomfort of a sore throat this winter by following these suggestions from the American Academy of Otolaryngology.
|
|
Computers and Eyestrain Prevent blurred vision and eyestrain when using your computer by following these tips:
The 10 Best Foods at the Grocery Store The Center for Science in the Public Interest recently listed the top 10 most nutritious foods that you’re likely to find on supermarket shelves: Beans Enjoy the Soy! Products made from the soybean can help prevent major diseases and illnesses. Studies indicate that isoflavones – plentiful in soy products – can block substances that cause breast cancer; prevent osteoporosis by strengthening bones; lessen or eliminate menopausal symptoms; and reduce cholesterol, a major risk factor for heart disease. In fact, the FDA recently approved a "heart healthy" label for many products containing soy protein. The agency says that 25 grams of soy protein daily can lower cholesterol in diets that avoid foods high in cholesterol and saturated fat. |
Whipping Whiplash Automobile headrests can help reduce injury from whiplash – if they’re positioned properly. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, you should align the top of the headrest within three inches below the top of your head. Move it as close to the back of your head as possible (again, within three inches) by adjusting backwards the tilt of the seat. Safety Tips for Luggage Tags Security experts recommend writing your business – not your home – address on your luggage tags. If your luggage is lost or stolen, thieves won’t be directed to an empty house.
"The measure of a man’s real character is what he would do if he knew he would never be found out." Thomas B. Mecaulay "It isn’t the mountain ahead that wear you out, it’s the grain of sand in your shoe." Unknown "The whole problem with the world is that fools and fanatics are always so certain of themselves, but wiser people are so full of doubts." Bertrand Russell "I always wanted to be somebody, but I should have been more specific." Lily Tomlin "Advice is what we seek when we ask for what we already know the answer but wish we didn’t." Erica Jong |
Words of Wisdom|
A Genius’ Equation for Success Albert Einstein formulated the following equation as the secret for success:A = X + Y + Z A equals success X is work Y is play; and Z is keep your mouth shut
There's Always Something New at the Portland Library Value Line Now at Portland Library The Value Line Investment Survey is now available at the Portland Library. The weekly investment service furnishes financial data for approximately 1700 stocks. Value Line ranks the merits of individual stocks from best to worst and rates the risk value of each stock. "Value Line was requested by many library users and we are pleased to finally be able to provide it," said Laurel Goodgion, Library Director. "Value Line is also available through the library’s Internet connection," added Goodgion. In addition to Value Line, the Portland Library subscribes to the Morningstar guide to mutual funds. "These two publications will help investors make informed decisions," comments Goodgion.
To help fill the gap, the Portland Library has a list of "Books for those who loved Harry Potter." The titles range from whole series, such as the Chronicles of Prydain, to individual books like Phantom Tollbooth, by Norton Juster, and The Witches, by the ever popular Ronald Dahl. All of these books may be found in the children’s section of the library. For more information, please call 342-6770.
In addition, the library has 1999 CD-ROM Federal Tax Products installed at a computer workstation; all the IRS products are available for viewing and printing. Patrons can also copy forms from an IRS notebook kept at the adult reference desk. Anyone needing forms and publications while using the Internet at home may go to: http://www.irs.gov/forms_pubs/index.html The website for general information is: www.irs.gov
Stories, songs and fun are always a part of Bedtime Stories. According to Jacqueline McMahon, also known as Mrs. Applesauce to her young fans. Bedtime Stories is for children ages 3-5 years. Parents must accompany their children. There is no registration required for the program. |
Homework Central.com has information for three different age levels: Kids, Teens, and College students. Students can explore 10,000 study subjects www.homeworkcentral.com High School Hub: Academic Resources for High School Students is a wonderful web site. Its featured sites include: Chemistry Guide, College Information, and U.S. High Schools. The Updated Daily section has a CNN Daily Almanac, CNN News, a Daily SAT question, New York Times News Quiz, and Today in U.S. History. A Reference Desks links to Congress, a zip code directory, current musical stars, street maps and more. At this point there are subject guides to English, Mathematics, Social Studies, and Science. It's also a great place to start a search since links to 15 search engines and web directories are also listed on its home page. highschoolhub.org Homework Maniac, on the Washington Post's web site, has found resources all over the Internet and organizes them by class subjects. Washington Post www.washingtonpost.com//wp-srv/interact/longterm/safari/tours/maniac.htm WebEd K-12 Curriculum Links, produced by the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction, has professionally selected links for K-12 schools, libraries, and families. It begins with "State of the (WWW) ART" ** MUST SEE New Sites and goes on to links to search tools, sites for kids, and links by subject area. www.dpi.state.wi.us/dpi/dlcl/pld/webed.html Historic, Cultural, & Genealogical Resources: MetroHartford and Connecticut, compiled by the Capitol Region Library Council, has links to hard to find local information: Connecticut's history and genealogy sites, museums and historic sites, societies and libraries, and other sites such as www.crlc.org/tools/hartford.html
"We would also like to thank Dale Benoit and Wes Perini. They gave freely of their own time to set up the voting machine at the library, and count the results. The fact that 38 children voted on the machine shows that it does attract the children. We are so grateful." |
