The town history of Groton, Connecticut 1600-1965.

The town history of Groton, Connecticut 1600-1965.

Groton - Historical Bits and Pieces is a compilation of many of the historical articles about Groton, Connecticut written by the author and published in the Groton Times newspaper over the past five years. Various subject matters, containing little known or interesting historical facts about Groton's people, places and things, are discussed in the articles. Many are accompanied by rarely viewed photographs which are part of the author's personal collection. Unusual and interesting subjects relating to Groton, including a three part series on police corruption during the years of prohibition, the presidential desk, old businesses, hometown heroes, and many other unique stories appear in this book. Most of the articles cover the time frame between the late 1800's and the mid-1960's. Although many may not believe that the subjects are historical in nature, the author considers them to be "modern history" and in his words "one hundred years from now they will be valued as relevant history". This book will play an important role, both now and in the future, in the documentation of the history of Groton, Connecticut.

GROTON SCHOOL CAMP, the first summer camp in the U.S. for the "underprivileged boy" of the city, was established in 1893 on Willoughby's Island in New Hampshire along the beautiful Asquam (Squam) Lake. This Camp, as well as other social programs for wayward and neglected children, became a hallmark of the Progressive Era (1890-1920). Many of our child-related laws and attitudes about the child blossomed during this period, as "reformers" articulated a new vision of what childhood could and should be. While this book includes a general history of organized camping in the U.S. and what led up to it, these pages also capture the day-to-day activities at Groton School Camp. The portal into early Camp life is supplied by fascinating photographs and the original Camp journal, written by the Camp founder, Endicott Peabody (also founder of the prestigious Groton School of Groton, Massachusetts) and his brethren. We can only appreciate how far we have come when we look back at where we started. Bingham's story takes us from a time of changing attitudes towards the "child"-in the late 1800's-to the genesis of the Camp idea-on through the Groton School Camp years-and finally to the current Mayhew Program-an organization for at-risk boys. (All profits from this BOOK go to the Mayhew Program)

One man’s extraordinary journey through the twentieth century and how he learned to read at age 98 “Things will be all right. People need to hear that. Life is good, just as it is. There isn’t anything I would change about my life.”—George Dawson In this remarkable book, George Dawson, a slave’s grandson who learned to read at age 98 and lived to the age of 103, reflects on his life and shares valuable lessons in living, as well as a fresh, firsthand view of America during the entire sweep of the twentieth century. Richard Glaubman captures Dawson’s irresistible voice and view of the world, offering insights into humanity, history, hardships, and happiness. From segregation and civil rights, to the wars and the presidents, to defining moments in history, George Dawson’s description and assessment of the last century inspires readers with the message that has sustained him through it all: “Life is so good. I do believe it’s getting better.” WINNER OF THE CHRISTOPHER AWARD “A remarkable autobiography . . . . the feel-good story of the year.”—The Christian Science Monitor “A testament to the power of perseverance.”—USA Today “Life Is So Good is about character, soul and spirit. . . . The pride in standing his ground is matched—maybe even exceeded—by the accomplishment of [George Dawson’s] hard-won education.”—The Washington Post “Eloquent . . . engrossing . . . an astonishing and unforgettable memoir.”—Publishers Weekly Look for special features inside. Join the Circle for author chats and more.