Amazing Tales from Off and On Connecticut‘s Beaten Path

The Barkhamsted Lighthouse Village has an exceptionally unusual backstory. The village of around 100 residents was occupied for about 100 years in the 1700s and 1800s in a very remote section of CT’s northwest hills. It was abandoned and virtually forgotten until an archeological team stumbled across it and put the pieces together. The story includes a Romeo and Juliet type of love story, coupled with a fascinating twist explaining how a village 70 miles from Long Island Sound got the name lighthouse. The story is told by Ken Feder, Professor Emeritus of Archeology at Central Connecticut State University, who led the archeological digs.

During the War of 1812, the superior British Navy blockaded Long Island Sound, causing huge financial losses for Connecticut merchants. Sailors and civilian boaters alike were trying to win government rewards for blowing up British ships in The Sound with underwater bombs. The British responded by devastating the village of Essex on the Connecticut River, destroying its 27 ships. Four months later, they attacked the tiny village of Stonington and outnumbered the town 1,300 to 30 in manpower – but the Battle of Stonington had a very different outcome. The story is told by Tertius de Kay, author of the acclaimed narrative on the battle.

 Celebrities love to live in Roxbury, CT because town residents take it in stride when famous people live among them. So it was for Marilyn Monroe for five years when she lived with her famous playwright husband Arthur Miller. Registering to vote, shopping at the only general store, and having her grass cut are all activities you’ll learn about. We’ll also share the story of the fatal car crash when speeding paparazzi reporters chased Monroe and Miller through town. Three long-time residents tell these stories: Peter Hurlbut, Philo Hodges, and Russ Wheeler.

One of the most accomplished military leaders in U.S. history was Israel Putnam. He doesn’t hold the same name recognition as George Washington, Ulysses Grant, or George Patton but he had multiple remarkable military successes. He organized the effort at Bunker Hill, was Washington’s military “go-to fixer” during the Revolutionary War, and defended the Hudson River by having heavy chains stretched across the river to successfully keep British ships from navigating along it. There are so many incredible stories about his legendary bravery, leadership, and accomplishments. You’ll hear about them from the author of a new book on Putnam, Michael Westerfield.

The venerable Associated Press – the source of the most major news stories every day – was created by Wallingford native Moses Yale Beach. He routinely beat his competition to big stories by 24 hours, and finally shared his news gathering tricks with others - for a shared fee. Beach also was the entrepreneur who made the New York Sun the first newspaper affordable for the common person, at a penny a copy. Beach was also a secret government envoy during the Mexican American War. His incredible story is told by Bob Beaumont, President of the Wallingford Historical Society.