April, 2012: An Update on Our Interviews…

Bennett Jewelers: A Family Business, interviewer, Sallie Mc Hale

In this interview, the narrator, Wyatt Bennett traces the origins of Bennett Jewelers, which came into existence in 1945 when it was founded by his grandfather and father. Bennett, who remembers fixing clocks at the store as a young boy, took over the business with his wife Aura in 1981 when his father retired. Bennett began his own semi-retirement in 2006 and can still be found in the store repairing clocks while his daughters Alyson and Laura keep things running smoothly. In the interview he tells of traveling to New York’s famed 47^th street to buy diamonds, riding the train home with a pocket full of gems, often “dressed down” to throw would-be muggers off the trail. Expert jewelers all, the Bennetts’ specialty has long been the repair of watches and, mainly, antique clocks. Bennett has over the years often traveled to owners’ homes to work on clocks too delicate to be moved. One finishes reading the interview wondering what will become of these fragile treasures once Wyatt Bennett fully retires.

Temple Sholom and Volunteer Activity, interviewer, Nina L. Renna

Norma Golden Perlstein narrates this interview, a compelling account of her many years in Greenwich as executive director of Temple Sholom and as an active volunteer in various local organizations. During her tenure at Temple Sholom, Perlstein says with humor, her duties included everything but giving sermons on Friday night and Saturday mornings. As a result of her extensive outreach efforts at the temple, she became involved with many local organizations, the details of which are described in her interview in vivid detail. Of all the experiences Perlstein relates perhaps the most compelling is the account of her service in a program to provide friendship to a resident of Pathways, a halfway house for people with mental illness.  The friendship begun there twenty-two years ago continues to the present day.  Perlstein’s interview is an inspirational account of someone who has “given back” in numerous ways, both as a professional and as a volunteer.

Growing Up on Brae Burn Farm, Interviewer, Nina L. Renna

Margaret Watt begins this interview describing her first experiences on the Farm through the prism of a fairytale. After losing the family nursery business in Stamford in 1939, her father became the estate manager of Brae Burn Farm, owned by James McCue, who made his fortune as a supplier of copper to the military and to industry.  Ms. Watt, four at the time, describes the owner’s home as a mansion with a six- to eight-car garage, a pool and pool house, tennis courts, and stables. Running the estate required the services of a “whole army,” and it was the job of the narrator’s father to oversee the grounds with its many gardens and greenhouses. Ms. Watt lovingly describes poignant and colorful episodes of growing up on a Greenwich estate in a bygone era. It is in many ways a fairytale, serving as a reminder of the distinction between the classes, a distinction that was at once amiable and at the same time not to be breached.

Greenwich Library During the Storm of March, 2010, Interviewer, Harriet Feldman

When is a library more than a library? When it sees to the needs of a community after a massive storm. That is the conclusion made abundantly clear in this informative interview narrated by Carl J. White, the Local History and Genealogy Librarian of the Greenwich Library. White describes the library’s role during the storm of March, 2010. After high winds and a torrential downpour, 125 utility poles in town snapped with a resulting power outage to about 18,000 Greenwich residents. When many of those without power began streaming into the library on Sunday following the storm, volunteers were called in to help manage the load. White gives credit to Carol Mahoney, the Library Director, who played a vital, hands-on role implementing many of the ideas that made for a smooth-running disaster relief program at the library.

In December 2011, The OHP highlighted one of their interviews, “Police in Greenwich,” narrated by James (Jimmy) Norton Hirsch, Jr. This is a fascinating transcript with lots of great details about police work in Greenwich over the years. Another interview, detailing the history of police work in our town, was conducted in 1975. The narrator is John Gleason who began his tenure in 1930 and went on to become Chief of Police. Both of these interviews present not only interesting historical information, but also very colorful vignettes about the nature of police work in Greenwich in those days. Gleason, for example, tells of racing to crime scenes in taxis and of hailing a truck on the Post Road because there were was only one patrol car for the entire force. Police in those days often took trolleys to get to the crime scene. Later, speeding violators or those trying to escape the law were apprehended on motorcycle.  This was before patrol cars became the norm. His colorful stories also include breaking up bootlegging operations during Prohibition. Today we all know about “following the money” to get to the source of crime. Back in Gleason’s day, the Feds and the police “followed the sugar”—massive bulk purchases of it—to get to the source of illegal liquor. After the stake out and the raid, the stills would be destroyed and the contents poured out into nearby streams. The bottles were also smashed with axes where they were found.

As it turns out, one of our Oral History Project interviewers was discussing these transcripts with a Call-A-Ride driver, who just happened to be a retired Greenwich policeman. Here’s the story she tells of that conversation:

“The mention of the Social Register and Dinner Set Gangs reminded the driver that there had been a series of less publicized robberies in Riverside one winter. The robberies occurred during daylight hours, when the residents of the houses were absent, so that the police were not notified until some hours later. The only clue was the footprints in the snow outside the window which had been forced open. The police took casts of the footprints, noting that the tread of the boots was unusual. The case remained unsolved for several months. Then at a social event, a fellow police officer in Westchester described a series of robberies, mentioned that there was a suspect, but no evidence. Because the M.O. had been the same in both sets of robberies, the Greenwich police obtained a warrant, searched the room in which the suspect was living, and found a pair of boots which had the same unusual tread on the sole, and which fitted the cast.  Case solved!  As the C-A-R driver said, ‘How often could you expect something like that to happen?’”

There are a million great stories out there. At the Oral History Project, we track them down one at a time.

December 2011 Recent Interviews for the Greenwich Library Oral History Project include:

Police in Greenwich, interviewer, Donald Landsman

This illuminating glimpse into police work in Greenwich is told from an insider’s perspective. Narrated by James (Jimmy) Norton Hirsch, Jr., a retired career policeman with the Greenwich police force, this interview spans several decades, from the 1970s-1990s. The narrator touches on changes in training at the police academy over the years and delves into several local high-profile cases, such as “The Dinner Set Gang,” “The Shoreline Bandits,” and the prosecution of the Martha Moxley case.

Greenwich Chaplaincy Services, interviewer, Suzanne M. Seton

Narrated by Reverend Dr. Heather Parkinson Wright, this comprehensive interview covers the history of Greenwich Chaplaincy Services (GCS) and explains its scope and mission. Incorporated in 1968, GCS was begun by a core group from a number of congregations believing the senior population of Greenwich would benefit from an array of Chaplaincy services. The interview goes on to describe the ways in which GCS provides spiritual care to residents, staff, and families of the town’s long-term and assisted living facilities.

An Interracial Marriage in Greenwich, interviewer, Nina L. Renna

This interview narrated by Jeanette “Rusty” Moye focuses on Mrs. Moye’s years in Greenwich and on her life with her husband, Eugene Moye, (Greenwich’s first black policeman) who passed away in March, 2011. While touching on their early years, her volunteer work, and her commitment to rearing their four children, the emphasis is on the hardship her family endured as a result of the couple’s interracial marriage.

The Greenwich Library Oral History Project (OHP), sponsored by the Friends of Greenwich Library, was founded in 1973. Its collection consists of more than 850 interviews and 137 books, based on many of the interviews. Members of the OHP are volunteers, and new members are always welcome.

Some of our Recent Interviews are:

Adopt-A Dog, interviewer, Donald Landsman

An informative interview with co-founder, Donna Nives, and current president, Allyson Halm, about the founding and expansion of this admirable animal rescue facility, which encourages the adoption of dogs and cats and provides permanent care for those animals not adopted.

At Home in Greenwich, interviewer Suzanne M. Seton

Marylin Cho, who was instrumental in establishing At Home in Greenwich, discusses this relatively new organization, and how it has evolved in the Greenwich community.

Greenwich Hospital Auxiliary and Thrift Shop, interviewer, Suzanne M. Seton

In this interview, Michelle (Mimi) Grady talks about the Greenwich Hospital Auxiliary, the hospital’s Thrift Shop and Gift Shop, and reveals how the Red Barons, the hospital’s male volunteers, got their name.

Riding in Greenwich, interviewer Vera Frazao

A fascinating account by the narrator, Jennifer Freedman, of the riding trails in backcountry Greenwich, the detrimental effect of residential development on them, and the acquisition of the Herbert L. Nichols Preserve by the Greenwich Riding and Trails Association..

The Greenwich Symphony—53 Years of  Superb Performances, a new book from the Greenwich Library Oral History Project, includes interviews with five volunteers who have been a vital part of the Symphony’s history.

Elizabeth Shippee, a decades–long volunteer, remembers early town classical music offerings for both children and adults.  Cathrine Felding, the first president of the Philharmonia, talks about its founding and first conductors.  Marianne Jeffrey, the second president, describes her work with the young conductor, John Nelson, to help the orchestra achieve its high professional standard.  Corinta Kotula, a board member since the 1980s, recalls her experiences as corporate fund-raiser for the orchestra.  Mary Radcliffe, the Greenwich Symphony’s longtime current president, discusses the contributions over the years of its musicians and volunteer management in creating an orchestra of distinction that continues to flourish.

The Oral History Project (OHP), sponsored by the Friends of Greenwich Library, has collected more than 850 interviews recalling the history of the town of Greenwich since the 1890s.  The Greenwich Symphony is the 137^th book that the OHP has published. All books circulate at the town libraries, and interview CDs, transcripts, and books may be purchased at the Oral History Project office.  Phone  203.622.7945. Website: www.glohistory.org.

The Greenwich Symphony—53 Years of Superb Performances

Transcripts of the Oral History Project interviews, along with a subject guide, [link] are found in the Greenwich Library’s Local History reference section, located on the first floor.)

Garden Catering (#2819)— Sallie Mc Hale, interviewer;
Frank J Carpenteri, Sr., narrator, owner of Garden Catering.

An interview about the start and expansion of a popular catering and fast food service in Old Greenwich. This interview covers Mr. Carpenteri’s start in the business in Port Chester, moves to his purchase of Garden Catering, and to its opening under his name in 1991. The interview then details the growth of the business from one small store of 500 square feet to the present business configuration encompassing eight stores. In the interview Mr. Carpenteri discusses the growth and development of Garden Catering’s menu, his views on customer service, and his ideas on business management practices.
Category: Merchants

Greenwich Tree Conservancy (#2821)— Richard M. Blair, interviewer;
Jo Anne Messina, narrator, executive director of GTC.

An account of a volunteer effort begun in 2007 and supported by the Town of Greenwich to encourage the planting and protection of trees and to stimulate public interest. To that end, the Conservancy sponsors events such as the Commemorative Tree Program, enabling participants to plant trees on public lands in memory or in honor of a person or event. The Conservancy also plants trees on the grounds of all the town’s public schools, conducts workshops to raise public awareness on the necessity of healthy, protected trees, and runs a Geographic Information System (GIS) to locate and identify trees. The Conservancy also engages the community by conducting contests, asking for nominations for the weirdest tree, the tallest tree, and the most beautiful tree in Greenwich.

Categories: Conservation Associations Non-profit organizations

Robert Arnold & Family Centers, Inc. (#2820)—Suzanne M. Seton, interviewer; Robert M. Arnold, narrator, president of Family Centers, Inc.

The interview begins with an account of Robert Arnold’s background and experience, including his early days as a clinician at the Greenwich Family Center in 1978. The interview then provides a detailed history of social services in Greenwich, including the founding of the Greenwich Family Center in 1895 as the Greenwich Aid Society, run by prominent women of the town. The interview culminates with a description of the organization today, having a budget of more than ten million dollars, with a staff of 200, using the services of 1,200 volunteers, and touching 17,000 lives annually through its different programs.

Category: Social Services

A Childhood at Tod’s Mansion (#2823)—Harriet Feldman, interviewer;
Martha S. Hankins, narrator, resident, 1945-1955.

A personal account of life in the Tod Mansion at the Point after World War II when the mansion was converted into housing for returning veterans. Mrs. Hankins, describes her childhood years there. She tells of arriving just after the town gave permission to the veterans to create individual apartments for themselves and their families. Mrs. Hankins’ first and last memories are of “kicking the dust,” when her family was the earliest to take up residence, and then in 1962, when the property was once again abandoned and demolished. The narrator relives memories of summers playing with friends on the beach and winters bouncing on the saltwater ice outside her door. A favorite indoor pastime was roller skating on the mansion’s massive ballroom floor. Also included are reminiscences of Christmas and New Year’s festivities.

Categories: World War II Estates People Parks

Thomas Lyon House & Lyon Family of Greenwich (#2827)—R. M. Blair, interviewer; Julie Grey Pollock, narrator, granddaughter of last owner of the Thomas Lyon House.

A history of the oldest colonial home in Greenwich, believed to have been built in 1695 on the Boston Post Road before being moved to its present location at One Byram Road. The home, having been donated in the 1920s by a family member to the Lions and Rotary Clubs, is now under the auspices of the Greenwich Preservation Trust and is slated to become a historic property available to the public. The interview gives the family history of the house and provides details regarding the original structure and furnishings, many of which have remained in the family and have been returned to the home for its restoration.

Categories: People History of Farming in Greenwich

Olwen Jones

In 1973, Barbara Bloch, who had earlier done oral history interviews in New Hampshire, asked the Greenwich Historical Society and the Greenwich Library if they would be interested in helping to sponsor a project for the nation’s Bicentennial in 1976.  The Greenwich Oral History Project (OHP) began under the joint sponsorship of these two organizations.

Barbara B. Bloch photographed by Marianne Gjersuik for The Nutmegger

In Bloch’s interview, she recalls that she turned for assistance to Nolan Lushington, then the Library Director.  Lushington was asked if the Library would take on the OHP as sole sponsor and as its Bicentennial Project, requesting the use of the Library’s 501(c)(3) number to accept the grant.  He accepted the proposal and later suggested—critically for the Project’s development over the years—that it should publish some of its interviews.  With  Lushington’s insights, the Project became more than an archive; the Project actually produces books that circulate in the town libraries.

The challenge grant was met with the crucial help of prominent town residents, Helen Alvord, then director of the town’s Community Chest (now United Way) and of John M. Gleason, then the Chief of Police.

In 1977, after the Bicentennial celebration and after the Project had produced a number of interviews and books, the members thought about disbanding, but were hesitant to do so.  At about the same time, the Friends of the Greenwich Library offered their sponsorship, which was very fortunate for the Project, because the members therefore can spend all their time on oral history, not on fundraising.  The Project has continuously been in operation since its inception.

(The Oral History Project has interviews with its founder, Barbara B. Bloch, and Olwen M. Jones.)

The Project is one of oldest in New England, now in its 38^th year in 2011.  It has thirty members and is a very collegial group.  New volunteers are always welcome.  Its collection currently consists of  840 interviews and 136 books which can be found at the Greenwich Library.

The Project is unusual in that the members are all volunteers, except for an office assistant who works ten hours per week.  The Project is also unusual in that it publishes many of its interviews.  The Greenwich Oral History Project is well-known and respected for its professional standards, including documentation and indexing—which make its interviews even more accessible to readers and researchers.

In 1991, the Project received the Harvey A. Kantor award for Excellence in Oral History from the New England Association of Oral History. The Project belongs to the Oral History Association, the national scholarly organization.