A very productive February 4 meeting of the Historic Windsor Advisory Committee resulted in the formation of two sub-committees on proposed initiatives and the consideration of eventually establishing a Windsor Historical Society.
Carlton Gordon and Steve Contento are organizing a group to work on a "Postcard History of Windsor" publication. Thanks to the use of Mr. Gordon's extensive collection of old Windsor postcards and a box full of postcards donated years ago by the Vint family to the town, we have the makings of a local history picture book that's sure to attract the interest of all Windsor natives and newcomers. The book, which we hope to have done by mid-year, will be part of a fund-raising effort by the Advisory Committee to support other history endeavors.
The Committee also agreed to a proposal for creating a "History of Windsor" website. Taking ideas from other successful local history websites, this sub-committee will be working on an interactive site that will include all of Windsor, from the smallest of hamlets in the town to the village at the heart of the community. Village Mayor Ron Harting, Advisory Committee Coordinator Eileen Ruggieri and other committee members will be organizing this effort.
Work on the "History of Windsor" display panels continues, thanks to a $500.00 grant from the Busfield Foundation. This set of large panels covering Windsor's extensive history during the 1800s will be on display in the Town Hall later this year.
Town Supervisor Randy Williams initiated discussion with the Advisory Committee on the eventual formation of a historical society in Windsor. The benefits of being an independent, non-profit group were explained, as were the responsibilities. Those attending the February meeting agreed that the Committee should begin considering such a move and approved Mr. Williams suggestion that Town Attorney Cheryl Insinga attend the March 4th meeting to address the legal concerns involved.
In a local history version of "show and tell", a number of very old items were on display at the February meeting. In connection with the recent return of portraits of Elias Whittemore and his wife Anna Whittemore to the Village of Windsor, Committee Coordinator Eileen Ruggieri found in the Town Hall history files two account books written by Elias Whittemore, recording his business transactions during the years 1809 to 1811.
The next committee meeting is on Thursday, March 4th, in the Town Hall, and is open to any and all people who are interested in preserving and promoting the history of Windsor.