Jim Stahr has a Different Year

I visited the Samuel Huntington Homestead again. They were hosting a re-enactment by the  Second Continental Light Dragoons and demonstrating a period hearth cooked breakfast. Delicious and intriguing,  I heard the Star Spangled Banner on a mountain dulcimer and a period piece on a hammered dulcimer!  A surveyor brought several tools of the trade  that were reminiscent of my past career.  There is little evidence that an encampment happened at this location but the possibility exists.  The  Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route was on the road directly in front of the Homestead . Either way, it was fun... errr educational to watch the cannons go off. 

I had the fortune of photographing a fundraising effort   for the Children's Tumor Foundation .   The event was family and dog friendly  which makes everything better . Some old rockers showed up too!     The official tally was 75 people gathered for a walk     around the Putnam River Trail .    The Frog Rock Trio provided music  until a DJ relieved them.   There was dancing, balloon hats,  eating, reunions, and new connections.   The local business community provided dozens of raffle baskets.  Scarecrows were made by even cuter children. All organized by a local hero  and her team. If you wish to know more about this fundraiser visit their website:  https://join.ctf.org/putnam/events/2016-putnam-nf-walk/e71892  . To donate go to  https://join.ctf.org/checkout/donation?eid=71892 .  If you do donate; thank you....

Agricultural fairs have long stopped being what they should be. Families reuniting.  Fathers relaxing with their children while mothers rest without.  LOCAL performers and marching bands  surrounded by local merchants and entrepreneurs.  Ridiculous contests .   In an era where some agricultural fairs won't allow dogs on their grounds the Great Killingly Tomato Festival is a refreshing hint at the origins of the crowded overpriced carnivals that pretend to be local today. 

Samuel Huntington was the President of the Continental Congress  for a month after the US Constitution was Ratified . He was a self educated man. Unlike his three Ely brothers; he did not need college to pass the Bar.   His birthplace is a testament to the work ethic and the progress of this United States. The brick structures like this (perhaps) 19th century smoker and smaller "room" fireplace, are testament to America's work ethic and the progress it has created. 2oth century fixtures show our evolution   in a building that was lived in until the 1990's.  it is conjecture what was here when the Washington-Rochambeau Revolutionary Route marched in front of his old homestead.

This man gave me the courage to perform for others. I'm certain the informal gathering and   natural setting of his remembrance pleased him.  He was fully domesticated when I met him, but there were many testifying to his untamed youth. Stories include a young Jim Henson repeatedly show up at his gigs madly sketching what would eventually inspire the Muppets' Animal. Several bear a passing resemblance to the character; he is the only one old enough to have inspired the Muppet, and in turn the young drummers that imitate him. As he watched over the wild surreal jam session that followed,  there were as many reminders of his domestic legacy.