A TIMELESS TREASURES HOliday
Join us for our Annual Holiday Open House, December 7 & 8, from 1PM to 4PM
This year our theme looks back on the Victorian era, featuring antique cards and handmade toys
and the simple treasures and pleasures of the time
Come listen to a gramophone! See our tree decked in candlelight!
We'll have hearth cooking and treats. In the Barn there will be carols and
a display of vintage games, plus ornaments on the tree to delight and surprise!
Come, usher in the season with us.
The Old Store will be open and their fall hours are Thurs-Sun-12-4pm.
This year our theme looks back on the Victorian era, featuring antique cards and handmade toys
and the simple treasures and pleasures of the time
Come listen to a gramophone! See our tree decked in candlelight!
We'll have hearth cooking and treats. In the Barn there will be carols and
a display of vintage games, plus ornaments on the tree to delight and surprise!
Come, usher in the season with us.
The Old Store will be open and their fall hours are Thurs-Sun-12-4pm.
2024-2025 MEMBERSHIP DRIVE
Without you, We'd be History. With You, We Thrive and Keep History ALIVE.
Since 1975, The Society has preserved and interpreted our history for residents as well as for visitors to our beautiful town. We are only able to do this thanks to our members. You allow our mission to be a reality. As always we thank you for your generosity and continued support!
As we look back on the past year, we are truly grateful for the generosity of so many donors who kept our mission alive, for the many volunteers who made this year's Barn Sale a success, and who helped with programs for young and old, and for all of you who participated in our events. We would not be here without you.
On behalf of the Board of Directors, we would like to again thank you for Keeping History Alive in the Present, and for the Future.
PLEASE CONSIDER BECOMING A MEMBER or RENEWING!
You can mail a check to the office or select your Level of membership from the drop down box and click "Join Now" to make your dues payment via PayPal.
Please click here for more information on how to donate.
Also, if you did not get our Annual Newsletter in the mail, please click here for your copy.
As we look back on the past year, we are truly grateful for the generosity of so many donors who kept our mission alive, for the many volunteers who made this year's Barn Sale a success, and who helped with programs for young and old, and for all of you who participated in our events. We would not be here without you.
On behalf of the Board of Directors, we would like to again thank you for Keeping History Alive in the Present, and for the Future.
PLEASE CONSIDER BECOMING A MEMBER or RENEWING!
You can mail a check to the office or select your Level of membership from the drop down box and click "Join Now" to make your dues payment via PayPal.
Please click here for more information on how to donate.
Also, if you did not get our Annual Newsletter in the mail, please click here for your copy.
THE OLD STORE MUSEUM & GIFT SHOP
If you have been shopping at The Old Store Museum & Gift Shop, you know it’s more than a reminder of bygone days, it is not just a mere shop; it’s a bastion of history, a gathering place and a testament to the town’s resilient spirit. It’s a place where neighbors become friends and strangers become familiar faces. In an era where digital interactions often take precedence, the old-fashioned charm of The Old Store reminds us of the value of human connections forged over a wooden countertop.
Your patronage, year after year, plays a vital role in keeping The Old Store Museum & Gift Shop operational, much like a lifeblood pumping through the veins of a cherished community landmark. The Old Store Museum is a living museum, where the walls whisper tales of past generations and the creaky floorboards groan with the weight of time. By choosing to shop with us, staffed 100% by volunteers, locals and visitors alike contribute to the maintenance of a tangible piece of the town’s heritage. Each purchase made is a vote for the continuation of this legacy, allowing the store to remain a beacon of Sherman’s storied past amidst the ever-evolving present.
The mission of The Old Store Gift Shop is to be self-sufficient, pay all of its expenses while maintaining the over 200-year-old building and provide funds for the SHS endowment as well as programs for SHS as needed. Your purchases helped us replace a section of The Old Store’s roof this year. Each transaction is a declaration of support for a way of life that values authenticity, relationships, and the rich tapestry of our heritage.
Come see us, shop for the gift you need (we get new items every week) and we might have just the right gift. And we wrap for no charge. Remember, we “have a little of a lot,” we change with the seasons and the holidays are fast approaching!!
BOOK RE-RELEASED. We are pleased to reprint Mr. Collier’s earlier publication in which he provides an insightful look back at our local history, from colonial times to the colorful 1930s—when a menagerie of Bohemian writers, artists, and actors of note took up residence at the seventeenth century homestead, Robber Rocks, that lies on the Pawling/Sherman border. It is a personal retelling that adds to our tales of local history published in Reflections. Both books are available at The Old Store, for $25 and $30, respectively.
The Old Store Museum & Gift Shop is located at 3 Route 37 Center in Sherman. Our hours are Friday through Sunday from 12 to 4. Beginning in November, when we morph into a Winter Wonderland, we will add Thursdays to the calendar!! Hope to see you soon!
TO CONTACT US: 860-350-3475 or email
Your patronage, year after year, plays a vital role in keeping The Old Store Museum & Gift Shop operational, much like a lifeblood pumping through the veins of a cherished community landmark. The Old Store Museum is a living museum, where the walls whisper tales of past generations and the creaky floorboards groan with the weight of time. By choosing to shop with us, staffed 100% by volunteers, locals and visitors alike contribute to the maintenance of a tangible piece of the town’s heritage. Each purchase made is a vote for the continuation of this legacy, allowing the store to remain a beacon of Sherman’s storied past amidst the ever-evolving present.
The mission of The Old Store Gift Shop is to be self-sufficient, pay all of its expenses while maintaining the over 200-year-old building and provide funds for the SHS endowment as well as programs for SHS as needed. Your purchases helped us replace a section of The Old Store’s roof this year. Each transaction is a declaration of support for a way of life that values authenticity, relationships, and the rich tapestry of our heritage.
Come see us, shop for the gift you need (we get new items every week) and we might have just the right gift. And we wrap for no charge. Remember, we “have a little of a lot,” we change with the seasons and the holidays are fast approaching!!
BOOK RE-RELEASED. We are pleased to reprint Mr. Collier’s earlier publication in which he provides an insightful look back at our local history, from colonial times to the colorful 1930s—when a menagerie of Bohemian writers, artists, and actors of note took up residence at the seventeenth century homestead, Robber Rocks, that lies on the Pawling/Sherman border. It is a personal retelling that adds to our tales of local history published in Reflections. Both books are available at The Old Store, for $25 and $30, respectively.
The Old Store Museum & Gift Shop is located at 3 Route 37 Center in Sherman. Our hours are Friday through Sunday from 12 to 4. Beginning in November, when we morph into a Winter Wonderland, we will add Thursdays to the calendar!! Hope to see you soon!
TO CONTACT US: 860-350-3475 or email
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NEW EXHIBIT: "MEMORIES OF THE GENERAL STORE"
The Society has mounted a three-location exhibit to celebrate over 100 years of the General Store (and its many lives) in Sherman. The main display in Northrop House, which features a variety of stores once in the area, is open Sat. and Sun. 1-3. The Old Store houses all the items left to the Society from what was Lester Bennett’s IGA as well as many vintage photos. The Old Store is open Fri. through Sun. 12-4. The third part is a display at the current
GA, on the shelf over the meat counter. Have a look next time you shop!
The Society was pleased to add to this exhibit, a section to mark Mike Luzi’s 41st year owning the current IGA and his dedication to our town.
We encourage you to visit all the exhibits, which run through October
Click here for a video of Mike Luzi's visit to the exhibit.
2024 Gloria Thorne Scholarship WINNER
It was with immense pleasure that the Board of Directors awarded this year’s scholarship to Sarah Bollacke, who not only met but exceeded our criteria in GPA, community service, dedication to the Society and overall character.
Sarah, a 2024 graduate of New Fairfield High School, achieved academic honors while pursuing her creative talents in theatre and music as well as volunteering for several causes close to her heart, SHS included. She also managed to work as a personal care assistant as well.
The Society is appreciative of Sarah’s years of volunteering. She’s jumped in to help at every turn: working barn sales and donation days, setting up exhibits, organizing our inventory of historic goods, cooking at the open hearth at Holiday Open House, and marching with our banner in the annual parades. Whatever asked, she has done with great enthusiasm, and often a song.
Sarah received her certificate and $5,000 check in an event on Aug. 8th, with her proud family in attendance. We wish Sarah every success in academia, her creative passions and beyond.
RECIPIENT (L-R) SARAH BOLLACKE WITH SHS PRESIDENT ELIZABETH M. HANEY.
Sarah, a 2024 graduate of New Fairfield High School, achieved academic honors while pursuing her creative talents in theatre and music as well as volunteering for several causes close to her heart, SHS included. She also managed to work as a personal care assistant as well.
The Society is appreciative of Sarah’s years of volunteering. She’s jumped in to help at every turn: working barn sales and donation days, setting up exhibits, organizing our inventory of historic goods, cooking at the open hearth at Holiday Open House, and marching with our banner in the annual parades. Whatever asked, she has done with great enthusiasm, and often a song.
Sarah received her certificate and $5,000 check in an event on Aug. 8th, with her proud family in attendance. We wish Sarah every success in academia, her creative passions and beyond.
RECIPIENT (L-R) SARAH BOLLACKE WITH SHS PRESIDENT ELIZABETH M. HANEY.
MEET OUR NEW BOARD MEMBERS
At our Annual Meeting in September, we elected three additional Board Members to our governing team: Renée Collins, Lucy Seda and Helen Anne Ostrosky. They each bring unique talents and energy to the table. (Please see page 8 for a full list of our Board.)
Renée Collins has called Sherman home for the past four decades. Currently, she is a dedicated volunteer at The Old Store. She raised two children here and has proudly served as a realtor helping families find their dream homes and invest in the beauty of this town.
Lucy Seda, her husband and two teens have taken delight in Sherman since their move in 2018. Lucy works in the healthcare field. She believes, however, her best work has taken place through volunteerism.
Helen Anne Ostrosky has lived in Sherman since 1999, and has raised four children here. She currently works as an Assistant Preschool Teacher at Christ Church Preschool in Pawling NY. Helen Anne began volunteering at SHS with Membership and Kids@Cobbler Shop programs. She teamed up to start the Hooked on History children’s programs. She looks forward to collaborating with the current and past board members and volunteers!
Renée Collins has called Sherman home for the past four decades. Currently, she is a dedicated volunteer at The Old Store. She raised two children here and has proudly served as a realtor helping families find their dream homes and invest in the beauty of this town.
Lucy Seda, her husband and two teens have taken delight in Sherman since their move in 2018. Lucy works in the healthcare field. She believes, however, her best work has taken place through volunteerism.
Helen Anne Ostrosky has lived in Sherman since 1999, and has raised four children here. She currently works as an Assistant Preschool Teacher at Christ Church Preschool in Pawling NY. Helen Anne began volunteering at SHS with Membership and Kids@Cobbler Shop programs. She teamed up to start the Hooked on History children’s programs. She looks forward to collaborating with the current and past board members and volunteers!
PROGRAMS, EVENTS, AND MORE HAPPENINGS AROUND THE SHS
We still have much to do to get back to our programs, including volunteers to help us run them. If you are inter-ested, contact us.
This past year, SHS co-sponsored with the Sherman Library, John Cilio’s informative talk on Taverns and their role in colonial life in New England, and highlighted those right here in Sherman. Did you know the library sits on the land once occupied by Fuller’s Tavern? We hope to sponsor more of these talks.
Our annual Holiday Open House took place on December 2nd, 3rd, and 9th, 2023, featuring a special visit from Santa, who joined us for the community Christmas Tree and Menorah lighting. Our theme, “A Stroll Down Memory Lane,” offered a festive and nostalgic way to welcome the community and express our heartfelt thanks for your continued support of our volunteer organization. It was a wonderful way to usher in the holiday season, and we hope you enjoyed it as much as we did. We’re already planning this year’s theme and look forward to creating another memorable experience for you!
Our Annual Fundraising Barn Sale was a tremendous success, and we extend our deepest thanks to everyone who made it possible. From the generous donations we received to the enthusiastic buyers who turned out in droves, your support was invaluable. We’re especially grateful to the dedicated volunteers who worked tirelessly for weeks to prepare, setting up and taking down the tent, organizing the sale, and ensuring everything ran smoothly. Thanks to effective publicity, the word got out—and you all made it a success. Even the weather was perfect! One loyal customer in line confessed, “This is my favorite day of the year. Not my birthday, not Christmas, but your annual barn sale. No matter where I am, I’d take the red-eye back just to be here.” How can we not feel the love?
In addition, SHS hosted Sherman School’s 2nd Grade visit and the 4th & 5th Grade’s Colonial Days event.
We look forward to hosting more educational events to inspire and enlighten our community in addition to our historic 50th anniversary planning, which just might prove to be—Revolutionary!
If you have an historic collection or are interested in presenting a history lecture or workshop, let us know.
This past year, SHS co-sponsored with the Sherman Library, John Cilio’s informative talk on Taverns and their role in colonial life in New England, and highlighted those right here in Sherman. Did you know the library sits on the land once occupied by Fuller’s Tavern? We hope to sponsor more of these talks.
Our annual Holiday Open House took place on December 2nd, 3rd, and 9th, 2023, featuring a special visit from Santa, who joined us for the community Christmas Tree and Menorah lighting. Our theme, “A Stroll Down Memory Lane,” offered a festive and nostalgic way to welcome the community and express our heartfelt thanks for your continued support of our volunteer organization. It was a wonderful way to usher in the holiday season, and we hope you enjoyed it as much as we did. We’re already planning this year’s theme and look forward to creating another memorable experience for you!
Our Annual Fundraising Barn Sale was a tremendous success, and we extend our deepest thanks to everyone who made it possible. From the generous donations we received to the enthusiastic buyers who turned out in droves, your support was invaluable. We’re especially grateful to the dedicated volunteers who worked tirelessly for weeks to prepare, setting up and taking down the tent, organizing the sale, and ensuring everything ran smoothly. Thanks to effective publicity, the word got out—and you all made it a success. Even the weather was perfect! One loyal customer in line confessed, “This is my favorite day of the year. Not my birthday, not Christmas, but your annual barn sale. No matter where I am, I’d take the red-eye back just to be here.” How can we not feel the love?
In addition, SHS hosted Sherman School’s 2nd Grade visit and the 4th & 5th Grade’s Colonial Days event.
We look forward to hosting more educational events to inspire and enlighten our community in addition to our historic 50th anniversary planning, which just might prove to be—Revolutionary!
If you have an historic collection or are interested in presenting a history lecture or workshop, let us know.
NOrthrop House gets some pampering
The Northrop House Museum was closed for a good while this past year to make necessary repairs and upgrades. These were made possible by a generous grant from the Ada Howe Kent Foundation. The water damage to the ceiling in the upstairs bedroom was repaired, the room repainted and the floors refinished.
After Holiday Open House, the exhibit room and parlor were emptied of furniture so that both rooms could be repainted. We then added the bathroom into the mix where both repairs and painting were warranted. Railings were installed to the attic, as was much-needed lighting. Office lighting was repaired and both exhibit room and basement were made brighter with upgraded fixtures.
It was a huge undertaking and we appreciate all who lent their skills to the job: Bill & Ken from Linke’s Painting; Mike Koraus Plumbing; Todd Russell for the electrical; and Jan Desiato for his overseeing the work and making the much needed carpentry repairs. We'll be thanking more folks next newsletter as we continue to get ourselves back into shape!
After Holiday Open House, the exhibit room and parlor were emptied of furniture so that both rooms could be repainted. We then added the bathroom into the mix where both repairs and painting were warranted. Railings were installed to the attic, as was much-needed lighting. Office lighting was repaired and both exhibit room and basement were made brighter with upgraded fixtures.
It was a huge undertaking and we appreciate all who lent their skills to the job: Bill & Ken from Linke’s Painting; Mike Koraus Plumbing; Todd Russell for the electrical; and Jan Desiato for his overseeing the work and making the much needed carpentry repairs. We'll be thanking more folks next newsletter as we continue to get ourselves back into shape!
Image Credit: Marie Loria
Did You Know...
The NEW Roger Sherman Learning Center
This rendering was done by our local graphic designer, Marie Loria, who, incidentally lives with her family on the property that was, 275 years ago, the Roger Sherman farm. It is a time line display which shows the trades that Roger Sherman mastered and the contributions he made in his public life. The cabinet surrounding the time line has now been completed by Jan Desiato.
This time line display is the centerpiece of our Roger Sherman Learning Center. Accompanying the time line is a downloadable audio that adds a wealth of detail about Roger Sherman's life, his family, the places where he lived and a sampling of documents and artifacts related to his life.
The display is open to the public by appointment only, it is accompanied by period furnishings, all with connections to residents of Sherman, photographs of early and contemporary Sherman Residents and descendants of Roger Sherman. It has a computer based research center which contains our growing collection of Sherman's documents (transcribed for readability), local oral histories and the barns of Sherman, all of which have been photographed. The center space is used for educational purposes for Sherman School students, public programs and special exhibits.
The NEW Roger Sherman Learning Center
This rendering was done by our local graphic designer, Marie Loria, who, incidentally lives with her family on the property that was, 275 years ago, the Roger Sherman farm. It is a time line display which shows the trades that Roger Sherman mastered and the contributions he made in his public life. The cabinet surrounding the time line has now been completed by Jan Desiato.
This time line display is the centerpiece of our Roger Sherman Learning Center. Accompanying the time line is a downloadable audio that adds a wealth of detail about Roger Sherman's life, his family, the places where he lived and a sampling of documents and artifacts related to his life.
The display is open to the public by appointment only, it is accompanied by period furnishings, all with connections to residents of Sherman, photographs of early and contemporary Sherman Residents and descendants of Roger Sherman. It has a computer based research center which contains our growing collection of Sherman's documents (transcribed for readability), local oral histories and the barns of Sherman, all of which have been photographed. The center space is used for educational purposes for Sherman School students, public programs and special exhibits.
Photo Credit: Yale University Art Gallery
Did You Know...
Roger Sherman...'The Forgotten Founding Father.'
By John Jenner
It has been noted by Roger Sherman's biographers that he is "The Forgotten Founding Father". If we knew what he had contributed to the founding of our nation we would think of him as the Great Connecticut Statesman, our most important revolutionary hero.
What did he contribute? He served in the Continental Congress from its first meeting in 1774, through the Revolutionary War. Washington fought the war. but the Continental Congress ran the war and provided the weaponry, food, uniforms and finance. Roger Sherman was the only founder to sign all four of the founding documents and he played a significant roll in each of them.
The first was the "Articles of Association". The thirteen colonies had many border disputes that had to be resolved before colonies could unite to declare their independence as a committed set of thirteen states. Perhaps the greatest border dispute was the CT grant that extended westward across the upper half of Pennsylvania to Lake Erie. CT gave up these rights, holding only their portion of what is now Ohio. This is the Western Reserve, where CT citizen were given opportunities after the war.
Our second founding document was "The Declaration of Independence". We generally attribute it to Thomas Jefferson but, in fact, it was a committee of five statesmen who created it. They were: Jefferson; John Adams; Benjamin Franklin; Robert Livingston and Roger Sherman. If you still have a two dollar bill tucked away and look on the back you’ll find a copy of the painting by our own John Trumball depicting the committee presenting the draft to John Hancock.
Our constitution is not the first one under which we were governed as a nation after the Revolutionary War. The first was "The Articles of Confederation", and there were thirteen Heads of State before Washington. It did not work well because the balance of power between the states and the central government had not been properly crafted.
Concerned leaders convinced Washington to convene the Constitutional Convention to draft a new constitution. The states representatives were deadlocked over the states vs. federal balance as before until Roger Sherman again proposed "The Great Compromise", which provides for proportional representation in the House and equal representation in the Senate. The deadlock was resolved, the "U.S. Constitution" was drafted, signed and taken back to the states for ratification. CT, under Roger Sherman's leadership, was the second state to ratify our constitution.
When George Washington was elected first President under our present constitution and the first Congress was seated, Roger Sherman was a CT Representative in the House. After a year or so one of our CT Senators resigned and Roger Sherman was selected to take his seat in the Senate, where he served until his death.
Your may recall that James Madison is credited with drafting the first ten amendments to our constitution, which we call "The Bill of Rights". A few years ago a draft copy of Madison's proposed nine rights was discovered in the National Archives among the Madison papers. It had Roger Sherman's comments and a suggested tenth right. Wouldn't you like to know which one he proposed?
Doesn't it seem to you that Roger Sherman should be recognized as one of our Founding Fathers? He served in public office almost fifty years and that is longer than any of our other recognized Founding Fathers.
Roger Sherman...'The Forgotten Founding Father.'
By John Jenner
It has been noted by Roger Sherman's biographers that he is "The Forgotten Founding Father". If we knew what he had contributed to the founding of our nation we would think of him as the Great Connecticut Statesman, our most important revolutionary hero.
What did he contribute? He served in the Continental Congress from its first meeting in 1774, through the Revolutionary War. Washington fought the war. but the Continental Congress ran the war and provided the weaponry, food, uniforms and finance. Roger Sherman was the only founder to sign all four of the founding documents and he played a significant roll in each of them.
The first was the "Articles of Association". The thirteen colonies had many border disputes that had to be resolved before colonies could unite to declare their independence as a committed set of thirteen states. Perhaps the greatest border dispute was the CT grant that extended westward across the upper half of Pennsylvania to Lake Erie. CT gave up these rights, holding only their portion of what is now Ohio. This is the Western Reserve, where CT citizen were given opportunities after the war.
Our second founding document was "The Declaration of Independence". We generally attribute it to Thomas Jefferson but, in fact, it was a committee of five statesmen who created it. They were: Jefferson; John Adams; Benjamin Franklin; Robert Livingston and Roger Sherman. If you still have a two dollar bill tucked away and look on the back you’ll find a copy of the painting by our own John Trumball depicting the committee presenting the draft to John Hancock.
Our constitution is not the first one under which we were governed as a nation after the Revolutionary War. The first was "The Articles of Confederation", and there were thirteen Heads of State before Washington. It did not work well because the balance of power between the states and the central government had not been properly crafted.
Concerned leaders convinced Washington to convene the Constitutional Convention to draft a new constitution. The states representatives were deadlocked over the states vs. federal balance as before until Roger Sherman again proposed "The Great Compromise", which provides for proportional representation in the House and equal representation in the Senate. The deadlock was resolved, the "U.S. Constitution" was drafted, signed and taken back to the states for ratification. CT, under Roger Sherman's leadership, was the second state to ratify our constitution.
When George Washington was elected first President under our present constitution and the first Congress was seated, Roger Sherman was a CT Representative in the House. After a year or so one of our CT Senators resigned and Roger Sherman was selected to take his seat in the Senate, where he served until his death.
Your may recall that James Madison is credited with drafting the first ten amendments to our constitution, which we call "The Bill of Rights". A few years ago a draft copy of Madison's proposed nine rights was discovered in the National Archives among the Madison papers. It had Roger Sherman's comments and a suggested tenth right. Wouldn't you like to know which one he proposed?
Doesn't it seem to you that Roger Sherman should be recognized as one of our Founding Fathers? He served in public office almost fifty years and that is longer than any of our other recognized Founding Fathers.
Our Mission
To bring together people interested in Sherman's history, to collect and preserve objects which help to establish or illustrate its history, to acquire and manage any property available to the Society, to interest young people in their town's heritage, to publish historical information, and to maintain a library of historical materials.
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American Association for State and Local History
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