Amazing Tales from Off and On Connecticut‘s Beaten Path

A Forgotten Village Abandoned and Hiding in Isolated Woods

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.

Just 30 Defenders Hold Off 1,300 British During 4-Day Attack

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.

The Fatal Paparazzi Car Crash Involving Marilyn Monroe

 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.

America's First Folk Hero: General Israel Putnam

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 Man Who Created the News Service You Use the Most

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.

The First 9-1-1 Call Involved a Horrible 1878 Train Wreck in a River

It ranks as among the deadliest train crashes in Connecticut history. It also marked the first time in the U.S. that a telephone was used to summon help after a disaster, essentially the first 9-1-1 call in the country’s history. The Tariffville Train Wreck occurred when railroads were at their peak. On the icy cold night of January 15, 1878, a train full of passengers were heading home from a religious revival in Hartford. As they crossed the Farmington River, with its five inches of ice, the bridge collapsed and sent dozens into the ice-cold waters below. Rescuers couldn’t easily access the remote location. The story is told by Frank Haviland, Member of the Board of the Tariffville Village Association and a noted researcher on this event.

Connecticut's Worst Storms Hit in Years Ending in the Number 8

Many of Connecticut’s worst weather disasters occurred in years that ended in the number 8. The worst blizzard, tornado, hurricane, and ice storm are included. The years in question are 1878, 1888, 1898, 1938, 1978, and 2018. There were the infamous floods of 1955 that buck the trend, and other major storms occurred outside the pattern, but the very worst are among those years. We’ll hear about it from Connecticut meteorologist Jack Drake.

Did Sybil Ludington Really Make her Paul Revere-like Ride?

A 16-year-old Dutchess County, NY girl rode a horse in pouring rain for 40 miles to rally area militia to come to the aid of Danbury, CT which was under siege by the British during the Revolutionary War. At least, that’s the legend of Sybil Ludington. But, not all professional historians sign-off on the tale, due to scant written evidence. Now, a retired teacher says he has found proof that shows that Sybil made the ride. Hear the story with Vince Dacquino.

NASCAR was Born at this Trend-Setting Racetrack

In the very northeast corner of Connecticut, the sport of racecar driving took shape in several meaningful ways at Thompson Speedway. Thompson’s two separate racetracks set “firsts” for the U.S.: the oval track was the first to be asphalt paved and the separate looped racetrack was the first one not using public roads. It’s also where NASCAR was born. Many famous drivers have paid a visit over the decades. And wait until you hear how it all began because of a hurricane. Hear the story from DR Hoenig, a key member of the family that has owned and operated the business since 1940.

From a 1-Room Schoolhouse to Wall Street Mega-Titan

How did a titan of Wall Street manage to attain his success coming from a rural dairy farm in the eastern Connecticut town of Sterling? Charles Dow’s only education was in a one-room schoolhouse, and yet managed to start the Dow-Jones Company, the Dow Jones Industrial Average, and the Wall Street Journal. The improbable journey makes for a great story, told by the Sterling Town Historian and the President of the Sterling Historical Society, Megan McGory-Gleason.