"Colored Girl in Nature's Garb" (1919)

Source: Greenwich News and Graphic. Friday, August 15, 1919. Page 1.

Effie Fields, Dressed in Nothing, Helped the Men to Pitch Hay

The orchard on the estate of Oliver D. Mead at Field Point Park was the scene of a real movie," which might have been entitled "The Wilds of Africa," on Wednesday afternoon, when a young colored girl appeared on the property as "September Morn." Aside from a pair of shoes, which she wore, she was in her "birthday suit." 

Judge William J. Ferris, a son-in-law of Mr. Mead, upon being told at his law office that some sort of savage was alarming the natives in that section, hurried to the estate, accompanied by Policemen Scully and McGinty. Upon arriving at the orchard the girl was engaged in pitching hay with John Bridge, Edward Sweeney and some other workmen, and was in a hilarious sort f mood. The officers wrapped a rubber coat about her, and she was taken to police headquarters.

According to her story, she had been out for a swim and left her clothes on shore, and they were washed away by the tide. She gave her name as Effie Fields, of Petersburg, Va., and her age as 12 years, but those who saw her declare she looked to be all of 16 summers. She said that she had been employed in the family of Thomas A. Mead, West Putnam avenue.

Later the girl was sent to the Greenwich hospital for treatment. It is believed that her mind is somewhat unbalanced. She has an aunt living near the Toll gate, West Putnam avenue. 

Stillson Society 100th Birthday (1929)

Source: Greenwich News and Graphic. Friday, October 18, 1929.

Completion of 1st Centennial Was Appropriately Celebrated Wednesday

Wednesday, October 16, will always stand out as a red letter day in the records of the Second Congregational Church, the celebration in observation of the one hundredth anniversary of the Stillson Society being unprecedented in the history of the church. The ladies had worked indefatigably to make it a success, and the results exceeded their greets expectations. 

According to the treasurer, Mrs. Amos Mead, the proceeds of the affair amounted to $1,501.85.

Mead Parish House (Former Solomon Mead House), Second Congregational Church, Greenwich. 

A delicious luncheon was served in the dinning room by the Guild, and in the parish house attractive booths of fancy and otherwise useful articles tempted the purse. On the upper floor a display of arts of crafts called forth continued expressions of wonder at the exquisite workmanship of the days of long ago. There were toys, unlike those of today; books, jewelry, including some made of hair; photographs as distinct as if of present-day finish, daguerreotypes, the real marvel of photography, and certificates of like membership in the missionary society upon payment of $30. Dresses for babies, children and grown-ups were greatly admired, as were the various samplers.

But the display that attracted the greatest attention was the exhibit of old-time bedquilts, where novelty of design and intricacy of work showed the marvel of stitchery, all wrought by hand. There were stars, sunbursts, feathers, wreaths, with many flowers being cut from printed muslin or cambric and appliquéd so deftly it as impossible to detect a stitch, while the quilting was tiny and exact as machine work.

A counterpane made by Abigail Jane Reynolds (Mrs. William Mead) first secretary of the Stillson Society, and her sister Emeline Ann (Mrs. Stephen L. Holley) was loaned byEdward L. Holley, grandson. Mrs. John C. Clarke loaned a quilt made by her grandmother, Emeline Knapp, in 1831. Sadie H. Mead loaned one that attracted unusual attention-a blue and white hand-woven spread with spread-eagle, Independence Hall and an all-over pattern of flowers. In each corner was woven "Agriculture and Manufacture are the Foundations of our Independence. July 4, 1834. M. J. Husted."

Quilts made by the society in 1857 and 1860, loaned by Mrs. Isaac L. Mead and Mrs. George Marshall; Mrs. I. H. Chamberlain contributed a beauty, 95 years old containing 900 tiny pieces. Every article deserves mention, the entire display being marvelous, including a chair upon which Lafayette sat on at the old toll gate.

At four o'clock the curtain of Time seemed to be drawn aside revealing a vision of the long ago. Mrs. Martha Street, in curls and dress of Colonial days, graciously enacted the part of Abigail, housekeeper for Parson Joel Mann, a hundred years ago.

Dr. Huckel, completely transformed by wearing his grandfather's silk hat, cape and umbrella, the latter being his grandfather's wedding gift to his bride in 1819, and carrying his grandfather's large Bible under his arm, made an admirable Parson Mann, who had not yet been ordained. Miss Elizabeth Stillson, beautifully represented by Miss Lydia Ferris, in Colonial gown and bonnet, whose ancestors organized the Stillson Society, so beautifully represented Elizabeth Stillson it was not difficult to fancy Miss Stillson had stepped out of the past. Unburdening her heart in desire to aid the Indians and others who needed _____ stone of service in the onward march of missionary effort.

Miss Harriet Reynolds as auctioneer, sold cake and the attractive posters. Halsey Kent paid $25 for the top mount of the cake made by Clarisse, with the inscription, to be presented to Miss Julia Bell, whose faithfulness all recognize but who was unable to be present. A remarkable coincidence was when Miss ferris, who portrayed Miss Stillson, found the Stillson engraved thimble in her piece of cake-and this was sheer accident, or was it fate?

The officers of the Society are, Mrs. Frederick W. Bray, president; Mrs. Herbert S. Lounsbury and Mrs. Robert W. Wilcox, vice-presidents; Miss Susan  H. Mead, secretary and Mrs. Amos H. Mead, treasurer.

They were assisted by the following chairmen of departments, Mrs. John Clarke, Mrs. Adeline Husted Rungee, Mrs. Herbert Lounsbury, Mrs. Winfield Mills, Mrs. Andrew Bridge, Mrs. Frank Reynolds, Mrs. Margaret Street, Mrs. Davey and Mrs. Boyle.

A.V. Pillsbury photographed those in costume as hey were grouped before the parsonage, which is 90 years old. The picture is printed with this article. 

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Greenwich Life As It Is-And Was. By L. B. Edwards. Capt. Joseph G. Mead (1929)

Source: Greenwich News and Graphic. (Second Section) Friday, November 8, 1929.



Mention was made in the article published last week in Friday's issue of The Greenwich News and Graphic of Capt. Joseph G. Mead, the genial owner of the building located on Putnam Avenue, where the Greenwich Graphic was printed for several years. he was an unusual type of man, or would be if living at the present time. In his day and generation, most of the prominent men living in Greenwich were of similar personality. The kind of men whom the Rev. Dr. Benjamin W. Farrington, for 55 years rector of Christ Episcopal Church once told the writer, were devout, strong mentally and physically, dependable, kind neighbors, generous and sympathetic to those in need, when he was engaged as minister in charge of Christ Church parish in 1833, and for many years afterwards, not a few of them were personally known to the writer, and in interesting talks with them, much of the historical information forming the basis of the articles on Greenwich Life, published in the News and Graphic was learned. 

Capt. Joseph G. Mead was that kind of man. Conservative, he was, most certainly, believing firmly in the traditions of his ancestors, wicking no change in the quiet, rural life of the community, the sentiment generally prevailing among the Greenwich residents in his day. And it is no wonder that they felt that way, for Greenwich was certainly an alluring old town then, with beauties of nature to be seen at all seasons of the year, many of which exist now only in the memory of Old Timers, having been obliterated by the changes resulting from Greenwich becoming the most widely known suburban town in the vicinity of New York City, and the increasing population resulting. 

Capt. Joseph G. Mead was of medium height, broad shouldered and rugged, made so, doubtless, because of his life as a sailor, having been captain of a coasting schooner, plying between Davis Dock, Greenwich, and New York City, carrying cargoes of Greenwich produce to the New York City market.

For many years he was a prominent member of the Second Congregational Church occupying an important position in the religious activities of the community. He lived with his wife and family of several sons and daughters, in a large square house, always painted white, surrounded by several acres of land, located on Putnam Avenue just west of the building where the Greenwich Graphic was printed. It was a noticeable old place because of the somewhat fascinating rural charm about it, and though the house is still standing and occupied by members of his family, all that has disappeared, the noise of automobiles, and the stir in the business buildings now hemming in the attractive old homestead replacing the hum of the busy lonely bees, and the sight of the gorgeously colored butterflies that flitted from blossom to blossom, of the little flowers growing in the old fashioned garden.

Capt. Mead also ran a quarry on the north side of Toll Gate Hill, maintaining a prosperous business for a number of years. So it will be realized that he was a very important man in the community. And some of the members of his family have also been quite prominently identified with Greenwich life. The late Capt. Joseph G. Mead, Jr., his son, was captain of Company G, the "crack" company of the "crack" 4th regiment, Connecticut National Guards, at the time Husted W.R. Hoyt, of Greenwich, one of the noted lawyers of this state was Colonel, when the regiment went to Philadelphia to participate in the Centennial celebration the 4th of July, 1876.

Frank, son of Capt. Joseph G. Mead, past master of Acacia Lodge, F. and A.M., has been a popular member of Amogerone H. & L. & H. Co. for years and was chief of the fire department for sometime, and Miss Emma Mead, a daughter, recently resigned from Greenwich Post Office, where she filled an important position with marked ability, for many years. 

In concluding, "Bert," famous grandson of Capt. Joseph G. Mead, son of Capt. Joseph G. Mead, Jr., the very efficient clerk of the Board of Sewer Commissioners, should not be forgotten. Marriages made "Bert" a famous young man, his name appearing in more first page articles of New York newspapers for a number of years than any other Greenwich resident. As Justice of the Peace for eight years he became known as the marrying justice because elf newspaper prominence many couples coming to Greenwich from New York to be married by the genial "Bert." They came to Greenwich because of the liberality of the Connecticut marriage law, not so liberal now by legislative act. There were not many Gretna Green marriages among them, marriage of runaway couples, but knots for actors and actresses and with few exceptions they have lived happily ever since, that is happily in most cases.

"How many marriages did you perform," the writer asked "Bert."

"Can't say," was the reply, "but it was several hundred."

"Suppose you received some large fees," further queried the writer.

"Not many. The largest was $200.00."

"Bert" is not marrying couples now. He is no longer Justice of the peace, and the business is not what it used to be before the law was changed, a few couples coming to Greenwich to get married.

Their Tenth Anniversary. MR. AND MRS. IRVING MEAD CELEBRATE THEIR TIN WEDDING. (1890)

Source: Greenwich Graphic: Saturday, May 8, 1890. 3rd Page.

Tin weddings are usually very pleasant affairs, and that of Mr. and Mrs. S. Irving Mead which was celebrated on Tuesday evening at their residence near Stanwich, was no exception to this rule. About thirty people were warmly received, and hospitality entertained by Mr. and Mrs. Mead on that evening. Many more had been invited, but owing to sickness and other causes were unable to attend. The evening was spent in social pleasures customary at such times. A bountiful collation was spread, enough for three times the number of people present. Mr. and Mrs. Mead received many letter of congratulations, and they were wished "many happy returns of the day" in messages from those unable to be present. They also received many pleasant remembrances, mostly ___ as befitting the occasion, such as tin spice boxes filled with spice from Mr. and Mrs. C. Mead; a tin pan filled with cut flowers from their bachelor friend Mr. W.J. Mead, Jr.; a tin cake box filled with cake from Mr. and Mrs. Will J. Mead; a parlor lamp, not tin from Mr. and Mrs. Smith Fowler; a cake basket from Mr. and Mrs. Colgrove; a patent dripping pan from rev. and Mrs. Potter; a bread raiser, a big tin one, from Dr. B.E. Mead; a night lamp from Mr. and Mrs. E reynolds; some tin ware from Miss S. Hubbard, a hand painted tin plaque from Miss Finch; a porcelain coffee pot, from Mr. and Mrs. L. ferris; some spice boxes from Miss S. Reynolds; tin syrup cup from Mr. and Mrs. Farrington; a sugar spoon from Miss G. Snyder, and numerous other articles from friends such as, jelly glasses, glass tea set, soap shaker, etc. The guests on their departure expressed themselves to the host and hostesses having spent a pleasant evening, and hoped that they would live to celebrate their golden and diamond weddings. 

"D.A.R. Open House. On New Year's Day Was a Pleasing Success" (1910)

Source: Greenwich News. Friday, January 7, 1910.

On New Year's Day Was a Pleasing Success. Fine Loan Collection

On New Year's day the Putnam Cottage was the scene of a most pleasing reception to everyone interested in the historic and to the public at large. The cottage was open both morning and afternoon, and scores of people were cordially welcomed by the members of Putnam Hill Chapter, D.A.R. 

The visitors had the pleasure not only of going over the historic old place and admiring its colonial furnishings but they had the opportunity to see a very fine loan collection of Colonial and Revolutionary articles.

Among the people who loaned articles were Nelson B. Mead, Mrs. Thomas F. Secor, Miss Elizabeth Howe Mead, Mrs. Addison Howe Peck, Mrs. M.A. Sharkey and Mrs. Gillelan.

One very interesting thing that Mrs. decor loaned was not Colonial but it was none the less interesting. It was a large gold medal awarded the late Mr. Secor in 1849 by the American Institute of New York for the manufacture of low pressure steam engines.

One of the things loaned by Mrs. Gillelan was a copy of a painting of her great-great-grandfather and great-great grandmother. Mr. and Mrs. Joshua Partridge of Medway, Mass. It is related that the first money which the gentleman earned when he was twenty-one was paid an artist for the painting of the original of the picture. The original hangs in the old Partridge homestead in Medway.

Among the articles in the Nelson B. Mead collection were pieces of pottery made by Captain Mead, better known as Deacon Potter Mead from 1791 to 1796. There was also a tea set which had belonged to Clarinda Mead. It was made in China and decorated in England. There were, too, some fine specimens of old pewter and Wedgewood ware.

A sampler worked by Miss Elizabeth Howe's grandmother, Jane Mead, attracted considerable attention as did also the old warming pan, foot stove and plates lent by Mrs. peck. Mrs. Sharkey loaned _______ other things, some very fine old cut-glass decanters and glasses, a brass tea-kettle and some old brass and silver candlesticks. 

Among the many people who visited the cottage was Mrs. Edwin R. Fay, the organizer of the Society of Founders and Patriots and regent of the Fort Washington Chapter, D.A.R. of New York city. There were many prominent Stamford and Port Chester people present. 

During the day William Huffington of Sound Beach called at the cottage and presented to the chapter a fine early engraving of General Putnam leaving the plow on hearing the news of the Battle of Lexington and Concord. Another present was a gavel whose handle was made of wood from the old Putnam cottage, taken when it was being repaired several years ago, and whose head was made from the old Frigate Constitution. The donor was Mr. Arnold of Stamford.

The committee in charge of the affair were Mrs. Henry M. Hitchcock, Mrs. A.W.W. Marshall, Miss Ruth C. Duff, Mrs. Clayton W. Finch of Port Chester and Miss Mary T. Hubbard. The hostesses were Mrs. Anna Mead, Mrs. E.H. Mead, Miss Mary E. Mead, Mrs. Elizabeth Howe Mead, Miss Mary L. Bailey, Mrs. Edward Darwin Graber, Miss Ruth C. Duff, Mrs. C.W. Finch, Miss Jessie Banks, Mrs. W.C. Rungee, Miss Catherine Mead, Miss Frances Ritch, Mrs. Gillelan and Miss Ella Mead. 

Christmas at S. Warren Mead's Shop (1898)

Source: Greenwich Graphic. Saturday, December 17, 1898.