Submitted by Elizabeth Malloy, Director, HHS.
On Sunday, November 4, 2018, the Haddam Historical Society held its 40th Annual Founders’ Day Dinner which pays tribute to the town’s founding fathers and mothers as well as the Native Americans from whom the Plantation at Thirty Mile Island was purchased for 30 coats in 1662.
Each year the Society bestows the Founders’ Day award to a person or persons who have performed an outstanding service to the organization and contributed to furthering the mission of the Haddam Historical Society, which is to preserve, collect, interpret and promote the history and heritage of Haddam for present and future generations.
This year the Society honored a number of worthy individuals who have not only supported the Historical Society but have given back to the community at large in a number of significant ways.
John and Barbara Stellenwerf are long time members of the Society who have assisted at many events and in particular working on the appearance and flowers at the Connecticut Spring Antiques Show. They are also extremely active in the Haddam Garden Club and Brainerd Memorial Library.
Dianne McHutchison has served as the President for the Haddam Historical Society for the last two years and has overseen numerous projects including our new garden shed, strategic plan and an archaeological dig. She is the former president of the Haddam Neck Fair Association and continues to serve on the Fair’s Board of Directors. She is involved with the Haddam Neck Congregational Church, Haddam Neck Quilt Show and local land conservation efforts.
Former State Trooper and life-long Higganum resident Jack Calhoun has devoted his time to many causes in town from the Lions to serving on Capital Planning Commission and the Haddam’s Zoning Board of Appeals. He is extremely active with the Higganum Congregational Church and volunteers for many local fundraisers including Grimm’s Haunted House. He has been the Haddam Historical Society’s liaison with the Haddam Shad Museum over the past few years to ensure the museum remains in town. He is a wonderful story-teller and resource of local history and tales.
The Society also honored our dear friend the late Doug Roper who was always available when we needed him. His talent to fix or figure anything out was a gift, and the Society frequently called on Doug to help us with minor to major problems. He would rush down to the Thankful Arnold House Museum in a minute when we called and helped keep the museum and grounds in tip-top shape. He will be missed dearly.
Caption for photo: L to R: Jack Calhoun, John Stellenwerf, Barbara Stellenwerf, Dianne McHutchison.
Photo by E. Malloy
