The Hebron Historical Society

Historic Diversity and Archeological Sites Map
This Historic Diversity and Archeological Sites Map represents just a sample of the diverse people that have called Hebron home throughout history. Beginning with the arrival of the Paleoindians between 12,500 and 9,500 years ago, many Indigenous cultures lived in Hebron and thrived among its lush forests, grasslands and waterways...
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Hebron’s “Open Space” = Historic Property
Hebron has lots of land identified as “Open Space”. These expanses can be found throughout the town. Some areas, such as Gay City, are owned by the State, but many are owned by the Town and are there for all to enjoy. The town-owned Open Spaces are resource protected and...
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Hebron’s Own Josephine Sophia White Griffing (1814-1872)
Known in Washington, D.C. as the “Angel of Mercy”, Josephine Sophia White was born in the Hope Valley section of Hebron in 1814. She was a descendant of Peregrine White, the first white child born in New England. Education was obviously important to the White family as Josephine attended both the Burrows Hill...
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Historical Society Marks Emancipation Anniversary
This January marks the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863. To note and celebrate Hebron's important role in the abolition of slavery, the Hebron Historical Society has created a new section, "Hebron & Slavery" on its website. The new section gathers together dozens of documents chronicling Hebron's rich...
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Hebron Cemetery Guide
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Hebron History Timeline
1675   On February 29, Joshua (also known as Attawanhood), son of Uncas, signed his will granting land to the Saybrook Legatees.  This included land now known as Hebron, Connecticut.       1704   Husbands and wives of the Shipman and Phelps families were reunited at Prophet's Rock (Burrows...
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Hebron's Beginnings
While there are now 169 Connecticut municipalities, Hebron is actually one of the oldest. It became our state’s 41st town, officially incorporated by the State of Connecticut on May 26, 1708. Interestingly, Hebron was also only the second town to be incorporated with a biblical name, the first being Lebanon...
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The Gilead Room
“The Gilead Room” as it now appears in the Yale University Art Gallery A Gilead Room at Yale By Mary Ann Foote Since the Yale University Art Gallery’s reopening on 12/12/12, a “Gilead Room” has been included as part of the newly expanded and renovated galleries. How did a room...
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Newspaper Accounts Recreate Life in 18th Century Hebron
Your Douglas Library card allows you access to some of the greatest Connecticut research in the world. All you have to do is go to www.iconn.org, plug in your library card number, and a wealth of information is at your fingertips. One of the many sources available within the ICONN...
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Reflecting on Our Past: Hebron’s 1908 Celebrations
In 1908, as a result of the dedication of (and perhaps a little arm-twisting from) Ida Porter Douglas, Hebron celebrated its 200th anniversary of incorporation, the first time the town engaged in such a commemorative event. It was so successful that the town continued the tradition, celebrating the 250th anniversary...
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Odd Lots: A Bird’s Eye View of Hebron, 1909-1910
If ever you want a concise history of Hebron in the early 20th century, all you have to do is study the town’s Annual Report. Dorothy Ganter Giglio, Elton Buell’s granddaughter, recently donated 14 such annual reports to the Hebron Historical Society, dating from 1909 to 1941. The 1909-1910 Annual...
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Hebron Celebrates 250th Anniversary in Grand Fashion
In the age of the Internet, we sometimes forget that for over a century history has been recorded and preserved in family scrapbooks and photo albums. It is from Mrs. Winthrop (Ethel Hills) Porter’s scrapbook that we are able to envision the spectacular events celebrating Hebron’s 250th anniversary, from July...
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Hebron Women and the Suffragette Movement, 1911-1920
American women were formally granted the right to vote August 18, 1920 as a result of the 19th amendment to the United States Constitution, which proclaimed: “The right of citizens in the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State...
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Hebron Genealogy
We are in the process of gathering genealogy site links related to the families from the Hebron and Amston regions Please send us your link to be posted on this site. Links Town of Hebron, Tolland County Connecticut Genealogy Page My name is Linda Pingel and I am the host...
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History in a Tiny Booklet: Hebron’s Annual Town Report, 1912-13
If ever you want a birds-eye view of Hebron history for a particular year, all you have to do is study the town’s annual report, and most especially those published in the early 20th century. Dorothy Ganter Giglio, Elton Buell’s granddaughter, recently donated 14 such annual reports to the Hebron...
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Hebron Pictorial History Now Available In Both E-reader and Paperback Versions
"Images of America: Hebron" , with approximately 200 archival photos of Hebron and its residents, is the first pictorial history of Hebron ever published and contains many rare photographs from private collections. The Hebron Historical Society worked closely with longtime residents to capture the faces and events that have made...
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Fascinating Vignettes in Hebron History
Hebron has an extremely rich history. In addition to some of the more well-known people and events in Hebron, there are also interesting tidbits that help weave a big-picture image of the community we all love and respect. Based on period newspaper articles, memories, public documents, and legends passed down...
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Reverend George Milne Publishes New Hebron History Book
The Reverend George Milne, minister of both the Gilead and Hebron Congregational Churches in the 1940's and 50's, has published a new book on Hebron history, titled "A Sixty-Year Ramble Through Gilead: A Glimpse from the Parson's Notebook, 1940-2004." Reverend Milne conducted a book-signing on Sunday, October 2 at the Gilead Congregational...
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Leather Man
Historian Diana Ross McCain will recount several  highlights from her book It Happened in Connecticut: From Witchcraft Trials to the Invention of Modern Football, Twenty-Five Events That Shaped the Nutmeg State. She will discuss the witchcraft prosecutions and executions that occurred in Connecticut in the mid-1600s, three decades before the...
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Burrows Hill Cemetery
Are your ancestors buried in the Burrows Hill Cemetery?  Check Clifford Wright's list of the cemetery's "residents." His valuable documents, including pictures of each of the grave stones, will be added at a later date.
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Frederic Phelps Bissell
F. P. Bissell's four 19th century journals and his life in Hebron from 1847 - 1905 Vol. 1 Frederic P. Bissell's First Journal (1847-1869) Vol. 2  Second Journal (1870-1887) Vol. 3 Third & Fouth Journal (June 1887-1905) Journal Post Scripts
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If You Knew Susie...
The Public and Very Private Life of Susie Pendleton Though many now living in Hebron have never heard of her, Susan Bingham Pendleton was one of the most well-known women in our community in the first half of the 20th century. But it would come as no surprise to those...
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Dwight Martin finds joy in community theatre
Martin Family Impacts Hebron History People have fond memories of the various Martin generations. “Oh, Marjorie Martin was our librarian for years and years, and her mother before her,” said one. “Dwight Martin was a RHAM teacher for a long time, and he raised his family down at the lake,” ...
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May 22, 2005 Declared “Foote Family Day” by Governor M. Jodi Rell
The clouds parted, and the sun came out at 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, May 22, 2005. Just in time to celebrate the commitment of the Foote Family to farmland preservation and open space! Connecticut Governor M. Jodi Rell declared May 22 as “Foote Family Day”. 55th House Representative Pamela Z...
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Reflections…. On the Lives of Lulu and Gil Jones
Tell me then what is this glory That come to our fighting Sons Tell then what is the honor To be killed by German guns… Last month, the Douglas Library showcased female Hebron authors in honor of Women’s History Month.  One of those was the book Reflections:  Poems of Lucille...
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Zachmanns Recall Life in Hebron’s “Little Italy
The United States witnessed significant population growth at the start of the 20th century as immigrants fled tumultuous Europe and headed towards America in hopes of a new life.  The vast majority of these immigrants landed in New York City, and from there, spread throughout the country.  Connecticut’s vast farming...
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Izzy Turshen: Hebron’s “Renaissance Man”
His name isn’t really “Izzy,” you know. Some remember that he was officially “Ira Charles Turshen.” But even that isn’t true….his birth name was Isidore. Wanting an American name, he purposely changed it to “Ira,” but for some reason, he remained “Izzy” to everyone, and he is still “Izzy” today...
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Leadership in a Time of Change: The Story of John Horton
Almost every American community in post-World War II America underwent tremendous change in the 1950's, and Hebron was no exception. John Edmund Horton, whose family has lived in this small rural town for generations, was a major influence in that decade. His service to our community has defined much of...
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Hebron Immigrants, 1912-1920: The Hildings Leave A Permanent Mark
Immigration and immigrants are hot topics in today’s world. Hebron has witnessed significant “newcomers” on basically 50-year intervals: the 1850’s; the first two decades of the 20th century; the 1950’s; and the 1990’s. Particularly interesting is the international immigrant influx from 1912 to 1920. Their influence is still with us...
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“Irreplaceable” Wilbur and Maralyn Porter Are Missed at Douglas Library
They only retired from their services at the Douglas Library last October, but already Wilbur and Maralyn Porter are greatly missed by the community residents and library staff they served for 40 years. Wilbur became a member of the Library Trustees in 1967, replacing his father, former First Selectman Winthrop...
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Remembering Betsy
Elizabeth Hutchinson Foote Osborn, a lifelong Hebron resident, passed away September 13, 2005 after a valiant battle against pancreatic cancer. She was 55 years old. Betsy was passionate about her children, her grandchildren, Hebron’s open space, and farmland preservation. She loved the land, and she could walk for hours with friends, enjoying...
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Elton Buell Family
We tend to think that the challenges, triumphs and tragedies that Hebron families face in the 21 st century are far different from those of our forebears. Yet the story of Elton William Buell, his wife, Grace Denslow Lyman, and her best friend, Rachel Joyner, proves that such is not...
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The Elton Buell Family: One of the Oldest Family Names in Hebron
The name “Buell” has been in Hebron for centuries. One of those was Elton Buell, who lived on Gilead Street and had inherited a successful saw mill operation from his father. He married Grace Denslow Lyman, the daughter of George Lyman. Elton and Grace’s story is one of love, tragedy...
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Edward and Marion Foote: Lives Lived Well
Governor M. Jodi Rell declared Sunday, May 22, 2005 as “Foote Family Day” in honor of the dedication and contributions of Edward Alfred and Marion Walker (Odell) Foote to open space and farmland preservation in Connecticut. Over 90 people gathered in Hebron’s Old Town Hall on that day to celebrate...
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From Hebron to New York, and Back Again: Grace Rathbun Grubert Recalls Her Remarkable Life
Hebron residents have grown accustomed to seeing the shiny Cadillac drive through town bearing its well-dressed occupants, Grace Rathbun Grubert and her longtime companion, Milton Porter, on their way to another social event. Yet not everyone knows Grace’s story. It’s the intriguing tale of a spirited woman who left Hebron...
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Edward Ashley Smith
A Man Of All Times: Memories of Edward Ashley Smith Donna J. McCalla, President, Hebron Historical Society “Hebron” can only be defined through the people and events that have shaped our destiny over the last 300 years. No definition is complete without including Edward Ashley Smith, although where to begin...
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Lloyd Sherwood Gray -- Diaries and Picture Gallery
Lloyd Gray's Air Campaigns Lloyd Gray's Handwritten Diaries from World War II Lloyd Gray's Handwritten Diaries Pages 1-14 (6.6MB) Lloyd Gray's Handwritten Diaries Pages 29-25 (4.5MB) Lloyd Gray's Diaries -- transcribed by Anna Robinson Lloyd's Diary_Typed_First 12 pages.pdf Lloyd's Diary_Typed_Last 16 pages.pdf The Gray Eagle Soars -- by Donna McCalla...
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Annie Hutchinson Foote
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Alice Elizabeth Hills Foote
Alice Elizabeth Hills Foote is still remembered for many things. Born September 21, 1868, she passed away on June 14, 1980 at the age of 111, just 3 months shy of her 112th birthday. Alice still holds the title of "Longest Living Resident" in the State of Connecticut. Her annual...
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Center School Officially Welcomed to Hebron’s Historic Properties
For Hebron residents, one of the most significant events marking the start of the 16th Annual Maple Fest took place at the Jones-Keefe-Baston Post 95 American Legion.  Local and state officials gathered at 10:15 on Saturday to celebrate the designation of the building as an official Hebron historic property.    ...
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Burrows Hill School House
The following documents come from the collection of Henry Jones, a lifelong Hebron resident. Early History of Burrows Hills School House -- by Clifford Wright Old Burrows Hill School Tells Its Own Story -- by Adelle White Burrows Hill School History -- Author Unknown Burrows Hill Moving Day -- Article...
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Hebron's Historic Schoolhouses
This year’s 16th Annual Maple Fest offers a unique opportunity for both residents and visitors.  Two of Hebron’s historic schoolhouses will be open to the public, and an official ceremony will mark the addition of a third schoolhouse, Center School, to Hebron’s list of designated historic properties. All events will...
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New History on Gull School House Recently Received
Dear Society: I recently became aware of your existence and of your Gull school restoration. In the year 1933 I entered the first grade at the Gull school and I attended there through the second grade.  Then, in 1935 the school closed down and we went to school by bus...
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Hebron Postmasters 1801-Present
Courtesy of Thomas Gauthier, Postmaster, Amston, CT Name Title Date Appointed  Simeon House Postmaster  04/01/1801 April 1, 1801 is the date of Simeon House’s first financial return; his appointment date is unknown.  Abner Hendee Postmaster  06/13/1814  Henry H. Fitch Postmaster  02/14/1839  Abner Hendee Postmaster  07/09/1841  Orrin C. White Postmaster  08/16/1844...
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Gilead Postmasters 1828-1914
Gilead Postmasters 1828-1914 Courtesy of F. C. Bissell, Town of Hebron Scrapbook Name Title Date Appointed Payton R. Gilbert Postmaster 07/09/1828 Hiram R. Brown Postmaster 05/10/1830 Harvey Dunham Postmaster 01/29/1836 Charles E. Hart Postmaster 08/21/1838 Bissell E. Post  Postmaster 09/11/1840 Harvey Hutchinson Postmaster 06/18/1841 Lewis Brigham Postmaster 09/16/1853 Miss Caroline...
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Choosing a Postmaster, the Old-Fashioned Way
The process of appointing a postmaster can sometimes be arduous, as U.S. Postal Service officials go through lists of employees qualified to undertake the demands of a particular town. Life used to be a lot simpler, and such decisions were much easier. Thanks to the family of Donald Robinson, who...
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Amston Postmasters
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Hebron's Civil War Bonds
On January 18, 1864, a Hebron Town Meeting was held, and residents voted to issue Civil War Bonds to "support our troops." A notice for a Town Meeting was published on January 11, 1864, Item 3 being: "To see if the Town will raise a tax to defray the expenses...
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A Soldier’s Story: Leonard Porter’s Memories of Life in the Army Air Corps
“At the time [I enlisted] I was working at Electric Boat in Groton as a ship fitters helper. When I informed the boss, I was told I could get a deferment because it was a defense-related job. But at that time, a civilian at my age was looked down upon...
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Bradford E. Smith’s Memories of World War II
The Smith family name has been well known in Hebron for two centuries, going back to 1794 when Nathan Smith purchased land from Increase Porter. That homestead, which is still in the family today, has housed generations of Smiths, members of which have carefully documented not only their genealogical lines...
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A Century of Growth and Stability: Gilead Congregational Church, 1747-1878
Dorothy Gantner Giglio has donated an original, 32-page booklet, “A Historical Sketch of the Congregational Church in Gilead, Conn., From the First Settlement of the Town by the English,” to the Hebron Historical Society. Written by then-pastor, Reverend Josiah A. Mack, it was read before the Tolland Congregational Association on...
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Lucy’s Story: “Memories of a Commonplace Life”
Last year, E. W. Buell’s granddaughter, Dorothy Gantner Giglio, donated small booklet to the Historical Society. Entitled “A Historical Sketch of the Congregational Church in Gilead, Conn., From the First Settlement of the Town by the English,” written by Reverend Josiah A. Mack, it was read before the Tolland Congregational...
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