CELEBRATION OF THE TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SETTLEMENT OF GUILFORD, CONN., BY THE TOWNS OF GUILFORD AND MADISON. The propriety of commemorating the establishment, in 1639, of the Plantation of Menunkatuck (now represented by the towns of Guilford and Madison), had been privately discussed long before public and general action was necessary. Some very useful preparatory work was done in Guilford during the winter of 1888 and 1889, by the “Halleck Circle,” an association composed chiefly of young people. The first formal step, taken on the motion of Rev. Edmund M. Vittum, then pastor of the First (or North) Congregational church, is recorded in the following official document: "Voted, That the Selectmen be empowered to appoint a committee of twelve to arrange for a suitable celebration of the Two Hundred and Fiftieth Anniversary of the settlement of the town of Guilford." The above vote was passed at the annual Town Meeting, held October 1, 1888. CHAS. H. POST, Town Clerk. The Selectmen (consisting of Messrs. Henry E. Parmelee, Henry R. Spencer and Edwin W. Bartlett), at the monthly meeting held in November, 1888, discharged the duty thus entrusted to them. The names of the Committee of Arrangements will be found in their proper place. One of its origina! members, Mr. S. B. Chittenden, Jr. (representing, with Dr Steiner, the summer residents having permanent interests in the town), found it impossible to serve. He resigned Januar 17, 1889, and Rev. James J. Smith, pastor of St. George' church, was appointed by the Selectmen to fill the vacancy The Committee held its first meeting at the house of D Alvan Talcott, on Friday, December 21, 1888. The two non resident members reported by letter, and of the remaining ten members, nine were present. Capt. Charles Griswold wa chosen Secretary, and served until his appointment as Ban Commissioner compelled him to offer his resignation, Augus 7, 1889. Mr. Samuel H. Chittenden, of East River, Secretar of the Madison Committee of Arrangements, thencefort acted as Secretary of the Joint Committee. At the first meeting above-mentioned the date of the cel bration was fixed, provisionally, on the days finally selecte Sunday, Monday and Tuesday, September 8, 9 and 10. Th only date preserved, relating to the time of settlement, is tha of the Indian deed for the territory. This document wa signed September 29, 1639, old style, corresponding to Oct ber 9, new style. But it describes the purchasers as "plan ers of Menunkatuck," and thus makes it probable that som of them were residents here, in temporary dwellings, at lea as early as September. The exact date not being ascertain ble, the one chosen was preferred as the time of the fu moon. Hon. Simeon B. Chittenden, of Brooklyn, a native of Gu ford, and a summer resident, was elected President of the Da His serious illness, soon to terminate fatally, made his accep ance impossible, and at a later meeting Ellsworth Eliot, M.I of New York, also a native of Guilford, was chosen. At the same meeting it was voted to ask the Selectmen inform the Selectmen of Madison of the action taken in Gu ford, and to request the co-operation of that town. The a pointment of sub-committees was also begun, most of t chairmen being taken from the Committee of Arrangemen in order to make communication with that body easier, and ensure unity of action. Vacancies were left in each sub-co |