With the holidays fast approaching and having friends over for holiday parties, there may be thoughts about what gifts to get friends or loved ones. Most towns like folks to shop locally, which is a sound investment in those communities. Why not go one step further and come to the Salmon Brook Historical Society and shop with some historical flavor? With the items listed below, you can not only learn more about the history of your town, but you can also give your friends or loved ones a terrific gift.
For those who love puzzles, there is a particularly special one that comes stored in a bottle, a rare gift that is sure to delight kids and collectors alike. Postcard enthusiasts can browse an assortment of vintage and contemporary Granby postcards, perfect for framing or sending to friends or relatives. Coffee lovers can start the new year sipping from a mug featuring the Salmon Brook Historical Society logo. We also sell hats, aprons, key chains and tote bags for fun and simple gifts for friends.
The society also offers an array of fascinating books that explore local and regional history. The New Eden: James Kilbourne and the Development of Ohio, written by Goodwin Berquist and Paul C. Bowe Jr., tells the story of Kilbourne’s early 1800s journey to Ohio. For bakers and cooks, The Granby Cookery, published in 1999 by the Thursday Crew, features both historical recipes and personal favorites and is a treasure for anyone who loves creating from their oven. My Grandmother Nancy, edited by Seth Holcombe, are collected letters from the Holcombe family that capture the language and spirit of the mid-to-late 19th century. Trumpets To Glory, by Henry Hawken, contains July 4th orations prior to the Civil War, which could be a perfect book for the 250th Anniversary of our Nation’s birth.
There are also books for young readers such as, We The Kids, by Davis Catrow, a child-friendly guide to the U.S. Constitution, and The New Americans: Colonial Times: 1620-1689 by Betsy and Giulio Maestro, which offers a glimpse of early American life.
For those interested in a Granby local story, we have on the shelves of our gift shop The Heritage of Granby, first published in 1965, which offers a collection of essays on our town founding. Granby, Connecticut: A Brief History in Pictures, was created for the town’s bicentennial in 1986. We also have Mark Williams’ book Tempest In A Small Town. Other works include Burials in the Granby Center Cemetery, edited by Carol Laun, and a compilation of Carol Laun’s Granby Drummer articles, To Granby With Love, edited by Faith Tyldsley.
Two new titles by local author Kara LaBella have joined our collection: The Simsbury Witches, a retelling of an original tale inspired by local histories, and The French Paymaster, Canton’s Headless Horseman, which blends legend and regional lore.
Next year I will continue to dive into the files of the Salmon Brook Historical Society and write about some aspects of Granby history. We at the Salmon Brook Historical Society thank everyone for coming to our flea markets and appraisal day and also touring our campus on Sunday afternoons. We wish everyone Happy Holidays and a Happy New Year.