From Nutmeg Grievances to Nationhood: Avon’s Revolutionary Voice & Memorabilia from the Bicentennial in 1976
As part of the national commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence, Avon’s America 250 Coordinating Committee invites the public to view a new exhibit in the History Corner of the Avon Free Public Library entitled “From Nutmeg Grievances to Nationhood: Avon’s Revolutionary Voice,” open now through August.
When the Stamp Act of 1765 was enacted, residents of Avon, then called Northington, developed a strong revolutionary voice. When it was repealed in 1766, there was “public rejoicing on account of the repeal of the Stamp Act,” according to the May 19th entry in the journal of Rev. Rufus Hawley, Northington’s colonial minister. It was clear that residents were well informed of the activities of the British Parliament. When the events at Lexington and Concord occurred nine years later in 1775, Northington’s men, young and old, joined the cause for liberty. Recent research has uncovered the names of 80 men from Northington who served in the American Revolution. An Honor Roll plaque bearing their names was dedicated in May and will be placed on permanent display in the Library's History Room after the years-long commemoration concludes. The research on all 80 men is in the History Room archives and available on the Society’s website: www.avonhistoricalsociety.org
Included with the exhibit is a section on the 1976 Bicentennial, featuring artifacts from that time, photos of a parade held in Avon in June of that year, and other memorabilia on loan from Avon residents. The Bicentennial part of the exhibit was curated by Jennifer Schloat, Society member and history teacher. She acquired some items from the 150th anniversary in 1926 for the display.
The History Corner is open during the library’s regular business hours.
