NORWICH – Sunday was a day filled with two great historic events. At the Chenango County Historical Society (CCHS) Museum in Norwich, Craig Brandon, author, presented a program about the murder of Grace Brown of Otselic, 100 years ago. In the Town of Coventry, the community and the Museum Association officially celebrated their 200th year with commemorative events and country-style fun throughout the day.
This year marks a century since the death of Grace Brown. After many years of extensive research, in 1986 Craig Brandon wrote, “Murder in the Adirondacks,” about Grace’s death. He was able to shed light on the events before and after Grace’s tragic demise by her suitor, Chester Gillette in 1906. This study was the basis of a multi-media presentation, titled “An American Tragedy Revisited”, at the CCHS Museum. Brandon’s vast collection of photographs, letters, drawings, music, movie clips, and other documentation fleshed out the characters and made the murder details seem almost recent and familiar. He did a wonderful job clarifying facts from fiction, and fascinated the audience covering details with enthusiasm even though it’s been 20 years since he wrote his book. Craig stayed after the program for a question and answer period as well as a book signing. This presentation was made possible by a New York State Council of the Arts Decentralization grant administrated by the Chenango Council of the Arts to the Guilford Historical Society.
Several miles away to the south, the Town of Coventry was celebrating their bicentennial with enjoyable activities all day long. It took an historic act by the Senate and NYS Assembly in 1806, to separate the Town of Coventry from the Town of Greene. Phyllis Lerwick, Coventry Town Historian, the Coventry Town Museum Association, and the community held festivities to commemorate this monumental passage. The day started out with the raising of a brand new flag at the Town Hall, followed by a breakfast sponsored by the local firemen, and a Lawn Tractor Pull at the Fire Hall. What was most important was the “grand re-opening” of the Coventry Town Museum on Cty. Rd. 27, and the 200 year-old Congregational UCC Church next door. (Both structures were damaged by fire, started by lightning at the church, in 2003.) Later there was a Horseshoe Tournament and a Quilt Show –with 81 quilts. People relaxed and enjoyed delicious food and ice-cream sundaes served behind the Town Hall, while the Bainbridge Old Time Band played historic selections. Then a Gospel concert was held at the True Life Christian Church on Rte 206, followed by a bonfire. It was a great celebration attended by many families and friends.