1/24/07 I attended an event held at New Haven Public Library. In attendance were descendents from the 29th Connecticut Colored Regiment who spoke about their efforts to raise money for a monument to, hopefully, be unveiled Sept. 2007. There was also a man who portrayed Pvt. James Webb of the 29th. It was quite an inspiring portrayal.

Last night, 1/15/07, I attended a Milford Historical Society meeting to hear a talk given by Pulitzer Prize winning author Edwin G. Burrows (his book "Gotham" won the award). He spoke about his upcoming book called "Prisoners of New York" about the prisoners taken by the British during the Revolutionary War, many of whom were housed on prison ships, and some of whom contracted smallpox and were dumped on the beach in my town (Milford CT). Most of them died shortly afterwards, including Capt. Stephen Stowe who doctored them, and are buried in a mass grave in town.

This weekend, 1/14/07, stopped at Boothe Park in Stratford CT. One of the Boothe family members fought in the Civil War and died at Barlow's Knoll in Gettysburg. The family eventually donated the land for the park as well as a few very interesting buildings on the property. One is a lighthouse. One houses quite a few interesting collections of items including a collection of Civil War artifacts. The old toll booth from the Merritt Parkway was moved to the park and actually looks pretty there.

1/6/07 Attended a meeting at Holy Infant Church in Orange CT. At one time, the priest there was Father Frank McGivney. He has passed away, but the Catholic Church is considering him for sainthood.