Pleasant Street Armory by Pete Zizka 4-16-2020 |
On November 22, 1911, Connecticut’s
Adjutant General accepted the plans for a new State Armory in
Willimantic. The new armory was going to be, “an admirable quarters for
Company “L” of the Connecticut National Guard whose post...has been
housed in smaller quarters. Another newspaper article said, “The
(military) department is very much pleased with the layout and although
the style of architecture gave the suggestion of a castle, the adjutant
general thought the design selected was best adapted to the Willimantic
company, taking into consideration the site.” On May 2, 1912, $50,000
was appropriated for construction of the armory. The general contractor
was F.D. Kent of Hartford. Willimantic contractor Hollis H. Lyman was
chosen for the heating and plumbing work. On May 8, 1912, ground was
broken for the the project. Willimantic’s leaders were quite pleased
with the prospect of a fine new armory building and so on November 21,
1912, a special town meeting was held and $950 was appropriated for the
dedication and furnishing of the building. By late December, various out
of town military organizations were beginning to coordinate with local
organizations the plans for the dedication ceremony which was to be held
on January 31, 1913. The actual ceremony was a lavish affair. Governor
Simeon Baldwin arrived with his staff and most of the ranking officers
of the National Guard. They were met by Mayor Oscar O. Tanner and
escorted to a reception and dinner. The formal ceremonies commenced at
7:45 P.M. when Governor Baldwin and his staff entered the Armory with
music by Wheeler’s American Band. A prayer was offered by the pastor of
the First Congregational Church, the Reverend William S. Beard.
It was followed by a formal presentation of the Armory to the
governor. The governor than gave his acceptance speech during which he
highly praised the citizens of Willimantic, the members of the guard and
especially the ladies who were present. The Governor said, “(W)e are
glad to see the ladies of Willimantic here tonight to add the
fascinations of grace and beauty to the scene. This is one of their
nights – the first, I hope of many here,in future years, that will be
irradiated by their presence”. Following the speech, there was a
reception accompanied by the music of Wheeler’s American Band and then a
grand march and dedication ball, “which was one of the social events of
Willimantic”. Thirty “boxes” had been arranged along both sides of the
main drill shed floor and had been ,”retained by people who are to use
them in which to entertain their out of town guests”. The demand for
tickets for the event was great and many people who wanted to obtain
them were unable to do so since, “Willimantic people have invited a
large number of their out of town relatives and friends.” This week’s
photo was taken prior to the January 31, 1913 dedication of the new
State Armory on Pleasant Street. Gathered togather are the members of
the dedication committee: Captain Elmer Carpenter, commander of Company
“L”, First Infantry, CTARNG, is flanked by Willimantic Mayor Danny Dunn
(left) and Attorney William Arnold. Standing in back are businessman
John F. Carr and Windham County High Sheriff Charles Gates.
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comments about this week’s
photo or article, please e-mail
us at “threadcity@outlook.com”.
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