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History of Hampton, CT.

1600’sNipmuc Tribe

Nipmucs are a tribe that means maybe “fresh water people” or “people of the dawn” The Nipmucs ate succotash (corn and beans) and a side of either corn pudding, fish, venison and maybe a topping of maple syrup. They would do lots of things for fun like singing, dancing, feasting, gambling, wrestling, lacrosse and a really fun snow snake game. Medical treatment was not much they used herbs, washing, nursing, and doctors are called shaman’s. Education for girls was making things at the house, for boys hunting, fishing and other stuff like that.

1600’sWampum

What does wampum have to do with the Nipmucs of Hampton during the 1600’s?

Some of the ways the Nipmucs used wampum was to trade, wear ornamental jewelry, and for use in ceremonies. Wampum is made of white and purple clam shells. One special clam found in CT. is the quahog clam. These are very hard to find and the purple colors really stand out. Hope you had a fun time learning about wampum

1600’sCorn Husk Dolls

Many years ago a woman wanted to make something unique. She made everything she needed to. She wanted to do more so the Great Spirit gave her permission to make little people out of corn husk to roam the Earth and bring peace to the Iroquois tribe. She made one that was very beautiful. The beautiful corn doll went to the pool and saw her face. She became very vain and naughty because she saw her beautiful face. The people became very unhappy. The Great Spirit decided that wasn’t what she was to do. She didn’t care about his warning, so the last time someone came to tell her herpunishment was she would have no face. She would not talk to the birds or animals. She’d roam the Earth forever trying to find her face again. That is why the corn husk dolls don’t have faces.

1700’s Peter Foster and his sons

Who was Peter Foster?

He was a man who lived in Hampton during the 1770’s. He and his twelve sons fought in the revolutionary war. This is very unique because no other family this size joined the military.

1700’sJohn Brewster, Jr.

What famous portrait painter lived in Hampton during the 1770’s?

John Brewster, Jr. was born and raised in Hampton. He was born deaf so he could not hear or speak. This did not stop him from becoming an artist. His work was very serious to him and he used eye contact to paint his pictures and show the feelings of the person.

1700’sHampton Ingenuity

What products were made in Hampton during the 1770’?

They made buttons, silver spoons and spectacles (eye glasses) and much, much more.

1786Incorporation of Hampton

When did Hampton become a town?

It became a town in 1786. Before that it was part of Windham, Pomfret, Canterbury, Mansfield and Brooklyn. In 1790 the population was 1,333.

1800Governor of Connecticut

Did Hampton CT ever have a governor?

Yes and his name was Chauncey Fitch Cleveland. He made a train stop so other people could come and go from Hampton.

1900 John GoodwinEdwin Teale

Who were John Goodwin and Edwin Teale?

John Goodwin had a very rich family, his brother was a architect and his mother and father owned railroads and went traveling all over the world.

When John grew up he made a state forest, he enjoyed other people going on trails. His state park is now called Goodwin State Park.

Who was Edwin Teale?

Edwin Teale bought land in Hampton too. He used the land to write books, one of his books won a huge award. It was called the Pulitzer award. That’s who John Goodwin and Edwin Tealeare.

1900’s Volunteer Fire Company

Did you know that Hampton’s fire department started in 1929?

There was 25 members. Also in January 2010 a younger generation of firefighters started it was for ages 14 to 16. The younger generation had to use hand-me-down fire gear. They learned about firefighting and how to save people from fires. They had to use OSHA activities and 2 grade pagers.

2000Hampton Today

One room school houses. 7 schools in Hampton and maybe even more. In the schools back in the day there were

little kids upstairs and big kids downstairs.

My wish for Hampton’s future is that the town will come together and make an indoor and outdoor soccer clinic.

BIBLIOGRAPHY

SOURCES WE USED

BOOK

MAGAZINE

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