"A Bit of Old England in a Magnificent American Setting," Ingersoll's Horseless Carriage, Cemeteries and More!

This podcast is made possible by Peter F. Alexander of Site Design Associates; the Long Island Sound Institute (LISI), the Ambassador Museum United States of America, Kevin M. J. O'Connor of Jeffrey Matthews Wealth Management, and listeners like you everywhere! We’ll step back in time to Greenwich, Connecticut’s Great Estates era, an extraordinary time when grand mansions, beautifully landscaped grounds and fabulous gardens were designed and created for the pleasure of their owners. On today’s 29th of July episode of Greenwich, A Town for All Seasons you’ll hear about Khakum Wood, thanks to the Junior League of Greenwich’s book on this legendary era in Greenwich, Connecticut’s history.Have you driven on Greenwich Avenue recently in search of a parking space convenient for you? You think this is anything new? A century ago in July, 1922 a local citizen opined that, "The rapidly increasing traffic on Greenwich Avenue has caused considerable discussion as to a method of relief." Heard that recently? I'll share more details -including the identity of the citizen letter writer. Dennis Richmond, Jr., was the subject of a story in the New York Post recently. He is the descendant of free African Americans who called Greenwich their home in the 18th and 19th centuries. "Researching my family’s past has given me a sense of belonging to this nation. I am part of the large story of striving and success that has built the American dream. All this has empowered me to walk with my head held high, and I hope it inspires others to look beyond the stock narratives of the present and find their own lessons from the past."Last week I shared with you the history of a special class of residents who made a unique mark on the history of Greenwich, Connecticut and the rest of the world: inventors. In July, 1920, Erwin Edwards published a piece in his column Greenwich Life As It Is-And Was about the first "horseless carriage," and who invented it. His Name? Simon Ingersoll. Under the pseudonym 'Ezekiel Lemonade,' Judge Frederick Hubbard in his May 19, 1932 column The Judge's Corner wrote about the history of on of Greenwich, Connecticut most historic cemeteries. Known as the New Burial Grounds Association Cemetery, it is located immediately adjacent to the Second Congregational Church. The occasion? The Association's 99th annual meeting. In Crimes and Misdemeanors -the segment of each show episode where we observe the 125th anniversary of the founding of the Greenwich Police Department, you'll hear how not all of Greenwich's citizens were on their best behavior. I'll have more about Discover Greenwich Creating a Sense of Place, celebrating the 90th year anniversary of the Greenwich Historical Society. I'll have news of exhibits, activities and events for the public. You've come to the right place to learn about the history of the Town of Greenwich, Connecticut, one of America's most interesting and extraordinary communities.  Be sure to check out all the events and activities where you can immerse yourself in Greenwich history, thanks to the Greenwich Historical Society. Learn more at GreenwichHistory.org. Contact me at [email protected]. I’m on Facebook, too. Just look for Jeffrey Bingham Mead and send me a friend request. The show is also available on Facebook at Greenwich, A Town For All Seasons. Learn more about the show -and listen to past episodes for free- on the web at GreenwichATownForAllSeasons.blogspot.comBe sure to tune in for our next show which is scheduled for Friday, the 5th of August 2022.