1639. *

PROCEEDINGS

AT THE

CELEBRATION

OF THE

250TH ANNIVERSARY

OF THE

SETTLEMENT OF GUILFORD, CONN.,

SEPTEMBER 8th, 9th, and 10th,

1889.

NEW HAVEN, CONN.:

THE STAFFORD PRINTING CO., 86-90 CROWN STREET

1889.

CELEBRATION OF THE

TWO HUNDRED AND FIFTIETH ANNIVERSARY

OF THE

SETTLEMENT OF GUILFORD, CONN.,

BY THE

TOWNS OF GUILFORD AND MADISON. ·

The propriety of commemorating the establishment, in 1639, of the Plantation of Menunkatuck (now represented by the towns of Guilford and Madison), had been privately discussed long before public and general action was necessary. Some very useful preparatory work was done in Guilford during the winter of 1888 and 1889, by the "Halleck Circle," an association composed chiefly of young people. The first formal step, taken on the motion of Rev. Edmund M. Vittum, then pastor of the First (or North) Congregational church, is recorded in the following official document:

"Voted, That the Selectmen be empowered to appoint a committee of twelve to arrange for a suitable celebration of the Two Hundred and Fiftieth Anniversary of the settlement of the town of Guilford."

The above vote was passed at the annual Town Meeting, held October I, 1888. CHAS. H. POST, Town Clerk.

The Selectmen (consisting of Messrs. Henry E. Parmelee, Henry R. Spencer and Edwin W. Bartlett), at the monthly meeting held in November, 1888, discharged the duty thus entrusted to them. The names of the Committee of Arrangements will be found in their proper place. One of its origina!