A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day....12-05-07....Quinnehtukqut ~ "beside the long tidal river"

December 5, 2007 | Billie

[Billie]

A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day

Free Republic made its debut in September, 1996, and the forum was added in early 1997.   Over 200,000 people have registered for posting privileges on Free Republic, and the forum is read daily by tens of thousands of concerned citizens and patriots from all around the country and the world.

A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day was introduced on June 24, 2002. It's only a small room in JimRob's house where we can get to know one another a little better; salute and support our military and our leaders; pray for those in need; and congratulate those deserving. We strive to keep our threads entertaining, fun, and pleasing to look at, and often have guest writers contribute an essay, or a profile of another FReeper.

On Mondays please visit us to see photos of A FEW OF FR'S VETERANS AND ACTIVE MILITARY

Over the past four years we have taken A Few of FR's Finest on a cyber tour of many of the states in this great land of ours; today we are featuring the state of Connecticut, known officially as "The Constitution State", though more informally called "The Nutmeg State".

This is my second New England state to present, and I have to say, the more I read and the more pictures I see, the more I realize this is a part of our country I know I would absolutely love to visit.

Hope you'll join us today, and if you're one of the 287 Freepers who hail from Connecticut, "Thank you!" Thank you for helping to make Free Republic the best conservative forum on the net! We also invite you to share some of the things you love most about your beautiful state.

If you'd like to see the other states we've visited since Mama_Bear took us to "Sweet Home Alabama" on May 23, 2003, just click on each STATE on the map below, and the thread will open in a separate window. (States with a white * have not been profiled yet.)

Before Europeans arrived in Connecticut, Algonquian Indians inhabited the region, referring to it as Quinnetukut (note: I have seen it spelled two different ways: "Quinnetukut" and "Quinnehtukqut"), which means "beside the long tidal river"; the state's name is derived from this word. Dutchman Adriaen Block first explored Connecticut in 1614. The English came next, and settled in at Windsor in 1635. Interest in Connecticut's fertile soil and forests soon spread among Massachusetts colonists, and many of them relocated to the area. The largest migration was led by the Congregationalist clergyman Thomas Hooker in June 1636, when the Newtown community moved to Hartford. This influx aroused the local Pequot Indians, and they were subsequently exterminated in a war with settlers in 1636-37.

Connecticut is known as the Constitution State, because its delegates played a crucial role in drawing up the U.S. Constitution at the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia in 1787. The state's delegates introduced the Connecticut Compromise, by which each state would have equal representation in the U.S. Senate and proportional representation in the U.S. House of Representatives. Connecticut entered the Union on January 9, 1788, as the fifth of the original 13 states.

Connecticut abolished slavery in 1848. In the presidential election of 1860, it supported Abraham Lincoln, and during the American Civil War it supplied both men and ammunition to the Union. The war brought economic prosperity to the state, and the expansion of its industries, banking and railroads also changed the nature of its agricultural pursuits. Subsistence farming gave way to specialization, brought on by urbanization, increased population, industrialization and competition from farms in the Midwest. Industrialization was accompanied by an influx of immigrants, mostly from Ireland, Italy, Russia, Germany and Austria. By the mid-19th century the state's economy was dominated by manufacturing, and Hartford, its capital, had become one of the chief centers of the U.S. insurance industry.

Connecticut played a prominent role in the Revolutionary War, serving as the Continental Army's major supplier. Sometimes called the "Arsenal of the Nation," the state became one of the most industrialized in the nation.

The colony officially severed its ties with Great Britain in July 1776 and over 40,000 of its men served in the revolutionary army. Among them: Nathan Hale ~ American Revolutionary officer, Benedict Arnold ~ American Revolutionary general, and Ethan Allen ~ American Revolutionary Soldier.

Ethan Allen was a soldier in the American Revolution. He was also the leader of the Green Mountain Boys. Allen was born on January 10, 1738 in Litchfield, Connecticut. He fought in the French and Indian War and was one of the leaders in the Vermonters fight with New York.

When the American Revolution started, the Green Mountain Boys and Allen supported the patriots. On May 10, 1775, Allen and Colonel Benedict Arnold led a force of 83 men and attacked Fort Ticonderoga. Allen was appointed colonel in the Continental Army but he played no major role in the Revolution.

He settled in Burlington, Vermont in 1789 and died there two years later, and two years before Vermont became a part of the United States. A statue of Allen represents Vermont in Sanctuary Hall in the Capitol in Washington D.C.

Read more about the Revolutionary War:

American Revolution
Revolutionary War
Nathan Hale, American Patriot
American Revolution: Benedict Arnold
Ethan Allen, American Revolution Soldier

• Connecticut's name is derived from an Indian word (Quinnehtukqut) meaning "beside the long tidal river". Nicknames: Constitution State (official, 1959); Nutmeg State. Residents are called Connecticuters or Nutmeggers.
  
  
• Geographically the third smallest state, land area of the state covers 4,844 sq mi. There are eight counties in the state. The 2005 resident population estimate: 3,510,297. The largest county by population is Fairfield--902,775 (2005); by area: Litchfield--920 sq mi.
  
  
• The ten largest cities (2005 est.): Bridgeport--139,008; New Haven--124,791; Hartford--124,397; Stamford--120,045; Waterbury--107,902; Norwalk--84,437; Danbury--78,736; New Britain--71,254; Bristol, 61,353; Meriden, 59,653
  
  
• The capital city of Connecticut, Hartford is also the Insurance Capital of the Nation.
  
  
  
  
• Present constitution adopted: Dec. 30, 1965
  
  
• State forests: 94 (170,000 ac); State parks: 94 (32,960 ac)
  
  
• Connecticut leads New England in the production of eggs, pears, peaches, and mushrooms, and its oyster crop is the nation's second largest. Poultry and dairy products also account for a large portion of farm income.
  
  
• Hartford has the oldest U.S. newspaper still being published - the Hartford Courant, established 1764.
  
  
• Connecticut's state ship is the USS Nautilus, which was the first atomic-powered submarine. Nautilus was designated a National Historic Landmark by the United States Secretary of the Interior on 20 May 1982. She was named as the official state ship of Connecticut in 1983. Nautilus now serves as a museum of submarine history, and attracts some 250,000 visitors annually to her present berth at the U.S. Navy Submarine Force Museum and Library in Groton.
  
  
  
  
• Connecticut is renowned for its many private schools and colleges. Yale University (1701), an Ivy League school, is regarded as one of the world's great universities; other private institutions, such as Wesleyan University (1831) in Middletown, also have national recognition.
  
  
  
  
• America's first cigars, man-made combs, factory-made hats, plows, friction matches and the nation's first commercial telephone exchange were all products of the small state of Connecticut.
  
  
• West Cornwall Bridge, in the northwest corner of Connecticut, was built in 1864 to connect two rural communities - Sharon and Cornwall. Prior to the bridge, a ferry was used to cross the Housatonic River. It is one of only three remaining covered bridges in Connecticut, a state where hundreds once existed.
  
  
  
  
• Connecticut factories produce weapons, sewing machines, jet engines, helicopters, motors, hardware and tools, cutlery, clocks, locks, silverware, and submarines.
  
  
• Famous "Nutmeggers" include American Revolutionary officer Nathan Hale, American Revolutionary general Benedict Arnold, American revolutionary leader Ethan Allen, showman Phineas T. Barnum, Olympic ice skater Dorothy Hamill, firearms inventor Samuel Colt, actress Katharine Hepburn, financier John Pierpont Morgan, consumer advocate Ralph Nader, inventor Charles Goodyear, abolitionist John Brown, pediatrician Benjamin Spock, writer Mark Twain and lexicographer Noah Webster.

Tradition has it that "Yankee Doodle" had its origins in the French and Indian War when New England troops joined Braddock's forces at Niagara. In contrast to the spit and polish of the British army, the colonials were a motley crew, some wearing buckskins and furs. Dr. Richard Schuckburg, a British Army surgeon reportedly wrote the tune ridiculing the Americans in the early 1750s. Some scholars believe it is a variant of the nursery rhyme "Lucy Locket".

Despite the fact it began as ridicule, the colonials took the song for their own. Countless versions and parodies evolved, many of which made fun of their officers, including George Washington. These verses are included at the end of the tune. When Cornwallis surrendered at Yorktown it is said while the British played "The World Turned Upside Down", the Americans played "Yankee Doodle".

There are said to be as many as 190 verses of Yankee Doodle.

Where do colonial history, maritime heritage, casinos and the Ivy League meet? In Connecticut, one of the smallest, but most densely populated states. Connecticut is a popular resort area with its 250-mile Long Island Sound shoreline and many inland lakes.

The rippling Housatanic river cuts through the forested peaks and green valleys, offering ample opportunity for canoeing, kayaking and other outdoor pursuits.

In the northwest corner of the Nutmeg state, an area called the Litchfield Hills has become a favored retreat for TV and film stars. Mia Farrow, Merril Streep, Kevin Bacon, and Sam Waterston are among the celebrities who call the rolling countryside of this tucked-away corner of New England home.

Long known as a weekend escape for New Yorkers (its about a two hour trip from the city), the Litchfield Hills also abound with pleasurable activities for ordinary folk -- from antiquing to cross-country skiing. The area is dotted with charming bed and breakfasts and small villages with colonial-era houses and churches.

Among some of Connecticut's major points of interest are Yale University's Gallery of Fine Arts and Peabody Museum. Don't miss Mark Twain's home in Hartford and be sure to visit other famous museums throughout this historic state, including the P. T. Barnum, Winchester Gun, and American Clock and Watch.

Throughout Connecticut, wherever you go, the countrysides of rolling hills with its charming farmhouses, climbing roses and peaceful ponds beckon you to look closer.

I think I'll just stay here for awhile. :) The owners are having Yankee Pot Roast for dinner, and it smells soooooo good!

And for dessert, there's nothing quite like a poundcake - eat it plain, or dress it up with a glaze, and fresh fruit. I found this recipe for Butternut Pound Cake when searching the net for New England/Connecticut recipes to share with you today. As with the Yankee Pot Roast mentioned above, if you'd like to print the recipes, just click on the links.

Additional Website Links:

The History of Connecticut
Infoplease.com
Visit Connecticut
Connecticut Cultural Life
Introduction to Connecticut
Connecticut Wildflowers

(last link is for you, Meg) :)

03-27-07 ~ Hall of Fame #19 ~ Final

THIS WEEK'S THREADS 12-03,04-07 Military Tribute

Opinions by our own 'King of Ping' Every Thursday at the Finest The guy's good, folks!

[jaycee]

:) :} !! Billie, you are a smile!

[jaycee]

So funny this morning...1.2.3. Aim! :}

[jaycee]

Sweet...:}

[GodBlessUSA]

Hi Meg
The wildflowers you post are so beautiful. I wish my garden was full of them. :)

How are you today? That happened to my son. He just got the hives. I assume it was the laundry soap and never used it again. I was never positive what had caused it. The Benadryl is great isn't it. Very good to have on hand.

[GodBlessUSA]

Thanks! :)

[MEG33]

Thank you, Gee Bee..I wish I had them in mine! I have no more welts..so far so good..I am guessing at the cause because it is the only relatively new thing I am using...

[GodBlessUSA]

Good Morning Meg :)
It probably was the cause. Hopefully that’s the end of that. Glad to hear there are no more welts.

[jaycee]

GeeBee, I have never met a “Pot Roast” I didn’t like, have you? LOL!

[GodBlessUSA]

Not at all. :) Pot roast is delicious! I haven’t made that in quite a while. I think I’m going to have to make it this weekend! :)

[jaycee]

Hi friends,

If any of you would like to see Nikki’s wedding and reception pictures, they are online now.

In your search window, type in eventpix.com and you will have sites to pick of where to go. I picked the first one and it takes you to a little form with 4 lines. On the first line, put Nikki and Kelly....go to 4th line and put in Wedding. Click continue. If it then asks for Password, type wedding again and it takes you there.

Most of you might not want to see all the pics. like Nana did, so you can go to the bottom where the small pics. are and hold your mouse arrow on that right arrow and go through and click on ones you want to see and that will come up. Then, continue on.

If you would like to see some engagement pics, do the same as you first started and type in Engagement and the password would be Engagement, etc. These are casual pics of dating, and also the one that was in the newspaper announcing their engagement. A beautiful covered bridge in the background of one pic.

This is Nana talking but it was a glorious wedding. Did you expect me to say anything else...LOL~~

[MEG33]

http://www.eventpix.com/guest/events/event.php?_function=poster&category=None

Beautiful, Jaycee!

[jaycee]

I wish I would have had that link. My daughter-in-law told me how to get there and that is all I knew. Thanks.

[DollyCali]

Well, Nana, the pix are amazing... beautiful.. no which on are you????

Hope you get to feeling better. I have been sleeping a LOT lately.. possibly fighting something off, not sure.

[jaycee]

I was in the dark teal suit, when they were bringing in the grandmothers. If you will notice the two elderly ladies, they were ‘great’ grandmothers. The other one of me was at the front of the alter with Kelly and Nikki. My eyes and face are a little swollen because of the sinus infection. I never like serious pictures of me.

I did dance a few times but the photographer happened to be in the back of that big room.

I just am lucky that I was well enough to go because I would have gone with an i.v. hooked up. LOL~~~

[DollyCali]

I thought that might have been you.. you look gorgeous & your suit made it a patriotic wedding (although I know the bride was aiming for chirstmas colors.

Thanks so much for sharing those - everyone was beautiful.. Lucky bride having two great grandmas still alive..

Was the flower girl the grooms daughter? Lovely wedding party.. nice setting for hall/reception also.

[jaycee]

When Kelly’s and Nikki’s relationship first began, my son was completely against it and he told Nikki she just couldn’t date him because he was too old. This went on a while and Nikki was probably sneaking around anyway and my son finally told Nikki to invite him to their home for a cook-out and they did that on two occasions and our whole family fell in love with Kelly and his little girl, Addyson. So it went from there.

Just so you will understand, she is 21 and he is 35. That is quite an age span, huh? Love cannot be stopped and what will be, will be. I realize that more everyday. Remember when their relationship started, she was barely 20 so you can understand how her dad felt.

After I get my shower, I have a few pictures with numbers so you will understand the rest of the family.

[Billie]

Thank you, Lori. Appreciate your comments. No one knows more than you how much time goes into these state profiles. :)

When you mentioned 'starting' to work on Connecticut a couple of years ago and not being inspired to finish it, I sort of understand that, but as I got more and more into this one, it really made me sit up and wonder why New England had just never been on my radar before. I see the attraction now. :)

[Billie]

I don’t know the exact measurements of the ingredients for a hot toddy because that’s my hubby’s forte (and he doesn’t measure either!), but he just uses lemon juice, honey, and whiskey - heavy on the whisky LOL! Stir well and heat it in the microwave for about a minute. Heck, the fumes alone will darn near cure you! LOL I can’t drink one until I’m ready to go to bed, because I’m out like a light by the time I take the last sip. :)

[Billie]

Awwwwwww. :) Hey, you just keep on feeling better, and I see your post a little further down about the wedding pictures. Am definitely going to check them out! (I love weddings!) :)

[Billie]

Jaycee! What a BEAUTIFUL wedding - your granddaughter is sooooooooo pretty! And that little flower girl is a doll. Love the Christmas colors; everything looks so festive.

Also, that's a great way to view the pictures, with all the thumbnails scrolling at the bottom and you can click to view individual pictures.

I found you in your teal suit, and you look so pretty! Thank you for sharing these. Hugs!