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A Few of FR's Finest....Every Day....12-05-07....Quinnehtukqut ~ "beside the long tidal river"
December 5, 2007 | Billie

Posted on 12/04/2007 9:16:09 PM PST by 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.)
Alabama Maryland Vermont Utah Texas Nevada Wash DC Tennessee Florida Minnesota New Mexico Georgia Louisiana Michigan South Dakota California South Carolina West Virginia Oregon Pennsylvania Wyoming Mississippi Missouri Indiana Virginia Colorado Idaho New Hampshire Hawaii Maine North Carolina Arizona Iowa Alaska Massachusetts Kansas Delaware Kentucky Oklahoma Connecticut Washington North Dakota Montana Illinois Arkansas Rhode Island New York Ohio Nebraska New Jersey Wisconsin












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!


TOPICS: Culture/Society; Miscellaneous; News/Current Events; Political Humor/Cartoons
KEYWORDS: freepers; fun; patriotic; surprises
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To: Kitty Mittens

Yes, all weddings are lovely. I remember my own many years ago. I was lucky enough to have a small bridal book. My husband was in the Navy and wore his uniform and I wore a Navy Blue suit, white hat, etc. We had a beautiful wedding cake and our reception was in my mother’s dining room and was very nice. A lot of my high school friends were there. I was married on my 18th birthday so I was married all my life and that is why its so sad when one is left alone. But it has to happen. We have to just be grateful for the many years we had together and were very happy and always loved each other and loved our sons.


181 posted on 12/06/2007 6:06:46 PM PST by jaycee ("God's love still stands when all else has fallen.")
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To: jaycee

Thanks, jaycee. Looks like it was a beautiful wedding. My best wishes to bride and groom! :-)


182 posted on 12/06/2007 6:09:11 PM PST by Mama_Bear (My heroes wear camouflage! God bless our Troops!)
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To: jaycee

You looked wonderful..and I loved your teal suit! The bride is a beauty and the groom’s daughter a scene stealer..adorable..I have had time to really look at all the pictures..Just a beautiful occasion. Thanks for sharing the joy!


183 posted on 12/06/2007 6:26:25 PM PST by MEG33 (GOD BLESS OUR ARMED FORCES)
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To: jaycee; Billie
Did have trouble getting on the site, it was slower this time. Tried saving a picture the way Billie said and it didn't work. :(
Billie, you may have to do it, you'd do a better job anyway. lol
184 posted on 12/06/2007 6:54:42 PM PST by Aquamarine
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To: jaycee
Your Own Wedding Sounded Wonderful, jaycee, and how Blessed you are to have had the Beautiful Marriage you Describe. I was just a Little Older than you when I Married at 20, and I still have the Wedding Book with our Pictures in it.

Something Very Funny Happened at my Brother-in-Law's Wedding about 20 Years Ago; One of his Friends Loaded my Brother-in-Law's Car with Balloons, and Beneath the Balloons Placed her Little Daughter, Lol! So a Minute or 2 after my Brother-in-Law and his Bride Drove Off, the Little Girl Popped Up through the Balloons and Began to Giggle, as Happy Little Children Do. They had to Turn Around and Bring the Little Girl Back, and Everyone still Laughs about it to this Day!

I Loved the Pics I just Looked at from Nikki and Kelly's Wedding, and your Son Greg Looks Like a Very Good Man, and has a Kind Face. Our Lord be Praised for All the Wonderful Gifts He has Given you, Sweet jaycee; it Brings Tears to my Eyes to Think of His Goodness and His Love!

Prayers for Nikki and Kelly as they Begin their New Lives Together; may they be Blessed Beyond All their Hopes and Dreams!

185 posted on 12/06/2007 6:57:59 PM PST by Kitty Mittens (To God Be All Excellent Praise!!)
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To: Billie

Billie, I took a closer look at those beautiful homes. Loved that Mark Twain home........so relaxing looking and all the ponds are so attractive.

With the time I had tonight, I got the recipes for the Pot Roast and the Pound Cake in a 3 by 5 size. All I have to do is paste on my cards.


186 posted on 12/06/2007 7:38:40 PM PST by jaycee ("God's love still stands when all else has fallen.")
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To: Kitty Mittens

Thank you, Kitty. Oh how cute that story was about the little girl hiding under the balloons. These are the greatest memories of all.

I am sure your marriage has been a lovely and blessed one. Do you all have children or just a lot of pets? LOL~~~ You do have that lovely Ranch for pets!


187 posted on 12/06/2007 7:50:24 PM PST by jaycee ("God's love still stands when all else has fallen.")
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To: Finest FRiends

Goodnight, good friends, I am just so tired and sooooo sleepy!
Sleep well All!


188 posted on 12/06/2007 7:52:48 PM PST by jaycee ("God's love still stands when all else has fallen.")
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To: jaycee
I don't have Children, and Currently have No Pets, because of Living in 2 Different Residences at this Point in my Life, but when my Husband Retires I will be Able to have a Pet Again. Right Now I have to Make Do with the Squirrels and Birds of my Shepherd-King's Ranch, but they are a Good Blessing from our Lord. Lol, Here's a Cute Squirrel I Snapped a Pic of just a Few Days Ago: (she had just Sampled my Flowers!)


Goodnight to my Finest FRiends

189 posted on 12/06/2007 9:00:09 PM PST by Kitty Mittens (To God Be All Excellent Praise!!)
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To: Kitty Mittens

The picture you captured of the squirrel is outstanding. I love to watch my squirrels (especially when I can sit outside). About two or three of them will get on one of the large tree trunks and go ‘round and ‘round chasing each other. I have never understood if they are playing or trying to mate. It is beyond my knowledge of squirrels. Bet someone out there knows!! LOL~~


190 posted on 12/07/2007 5:07:12 AM PST by jaycee ("God's love still stands when all else has fallen.")
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To: jaycee
About two or three of them will get on one of the large tree trunks and go ‘round and ‘round chasing each other.

That's a Sight I've Seen Around Here a Lot, and I'm not Sure of what they're Doing, either, but it's Fun to Watch. They Never Seem to Hurt Each Other, so I'm Thankful for that.

May your Day be Blessed, my FRiend!

191 posted on 12/07/2007 9:22:33 AM PST by Kitty Mittens (To God Be All Excellent Praise!!)
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