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Majority Leader Rojas’s remarks on McCartin School Housing Project
Today In CT History
Today in 1913, arrest warrants were issued in Bridgeport for players on the Bridgeport Mechanics minor league baseball team. It was not the first time members of the Bridgeport nine had faced justice. They had, in fact, been arrested, tried, and convicted twice previously during the preceding two months. Their crime? Playing baseball on Sunday.
The Gilded Age had brought great changes to the Land of Steady Habits. The Industrial Revolution transformed the land of Puritan farmers into a multi-ethnic industrial colossus. Though the third smallest state, Connecticut in 1910 had the 11th highest manufacturing output in the nation. Producing those new manufactured goods was a workforce of immigrant newcomers, many from southern and eastern Europe, who had brought their languages, customs, Catholic faith and Continental sensibilities to Connecticut with them. Their attitudes toward many things – especially religious practice and, importantly, Sunday time off – soon rubbed hard against long-standing Yankee views of what was – and mostly wasn’t – appropriate Sunday activity.
Connecticut had invented the venerable so-called “Blue Laws”– acts prohibiting recreation or entertainment on Sundays – back in the 1600s, to keep people’s Sabbath Day attention focused tightly on religion and morality. But for Connecticut’s new Catholic arrivals – whose only break from a six-day, 10-hour-a-day work regimen came on Sundays – the Blue Law restrictions simply made no sense. They saw Sunday recreations, like visiting amusement parks and attending baseball games, as needed breaks, welcome pleasures, and workers’ rights.
The Mechanics – named both as a nod to manager Gene McCann and in recognition of the work and workers that generated the team’s audiences – played Sunday games at Bridgeport’s Newfield Park, which attracted upwards of 2000 spectators. This did not sit at all well with some pious Yankee traditionalists – particularly the members of Bridgeport’s local Pastors Association. They decided to intervene to see that the state’s Sunday laws prohibiting commercial sports were enforced.
1908 image of right fielder “Steamer” Flanagan, one of the perpetrators who felt the long arm of the law – again – on July 17, 1913 (Courtesy Mike Roer)
On June 6th, the pastors’ group filed a complaint with state’s attorney A. L. Delaney against the Mechanics team for playing in a Sunday game against Pittsfield the preceding May 17. DeLaney seemed in no rush to issue warrants for the team’s arrest, so the pastors – sure the law was on their side – hired a detective, Maurice T. Berwald, to attend the team’s Sunday games and gather evidence.
On June 29th, after Berwald filed a complaint naming specific individuals as perpetrators, four players and an umpire were arrested for playing in Sunday games on both June 8th and June 22nd. A trial was scheduled for 10 days later, on July 9th.
On trial day, which was attended by supporters and members of the Pastors Association, the President of the Eastern Baseball Association (the League in which the Mechanics played), as well as friends and fans of the accused, the judge arraigned the catcher, pitcher, first baseman, center fielder, right fielder and the umpire for “violating the Sunday law by playing baseball.” Investigator Berwald testified that he had attended the games, paid 25 cents for each ticket, knew the players (whom he identified individually by name), and that he had personally seen them play against Springfield on the 22nd and against New London on the 29th.”
The defense attorney for the players claimed that baseball did not violate the state’s Sunday laws since necessary work on Sunday was permitted, and giving so many people such pleasure, as baseball did, was necessary work. For his part, the prosecuting attorney A L Delaney wavered, saying, he thought it was better “to have the public witnessing a ball game than participating in . . . card playing where profanity and immorality prevail.” Nevertheless, the judge found all the defendants guilty, letting them off with a chastisement and a relatively mild $15 fine each. The players, left the courtroom, having presumably learned their lesson.
But three days later, on July 12, the Bridgeport Mechanics played in a Sunday game at Newfield Park again. The outraged pastors went first to Delaney, then, when he proved recalcitrant, to the police chief, and on July 17th the team members were once again arrested and arraigned, along with their manager and ticket seller, for playing “commercialized baseball on Sunday,” on this day in Connecticut history.
The battle to change the state’s Sunday laws did not end there, nor was it fought just by the Bridgeport Mechanics. Similar confrontations between pastors groups and baseball teams occurred all across the state.
In 1921, the General Assembly passed a bill allowing Sunday recreation, which Governor Lake immediately vetoed, understatedly calling it “one of the greatest menaces to the stability of the nation.”
Two years later, Governor Charles A. Templeton vetoed a similar bill, but with less hyperbole about its impact.
Finally, on April 8, 1925 a Sunday Recreation bill was signed into law by Governor John Trumbull. The fight over whether to allow Sunday double-headers could now begin.
Note: Main Image is of the 1914 Bridgeport team on the first day of spring training. Thanks to baseball historian Mike Roer for research help.
More than 15,500 Connecticut residents have signed up for the state’s prescription drug discount program called ArrayRx.
Those who sign up, including those on Medicare, will receive a free Rx card with savings up to 80% on generics. All FDA approved prescriptions are included. This program is a tool to help with the dramatic rise in the cost of prescription drugs.
Over the last several months, the 12-member Library Building Committee has been working diligently with Town Officials, Town Staff, Friar Architects & HBM Architects, and construction contractors to design Manchester’s 21st Century Public Library in the heart of Downtown Main Street.
The new library project is progressing with exciting advancements for both interior and exterior design elements. While the designs are subject to further refinement, the architectural vision showcases a spectacular structure, incorporating community feedback on the initial designs to create a welcoming space for reading, learning, connection, and conversation.
The 70,000 square foot, three-story structure includes ample space for Manchester’s robust collection of books and materials, lively and engaging areas for children of all ages, dedicated interactive teen space, makerspace and audio-visual studio, private study and meeting rooms, and a large community meeting space.
The Town of Manchester mailed the tax bills for the October 1, 2023 Grand List on June 17, 2024. The first installment of taxes on the Grand List of October 1, 2023 are due and payable on July 1, 2024. The second installment of taxes on the Grand List of October 1, 2023, are due and payable on January 1, 2025.
Failure to pay any tax due July 1, 2024, on or before August 1, 2024, will cause the tax to become delinquent and subject to interest at the rate of 1.5% per month, back to the original due date of July 2024. To avoid interest, payment must be postmarked by August 1, 2024. Payments postmarked after August 1, 2024, will accrue interest. Any delinquent tax is subject to a minimum interest charge of two dollars ($2.00).
Failure to receive a bill does not invalidate the tax or, in the event of delinquency, respective penalties. Taxpayers who do not receive a bill by the end of the first full week of July should request a duplicate from the Collector of Revenue Office or download a copy online.
Real estate and personal property tax bills that have two installments were mailed in June with a separate, detachable payment coupon for the first and second installments. There is no second bill mailed for the second installment as both payment coupons were mailed in June.
The Collector of Revenue Office at the Manchester Town Hall is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. We will be open until 6:00 PM on August 1, 2024. Taxpayers have several additional options to make their tax payments. Taxes may be paid online; placed in an envelope, and put in the drop box behind Town Hall (please do not put cash in the drop box); paid via phone by calling 1-844-562-1959; or by mail.
The Town of East Hartford has entered into a partnership agreement with East Hartford Murals, a division of RiseUP for Arts for cultural and community programming on Bissell Street. The launch event, called Off-Main Experience, will occur on Friday, July 26, 2024 from 5:00pm – 8:00pm and mark the kick-off to the Town’s initiative to convert Bissell Street into a pedestrian-friendly zone.
The Off-Main Experience aims to bring together community members, local artists, and East Hartford leadership for an evening of art, culture, and celebration. This event serves as the kick-off to the Bissell Street pedestrian pathway pilot and will initiate a community engagement process to listen and learn what the community envisions for the future of Bissell Street.
Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with local artists, participate in interactive art installations, and enjoy live performances. Special appearances by East Hartford dignitaries will highlight the town’s commitment to enhancing community spaces and promoting local culture.
Event Highlights:
Interactive Art Installations: Engage with local artists and participate in the creation of a community mural.
Vendors & Artists: Explore offerings from local vendors and artists to support small businesses.
Live Performances: Enjoy live music and performances by local talent.
Special Appearances: Hear from East Hartford government leadership about the vision for a pedestrian-friendly Bissell Street.
Date: Friday, July 26, 2024
Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Bissell Street, East Hartford, CT
The first mural to be installed on Bissell Street will be painted by East Hartford native, Haley Jones. This mural will focus on themes related to East Hartford, and community members are encouraged to contribute by emailing photos that answer the question, "What Does East Hartford Mean to You?" tomatt.conway@theriseupgroup.org.
Of the new initiative, Mayor Connor Martin said, “This important partnership is a big step towards making Bissell Street an active, cultural, and community destination. We have a responsibility to continue working to create safe, vibrant spaces for our residents, and Bissell Street revitalization is an important step in this process. We are working to create what I like to refer to as East Hartford’s version of Pratt Street: A pedestrian-only street, with outdoor furniture, lighting, and art, that will be appeal to residents and visitors alike.”
“We are thrilled to launch the Off-Main Experience in East Hartford,” said Harry Amadasun, Executive Director at East Hartford Murals and member of East Hartford Town Council. “This event not only celebrates the rich cultural heritage of our community but also marks the beginning of an exciting transformation of Bissell Street into a vibrant, pedestrian-friendly zone. We look forward to engaging with the community to shape the future of this important space.”
The Off-Main Experience is part of East Hartford Murals’ broader mission to use public art as a tool for community engagement and urban revitalization. By converting Bissell Street into a pedestrian-friendly area, the Town of East Hartford aims to create a more welcoming and inclusive space for all.
Join us on July 26th for an evening of art, culture, and community, and be a part of the exciting transformation of Bissell Street. For more information about the event and East Hartford Murals, please visit www.easthartfordmurals.comor contact Harry Amadasun atharry.amadasun@theriseupgroup.org.
About East Hartford Murals:
East Hartford Murals is a division of RiseUP for Arts dedicated to transforming communities through public art. Our mission is to create vibrant, inclusive public spaces that foster community engagement and celebrate cultural diversity. We work with local artists, community members, and partners to design and implement public art projects that inspire and connect.
Parks & Rec.
East Hartford Farmers' Market is
back for the 2024 season
The Town of East Hartford is excited to announce a new East Hartford Farmers’ Market schedule and location for the 2024 season! Our East Hartford Farmers’ Market will be held Tuesdays from July 9 through October 29 from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Town Green / Alumni Park (1047 Main Street).
“Our farmers’ market is a valuable program that fosters community connection while providing access to fresh, local produce and products made by Connecticut vendors,” said Mayor Connor Martin. “We are looking forward to expanding the market by hosting additional vendors and offering more family-friendly activities such as games and live music at our new location on the Town Green.”
CALL FOR FARMERS’ MARKET VENDORS:
Market organizers are in the process of recruiting vendors to expand the variety of Connecticutmade foods as well as other vendors to improve the selection for customers.
Are you a farmer or market vendor who produces honey, milk, eggs, bread, other foods, or locally produced crafts who wishes to be part of the East Hartford Farmers’ Market? Are you a business or non-profit organization looking to promote your services? Please visit the East Hartford Farmers’ Market website for guidelines and to access thevendor application (both online and printable options are available). There is no cost to participate as a vendor and individuals are able to request space for specific dates or the full market season. Once your application is submitted, organizers will review and determine if your product or service is appropriate for the farmers’ market.
DONATE TO BECOME AN EH FARMERS’ MARKET PARTNER!
The Town of East Hartford is asking for donations from residents, community organizations, and businesses to support our market programs that fight food insecurity right here in our community. Your support will help residents buy fresh, healthy foods from farmers that support our market. Donations will help the Town provide additional support to SNAP, WIC, and SFMNP recipients through farmers’ market matching vouchers.
Donations can be made online by visiting the Social Services Donation Program websiteand choosing the “Farmers’ market partner program” option. Alternatively, cash or check donations can be dropped off to East Hartford Youth & Social Services Division located at the Community Cultural Center at 50 Chapman Place. Checks should be made payable to the Town of East Hartford Youth & Social Services Division with “Farmers Market” noted in the bottom left. Any amount helps!
For more information regarding the various benefit programs and the Social Services donation program, please visitEast Hartford Farmers’ Market website.
My office is always open if you or your family are in need of assistance. Please do not hesitate to contact me by email atJason.Rojas@cga.ct.govor by phone at 860-240-8541.
