History of Hampton, CT.

November 2013

1600’sWampum

What does wampum have to do with the Nipmucs of Hampton during the 1600s? Wampum is used for jewelry, and wampum beads are used for currency and trading. They jewelry is worn for ceremonies and for decorations

1600’sNipmuc Tribe

Who were the Nipmucs of Hampton in the 1600s? They ate deer and succotash. They also ate fish. They liked to dance and sing. They also built their homes and hunted for food.

1600’sCorn Husk DollsMany years ago a woman wanted to make something different, so the Great Spirit gave her permission. She made little people out of corn husk and they were to roam the Earth and bring peace to the Iroquois tribe. But she made one that was very beautiful. The beautiful corn doll went to the pool and saw her face. She became very vain and naughty because she saw her beautiful face. The people became very unhappy. The Great Spirit decided that wasn’t what she was to do. She didn’t care about his warning, so the last time someone came to tell her that her punishment was she would have no face, she would not talk to the birds or animals. She’d roam the Earth forever trying to find her face again. That is why the corn husk dolls don’t have faces.

1700’sHampton IngenuitySpectacles , buttons, and brooms were made by hand in Hampton.

1700’s Peter Foster and his sons

Who was Peter Foster? He was a man who lived in Hampton during the 1770”s. He and his twelve sons fought in the Revolutionary War. This is unique because no other family of this size joined the military.

1800Governor of Connecticut

Was there ever a governor of CT from Hampton?Yes, his name was Chauncey Fitch Cleveland. He arranged to have a train stop in Hampton. The house he lived in is still in Hampton.

Who was John Goodwin and Edwin Teale?

Who were John Goodwin and Edwin Teale? John Goodwin ‘s family was very rich and so they bought land in Hampton. John Goodwin made trails in Hampton and enjoyed people going on his trails. He had a house built there. It is now known as Goodwin State Forest.

1900’s Volunteer Fire CompanyHampton Elementary SchoolDid you know that Hampton Fire Department started in 1929? There were about 70 calls per year. You had to be 14 – 16 years of age in 2010 to be a junior fireman. As a junior fireman you learned the ins and outs of firefighting.

How many schools have there been in Hampton?In 1718, Hampton had a one room schoolhouse. After that Hampton had 7 or more schools. Currently it has the Hampton Elementary School.

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