The Speaker Series at the South Danbury Church continues its programming into November with two new events. “We like to try to figure out what will interest our neighbors,” says Kathy Neustadt, a co-founder of the Series, “and the best way we know to do this is to keep varying our focus: from local to global, for example, from artistic to scientific. So, this month, the focus will be on two different kinds of phenomena—natural and cultural—that have helped heighten the uniqueness of our region.”
On November 6, Tom Curren will speak on “Maidens’ Blushes and Granite Beauties: The Apples of New Hampshire.” A part-time farmer, local historian, and folk musician, Tom has presented a number of programs over the years to help the Speaker Series get underway; speaking (and singing) on a number of topics relating to history—American, New England, and musical—including the Battle of Bennington, the development of the Shakers, and The Roots and Branches of Country Music, from Uncle Dave to Old Crow.
On this occasion, he will be talking about apples. “This has been an extraordinarily fruitful year here in the Granite State,” Curren points out, “and the bumper crop of ’15 gives us a great window into the history of apple propagation, growing, and processing over the past 200 years.” Particular attention will be paid to locally important historical varieties and the prospects for growing them again in the future.
On November 20, Loretta Rayno will share “The Story of Freedom Acres,” the very successful tourist attraction on the side of Mount Kearsarge in Wilmot, owned, built, and operated by two former WACs, Donna Niles and Kay White.
In addition to their business, Rayno was also a witness to the participation by the “girls” in Wilmot’s civic life, where they played significant roles; for example; in the establishment of the town’s Community Center. In addition, Donna Niles was also elected a selectman in 1959—the first woman in that position in Wilmot’s history—which caused the other two selectmen to resign in protest, claiming it was work too hard for a woman (Donna’s Bronze Star for her work in Europe with the Women’s Army Corps notwithstanding!). Responses to this situation (picked up and spread by newspapers around the globe), celebrity supporters, and marriage proposals sent through the mail will be part of the story that Rayno will be sharing. It’s a fascinating one.
Both events begin at 6:30 PM, with light refreshments served afterwards, and are free to the public—although donations are enthusiastically accepted! The South Danbury Christian Church (an open and affirming congregation of the United Church of Christ) is located at 1411 U.S. Route 4 in South Danbury. For more information, call 768-3191.