Avon Library Celebrates America's 250th With New Exhibit

AVON, CT — A new exhibit at the Avon Free Public Library is highlighting the town's connections to the American Revolution while also looking back at local celebrations of the nation's Bicentennial 50 years ago.

The exhibit, "From Nutmeg Grievances to Nationhood: Avon's Revolutionary Voice," is on display in the library's History Corner through August as part of the national commemoration of the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.

Organized by Avon’s America 250 Coordinating Committee, the exhibit examines how residents of what was then known as Northington responded to growing tensions with Great Britain in the years leading up to the Revolutionary War.

According to organizers, Northington residents closely followed developments in the colonies and Britain.

When the Stamp Act was repealed in 1766, Rev. Rufus Hawley, the community's colonial minister, recorded "public rejoicing on account of the repeal of the Stamp Act" in his journal.

Nine years later, following the battles of Lexington and Concord in 1775, men from Northington joined the colonial cause.

Recent research by the Avon Historical Society identified 80 Northington residents who served during the American Revolution.

An Honor Roll plaque recognizing those 80 patriots was dedicated in May and will be permanently displayed in the library's History Room after the town's America 250 commemoration concludes.

Research on each individual is available in the History Room archives and on the Avon Historical Society website.

The exhibit also features artifacts and photographs from Avon’s participation in the United States Bicentennial celebration in 1976.

The display includes memorabilia loaned by local residents, photographs from a June 1976 parade in Avon, and items dating to the nation's 150th anniversary in 1926.

The Bicentennial portion of the exhibit was curated by Avon Historical Society member and history teacher Jennifer Schloat.

Among the Revolutionary War stories highlighted are several Northington residents who participated in significant moments of the conflict.

They include Capt. Ichabod Norton, who helped transport cannons from Fort Ticonderoga to Boston with Col. Henry Knox in 1775-76; Lt. Lemuel Hotchkiss, who fought at the Battle of Long Island; and Preserved Marshall, who served as a military teamster supplying Continental forces, including during the encampment at Valley Forge.

The exhibit also recognizes the service of Black soldiers, including Pvt. Abel Dego and blacksmith Elias Tillotson, who helped forge the massive Hudson River chain designed to prevent British ships from advancing northward.

The History Corner is open during the Avon Free Public Library's regular business hours.

For more information on Avon America 250 events, click on this link.