The Westbrook Historical Society

	Interesting Photo of the Month Click HERE to view
	The Philip LaViolet Military Collection Dedication

	Mayor Bruce Chulada, Philip LaViolet, Commander Bruce Staples
	THE PHILIP LAVIOLET MILITARY COLLECTION was dedicated at the May meeting of the Society. Over forty people were in attendance to witness this event honoring life-long Westbrook resident, Philip LaViolet. Among those in attendance were Mayor Bruce Chuluda (who wore two hats as he is also Commander of American Legion Post #62), Commander Dana Staples and David Martin representing American Legion Post # 197, Mrs. Philip (Constance Meloche) LaViolet and their 2 daughters, and longtime friends Mr. & Mrs. Philip Mailhot (from the St. Hyacinth Historical Society which Phil LaViolet founded in 1988). Phil has put his heart and soul into preserving and updating this piece of Westbrook history for future generations. A reception honoring Phil followed the program. The Society and the City thanks you, Philip LaViolet! [For more information about Phil, see the Collections page]
	SCHOOL VISITS

	One of the favorite activites of the Westbrook Historical Society volunteers is to play host to our 3rd graders from Congin School. The students come to the museum before they start their course on Westbrook history. Volunteers show them the kitchen equipment that Grandmother used when she had to cook “from scratch” and bake on the wood stove. They learn about the Westbrook dairies that used to deliver milk in glass bottles to the door. They see how clothes were washed in the large wooden wash basin. Grandfather also worked hard, they learn, making nails by hand and cutting boards with small hand saws, all of which were on display and demonstrated by Society volunteers. School practices (such as sharing of books and the use of slate boards) and strict schoolroom etiquette and discipline are demonstrated. The children get to play with old time toys like Jacob’s Ladder, wooden clamp-on skates and pick-up-sticks. Each child leaves with a bag containing a home-made molasses cookie, a pencil and a pamphlet telling the history of Westbrook. Everyone has a grand time!

		Rudy Vallée Commemorative Stamp The Westbrook Historical Society collected signatures for a petition to have a commemorative stamp honoring Westbrook's 'native' son Rudy Vallée, the first American crooner. Eleanor Vallée, Rudy's widow, started the process and asked for the Society's assistance. Hopefully we'll see his stamp in 2011, on the 25th anniversary of his death (July 4th, 1986). Thanks for your support!

Rudy Vallée Commemorative Stamp

The Westbrook Historical Society collected signatures for a petition to have a commemorative stamp honoring Westbrook's 'native' son Rudy Vallée, the first American crooner. Eleanor Vallée, Rudy's widow, started the process and asked for the Society's assistance. Hopefully we'll see his stamp in 2011, on the 25th anniversary of his death (July 4th, 1986).

Thanks for your support!

Annual Festival of Trees

This is the 5th year that the Westbrook Historical Society has sponsored a tree at the Westbrook Festival of Trees. Our tree's theme for 2007 was

Baubles & Beads

The tree was decorated in old jewelry, from the rhinestone pin-studded top to the overflowing jewelry box at the base. (Note the 'Barbara Bush' pearl necklace!)

Westbrook Historical Society prior themes:
2006: Gonna Buy a Paper Doll That I Can Call My
Own (paper dolls & scissors)
2005: Ringing in the Season (Bells)
2004: Home is Where the Heart is (House pictures & hearts)
2003: Silver Threads Among the Gold (Old pictures of Westbrook)

It is always fascinating to see the great ideas that people use to work up a theme! The creativity is amazing, and it seems that no year is without a totally unique exhibit! A typical example is when our Boy Scouts decorated their tree (with knots they had tied) for a "Knotty Christmas."Speak about "creativity!"

History of the Event
The Festival was established in 2001 by Patricia Elwell Wilson (Mrs. Robert Wilson) to honor the memory of her mother Beatrice M. Elwell.

Businesses and organizations pay to sponsor and decorate a Christmas tree. Each tree must have a theme and the decorations must reflect that theme. The trees are then put on display at the Westbrook-Warren Congregational Church where the public may view them during a week long festivities.

There are teas, a festival feast, breakfast with Santa, a sleigh ride and entertainment every evening. Most activities are free (except for the festival feast and a luncheon) and over $30,000 has been raised since the Festival’s start. All of this money is donated to charities that benefit Westbrook residents and to help finance Westbrook Together Days.

Click HERE to access an archive of decorated Trees from previous years.