The headstone of Tillie Baldwin, listed by her birth name of Anna Winger. (photo by Jim Littlefield)
Published February 02. 2021 7:54AM
Jim Littlefield, Special to The Times
I remember from my almost five decades in the public-school system the ongoing conversation we often had about minorities and women and their underrepresentation in the history curriculum. Specifically, in our American history courses, was it really possible (or even logical) to conclude that almost all the important contributions over the years were made by white males?
The good news is that there now appears to be a genuine effort in public education to present history in a more factual and balanced manner.
History Matters: Death takes a ride
The dig site where we did our archaeological investigation, just behind the Old Stone Burial Ground at the corner of Riverside and Society Roads in East Lyme. (photo courtesy of Jim Littlefield)
Published January 19. 2021 7:33AM
Jim Littlefield, Special to The Times
“Yes, our church hearse is at your disposal, my dear, but remember, you must supply your own horse!”
The historical record suggests this scene must have played out multiple times over the years. A bereaved widow is questioning her minister regarding funeral arrangements for her recently deceased husband. As a church member in good standing, she is assured the use of the church’s communally owned funeral carriage to transport him to his final place of rest. But she also needs to be reminded that the horsepower necessary to get the job done is not the church’s responsibility.