2 pillars of the town honored as History Makers
PUTNAM — Putnam, last week, honored two pillars of its community at its second annual History Makers Awards ceremony.
The awards are given to two “history makers,” one living and one deceased.
This year Fabiola “Fab” Cutler and Leo “Cam” Tetreault were honored for their profound and lasting impact on the town.
Hosted by the Aspinock Historical Society of Putnam and the Putnam Rec department, the ceremony served as a formal tribute to these distinguished individuals whose works, deeds, and service embody the spirit of the award. Cutler and Tetreault were recognized for their outstanding commitment and significant contributions, which have left an indelible and positive mark on Putnam.
Cutler is a dedicated historian and has had profound impact on the Aspinock Historical Society and the preservation of Putnam’s local history. A charter member when the society began in the summer of 1972, she immediately took on the role of its first Recording Secretary. Her leadership grew, and she served as president from 1978 to 1981.
During her presidential term, a significant milestone was achieved: funds were successfully raised to print ‘Perspectives of Putnam’ the town’s history book authored by Maggie Weaver.
Later she transitioned into the role of archivist, a position she continues to hold today, underscoring decades of commitment to preserving local records. Her written contributions to Putnam’s historical record are extensive. She co-authored ‘A Stroll Thru Putnam’ and ‘Manhasset Village’ with Sandra Ames and authored ‘The Mayors of Putnam 1985-2004’ and ‘The Putnam Patriot Categorical Index 1916-1950’. She also coordinated the creation of a comprehensive series of books dedicated to the diverse immigrant families that shaped the area. 
Tetreault, who died in 2009, was mayor of the City of Putnam in 1961 and from 1973 to 1977. He spearheaded the development of the park along the river, revitalizing the center of the town. After retirement from John Hancock Insurance Agency, he joined the Connecticut Department of Economic Development and under the Governor O’Neill program for the Comprehensive Reorganization of the Northeast Economic Region, a development plan for Windham County and particularly areas such as Putnam, he began steering industries to the northeast corner of the state and the Putnam Industrial Park.
He served as Alderman-At-Large in 1949 and 1953 under Mayor of the City of Putnam, John N. Dempsey. He was a member and chairman of the Democratic Town Committee of Putnam; Deputy Judge of City Courts/Clerk of Courts, a member of the Judicial Grievance Committee, Campaign Manager for John Dempsey for Governor and William St. Onge for US Congress, both natives of Putnam.  He attended St. Mary School, Putnam High School, and Amherst College. He was a veteran of WWII; a life-long member of the Knights of Columbus and of the Holy Name Society and chairman of the Diocesan School Board. He served on the Board of Trustees of Mount St. John, Inc., a school for at-risk boys and young men from Connecticut.
The committee said his “life-long contribution to the Town of Putnam is greatly appreciated and celebrated today.”

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The Tetreault family. Expanded photo array and longer version of the story Wed. night on our FB page. 

The committee: Parks and Recs Director Jimmy Callahan, John Miller, Willie Bousquet, James Frost, Mike Bogdanski, Emily Barnes and Mayor Barney Seney. Callahan and Seney are ex-officio members. Seney collected Cutler's plaque for her. Courtesy photos.