Historical Society releases ‘Voices of the Flood’ video series
PUTNAM — The Aspinock Historical Society of Putnam has released its new video series, “Voices of the Flood.” Produced by local historians Jeanne Benoit and Mike Bogdanski, this series is a powerful living history that chronicles the devastating and life-altering 1955 flood through the firsthand accounts of those who lived through it.
The video series features emotional and descriptive stories from residents who witnessed the once-in-a-century flood that reshaped the town of Putnam forever. Their testimonials offer a raw and intimate perspective on the event, capturing the fear, resilience, and community spirit that emerged in its wake.
“We felt it was crucial to capture these stories before they were lost to time,” said historian Jeanne Benoit. “The 1955 flood wasn’t just a natural disaster; it was a pivotal moment that changed the physical and social landscape of our town. The voices in this series bring that history to life in a way that no textbook ever could.”
Historian Mike Bogdanski added, “These are more than just memories; they are a tribute to the strength of the Putnam community. The stories shared in ‘Voices of the Flood’ serve as a powerful reminder of our history and the incredible resilience of its people.”
The “Voices of the Flood” video series is available for viewing on the Aspinock Historical Society’s website at putnamaspinockhistsoc.com/ or search Aspinock historical on youtube.
The Aspinock Historical Society is dedicated to preserving and sharing the rich history of Putnam, Connecticut. 

Through its archives, exhibits, and educational programs, the society works to foster a deeper appreciation for the town’s heritage and its enduring legacy. The museum is located in the Putnam municipal complex is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday.

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It’s not magic
From storage to a garden club’s new home

By Linda Lemmon
Town Crier Editor
WOODSTOCK — Some space in the Palmer Hall/the Center for Woodstock History went from the tiny world of chowder cup storage to the big beautiful world of gardens and landscaping.
Last weekend the Quiet Corner Garden Club settled into its new home after a summer of work by volunteers and “amazing” donations of labor and materials.
Plan A, using rusty garden shears, did not get the ribbon-cutting job done, but Plan B —– a regular pair of scissors — did work and the club officially has a new home. 
The president of the Center for Woodstock History (formerly the Woodstock Historical Society), Jay Cantor, said the society used to hold a chowder fund-raiser at the barn at Roseland Cottage. It involved about 20 volunteers and tons of chowder bowls and paper cups. They were stored in a small room at the Palmer hall. That fund-raiser pulled in about $3,000 but it was labor intensive and the society stopped. Food trucks followed. 
And all those cups sat in the small room.
Meanwhile the Quiet Corner Garden Club’s archives from its inception in 1978 forward went from guest rooms to basements to ending up at the Bracken library. It was difficult getting access, said club historical committee Chair Mary Ann Johnson. Cantor said after a “casual conversation” revealed the club’s dilemma, Cantor offered the small room and gave all the cups and bowls to the church. “The space was decent,” Cantor said. 
The club’s “new home” committee got to work transforming the room into a peaceful space complete with a sink and counter and space for all the club’s archives. Cantor gave his gardening books to the club’s reference bookcase there. 
And that inspired a rebirth of the front of the hall. “We were trying to get this building to stand out more,” Cantor said. Cantor said two trees that were encroaching on the building and weren’t original - “didn’t belong there” — were removed. In the era the building was built there wasn’t much in front of public buildings, but he did find reference to an old building in Charleston, S.C., with a “sweep of bushes” in front. And two years ago the society got a grant to repair the stairs in front. Turned out to be good thing as the stairs’ disrepair was the culprit in water getting into the basement. The brick path was also removed. “We wanted to frame the front without encouraging that as the entryway.”
Johnson thanked her garden club historical committee team and all those who donated their time, talent and donations. The landscaping work in the front was donated. In addition the dilapidated sink was replaced with a new kitchenette space, courtesy of Brunahans. Central Flooring of Dudley gave the club a new floor. Chace Paint Center helped with advice on paint colors, the type of paint to use and “gave us a wonderful donation”. 
Johnson said club member volunteers spent hours this past summer cleaning, sanding, and painting the room, the hall and the doorway. Others who helped included: Gregg Corso of Arbor Active, Gary Kettle of Stump-Be-Gone, club members Sharon Brochu, Kristi Keating, Mary Lou Mallouk, Claire Laporte, Pat Papini, Karen McFarlin and other members of the 140-member club.
Club Vice President Mike Radzvilowicz called the effort “amazing.” The work brought all the club members together, preserving not just the club’s heritage but adding a breath of fresh air. He added he was amazed by all the donations. 

captions:

Mary Ann Johnson and Jay Cantor tried the shears first. No go. The scissors worked and the ribbon was cut on the Quiet Corner Garden Club's new office in Palmer Memorial Hall, Woodstock. More photos Wed. night on our FB page. Linda Lemmon photos.

The new office.

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Donation
Putnam Rotary Club Past President, Doug Porter donated some of the surplus money from his presidential year to Daily Bread. Rotarian Karen Osbrey receives the check. Club President Kathy Kirk is at right. Linda Lemmon photo.

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