A Lecture on Victorian Era Jewelry to Launches the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum’s Lecture Series

On Wednesday, May 21, at 11 a.m., the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum located at 295 West Avenue in Norwalk, CT will launch its 2014 Lecture Series. CT Historic New England's Associate Curator Laura Johnson will present the illustrated talk, Mottos, Messages and Gem Lore in Victorian Jewelry and introduce the messages, both hidden and overt, in Victorian gems. From the many meanings of turquoise to "fide" rings and the language of flowers, men and women alike in the nineteenth century used gems and ornaments to whisper sweet nothings or softly spell out their devotion. Lecture attendees are invited to bring their own Victorian jewelry for expert identification (please note- not for appraisal).

Laura Johnson is a specialist in American material life, focusing on identity construction and consumption. She is particularly interested in the intersections of memory and identity in American adornment. Ms. Johnson is currently working on an exhibition for Historic New England entitled Mementos: Jewelry of Life and Love, scheduled to open in 2016 but also works on needlework, children’s clothing, revival textiles, basketry, and Native American material culture. She received her Ph.D. in the History of American Civilization from the University of Delaware and an M.A. in Early American Culture from the Winterthur Program.

This is the first in a series of lectures entitled, Lockwood-Mathews Mansion: Seventy-four years of Culture - Art, Life, and Love, 1864-1938  by curators and experts in the field of Victorian era material life. The lectures are $25 for members, $30 for non-members per session. A discount package for all seven lectures can be purchased in advance for $150 for members/ $180 for non-members.  The price includes lecture, lunch and a Mansion tour.  Lunch is courtesy of Michael Gilmartin's Outdoor Cookers.  The chair of the Lecture Committee is Mimi Findlay of New Canaan. Photo credits: Collection of Historic New England and photography by Andrew Davis.

The Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum is a National Historic Landmark.  For more information on schedules and programs please visit: www.lockwoodmathewsmansion.com, e-mail info@lockwoodmathewsmansion.com, or call 203-838-9799.

See replicas of Columbus's ships Nina and Pinta in Bridgeport Connecticut

The Niña is a replica of the ship on which Columbus sailed across the Atlantic on his three voyages of discovery to the new world beginning in 1492.  Columbus sailed the tiny ship over 25,000 miles.  That ship was last heard of in 1501, but the new Niña has a different mission.  It is  a floating museum sponsored by the Columbus Foundation from the British Virgin Islands that visit ports all over the Western Hemisphere. 

On Friday May 23^rd,  the ‘Pinta’ and the ‘Nina’, replicas of Columbus’ Ships, will open in Bridgeport.     The ships will be docked at Captains Cove Seaport, 1 Bostwick Ave.,  until their departure early Tuesday morning May 27^th.

     The ‘Nina’ was built completely by hand and without the use of power tools.  Archaeology magazine called the ship “the most historically correct Columbus replica ever built.”  The “Pinta” was recently built in Brazil to accompany the Nina on all of her travels.  She is a larger version of the archetypal caravel.  Historians consider the caravel the Space Shuttle of the fifteenth century.

     Both ships tour together as a new and enhanced ‘sailing museum’ for the purpose of educating the public and school children on the ‘caravel’, a Portuguese ship used by Columbus   and many early explorers to discover the world.

     While in port, the general public is invited to visit the ships for a walk-aboard, self-guided tour.  Admission charges are $8.00 for adults, $ 7.00 for seniors, and $6.00 for students 5 - 16.   Children 4 and under are Free.  The ships are open every day from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.    No reservations necessary. 

     Teachers or organizations wishing to schedule a 30 minute guided tour with a crew member should call 1 787 672 2152 or email columfnd1492@gmail.com .  Minimum of 15.  $5.00 per person.  No Maximum. For more information visit  www.thenina.com

For information about Fairfield County www.visitfairfieldcountyct.com

Lake Compounce is bringing in the dogs May 17!

Saturday May 17th, Pink's Hot Dogs will celebrate the Grand Opening of the first East Coast location at Lake Compounce in Bristol, Conn.  The celebration will commence with a Wiener Dog 100 Race, Dachshund Fashion Show, and a Hot Dog Bobbing contest.

Pinks famous chili cheese dog!

In conjunction with the Connecticut Dachshund Rescue and Pet Services (CTDRPS) organization, the Wiener Dog 100 Race will feature 50 Dachshunds competing in heats of five, racing for the ultimate distinction of 'Fastest Hot Dog'. The top three winners will be donned with first, second and third place metals on a three-tiered podium and each will receive a basket of dog treats courtesy of the Lake Compounce.  The race will be followed by a Dachshund Fashion Show and a Hot Dog Bobbing contest where the Dachshunds will be the ones bobbing.

Donations will be accepted at all registers to benefit the CTDRPS and help them as they work to 'rehome' loving and adorable dachshunds who have been displaced.

Dachshund Rescue and Pet Services founder Anne Jordan says "We are tickled PINK to be invited to conduct our Dachshund races at Lake Compounce to commemorate Pink's Famous Hot Dogs.  We are thrilled with the number of racers attending and the wide variety of Dachshunds you'll get to see.  It's going to be fun for everyone!"

Pink's Hot Dogs, a Hollywood Legend since 1939 is a family owned business and was named by Fox News as number one in a list of Top Ten Hot Dog Stands in the U.S.  The famous hot dogs attract celebrities such as, Jay Leno, Martha Stewart; and Food Network superstars, Giada de Laurentiis and Guy Fieri.

"Their long standing history, family oriented culture, and guest service makes them a perfect fit for Lake Compounce", says Lake Compounce General Manager, Jerry Brick. "The story of how they started is really neat, and now it's probably one of the most famous hot dog stands in the country."

"Bringing Pink’s to Connecticut is like having a little bit of Hollywood on the East Coast" says family member and Co-owner, Richard Pink. "We love that our hot dogs have been made famous in TV and movies and are the favorites of countless movie stars who visit our Hollywood location, We're excited to bring that fun and delicious experience to Lake Compounce for their guests to enjoy." 

About Lake Compounce
Lake Compounce, part of the Palace Entertainment family of parks and New England's premier family theme park is now open weekends for the 2014 season. Daily operation begins on June 14. Home to Crocodile Cove, the largest water park in Connecticut, Lake Compounce is also preparing to open Bear Creek Campground in July 2014.  Lake Compounce is the oldest continuously operating amusement park in North America. Platinum Season Passes are currently on sale for the 2014 season for $74.99. More information and the park's operating schedule can be found at www.lakecompounce.com.

About Palace Entertainment
Palace Entertainment owns and operates 37 theme parks, water parks and family entertainment centers nationwide, including Kennywood, Idlewild and Story Land on the east coast.  The company entertains millions of guests annually and is one of the largest park operators in the US.  For more information, visit www.palaceentertainment.com. 

A Tree Festival In Norwalk CT

The Connecticut Tree Festival, Norwalk's annual spring tribute to leafy greenery is set for Cranbury Park, located on Grumman Ave. on Saturday, May 17 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., rain or shine.

This family fun festival will be both entertaining and educational for the whole family with up to 40 exhibition booths on a U-shaped midway making it easy to explore.  Best of all, this event is free, everything in the park is free to the public--admission, parking, door prizes, even a picnic-style lunch.

There are demonstrations of how trees are planted, trimmed and moved as well as information on how to care for trees. Bring a twig and leaf from home and look for the “Ask the Arborist” signs, certified arborists are on-site to help identify trees, foliage or unusual conditions.  In a mid-day ceremony, an eastern redbud tree is to be planted to honor the late Dick Aime who died last year at age 93 after many years as secretary of the Norwalk Tree Alliance.      

For kids there is face painting, scavenger hunts, and arts and crafts activities.  A highlight of the event are the cherry-pickers located around the midway that offers kids rides to the tree tops and tells them about the importance of tree care.

Popular exhibitors include: the Wolf Conservation Center from South Salem New York, Wildlife in Crisis of Weston, CT, Earthplace of Westport and Connecticut’s Search and Rescue dog team.

Appearing for the first time is the Art Academy of Weir Farm in Wilton with a booth on the midway and a display of arboreal art called “A Celebration of Trees” in the neighboring Gallaher Mansion. 

For additional information about this event visit https://www.ioby.org/project/2014-connecticut-tree-festival.  For area information www.visitfairfieldcountyct.com

About Cranbury Park

This is an expansive parkland of 227 acres that has a series of wooded trails, and a challenging 18- hold disc golf course.  Also on the grounds is the Gallager Mansion built in 1913 by industrialist/inventor Edward Beach Gallaher.  This limestone Tudor Revival mansion is styled with carvings, stained-glass windows and Walnut paneled rooms.  It includes a large terrace and adjacent garden that make it perfect venue for outdoor entertaining.  It's available to rent for meetings, events, luncheons and weddings. The Carriage House Arts Center is located adjacent to the mansion.  Contact Recreation and Parks for details. (203) 854-7806 or www.norwalkct.org/Facilities/Facility/Details/1