Meriden Today

[Dave Suponski]

I took a little trip up to Hartford,CT today chasing a gun and on the way home decided that because it was such a balmy day here in the Northeast I would go visit some old haunts(pun intended)

Picture 1) Mr Allen Weathers who at 84 years young is still the curator of the Meriden Historical Society. Allen has done an incredible job for the PGCA over the years with his research of Meriden records. We spent an enjoyable hour chewing-the-fat at his sister in laws antique shop.
Picture 2)Mr. Charles Parker's final resting spot. A couple interesting things here.Just to the left of Charles grave is the cut of woods that seperates the cemetery from the Wilcox house(Wilbers home) Also notice the ridgeline in the background.This ridgeline is pictured in period printings of the Parker factory.

Picture3)Dexter Parker's gravestone in the family plot.

[Dave Suponski]

And the bad news. Two of the gravestones the PGCA restored back in 2002 have been knocked down again. My thoughts are that if we can get some interest maybe we could get a work detail back up to the Meriden East Cemetery in the spring to make this right. It will take a few guys as these stones are 250+lbs. each. I know who to get in touch with in the Meriden town hall to get the proper okays.

[Gary Carmichael Sr]

Do you think they were blown over or purposely knocked over by A!!!!!!!!!s. Is the burial ground in town or the country, and were any others down or just the Parker head stones?

[Dave Suponski]

Gary, I really can't say. This cemetery was all but forgotten when we first visited it many years ago. Badly overgrown and vandalized. When the PGCA contacted the town manager of our intentions to restore the Parker family plot he took an interest and vowed to clean it up to a level due those interred there and for the most part they have done that. The damage could have been done by vandals or some of the snows and strong storms we have had in the past few years. The cemetery sits on a hilltop so who knows.

[Bruce Day]

Dave, most definitely an admirable proposal. I'm such a long way from Meriden that it would not be reasonable for me, but I know we have close members and I will be there in spirit and gratitude for you fellows.
Bruce

[Dave Suponski]

Thanks Bruce. This can done in a day easy. I could show members who have never visited Meriden the sights. There is still quite a bit of Parker influence throughout the town. We'll see how it all hammers out..

[charlie cleveland]

im with yall to in spirit... the parkers deserve to have a nice resting place.... charlie

[Jack Cronkhite]

Someone, maybe the BOD, might want to look into making a presentation to the USNPS to have the grave-sites and the last building standing from the gunworks declared a National Historic Site. If successful, there would be funds dedicated to restoration and ongoing maintenance. Given the gun is considered the best American built shotgun and there is an active association dedicated to collection and preservation of these functional works of art, it seems worth a shot. (40 yards #6 1 oz oughta do it). Tax dollars at work through the National Parks Service may just be the way to go.

Cheers,
Jack (fan of National Parks)

[Bill Murphy]

Dave, I missed the first trip. I would be interested in the next one. Please don't call until early spring.

[Dave Suponski]

Will do Bill and thanks.

[Jim Pasman]

Hi Dave - happy to help in person this Spring. How about a reminder notice when you're ready? I like Jack's idea of the BOD approaching the National Park Service. The town manager may be interested in endorsing a board proposal.

[Dean Romig]

When Dave and I were at that cemetery in the winter before last all headstones were upright and in place. It's sad to see that that stone has been on the ground long enough for grass to be growing over it. Dave, is there a cemetery department in Meriden?

[Brian Dudley]

Dave,
Please do let us know when you are putting something together. Might be a good time for me to make a visit out to my Brother in Hartford while I am at it.

[William Maynard]

Meridan/Hartford is a stones throw.. I am interested.. Let me know please.. many times you can fix stone with new modern day epoxy.. Stronger than the stone itself..Lasts along time... I have used it a few times myself....

[Dave Smith]

The world war one monument in down town Meriden is a masterpiece! I have lunch weekly with a gal whose a Meriden native, her grandfather attended church with Parker family. The town had numerous industries and like all of the once industrial north east it deserves better than its current situation.

Only people who appreciate America's once great capacity to produce and tool up for peace or war time can begin to lament the passing of what towns like Meriden reppresent.

[charlie cleveland]

amen to that mr daves....our country was and still the greatest place to live and work and bring our familes up.. and to teach them what they have and to hold every thing dear this country stands for.... and part ofour responseability is toteach themto shoot and enjoy the parkers that forefathers put some much time and effort for us to enjoy...and the most important to look to GOD as our forefathers did..... charlie

[Dave Suponski]

Just to give our members an update. Your Board of Directors has approved funding for a complete restoration on the gravestones of the Parker family plot situated in the Meriden East Cemetery. I have secured the needed permits/permission. Work has begun today with the headstones being removed and transported to Stratford Monument Works where they will be restored over the winter and reset in the spring. We may plan a dedication ceremony in the spring. We will keep everyone here posted on the progress.

[Dean Romig]

A BIG 'Thank You" to the PGCA BOD for approving this very worthy project...

But more than the thanks the BOD deserves I would like to express my appreciation and unbounded admiration to Dave Suponski who is the spearhead behind this project and so many other PGCA sanctioned functions, events and projects.

YAY Dave!!! :bowdown::clap::cheers:

[Dave Suponski]

Thank You for the kudos Dean but our own past board member Allan Swanson was the "kick in the pants" I needed to get moving on this..:) Thank You Allan and the rest of the BOD for supporting this worthy venture.

[Dean Romig]

In that case... Thanks Mr. "Pants Kicker"!! :bigbye:

[Dave Suponski]

Progress report....I was called in to the monument co. to inspect the progress. The head stones are done,the Stoney Creek granite bases are done and we are awaiting delivery on the headstone bases as they are going to be remade. One of the original bases was broken in half so we decided it best to replace them both.

[calvin humburg]

My hat's off for ol Dave! Still a few good fellows around. Godspeed ch

[Destry L. Hoffard]

Now this is the kind of thing I like to see. Very nice work on the part of everyone involved.

DLH

[Robert Delk]

A very well thought and timely show of respect. Well done to all hands.

[Bill Murphy]

Thanks, Dave.

[Brian Dudley]

Thanks for the update. I can't wait to come out and see them back up.

[Mike Phelps]

I live a little south of Hartford and could provide some muscle if needed when these go back up. I'm not sure if there's a volunteer list for this yet or not.

[Tom Wooden]

Dave - Thank you for the update and all the work you have done to get this work done.

[Larry Frey]

I live a little south of Hartford and could provide some muscle if needed when these go back up. I'm not sure if there's a volunteer list for this yet or not.

Mike,
Dave Suponski really took the bull by the horns so to speak in following thru on this project. It was determined that the extent of deterioration of the monuments was beyond what we members could easily rectify so he sought the help of a professional monument company.The BOD decided that preserving this bit of Parker history was very important to us as an organization. I believe in the end we as members will be proud of what the PGCA has accomplished here and it likely will result in some very good press that we as a gun collectors organization can always use more of. I'm sure Dave has been documenting this project as it progresses and that a very nice story in a future issue of Parker Pages will result for those members who are not involved with this forum. If there is some sort of gathering arranged for the day the stones are reset I'm sure it will be posted for those who would like to attend. Thanks again Dave for making this happen.

[scott kittredge]

great job to Dave and all his helpers , maybe a story for the local news paper too :) scott

[Dean Romig]

Nice work Dave!!

For those who don't know Dave Suponski... he's a bit like a bulldog - once he gets ahold of something he doesn't let go until he's satisfied that it is finished!!

Very nice work my friend.

[Angel Cruz]

Wow, outstanding Dave. You make us proud!!!

[Mike Phelps]

Larry, thanks for the background information. I wasn't aware of that.

Dave - great job!

[Brian Dudley]

Once I know the weekend that they are going up/being dedicated, I am making plans to be there.

[Robin Lewis]

I too would like to be there to witness that event and take part and maybe meet Parker enthusiasts I have never met.

[Brian Dudley]

Any update on if there will be a dedication gathering or when it will be?

[Dave Suponski]

Brian, I checked with the monument company that is doing the restoration this past Friday and we are about 6 weeks from getting the new marble bases for the monuments. In the mean time they are going up to the site in the next few weeks to pour the new footings and lay the granite bases.I will keep everyone informed on the progress as it unfolds.

[Bill Murphy]

:bowdown::bowdown::bowdown:

[Gary Carmichael Sr]

The dear departed I am sure are looking down and smiling, thank you for all that you have done to restore these stones!

[Robin Lewis]

What Gary said, THANKS Dave!

[Dean Romig]

Dave, have you made preliminary contact with the local newspapers, TV station, Mayor's office, Historical Society, etc. about the refurbishing of the historical Parker family markers and the upcoming dedication ceremonies?

[Dave Suponski]

Allan Weathers and I have talked a bit about this. As we get closer I will talk with him at more length. I will need to have a good date to give him. I would think that the weekend after the headstones are replaced would be a good time to try and get people together.

[Dean Romig]

We'll wait to hear from you as the day draws closer... *fingers tapping*

[Dave Suponski]

Update...The new bases have arrived and if the weather holds will be installed in the next week or so. I will keep everyone advised about a date for the unveiling. We have another wonderful event to go along with this so stay tuned.

[John Dunkle]

Dave,

This is absolutely a GREAT thing you, the PGCA Board of Directors and the membership is doing..!! Fantastic!

:cheers:

And our collective thanks,

John D.

[Brian Dudley]

Can't wait for the updates to follow.

[Dean Romig]

Our thanks really should go to Dave Suponski and Alan Weathers. They have been the "team" that made this all happen but it is Dave who has done all of the "heavy lifting" with every step of this project. Dave really deserves a very hearty applause for his efforts. I can't wait to be there and to take part in this event.

Oh yeah, as Dave says, "Stay tuned" for the surprise... You'll learn about it soon but you'll read about it in a future issue of Parker Pages.

[Dave Suponski]

Danny and I went up to Hartford Cabelas today for some supplies and as we wondered home we stopped at the cemetery and to our suprise we found that the footings had been poured.

[Dave Suponski]

One more

[Dean Romig]

It's good to see progress is being made. Thanks for your efforts Dave.

[Brian Dudley]

Just read the brief writeup in the Parker Pages on this. A Tour of Meriden sites and visit to the Historical Society sounds great! I was hoping to see these things sometime when I was in that area anyway. Great chance to get it all in. Can't wait for a date.

[Dave Suponski]

Visited Meriden today and the Parker family plot is finished! I looks fantastic! Sorry but no pictures this time....:banghead: Stay tuned for a date for the unvieling and tour. As soon as we have a firm date I will post it here.

[Brian Dudley]

Now Dave... Posting pictures would spoil the unviel.

[Dean Romig]

Most of you will recall the pictures posted in Parker Pages of the deplorable condition of the Parker Family plot.


.

[Dave Suponski]

Gentlemen, It has been decided that Saturday August 11th,2012 at approx 10:30 am the official unveiling will take place at the Meriden East Cemetery. After that there will be another event at the Meriden Historical Society. I am sure there will be time also that day to show some of the other Parker related sites such as the site of the old Parker Bros. Gun Works.If there are any questions I can be reached at ctdoubles@aol.com Hope to see some of you there..:)

[charlie cleveland]

wonderful news...many thanks to all... charlie

[Dean Romig]

The biggest thanks should go to Dave Suponski for his leadership in every step of this process. It was Dave who visited the cemetery and discovered that the Parker headstones had toppled and were allowed (through the severe cuts to virtually every department of the city of Meriden) to lay on the ground as the grass grew long over them. Dave spearheaded this entire project and made the right connections and contacts and through his perseverence brought it to the finished product we all will be able to enjoy on August 11. Thank you Dave.

[John Dunkle]

What Dean said.....

Without Dave and his drive and determination, nothing would have happened. Dave, simply......

Thank you Sir!

John

[Dave Suponski]

Gent's,Thank you for all the positive reply's. I just did the leg work and we must remember that our BOD was the muscle behind this project. Without the boards financial commitment to this project it would have never happened. Also without the help of Allen Weathers president of the Meriden Historical Society and Mike Zebora the Director of Meriden parks I don't know if we could have pulled this off.

[Brian Dudley]

See you all there!

[Dave Suponski]

Looking forward to meeting you Brian.

[Dave Suponski]

For anyone that will be attending this event August 11th and having a desire to do a little shootin Wallingford Rod and Gun Club will be hosting a sporting clays shoot Aug.12th and it is open to the public. Larry and I have shot this 50 target course and it is fun as well as challenging. We could shoot a quick 50 targets before you head on your way home Sunday. Something to think about....

[Dave Suponski]

Bringing this to the top with 2 weeks to go. First stop will be the Meriden East Cemetery at 10:30 AM Saturday August 11th for the unvieling.

The Meriden East cemetery is located on East Main St Meriden about 60 yards south of Parker Ave. Look for the wrought iron fence and two stone pillers. There is a sign for the cemetery located on the right fence that says in fact "Meriden East Cemetery" look down the drive and you will see the brownstone arch entrance.

Hopefully we will have a few other events planned for that day so plan on spending a bit of time with us.

[scott kittredge]

Bringing this to the top with 2 weeks to go. First stop will be the Meriden East Cemetery at 10:30 AM Saturday August 11th for the unvieling.

The Meriden East cemetery is located on East Main St Meriden about 60 yards south of Parker Ave. Look for the wrought iron fence and two stone pillers. There is a sign for the cemetery located on the right fence that says in fact "Meriden East Cemetery" look down the drive and you will see the brownstone arch entrance.

Hopefully we will have a few other events planned for that day so plan on spending a bit of time with us.

i wish i could make it, but i will be hunting Mr. crow, but when you are there please tell the parkers for me, thanks for the fun their guns have given me over the years and the great parker friends i have shot with :bowdown:scott

[Larry Frey]

I'm not sure why Dave didn't mention it and I hope it was not intended as a surprise but one the other events that day will be a trip to the Meriden Historical society. Dave, Deb, and I spent about an hour and a half their last night delivering and setting up a new PGCA display. We have a beautiful Oak and glass display case that was commissioned by Austin Hogan and several Parker guns from an early Parker/Snow muzzle loader, two Triplet and Scott rifles with one being a carbine, and a couple of interesting hammer guns. This combined with the guns and other items produced in the various Parker owned factories in the area should make for a very interesting time for those interested in the Charles Parker Company. I hope to see many of our members there.

[Dave Suponski]

Okay...The cats outta the bag now! But there are a couple other ideas We have in mind also.....Larry....Shhhh Should be a great day in Meriden(and surrounding towns...)

[Bill Murphy]

I almost wish you guys would get snowed out or something so I could attend. It is about a month too early for me to attend. I'm sure we will see photographic proof of the events.

[Kevin McCormack]

I for one certainly wish there had been more advance notice about this - those of us who made it up to the "Meriden Homecoming" event years ago saw and heard things that the uninitiated will never see, understand, or appreciate. Unfortunately I cannot attend due to prior commitment with wife's childhood friends - I would have loved to act as a "tour guide on the wall."

[Dean Romig]

Bill and Kevin, we will miss you two very knowledgable Parkerphiles. We do hope there's some way you can change your plans and be able to attend.

[Dave Suponski]

Kevin and Bill, I am sorry that you will not be able to attend. We set the date as soon as I was sure the site was finished. I posted the date of the event on July 7th which was more than a month prior.

[Dave Suponski]

Gentlemen, We made the papers except as usual they can't get my name right but thats okay. Great press for the PGCA! Check out this link and let it load.

http://www.myrecordjournal.com/

[Rich Anderson]

Great job OP. Those Polish names are hard to spell:rotf:

[Dave Suponski]

Thanks COB I know what ya mean...I still have trouble with it.....:rolleyes:

[Russ Jackson]

Dave ,Just read the attached " Link " , a Very nice article indeed ! The Stones also look very nice, THANK YOU for representing all of us so well :bowdown: !!!!!!!!!!! Best ; Russ

[Jack Cronkhite]

Thanks Dave and all those who had a hand in this endeavor. Good article. I added a comment and hope others do as well. While I have never been to Meriden Conn, those two words on the rib of my Dad's VH have been fused in my brain from childhood, along with the image of my black lab "Snippy" on the DHBP.
Regards,
Jack

[Dean Romig]

Terriffic work Dave! It's nice to get some "good press" for we 'gun nuts' once in a while.

I'm looking forward to the 11th!

[Craig Larter]

Dave: Very nice job and a great story. Craig

[Bill Murphy]

Dave, are all the stones in the line of stones Parker family members? Who are they all?

[Dave Suponski]

Yes Bill they are all members of the Parker family. From right as best as I can remember it goes. Dexter,Charles,Father,Mother,Wilber,Elizabeth(Wilb ers Wife) at the extreme left are the headstones of the five children that Charles fathered but didn't not grow to maturity. All told Charles fathered 10 children.

[Rick Losey]

Gentlemen, We made the papers except as usual they can't get my name right but thats okay. Great press for the PGCA! Check out this link and let it load.

http://www.myrecordjournal.com/

“There’s no such thing as bad press, as long as they spell your name right.”
- P.T. Barnum



Dave - i am sure you know the thanks of those of us who can not attend are with you just the same

[Dave Suponski]

Thanks Rick and All.....:bowdown:

[John Dunkle]

I find it absolutely AMAZING what ONE person can do for an entire organization. They just have to have that "Fire In the Belly" to make it happen and get it done....

Dave - nicely done... You have my admiration and respect..!

:cheers:

John D.

[Dean Romig]

I'm not sure why Dave didn't mention it and I hope it was not intended as a surprise but one the other events that day will be a trip to the Meriden Historical society. Dave, Deb, and I spent about an hour and a half their last night delivering and setting up a new PGCA display. We have a beautiful Oak and glass display case that was commissioned by Austin Hogan and several Parker guns from an early Parker/Snow muzzle loader, two Triplet and Scott rifles with one being a carbine, and a couple of interesting hammer guns. This combined with the guns and other items produced in the various Parker owned factories in the area should make for a very interesting time for those interested in the Charles Parker Company. I hope to see many of our members there.


A late update on the Parkers' Snow muskets and the Triplett & Scott breechloading rifles that Larry mentions -

There will be an article with pictures in the upcoming Autumn Issue of Parker Pages on these special guns. You all may remember PGCA Member Jim Kucaba as an active participant on the PGCA Forum as well as an exibitor at some of the gun shows in the Southwest. Jim passed away over a year ago and he had amassed quite a nice collection of early Parkers, hammerguns being his specialty. Jim's last wishes as told to his best friend, Tom Latham, was that these four important guns be donated to the Parker Gun Collectors Association. We are ever grateful for Jim Kucaba's generosity as well as Tom Latham's dedication to Jim's last wish and seeing it through to this fine result.

[JoeRags]

Whoops! I just saw the end of this thread. I started a new thread with a link to the article this morning.


Again... great effort by all those involved.

[Dean Romig]

Thanks Joe for the links you provided.

Dean

[Angel Cruz]

Guys I just got out of the hospital and would love to read the story,. what am I looking for when I click on the link. All I get is a jounal page????

[Rick Losey]

Guys I just got out of the hospital and would love to read the story,. what am I looking for when I click on the link. All I get is a jounal page????

Angel, nothing serious I hope.

the article link from the other thread is (if that is the one you mean)

http://www.myrecordjournal.com/meriden/article_a1bc0f5e-deae-11e1-8d37-001a4bcf887a.html

that should take you to an page titled
"Fans of Parker guns fix up family plot in Meriden"

[Larry Frey]

Angel'
I hope your are doing well and it was nothing too serious. When you are done with that artical you can read this one that was posted by another member JoeRag. http://www.myrecordjournal.com/latestnews/article_6e5896aa-55ff-5393-9f78-6d23d2a5cf25.html

[Angel Cruz]

Rick, Larry , thank you both. Nothing too serious. I had an infected cyst under my left armpit and the infection got into the blood stream and got into my left lung and started a pnemonia. Four days of antibiotics and I,m almost back to normal.

[Brian Dudley]

Sounds like quite an adventure Angel. Glad to hear you are back at it.

[Angel Cruz]

Glad to be back Brian. Leasson learned, don't mess around with a cyst. See a doctor.

[Thomas L. Benson Sr.]

Angel: Glad to hear your feeling better.We have to get you out and about looking for those nice L.O.M. cases you post. Thomas

[Angel Cruz]

Thanks Thomas. In a day or two I should be back on the hunt.

[George Lander]

Angel: I'm happy to hear that you're up & about.

Best Regards, George

BTW: Did Jim Kucaba ever find that special Parker lifter that he had been looking for so long?

Best Regards, George

[Angel Cruz]

Thank you George. You know I'm sad to say I don't think he did. I still remember he was the first PGCA member that email me to introduce himself and welcome me to the club. We always stayed in touch, and always looking for that 16ga lifter. I never did hear he got it... Sad!!!

Best regards, Angel

[Rich Anderson]

To the best of my knowledge he never did get the lifter16. He was after one but I beat him to the deal so to speak. i offered to tade him for his 20 lifter but no deals. He said that was going to go to the PGCA upon his passing but I don't think it did.

Angel those cysts are nothing to fool with, I'm glad to hear your on the mend.

[Angel Cruz]

Thanks Rich. Man I learned my lesson..

[Bill Murphy]

Does anyone know how to contact Jim K's relatives? There is no reply to his email address. He was such a nice guy. His guns should be shared with his friends.

[Angel Cruz]

I agree Murph. I don't have it. But i know he had a lifter in every ga but the 16ga. I think they were Ds. That's one collection that should go to the PGCA.

[Dave Suponski]

Angel, I am glad to hear you're okay. Sounds like you had a bit of a rough go. Get well my friend.

[Angel Cruz]

Thanks partner!! A bit rough. Those antibiotics work wonders...

[Rich Anderson]

Angel is working the checkbook as he goes through rehab......he need pring rehab as well:biglaugh:

I don't thin Jim had much in the way of family, seems to me someone posted that his guns went to a friend of his.

[Angel Cruz]

You crack me up Rich!!

[Dean Romig]

Jim Kucaba's Parkers have been dispensed with as he had requested just prior to his passing.

The PGCA is fortunate enough to be the recipient of four early Parker-made guns from Jim's collection and they will be on display at the Meriden, CT Historical Society beginning this Saturday, Aug. 11. They are two Parkers'Snows Muskets and two Triplett & Scotts breech-loading rifles, one being a carbine.

[Angel Cruz]

Man, I would love to be up there this weekend!! It should be a special day for The Parkers and the PGCA.

[Rich Anderson]

I would have thought a donation such as this would have merrited mention either on this forum or in Parker Pages even both.

Do you know what happened to the 20ga lifter he bought from the James Parker collection which was auctioned by Julia's?

[Larry Frey]

I would have thought a donation such as this would have merrited mention either on this forum or in Parker Pages even both.

Do you know what happened to the 20ga lifter he bought from the James Parker collection which was auctioned by Julia's?

Rich,
The donation was mentioned on the forum both on this page as well as page nine. It was also noted that there would be an article in the Autumn Parker Pages. The guns were only received a couple of weeks ago and put directly on display to the great pleasure of the person making the donation and hopefully to Mr. Kubuca RIP.

[Rich Anderson]

I guess I missed that or forgot (I'm getting up there in age you know) therefor my apologies. Jim was a good guy and the PGCA is better off by haveing him as a member.

[George Lander]

Does anyone know how to contact Jim K's relatives? There is no reply to his email address. He was such a nice guy. His guns should be shared with his friends.

Bill: I sold Jim a Charles Parker 12 gauge "T-Latch" SN 666 back in 2007. . I don't know if that still works. Jim was a super guy, although I never had the chance to meet him personally. I helped him purchase an early high grade Parker from Charlton Hall Auctions (I believe in 2006) for which he was most appreciative.

Best Regards, George:bigbye:

[Dean Romig]

JMHO, considering the unique circumstances of this particular situation shouldn't we be honoring people's privacy on the PGCA Genaral Forum.... wouldn't a PM have been better?

[George Lander]

Well Dean, you might be right, but not knowing who here knew Jim and therefore who here would wish to send their condolences I felt that it was appropriate to publish his last known address as requested. I, personally, feel sure that Jim would have approved. His contact number has been in the Parker Pages, requesting info on a 16 gauge lifter, for as long as I can remember. If the consensus here feels that my post was inappropriate I will be more than happy to delete it.

Best Regards, George

[Angel Cruz]

I for one say "Thanks George"...

[Kevin McCormack]

I am becoming quite confused here: Was (is) the inclusion of Jim Kucaba's guns into the Parker Display (case) at the Meriden Historical Society (MHS) intended to be an additional surprise (as in addition to the Display Case) as part of the activities surrounding the new Parker family gravestones dedication this coming weekend?

Larry's earlier post(s) and first mention of the Display Case at MHS seemed to apologize for mentioning it (as in spoiling the surprise). Then attribution of Jim's guns by Dean followed by the announcement of an upcoming Parker Pages article on all of the above.

All of the wonderful things above seem to be happening by the minute, much to the chagrin of people like yours truly who will not be able to attend. How long will the display be maintained at MHS? (It would be great if it were retained through The Vintagers weekend at Addieville RI the end of Sept. It would make a great side trip to those travelling through New England at that time!).

[Angel Cruz]

See what all started by an inocent question from one member to the other..

[Larry Frey]

Kevin,
This event has been evolving almost daily. Dave with the help of Alan Weathers has also received permission to bring any of our members in attendance thru Sherwin Borsuks (Wilbur Parkers estate) home again as we did in 07. The display at the historical society will remain in place until the PGCA decides to move it. It most certainly will be in place for Vintagers.

[Kevin McCormack]

Larry, that's great! It's only a brief detour heading north thru New England to jag over to Meriden on the way to the Vintagers.

For those who did not have the opportunity to attend the "Meriden Homecoming" in '07, Dr. Borsuks home is not to be missed - it is a 'living museum" in itself!

Regarding future venues for the display, as Chairman of the Parker Gun Foundation Display Committee, I am working on a number of candidates worthy of our efforts.

[Dean Romig]

Well Dean, you might be right, but not knowing who here knew Jim and therefore who here would wish to send their condolences I felt that it was appropriate to publish his last known address as requested. I, personally, feel sure that Jim would have approved. His contact number has been in the Parker Pages, requesting info on a 16 gauge lifter, for as long as I can remember. If the consensus here feels that my post was inappropriate I will be more than happy to delete it.

Best Regards, George

George,

You make some good points. However, Jim has been gone a long time now and his family probably wouldn't appreciate telephone calls asking about guns that were disposed of many months ago.

Sorry if I seemed harsh.

Dean

[George Lander]

Dean: I was not referring to Jim's guns at all, only to his passing of which I, for one, was not aware of until recently. I'm sure that we all have many old friends with whom we are not in regular contact. Only to learn that they passed on without a chance for us to say goodbye. I'm sorry if my post was misinterpreted.

Best Regards, George

[Bill Murphy]

On a similar point, The Lovely Linda would appreciate it if "you all" would bother her to distraction about the guns and research material once owned by her late husband. Sorry I had to bring that up, but that's the way it is.

[Angel Cruz]

Murph, who is this "Lovely Linda" and how do we bother her. You would not believe how many LIndas I know!!

[Dean Romig]

I wonder if some of us might "bother her to distraction" in an effort to 'console' her upon your untimely demise rather than to attempt to aquire your guns....???...:cool:

[Angel Cruz]

Maybe we don't have to wait for his demise. You know women. They always need money for some kind of shopping.

[Dean Romig]

Yup, in the back door - out the front!!

[Rich Anderson]

The Lovely Linda is Bill's wife. Bill an act of devout friendship I can start bothering her regarding a certain 410 immediately......if you wish:rotf:

[Angel Cruz]

Heck, we don't have to bother her. If we make her an honorary member then she will have access to our own wonderful shopping network. Except she'll be selling.:)

[George Lander]

No need to worry the Lovely Linda. Bill's gonna outlive all of us!

[Brian Dudley]

Well Guys... the Hour is nearly upon us... See you tomorrow. :bigbye:

[Bill Murphy]

Good luck to all of you.

[Larry Frey]

Well Guys... the Hour is nearly upon us... See you tomorrow. :bigbye:

I look forward to meeting you Brian as well as a few other new members hopefully. Bring an umbrella just in case as there is a chance of a few isolated showers in the area at last check.

[Brian Dudley]

I know... I checked the weather and it looks like we might get wet.

[Dave Suponski]

Wet or not I will see you all tomorrow.

[Dean Romig]

We will see you all at the East Cemetery in the morning.

[Rich Anderson]

You guys are all getting old, meeting at the cemetary:eek: Picking out some realestate:rotf: Don't forget to check out the view from under a large Oak or Maple tree:biglaugh:

[Angel Cruz]

....:rotf:
........................:rotf:

[Dave Suponski]

Rich.....Take a good long look in the mirror.....:rolleyes:

[Rich Anderson]

I have a couple of months befor I embark on a new decade, but I'm not meeting anyone at the cemetary:nono:

[Dean Romig]

I'm trying soooo hard to resist temptation..... You both know what I mean :cool:

[Brian Dudley]

Jokes aside, a nice cemetary can be a great place to visit. Here in Rochester, NY we are the home to Mt. Hope Cemetary. It is the oldest Victorian "Rural Cemetary" in the US. And it is a wonderful place to go and walk the dog, ride your bike, havea picnic, take photography, or take in history. With many notable persons such as Susan B. Anthony and Frederick Douglas buried there, it is full of local and national history as well.

[Angel Cruz]

Brian, back when I lived in the Bronx I was a few blocks from Woodlawn Cementary. I went with a friend for his photography assignment, holy smoke was I impressed. From the architecture, to the woods and never mind all the historical people that are buried there.
Heck, they even had a small lake, right there, in The Bronx. Amazing place.

[charlie cleveland]

tommorrow i go to visit a cemetery..the usal putting on of flowers and remembering when with old friends...a civil war soilder and one grave marked killed by the yanks... interesting things to be found and remembered.... charlie

[Gary Carmichael Sr]

Charlie what cemetery might that be?

[Dave Suponski]

The dedication and tour went off very well today. The press was present and a nice follow-up article appeared in todays Meriden paper.

Check the link.

http://www.myrecordjournal.com/meriden/article_17f5bc7c-e410-11e1-b03a-001a4bcf887a.html

[Angel Cruz]

The dedication and tour went off very well today. The press was present and a nice follow-up article appeared in todays Meriden paper.

Check the link.

http://www.myrecordjournal.com/meriden/article_17f5bc7c-e410-11e1-b03a-001a4bcf887a.html

Really Dave, you think you're gonna get away with a lousy sentence. You might as well jusst say the birds were singing. Come on, Man!!!

[Rick Losey]

photos man photos

:rotf:

[Robin Lewis]

I had a wonderful day today, Dave did a fantastic job and the gathering at the cemetery was enhanced by tour of a Parker home and the Meriden Historical Society. Everyone I met was so very gracious and made us feel very welcome and at ease. Here are a few pictures I took today.

The first set of five are at the dedication.

I have only one photo of the home, my camera malfunctioned. It was a gem, we were welcomed into their home and it was filled with wonderful Parker items. Something you need to see to comprehend. It is a private residence and I feel honored that I had the opportunity to visit. This was the highlight of my visit, not to diminish the rest but when they welcomed us into their home as if we were family, it just made my day.

Next, one lone picture of what remains of the Parker manufacturing buildings, the office as it exists today.

The next pictures are at the Historical Society and boy did I learn lots. If you ever get a chance stop by do that, you will enjoy it if you like Parkers. But, call ahead because it is only open by appointment except October and November...... I think. Anyway, call first!

[Dave Suponski]

Hopefully there are some on the way. For once I let somebody else take the pictures.

Holy crap that was fast..........

[Angel Cruz]

Thanks Robin!! Are all the guns in the display case Parlers?

[Dave Suponski]

Almost all of them Angel. I believe there are two guns that were made local that but aren't Parkers.

[Gary Carmichael Sr]

You guys must have had a ball, best of all the headstones are back, stones sometimes tell all that is known about the persons life I remember one in Raliegh N.C. The inscription read<As you pass by do not weep for me! as you are now ,so once was I. As I am now so you will be!>

[Larry Frey]

I wish I had some pictures to offer but after two shots in the cemetery I got the memory full message. I'm sure Dean will post a bunch when he returns from Maine. Having been in the Parker home before it was really neat watching Dean, Robin, and the others marvel at what they found inside. To say that these folks are the ultimate collectors of everything ever made in the city of Meriden is no exaggeration. While thanking them for opening their home to us they responded "thank you for taking care of our neighbors" meaning the cemetery which abuts their property. Dave did a great job spearheading the restoration of the head stones and putting together this wonderful day but we can all take pride in the fact that our organization gained a lot of respect thru these efforts and helped preserve a little bit of the Parker legacy.

[Brian Dudley]

The guns in the display cases other than Parkers are as follows if I can remember correctly without refering to the photos that I took.
A couple of Aubry Single shots, a couple of Meriden Doubles, a higher quality Crescent And a couple of the Parker, Show & Brooks Rifle Muskets.

There was a very nice range of Parkers on display. Several Hammer Guns which included one of the first T latch guns made, a very interesting buttplate safety hammer gun and a top action with no rib extension "transition gun". I was impressed at the condition of the T-Latch gun. It was much nicer than published photos make it look. There was also a PH grade and a DH grade on display, along with others that I have not mentioned.
And not to mention the two Tripplet & Scot carbines that were donated by Jim.

I took several pictures of everything from the day. Will not be able to download them until Monday night when I get home or on Tuesday.

[calvin humburg]

Great job Dave and company!!! Enjoying the photos. ch

[Steve Cambria]

From all of your friends across those very wide tracks ( LOL) in Philly:

GREAT JOB "SAP"!!! :bigbye:

You really grabbed this one by the horns and re-defined the role of "DO-ER"
CONGRATS!!!!!

A.R. ROLL ...... on behalf of the A.H.F.C.A.

[Daryl Corona]

I wish I could have attended the ceremonies this weekend but was unable to work it out. My sincere thanks to everyone for their work on this project especially my good friend OP (Mr. Saponski:rotf:) Dave, guys like you make me proud I'm a life member of this great organization.
Thanks,
WOP

[Dean Romig]

Here are a few more pictures of yeaterday's events. There's not much more that can be said about the day but I'll as short descriptions of the pictures.

1. Dave Suponski addresses the gathering at the East Cemetery's Parker plot.

2. Alan Weathers addresses the gathering with more Parker history.

3. The Charles Parker house as it is today.

4. The Charles Parker house before some previous owner decided "Victorian" was not the look he wanted.

5. I am told the Charles Parker house is in this picture but I don't know which one it is.

.

[Dean Romig]

More pictures inside of the Charles Parker house. It was most recently owned by either Dexter or Wilbut... I'm sure someone will say which one.

1. Everything in the house which is not a contemporary item was made by one of the dozens of manufacturing companys right in Meriden. This mirror with candelabra was made by the Charles Parker Co.

2. Most all of these were made by the Charles Parker Co.

3. Alan Weathers and Jim Malone discuss some of the wonderful items in this vast collection.

4. Kathy, Dave, (please insert name), the very gracious owner of the house, and Tom Latham (Jim Kucaba's long-time friend) enjoying some special find.

5. Parker parlor stoves and a Parker kaleidoscope on its elaborate stand.



.

[charlie cleveland]

thanks... charlie

[Dean Romig]

Please also look at the "Nice Article..." thread by Joe Rags