Meriden Today

[Bindlestiff]

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!

[Angel Cruz Ortiz]

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

[Autumn Daze]

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

[Hammer Gun]

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!>

[Double Play]

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.

[B. 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.

[ch]

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

[TOOL MAN]

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

GREAT JOB "SAP"!!!

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.

[Double Lab]

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) 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.

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