Connecticut western news., 1909-07-29


 Sharon's Historic Homes
 Following the suggestion of an un- known correspondent, Amateur" will endeavor in the near future to write 8
 brief descriptive history of some of the old homesteads of Sharon. Where pos sible to establish definite dates, these sketches will tell when these old homes
 were built and by whom and the names of the succeeding occupants. Note will also be made of any novel or interest ing peculiarities in their construction and provided the Editor does not kick too strenuously. they will be Illustrated. Suggestions or any items of interest re. garding any of these old homes or their occupants will be highly appreciated by Amateur at Sharon Inn.
 A Glance at Sharon's Past
 More years than the writer cares to remember have passed by since the day, or rather night, when he first saw the village of Sharon, and the years which intervene since that seemingly far off time have brought to the village many changes, nor can it be truthfully said that all are for the better. Of course one of the privileges of age is to prate about the ''good old days" which mostly exist, presume, in one's imagination Let it pass. At that time, although perhaps the malleable shop was not running, yet Sharon Valley was much more populous and prosperous commun- ity than at present. The furnace was being blown in regularly, and gave employment to a number of people. Remember we'll going there one night with party of fifteen to see the molten metal drawn from the furnace, and it was indeed worth seeing. Of this party of fifteen at that time young people, not one, with the single exception of the writer, is at present resident of Sharon. Our village at this writing, like most country towns, has few unique cha racters of local renown, but none of time for originality, individualism, keen knowledge of the weaknesses of human ity, and ability to turn that knowledge to their own advantage. The library, g comparatively recent building, was at that time unthought of, but upon the now called Library Hill. in two small houses long since removed, lived Bar ney" Oravagan and "Uncle George" - e., E.. entirely different reasons Shall always remember my first meeting with Mr. Oravagan. At that time, and for long time afterward. I resided, when in Sharon, with "Uncle Ed" Winchester, whom knew intimately and whose personality and character deserve more than passing notice. "Uncle Ed" was, verify believe, known to every He was at this time an old man, but when younger had been power in local politics, and for many years held. the town, politically, in the hollow of his hand. But his sturdy honesty came into conflict with later-day political methods, and his influence gradually waned. He had been 8 very powerful man physically and many stories were told of his personal prowess. He was very proud of the fact that no man had ever put him on his back at collar and elbow wrestling. But to me the most remarkable thing about "Uncle Ed" was his ability as a voilin player. In all my life have never heard anything to compare with his improvisations They were marvellous. He had a favor ite seat in a small alcove in front of the kitchen hearth. and never heard him lmprovise except when in this seat Neither would he improvise except when alone, or at least when he thought him. self alone. But many night tip-toed into the front hall and sat motionless and spellbound on the stairs, drinking ill the wonderful and soul-stirring melodies which this old man, all by himself and i'll total darkness except for the freight, would cause his violin to pour forth. had read of such things but this was the reality. The violin strings were ceilings the story of his life, its hopes, dreams, ambitions and failures. Twas at times as easy to understand as printed book, at others incompre- henslble except to him who played. The old, old. yet none the less bitter protest against existing condition s, against the thoughtlessness of youth, against the helplessness of age. At rare times, strong with the gone by buoyancy of earlier days, but nearly always strongly colored with hopelessness and settled menancholy. 'Iwere vain to try and describe the effect of this weird melody upon the listener, nor shall I try, since to those who have ever heard the out pouring of a strong mans soul no des- cription is neccessarY, and to others not