The Waterbury Democrat., 1932-02-18
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY IS, 1882
Washington in Connecticut

While there arc no records to show ibAt George Washington ever passed through Waterbury or tauied here. 1t Tn no way should interfere with this elty's pAftleIpa- ton in the celebration of the 20Oth ami versary Of bis birth which commences Feb ruary 22 and carries through ill November We are conscious of great deal of prepar- ation going on around Ii, mol merely in Connecticut, but in every state in the Union Washington is the topic of every second speaker today. And what more dbsofbn2 subject could be discussed than tbe Father Of Our Country. True he was normal individual. just like you and me, subject 10 the same whms. passions, etc But he lived in an era in which it required wisdom and common sense to ehoose the right eoursf and to lead the small but enterprsin2 nation with him.
 That Washington pursued the right course and guided tbc nation carefully through the dangerous channels in Its in~ fancy is amply testified to in our present tribute 10 him We sincerely hope that every community in tbe country in which ibefe is spark of patriotism will respond in some manner 10 ibe ezhonations Of those who arc endeavorlng 10 make this period from February 10 November in year. ZOO years after Wasblngton's birth great epoch in American history. Connecticut being one of the thirteen original colonies [: to play vital part in tbe general celebfa' lion. The eyes of lbe rest of the nation ar upon the eastern seaboafd where Wash, ington lived and died. IL must show thc way 10 the other states.
 The Connecticut State Board of Eduea. iion has just issued its February bulletin m tts shape of Wasbngtona. Of particular
 interest is rough map depicting in black and white tbe eourse of tbe stz trips that Washington IS sad 10 have made to and through this state Also are indicated tbe places where Washington stopped. Detailed information of these journeys F contained within the publication. We know from our own local history that Washington never passed through Waterbury. although in this vicinity on at least one ocGaAon. he route of hls third trip shows that he passed through Danbury. Bethel. NeWtown. Southbury, Woodbufy Bethlehem and Morris on h,s way 10 Litebheld where he perl1ap. stopped al Pbelp. Tavern. as fl is believed 10 have sheltered Washington on some such occasion. lie was entoutg io ! Hartford. On bi. return trip he stayed al ! ihe famous Oliver Walcou house on south street. Lncbheld. still in existence,
 Waterbury, of eouf.e, in those days could not compare witb sueh pIaess # IltchiieId. In fact il wa9 so insignificant thdt the { famous Old Straits Turnpike connecting New Haven and luebfleld deliberately left ibe Naugatuek valley at Nau2atuek and passed Waterbury some miles to tbe vest : The road silll ezlss. In fact portions Of II : are scheduled for state highways. But tbIs route was not built when Washington ldst visited tbe stste winch was m l7bJ on hta eastern staics tour. Despite the fact ihat
 we cannot boast Of vt9it from ibe great Washington we atdi think lbe city will not deyiaie one iota n paying Its feape6ta. May :, we again pfopose thal dn avenue of sapIin2a along some approach To tbc city Ip Aa epn'
 vinejH2 ] tribute Il. dbY .tdiue Why not Hank ife2bt ttteet on both stdes Wtlh Wash IH9ton Memorial trees