The Waterbury Democrat., 1940-11-08
NELLIE THOMAS BADGER

NELLIE IHOMAS bADGEh
 had a most interesting visit re- gently with young man of about 95 years of age. Although age has robbed him of his sight and caused his hearing to be a little less keen, his spirit is as young and his men, tality as alert as that of men much less his age. My visit was made to the home of John R. s. Todd. on the Todd road in Wolcott. MT. Todd was born in Wolcott, March 2, 1846 His parents were Robert Clark Todd of Wolcott, and Louise Barnes Todd, of Cheshire. Of the five chil- dren born to this couple, MT. Todd is the only survivor He was named for his father Robert, and for his two grandfathers, John Barnes and Streat Todd.
 Original Site
 The house in which MT. Todd now lives with his daughter and son, stands on the site of the house in which he was born. The original house was moved away and the present house erected on the same site. To this house in l889 MT, Todd brought his bride, Miss Edith Will Hams of New Haven. Mrs. Told died in 1883. The estate which has been in the Todd family for several generations, consists of many acres, Tn the early days before the Town of Wolcott was incorporated, the greater part of this land was To- cated in Waterbury, while portion was in Cheshire or Southington. While some of this land has been cleared and Is now used as farm land, originally it consisted princi- pally of forest land. For three gen. erations lumber and firewood was taken from this land. For many years wood was drawn from this property to be burned in the muffles in Waterbury factories. Some of the wood was made into charcoal for which there was at one time a great demand in Water bury. The lumber was sawed at the Todd mill which was operated by Streat Todd and his son Robert Todd. This mill was located near the old Bound Line road which at this point was a dividing line be- tween Waterbury and Cheshire Water was carried through a Sluice from the Todd pond to the mill wheel. Timbers from this old mill which is recorded in Cheshire rec ords as having been built in 1841 were used in building the house which Henry Theriault has erected on the old mill sight,
 Present Day Events
 MT. Todd, unlike most elderly people. does not live in the past. He is much more interested in the topics and happenings of today. Although he is now unable to read he keeps well informed on current events by listening to the radio programs of which he is very fond. He tells how ever, with many chuckles, anec- dotes of his youth. One of the mem- ories which he recalls with pleasure is as a very small boy attending Christmas Eve services at the Epis- copal church which then was in 1 Wolcott center. Of the beautiful picture the church presented with the lights of many candles shining | through it's windows onto the snow 1 outside When asked if the candles were part of the service or were for illumination. he said, "Oh they were for light, we didn't have any other kind then" In his youth, MT Todd said there was no school holiday on Christmas, schcool Ses- SionS were held as usual. On this Christmas Day, still impressed with the service of the night before, he proudly told his teacher, T went to Christmas Eve last night" The teacher to tease him asked, Did you ever go to Sunday, John? Another story he told with merry chuckles was that of man named Orrin Plumb. who was remembered as a man who used fine" language Attending reception one evening his attention was drawn to a some what overdressed woman who was 6 stranger to him. Curiosity said MT. Plumb, Leads me to inquire who that lady is who is so bespang- led with so many superfluities." |" There were many years MT. To6d said when he does not recall there being a horse in Wolcott. All travel and farm work was done with oxen. He can remember during the time the Wolcott fair was held at the center, Of seeing as many as 100 pair Of oxen there at one time, all owned by Wolcott men, He also re- members that al these early fairs each school district displayed 8 trimmed wagon. While no prizes were awarded Tor other eXhihlt. .ons, there was a prize given for the best trimmed wagon, These were paraded around the green. As each wagon joined the procession it was drum med in by the old WolcOtt Drum Band. fThe beginning Of the present Maltatuck Drum Band) The band then led the procession around the green while the judges made their selection,
 Rivalry
 There A still ln the attic Of the Todd home . banner which deeoTat- cd likeness Of Q plow and the in. dlSlr.ct. the South ii bears paint leilikfnfss Of p'OW and the in- 7 scrlpllon, oni Sword. We lead bs