To view:
As I prepare for the Barkhamsted Lighthouse Gathering, which marks its 10th year since its inception, I am also revamping and modernizing my various social media channels. My goal is to streamline all of my content and make it easily accessible. Additionally, I am working on creating new research materials for the upcoming occasion.
With that said, I have tons to share and more stories to tell and looking forward to catching up with everyone.
🤗 Coni
Mark your calendars for October 5th and 6th, 2024 because it’s going to be a celebration like no other! We are thrilled to announce that it will be the 100th anniversary of Peoples Forest and we want all descendants to be a part of it. Whether you can make it or not, you are welcome to join in on the festivities. It’s going to be an unforgettable event!
Peoples State Forest 100th Anniversary Celebration
Sunday, October 6th, 11:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Matthies Grove, Peoples State Forest, East River Road, Barkhamsted. Come join FALPS and the State of Connecticut in celebrating what truly is the “Peoples” State Forest. Learn about its founding, watch and participate in various forest-related activities, see oxen pull logs up to a portable sawmill and watch the loggers mill the wood, watch a chain carving contest, join dignitaries in planting a ceremonial tree and much more. Free and open to all.
Hi everyone 👋
The Barkhamsted Light House Village has been experiencing a lot of great things lately and I am excited to announce an upcoming event that everyone should know about. Although I am not certain if I can attend (it is marked on my calendar as a possibility), I am considering organizing a virtual alternative for event if not going to make it. I hope many will plan to attend this amazing event.
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Couple messages sent to family on event:
1. Via Facebook Messenger from Ginny Apple to Coni Dubois
Hi Coni. Hope you’re doing well. I don’t know if you know it or not, but the Friends of American Legion and Peoples State Forests are, in concert with DEEP, planning the 100th Anniversary Celebration of Peoples State Forest on October 6th from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at Matthies Grove in Peoples State Forest.
We believe a presence of the Lighthouse Community family would be an important addition to the event.
We have planted around 60 trees already, in Celebration, and will be joined by the Governor and the DEEP Commissioner for a ceremonial tree planting.
We hope that you’ll be able to come and, as such an important part of the history of the Forest, it would be a major presence for us.
Hope all is well.
Thanks,
Ginny
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2. Via email from Paul Hart to Coni Dubois
Hi Coni-
Hope all is well with you. I just wanted to let you know that we are planning for a big celebration for the 100th anniversary of Peoples Forest. Peoples was dedicated on October 4, 1924. They had a huge event with thousands of people attending back then. Our plans are coming together for a two day celebration: on Saturday evening, October 5 we will have a kickoff gathering, and then on Sunday October 6 during the day, we are going to have a bunch of programs, exhibits and displays recognizing this important birthday of Peoples Forest, which is a resource much appreciated by the community here. This will all take place in the Matthies Area (more or less across from Squire’s Tavern).
Let me know your thoughts and wish you the best.
Paul Hart
Barkhamsted Historical Society
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Hope many that live close will be able to attend 🤗
Hello everyone! With the 2nd Barkhamsted Lighthouse Gathering of July 2025 on the horizon, I wanted to take this opportunity to provide some information and historical context, so in the coming year I will be posting some of the Barkhamsted Light House Village story for you via research/documents/photos/newspaper articles… Etc.
I have known my whole life that my maternal grandmother had Native American ancestry. When I was a teenager my US History teacher gave us some extra credit work of creating a family tree. So I went to my grandmother and asked her to share what she knew.
Her grandfather was Frederick Roy Webster. And he claimed to be the grandson of an Indian Chief in a newspaper article about their wedding anniversary as well as his obituary. He was the son of Solomon “Ol Sol” Webster and Mary Wilson (Though his death certificate states his mother was Sarah Charugn, which is completely wrong). As stated in a previous blog, Solomon was the son of Montgumery “Gum” Webster of Mehegan descent. Mary Wilson was the daughter of William P. Wilson Jr and Harriet Wilson. William was the grandson of James Chagum (of Narragansett descent) and Molly/Mary Barber, of the Lighthouse Village in Barkhamsted, Connecticut.
Calling me back “home,” beckoning me is a little piece of land. Ironically it is called Barkhamsted Lighthouse. I ponder the inhabitants of the Lighthouse “Tribe” even thought what it’s name would mean to those coming after them. To me it is a beacon deep in my heart. A passion that was my mother’s and my grandmother’s to stand where the Websters & Chagum’s once stood. To see the old cemetery & foundations of the homes, that are barely noticed today. To somehow feel their presence from the past. To visit the town’s Historical Society and Records vault, to find my ancestors name in some forgotten record.
In Lewis S. Mills book, “The Legend of the Barkhamsted Light House” page 93 he writes…
“Molly Barber and James Chaugham
Dead and Buried-gone forever:
Scattered now are their descendants.
Some are in the Town of Woodbury
Busy digging graves and hunting;
Some in Riverton and Colebrook
Some in Harwinton and Winsted,
Some in Michigan are living.
… Generations speeding onward
In an ever widening circle,
Carry far the blood of Chaugham
And his spouse, brave Molly Barber…”
During my childhood my mom and my grandma always tried to find out more about our ancestors and our culture. We went to a couple of Pow-Wow’s here in Saginaw area of Michigan and I was mesmerized by the drums and dancers. When I was older some Native American singers called Rain Song came to the church we were attending and played. That is where I came up with the name to my blog “Echo’s of Lost Footprints.”
Fred & Mary’s marriage record below…
I found a quote somewhere on the web that I wrote down, “We will be known forever by the tracks we leave!” I believe this is a call to arms for me. I believe it’s the echo’s of my ancestors that are calling out for me to find them & learn about the “tracks” they left for me to find. Also, it’s a challenge for us, to leave a legacy for our children, grandchildren & beyond… a legacy of purity, wholesomeness of heart & bravery.
In March our local library was part of the One Book Shiawassee, is a Community Read effort with the goal to invite Shiawassee County residents to collectively read the same book at the same time. We read FIREKEEPERS DAUGHTER by Angeline Boulley, and I got to see/hear her at an authors event hosted by One Book Shiawassee.
Some other events were the Deer Hide bracelet craft with Reg Pettibone, a member of the Ho-Chunk Nation, he shared with those attending about deer and the cultural significance to village life and Native American culture. And later Reg, along with his wife Marca, from the Paiute Nation, & their daughters presented a unique and engaging cultural performance that amazes, entertains and educates. Reg, draws on his traditional upbringing to provide the audience with a better understanding of true native culture through dance, song, stories and audience participation. Here are some photos I took during these events.
Here is my daughter, Shelbi with Reg Pettibone after the Deer Hide Bracelet Craft event (I didn’t realize his eyes were shut). She was so proud to learn about the Native culture. My ancestors were Mohegan and Narragansett, so things would be different with some similarities.
Logos above are the Narragansett & Mohegan Tribes logos.
Got an email from Liz Lightfoot I wanted to share:
Via Liz: (Witness Stones Project)
On that note, I wanted to mention that all this week Connecticut Public Radio has been doing a series on Connecticut slavery. Today’s final episode of the series, Unforgotten: Connecticut’s Hidden History of Slavery, focuses specifically on how students have responded to doing Il Witness Stones Project. As you will see, Dennis Culliton (WS founder/executive director), Joy Burns (WS director of outreach), and Jumoke McDuffie-Thurmond (poet, my former teaching colleague/WS collaborator) are featured, as are several remarkable students. Hopefully you’ll get a sense of what this experience meant to the students and how deeply they engaged…
If you’re interested, here is the full CT Public series: https://www.ctpublic.org/2024-03-15/slavery-north-connecticut-new-england-students-history.
All best,
Liz
(Note) Here are 2 links for you if above link doesn’t work:
1. https://www.pbs.org/video/historical-examination
2. https://www.pbs.org/show/unforgotten-connecticuts-hidden-history-of-slavery/
Hello everyone!
I am pleased to announce that I am back to conducting research after a long hiatus. Due to a year of illness, I took a break from the internet and my research. My main focus has been on recovering, and I am happy to report that I am finally feeling like myself again and in good health.
With that being said, it’s time to start planning our 2025 Barkhamsted Lighthouse Village Gathering! I hope to see many of you there, and now is the time to request your time off from work. The gathering will take place on the weekend of July 4th, 2025 at the Barkhamsted Lighthouse Archaeological Preserve in Barkhamsted, Connecticut. The event is set on Facebook (make sure to let us know if planning on attending via event page in link)
If you are not on the descendant list, please contact me to be included. I will be confirming all descendants and issuing descendant cards at a cost of $30 each. This fee covers the production costs, and the remaining funds will be used for the gathering in 2025.
I am in need of a team in Connecticut to assist with organizing and setting up the event, as I currently reside in Louisiana. Additionally, my cousin Veronica Lee Hawkins and I are looking for an Airbnb to rent for the weekend in 2025. If anyone knows of one that will be available, please let me know so we can secure it.
Furthermore, I will be creating a Barkhamsted Lighthouse Newsletter to keep everyone informed of all the events and activities planned for the gathering. For now, you can find info on BLVD Association & download the descendant’s packet at: https://conidubois.com/111-2/association/
Links for 2025 Event
Facebook Group: Barkhamsted Lighthouse Village
Facebook Messenger: Barkhamsted Lighthouse Gathering Chat Room
Stay tuned for more updates and I am excited to get to see all of you in 2025!
Ken Feder,
I wanted to take a moment to express my deepest gratitude for the dedication & chapter you included in your book. It was an incredibly touching gesture that truly touched my heart and the words you penned were incredibly moving, to the point where they brought tears to my eyes.
To see my name immortalized within the pages of your work is an honor beyond words. Your dedication has not only made me feel seen and appreciated, but it has also given me a sense of validation and encouragement in my endeavors. It is a reminder that the support and recognition of others can have a profound impact on one’s journey.
Your words and the sentiment behind them have touched me deeply. They serve as a reminder of the connection we have forged through our work and the impact it has had on my life. Your book has been a source of inspiration, knowledge, and solace, and I am grateful for the opportunity to have been a part of its creation in some small way.
Thank you for your dedication, not only to your craft but also to your readers. Your commitment to your work and the care you put into every word is evident in the pages of your book. It is a testament to your talent and passion as an author.
Please know that your dedication has left an indelible mark on me, and I will cherish it always. I am honored to have been a part of your journey, and I look forward to continuing to support and follow your work in the future.
I am deeply honored by the recognition you have given to my work and the invaluable assistance you have provided me with throughout my research journey. Your support has meant the world to me, and I am truly grateful for the impact you have had on my work.
You, Jenn, and your children hold a special place in my heart, and I consider you all as part of my extended family. Our bond is one that I cherish deeply, and it will always remain strong and meaningful to me.
With heartfelt appreciation & much love,
❤️ Coni Dubois
Kinny, in the course of my research, my dear friend, I have made a remarkable revelation: you are the truly extraordinary discovery. As I journeyed along, I cannot express enough gratitude for having crossed paths with someone like you, who selflessly dedicated time to help me unravel the mysteries of my ancestors, the Barkhamsted Lighthouse People.
On behalf of all the descendants, I extend our heartfelt appreciation to you and your invaluable work.
Thank you from the depths of our hearts.
“Friendship with an author is like having a backstage pass to their literary world.”
Unknown
FYI: Just so you know, I’ve always affectionately referred to him as “Kinny.” It’s a personal term of endearment.
Kenneth Feder’s 2nd book on Barkhamsted Lighthouse is NOW AVAILABLE 😁 He is also providing a 30% discount code for both the physical hardbound book and the eBook.
1st book: Feder, Kenneth (1993). A Village of Outcasts: Historical Archaeology and Documentary Research at the Lighthouse Site. (Mayfield Publishing)
Other books by Kenneth Feder can be found on Amazon
Ken had included me in his dedication of this amazing book ❤️ & to the “generations speeding onward in an ever widening circle.” Truly warmed my heart to see this~
Found some amazing articles today and HAD to share them! 1st one is 1st hand account of speaking with the Lighthouse descendants, 2nd one is how they were politically involved and the importance of their votes!
Please help me welcome Ken Feder (Kenneth L. “Kenny” Feder), a professor of archaeology at Central Connecticut State University and author of several books on archaeology and criticism of pseudoarchaeology such as Frauds, Myths, and Mysteries: Science and Pseudoscience in Archaeology. His book Encyclopedia of Dubious Archaeology: From Atlantis to the Walam Olum was published in 2010. His book Ancient America: Fifty Archaeological Sites to See for Yourself was published in 2017. He is the founder and director of the Farmington River Archaeological Project and is the main archaeologist of our Barkhamsted Lighthouse site!
I am so excited to have him on board and can’t wait to see what he publishes for us!
I will be becoming more active on this blog myself and have tons of exciting things coming soon!
WELCOME KINNEY!!! 😁
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kenneth_Feder
