The 2012 Annual Conference will be taking place Monday and Tuesday, May 7 and 8 at the Mystic Marriott Hotel and Spa in Groton, CT. The conference theme is “Meeting the Challenge.”

Libraries have been Meeting the Challenge since the beginning – it’s just that the challenges keep changing. This year, we have planned programs that will give you tools to confront issues raised by rapidly shifting technology, budgetary uncertainties and growing expectations from our patrons and communities. The conference features tracks for YA, Childrens, Technical, Management, and Programming. We’ll have programs on privacy, the library as employment center, running programs on a shoestring budget, and creating a more polite library environment, among many, many others.

We haven’t forgotten that the conference is also a time to reconnect with colleagues, listen to great speakers and perhaps discover a new author. Tuesday’s keynote is a conversation with Jon Michaud, the head librarian at ‘The New Yorker’ magazine and author of the novel ‘When Tito Loved Clara,’ and Kee Malesky, NPR Librarian and author of ‘All Facts Considered: The Essential Library of Inessential Knowledge.’ Monday’s keynote is a discussion concerning perspectives on e-books and the panel will be moderated by ALA President Molly Raphael. We also have a special session with guest author Geraldine Brooks on Tuesday afternoon.

Please plan to visit our vendors in the exhibit hall. We have built conflict-free time into the schedule and we are anticipating that the exhibit hall will be sold out. New this year, we’ll have live demonstrations by vendors on the Demo Stage in the exhibit hall both days of the conference. You can meet exhibitors and network during the vendor-sponsored happy hour in the exhibit hall on Monday afternoon.

Read the CLA 2012 Conference Program for a detailed look at the schedule & REGISTER TODAY!

We hope to see you in Groton in May!

Betty Anne Reiter, CLA President, 2011-12
Steve Cauffman, 2012 Conference Co-Chair
Amy Terlaga, 2012 Conference Co-Chair

In July 2010 Southern Connecticut State University’s Buley Library began investigating digital initiatives. It formed a committee to consider which special collections the library owns would be of most use and interest to the community in digital form. The first project that the committee chose to digitize was a collection of historical library postcards donated by Professor Emeritus, David Libbey. For the first year of its efforts the library focused on the postcard collection and created digital files for almost 400 images. The committee was now ready to move on to its next project and began to scan the library’s collection of Connecticut Libraries starting with issues on microfiche.

In 1954 the Connecticut Library Association began publishing its newsletter, Connecticut Libraries. Through the years it had several title changes and several format changes until in 2009 the print publication ceased and the online version was born. For a time there were some archived issues available on the CLA Web Site, but they weren’t uploaded when CLA moved to its current content management system. This was perfect timing and an opportunity for Buley Library to make a permanent “home” for the archived issues in its digital collection.

Buley Library uses ContentDM for its digital collection management software “self-hosted” on a campus server. The library purchased a ST200X Microfilm/Microfiche Imaging Scanner to capture the newsletter images and save them in PDF format. The issues on microfiche are from 1978-1993. So far there are 55 issues, from 1978-1986, loaded in the digital collection. The quality of the document images on the microfiche was a little poor, it was difficult to make available Optical Character Recognition (OCR) on many of the PDF documents. However, most of the scans can be read with the naked eye without too much trouble. After scanning the microfiche, the library will begin to scan its print collection of the newsletter (1995-2009) and OCR should be enabled on those scans. The library is missing several issues of Connecticut Libraries. Therefore, at some point in the future a call may go out and other libraries around the state could possibly contribute their scans of the missing issues.

Buley Library’s Digital Collections are freely available on the library’s web site without a login so the public can read about the history of CLA and see what kind of issues, trends, and activities our librarians were focusing on in the past. It is very interesting to consider the way that information was disseminated to the membership in the past compared to the way we do things now in the digital age. For example, in the past a large part of the issues of the newsletters were comprised of the minutes from the board meetings whereas now we just read them on the web site. In some volumes there were job listings published in the monthly or quarterly newsletter. Nowadays, we take for granted being able to almost instantaneously see new job ads. Many of the older issues have letters to the editor that are particularly of interest. Members of our association were very passionate about their expectations of our organization and their expectations of Connecticut Libraries. In some of the volumes there also seemed to be much more emphasis on regional reports. Today, are we learning about our area libraries through the social web, LISTSERVs, and word-of-mouth? It’s interesting to think about the way we transmit information to each other and wonder if we are getting the whole picture through our new ways of communicating in short bursts of text.

If you have the time to check out Buley’s Digital Collections, one source of enjoyment for you might be looking for the names of current and former colleagues. You might enjoy looking at the May/June 1984 issue which featured David Kapp’s first editorial. He went on to edit the newsletter until 2009. After reading his first editorial, why not go to the CLA Today section that contains his farewell interview?

The initial members of the library’s digitization committee were: Christina Baum (Library Director), Steve Collison (Network Administrator), Paul Holmer (Special Collections), Cindy Schofield (Technical Services), Lisa Carlucci Thomas (Systems and Digital Projects), and Jacqueline Toce (Cataloging).

Resources:

• Connecticut Libraries Digital Archives
• SCSU Digital Collections
• Hilton C. Buley Library Web Site

ALA is always an adventure into the unknown when it comes Council activities. Where the proceedings may follow important global and national politics rather than pressing library issues. This can be frustrating to those of us who see ALA as a professional organization focused upon best practice and improving library services, innovations and advocating for the profession. Since my first ALA in 1973 the times have changed… sometimes for the better and otherwise. This ALA was one of the best I have ever participated in at the Council level and because the next ALA will be my last as your Councilor I am happy to report that the proceedings were very much on track regarding advocacy.

Council I began on Sunday, January 22, 2012 at the Convention Center where Presiding Officer: Molly Raphael, ALA President and Assisting Presiding Officer: Maureen Sullivan, Maureen is just the best and came to advocate for libraries here in Connecticut on February 1st at the LOB and promises to return during her term, ALA President-Elect, Secretary of Council: Keith Michael Fiels, ALA Executive Director and Parliamentarian… Eli Mina… Eli is the referee to council brought on board about 8 years ago to help with procedure and keep Council on track. Council is very much like a town meeting with both extremes represented… so… it can become very exuberant, real democracy in action and a great deal of verbal sparring and one-upping.

The following outlines the events at Council I, II, and III. The most important action and discussions involved: 1. ALA CD#19.1, Resolution Opposing Restriction to Materials and Open Inquiry in Arizona Ethnic and Cultural Studies Programs 2. ALA CD#20.1, Revised, Resolution Opposing the Research Works Act 3. , ALA CD#35, Resolution on Publishers and Practices Which Discriminate Against Library Users. This particular Item provide for good discussion. In that regard, Molly, Keith, Maureen met with Penguin, Macmillan, Random House, Simon & Schuster, and Perseus in New York the week of January 30th. The publisher representatives at these meetings included CEOs, division presidents, and other executives the discussion continues with ALA leading the charge to gain a positive understanding between publishers and libraries. All in all a very productive and well managed session.

Jay Johnston is Executive Director, Farmington Libraries, and Connecticut Chapter Councilor, American Library Association.

The New Year brought a flurry of activity to CLA’s legislative efforts. Thanks to the combined efforts of the Legislative Committee co-chairs, Carl Antonucci and Jay Johnston, and the expertise of our lobbyist, Bobby Shea, Connecticut’s library community was the center of attention at the Legislative Office Building on January 31.

The day opened with a press conference honoring Norwich, CT native and incoming ALA President, Maureen Sullivan. Representative Andrew Fleischmann presided over this event which was attended by several other state representatives and senators and televised on the CT-N network. Maureen was presented with a citation from the State of Connecticut recognizing her achievements. CLA awarded her with an honorary membership.

Following the ceremony, Senator Gary LeBeau convened a panel discussion with Maureen Sullivan; Pat Holloway, Director, West Hartford Public Library; Richard Conroy, Director, Essex Library; Christine Bradley, Director Norwalk Library; Caitlin Augusta, Children’s Librarian, Stratford Library; and Kathleen Lescoe, Director, Children and Branch Services, Farmington Libraries. During the discussion each panelist focused on library programs and activities that promote literacy and economic development.

The final event of the day was training for legislative links organized by Mary Etter. It’s great to have this long-time program back in place with new volunteers willing to share CLA’s messages with our legislators. We can always use a few more links, so please contact Mary if you are willing to be the liaison with legislators in your area.

This was truly a special day; I’m sure it will be one of the highlights of my year as CLA President. The Legislative Committee was energized by the enthusiasm shown by both the legislators and our CLA members. Thank you all who showed up to support the effort – it was great to look out and see so many familiar faces!

CLA’s legislative efforts continued on February 21st. One of the traditional duties of the CLA President is to present testimony to the Appropriations Committee in support of the programs and services included in the State Library’s budget. This year, because of a very large rally at the LOB by teachers, my testimony was presented in writing. It was suggested that since most State Library programs were not affected in the proposed budget, this would be a good year to thank the legislators for recognizing the importance of the work of Connecticut’s libraries. I also took the opportunity to remind them of some of the services libraries provide. Following are the core points made in my testimony:

• The Governor‘s budget maintains funding for important statewide library services such as ConnectiCARD, ConnectiCAR, and the Connecticut Library Consortium. Each of these state-funded programs provides vital services to our member libraries and residents across the state.
• This year educational reform is being emphasized at the state level. Connecticut’s public libraries play a key role in ensuring that every Connecticut child starts kindergarten ready to learn to read. Our libraries make books freely and widely available to every Connecticut parent and child and offer a wide array of early learning programs and services. Libraries offer early literacy story programs for infants, toddlers and their caregivers, provide preschool story hours and offer programs for child care providers and children in community programs such as Head Start. Our summer reading programs are the link to maintaining literacy skills throughout the summer break. Connecticut’s public libraries could play an even more important role with access to additional funding.
• Libraries across the state are concerned about the reduction in funding for iCONN which provides all students, faculty and residents with online access to essential library and information resources. This reduction is coming at a time when library budgets are being stretched. Connecticut‘s public libraries are among the most visited public libraries in the country. However, Connecticut ranks 36th in state support – ($.58/per capita vs. $2.94/per capita nationally) meaning that most library funding is local. Local funding has dropped over the past two years. Increased funding for iCONN could be devoted to making additional business resources available statewide to help small businesses and people searching for new job opportunities.
• Libraries are also concerned about reductions in the State Library’s budget for books, newspapers, costly online legal resources and other specialized resources. An important role of the State Library is to provide valuable backup to local libraries in the area of law, public policy and history. This year the State Library has had to cope with a 64% holdback in addition to the $50,000 budget cut that the State Library offered to support CCARD and CCAR funding. The Governor’s budget restores nearly 50% of the holdback; however the budget proposal still significantly reduces the library materials budget.
• Libraries are where our citizens turn in difficult times. We continue to see increased use as a result of the current economic situation. This year, we also saw significant increases during the two weather events experienced in our state – Tropical Storm Irene and Winter Storm Alfred. Despite shrinking budgets and staff reductions, many of our libraries successfully met the challenge of providing critical information, warmth, electricity, running water, hot coffee, internet access and day-long entertainment to record numbers of citizens seeking shelter. Our ability to provide free access to information, technology and even the basic necessities are services that cannot and should not be undervalued in any of our communities.
• When difficult budget choices must be made, the library community would like the opportunity to define the role libraries can play in education reform, business and job stimulus and emergency preparedness. 22 million people visited Connecticut’s public libraries last year and borrowed over 31.4 million items. We did this with a total operating income that was $22 million less than the New York Yankees payroll! Libraries are community centers that enlighten, enrich, educate and entertain our citizens.

It really is an honor to represent and advocate for Connecticut’s libraries. Our next big event is National Library Legislative Day in Washington, D.C. on April 24 when we will have the opportunity to talk to the Connecticut delegation. Thank you all for the hard work you do every day. Your efforts make it easy to demonstrate to legislators the importance of libraries in the lives of their constituents.

Betty Anne Reiter is Library Director, Groton Public Library, and President of the Connecticut Library Association.

Lisa Bier, Social Sciences Librarian at Southern Connecticut State University, recently published her second book titled Fighting the Current: The Rise of American Women’s Swimming, 1870-1926, published by McFarland and Co. Here is the publisher’s blurb: “This book describes the origins of women’s competitive swimming in the United States. Women faced many obstacles to safe swimming opportunities, including restrictive beliefs about physical abilities, access to safe clean water, bathing suits that did not allow for movement, and opposition from official sporting organizations. This book is a testament to how far female athletes have come”.

In 1926, Gertrude Ederle, an American competitive swimmer, became the first female to swim the English Channel and broke the existing men’s record time by almost two hours. Although today she is considered a pioneer in women’s swimming, women were swimming competitively at least 50 years earlier. This historical book details the early period of women’s swimming in the United States, from its recreational roots in the nineteenth century to the first organized competitions in New York City, to the swimmers who became America’s first female Olympians in 1920, to Ederle’s astonishing accomplishment. This book makes an excellent read for anyone interested in swimming and will be valuable to all women’s studies collections. Above all, it is timely; the stories of our country’s early swimmers will resonate with viewers of the 2012 Olympic Games this summer.

Lisa Bier has been working at Buley Library, Southern Connecticut State University, since 2001. This is her second book. Her first book, American Indian and African American People, Communities, and Interactions: An Annotated Bibliography was published by Praeger in 2004.

Winnie Shyam is Head of Reference, Hilton C. Buley Library, Southern Connecticut State University.

By William Uricchio

At the end of January 2012, the State Library’s Sharon Brettschneider retired from state service and some serious work and fun departed our professional coil. That Sharon deserves a fine retirement goes without saying — that we need her clone in her chair in Hartford can be said with equal certainty.

As part of her victory lap, several luminaries gathered at the State Library to wish her well on a mild Friday night in January. Lofty praise and many proclamations came her way as did long rounds of applause from enthusiastic well-wishers. Speechifying focused on her large roster of fine accomplishments and also her dedication to her craft, deep thinking, and ability to see the many connections of any pending decision; talent of being able to work with all kinds of people from any level of library service; skill at quelling controversy and directing negative energy to positive results; and her passion for our libraries and their users. In fact, “passion” was frequently mentioned in more than one context.

As with any retiree, the most recent work is the best known and earlier jobs sometimes get lost in the shuffle. To gain a more complete picture of why Sharon was so successful, it helps to take a look back in time.

Sharon’s first professional job was at the Manchester Community College Library — not the luxurious campus we know today but something that looked more like an RAF airfield just outside Dunkirk in 1940.

It was easy to find the library in one of a number of identical Quonset huts by the gales of laughter coming out the front door. The place was run by a woman named Margaret Owens who surely was the Fezziwig of Connecticut library service – hardworking, happy, and bright – she provided the perfect place for a young librarian to learn how to dispense high quality service and have fun at the same time. It’s a lesson Sharon never forgot and all those who worked with her benefited from it through the years.

Next, Sharon joined a non-profit called The Capitol Region Library Council or CRLC. CRLC was one of six Cooperating Library Service Units (CLSUs) with a mission of providing, for relatively low cost, a suite of services that could be shared by member libraries. In CRLC’s case, benefits ranged from cheap prices for book repair tape to its million dollar, shared automated network. If you see the bones of later large scale, statewide library development efforts in this description you are right.

When Sharon joined the staff, of which I was one, it was fortunate that she brought along her big laugh and ready sense of humor, because both provided needed antidotes to the pressure cooker stresses of CLSU life with small staffs, big agendas, very high expectations by boards of directors, and pay competitive with grocery store baggers.

CRLC was in Hartford in those days but eventually moved to a few rooms in a converted middle school in Windsor. At that location, the three administrators and two secretaries were in cubicles in one big room with other staff elsewhere nearby.

When I say there were three administrators, I mean three people who did all kinds of administrative duties and many other functions ranging from grant writing and management, to setting up and operating huge projects, to cleaning the perpetual mold out of the water dispenser in the small eating-area.

We were less a standard business working environment than we were like the Town of Titipu in one of Gilbert and Sullivan’s operettas. Probably, the best titles for us would have been Lord High Executioner for Sharon and Lord High Everything Else for me. We reported to the Mikado, as played by the energetic Dency Sargent. One of Dency’s favorite sayings was “If it won’t happen – make it happen”. And so we did.

Because our cubicles were adjacent, Sharon and I had the sometimes fortunate, sometimes less so, experience of hearing in detail every telephone conversation across the deceptively non-private five foot wall between us. Sometimes we felt a need to express a reaction to what was transpiring “over there” and so we developed our own form of signals.

This often involved flying paper clips and rubber bands when conversation was getting “heavy”, occasionally paper airplanes bearing remarks or illustrations if something absurd was developing, and frequently a trip to the top of the wall to make a face if it looked like anger was building up. It was the best therapy in the world because a temporary lease on sanity was its usual result. I don’t know if Sharon took any of this to her later work at the State Library, but I hope she did.

Listening to her remarks on that Friday night, and knowing that many of her CRLC colleagues from almost 25 years ago were in the audience, it was pretty clear to me that Sharon remembers those early, formative years with fondness as do I. Looking back is fun, Sharon, but now it is time to look ahead. New adventures await. Be sure to keep some paper clips and rubber bands handy – you just never know when an urgent, therapeutic message will need to be sent. Happy retirement!

William Uricchio is the Director of UConn’s Greater Hartford Campus Trecker Library.

Note: “The Early Years” is based on remarks made by this writer at the Connecticut State Library, January 28, 2012

Maureen Sullivan, President-Elect of the American Library Association, and Norwich, CT native, was featured in the Norwich Bulletin. Sullivan was honored by ceremony at the Connecticut State Legislature on the morning of January 31 and participated in a panel discussion that afternoon. Video of the proceedings available on the Connecticut Network.

Maureen Sullivan Honored, National Library Leader – January 31, 2012

Beth Crowley

The New Haven Register announced Beth Crowley’s new position as director of the Scranton Library in Madison, CT. Scranton’s previous director, Sandy Long, held the post for almost 42 years.

Katie Fargo

Teen Services Librarian Katie Fargo was featured in The Source and named “Person of the Week” in the Guilford Courier in February 2012. Fargo, formerly of the Guilford Free Library, now works at the Scranton Library in Madison, CT.

Good news? Share it! CLA Today invites articles, announcements, letters, and photographs about CLA members for possible publication. Send contributions to: editor@ctlibrarians.org.

Welcome to the March/April 2012 issue of CLA Today. Springtime offers the promise of fresh starts, new opportunities, and plenty of sunshine right around the corner. Here at CLA Today, we’re pleased to share fresh ideas and new projects taking place in our libraries, along with the bright accomplishments of our fellow colleagues making moves and making a difference. From new librarians, like Katie Fargo, garnering community attention for her dedicated library service, to Beth Crowley, taking on a trusted leadership role in Madison, to the retirement of lifetime friends and peers, Sandy Long and Sharon Brettschneider, CT libraries benefit from the knowledge and experience shared among our active professional community. Likewise, CT’s own Maureen Sullivan, President-Elect of the American Library Association, and recently honored by the Connecticut State Legislature, is leading by example, demonstrating commitment, service, and vision to the future of libraries nationwide.

Connecticut library colleagues learn from present leaders as well as past achievements, and the digitization of the Connecticut Libraries archives at Southern Connecticut State University will soon make it easier than ever to research our collective history. Jacqueline Toce reports on the digitization initiative in this issue of CLA Today. I was pleased to work with Jackie, Steve Collison, Cindy Schofield, Paul Holmer, and library director Chris Baum when SCSU’s digitization program began nearly two years ago.

With conferences well under way for 2012, we also feature a report on ALA Midwinter activitives from Connecticut Chapter Councilor to ALA, Jay Johnston, and a look a upcoming programs for the Connecticut Library Association Conference in May 2012. We hope to see many of you there!

Innovative projects refresh, renew, and bolster libraries. Creative leadership and collaboration, across libraries, regions, and organizations, promote creativity, inspiration, and improved service. Bill Uricchio shares the words of Dency Sargent in this issue’s Obversion: “If it won’t happen – make it happen.”

Speaking of “making it happen” – I recently went on the road with the Great Library Roadshow, a project developed by Library Journal and OCLC, in search of “innovation across America.” Articles, photos, and videos detailing our team’s road trip from Charlotte, NC to the Public Library Association Conference in Philadelphia, PA highlight unique programs and services in seven libraries across five states.

Let’s make it six: I’d love to feature the innovative work of Connecticut libraries, librarians, and staff in upcoming issues of CLA Today. Send in brief articles (500 words) or short videos (under two minutes) describing exciting recent projects and accomplishments at your library. What are you waiting for? With the upcoming conference theme “Meeting the Challenge,” there’s no day like today. Let’s join Bill in saying, “And so we did.”

Spring Forward,

Lisa Carlucci Thomas
Editor, CLA Today

CLA Today invites articles, announcements, letters, and photographs about matters of CLA professional interest to be submitted for possible publication. Send contributions to: editor@ctlibrarians.org. If your piece is selected, you will be contacted by the CLA Editorial Committee. Review is ongoing for upcoming issues.

“Library Science contemplates our personal, intellectual and physical relationship to the library as this venerable institution—and the information it contains—is being radically transformed by the digital era. Through drawing, photography, sculpture, installation, painting, web-based projects and works sited at New Haven libraries, the artists in Library Science explore the library through its unique forms, attributes and systems” – learn more at http://www.libraryscienceexhibition.org.

View photos and videos from the CLA Library Science Meetup, December 14, 2011.

A Library Science film festival was organized by the Connecticut Library Consortium in conjunction with the Artspace exhibition and multi-site installation. Reviews and press for the Library Science event available at: http://libraryscienceexhibitionpress.blogspot.com

By William Uricchio

If you follow odd occurrences in the news, you may remember a legendary wedding reception incident a few years ago at a restaurant just east of the Connecticut River. To briefly recap, a bridal party arrived at the scene and things were in full swing when the issue of closing the open-bar came up. After being denied an extension, the bride allegedly went nuts and had to be subdued by local police after a brawl that extended into the parking lot and out onto a nearby busy street. Her sad mug shot was a popular internet item for months.

What made me notice this story was the location – the very same restaurant where my new wife and I held our wedding reception. We recently visited for a social event and , while in that notorious bar, I could still envision the ex-husband of one of my cousins threatening to beat me up if the dance music wasn’t immediately started. He was a ranked heavy-weight boxer and only my cousin’s intervention saved me from a cruel, probably toothless, fate.

The places where important events in our lives occur tend to stay firmly in our memory. For example, I can still visualize the pre-expansion West Hartford Public Library, the site of my first professional job and where I met my spouse-to-be. Mr. Schley, the long-time director, with his tie rolled up in his shirt pocket, still stands in the circulation area arguing the finer points of access services with the staff there. My old desk, covered with “stuff” just like my current one, bends under its reputation as the reference room eyesore. And gentle Tom Kilfoil, who would bequeath vast amounts of money to the place, sits in his glassed-in office pawing over pieces of paper great and small.

Another place of professional and personal importance to me was Wallingford’s Yankee Silversmith Inn. Located at the juncture of Routes 5 and 15, it was centrally positioned for meetings and so it became a popular spot for Connecticut Library Association events. Various committees and sections met there and sessions like 1981’s “Creative Computing and Your Library” became typical professional bill of fare. Unbeknownst to me at the time, a 1988 presentation made at the Yankee Silversmith for CLA was to lead to a turning point in my career.

In my capacity as the initiator of Project Amoeba, which later grew into reQuest, I had been invited to speak about new library technology. To start things off I presented an illustrated children’s story called “Madeline and the Bad Cat-alog”. Eventually, after asking for someone in the audience to identify a disk based, information transfer technology, I produced a 1919 wind up record player when the words “compact disks” were yelled out. A few months later, after applying for a job at the University of Connecticut, I learned that a member of the search committee had been in the audience that day and had remembered both Madeline and the record player if not exactly me. My application moved forward and I am still there today.

Like the West Hartford library, I can still picture the inside of the Silversmith in detail. One walked into a somewhat dark foyer and slightly to the left was a large staircase leading up to a big room where the meetings were held. It was outfitted with nautical antiques and over the spot where the dais was placed there was a large painting of a head-on view of a very big steamboat coming at speed. That painting always intimidated me more than the luminaries on the dais and whenever I rose to speak from the audience I did my best to look elsewhere.

By the 2000s, CLA meetings had largely moved to new locales. As occasional diners at the Inn, my wife and I began to notice in was in declining shape. In 2008, a fire closed the business and it never came back. Last year my wife and I drove by to discover that only the railroad car was left, sitting forlornly on a perfectly flat piece of property. The land was shorn not only of the Inn’s buildings but also of all vegetation including the big shade trees which had always added to the Inn’s graceful image. It was a sad coda to the decades of diners, and meeting attendees, who had whiled away countless hours there.

Going back to memorable places can be jarring. As my wife and I sat parked in front of the parlor car we waxed nostalgic about the many interesting meetings we had attended, and the many fine meals we had eaten, at the Yankee Silversmith. Maybe someday a younger couple will be sitting outside a certain east of the river restaurant remembering a notable wedding reception. Then again, maybe not.

William Uricchio is the Director of UConn’s Greater Hartford Campus Trecker Library.

NB: According to recent news reports, the dining car, which survived the fire, now resides at the Connecticut Eastern Railroad Museum in Willimantic where it will be restored back to its pre-restaurant days.