The Cupheag Crier

Lew Knapp discusses Stratford's early history

In a 1989 address to the Stratford Historical Society docents, Lew Knapp talked about how Stratford was named; where the Stratford settlers originated from in England; the early Stratford heroes; Goody Bassett; and, Flora the Slave Girl's silhouette.  The photo accompanying this podcast shows Lew in a photo from the Bridgeport Herald in 1967 at the Housatonic Boat Club.

Velmore Spamer discusses his research on Adam Blakeman

Elden Dustin, well known Stratford educator, interviews Velmore Spamer on September 13, 1989.  Ironically, Mr. Spamer passed away exactly one week after this interview; fortuitous timing on Mr. Dustin's part.  Velmore Spamer was born in Stratford September 26, 1916 and remained in Stratford for his entire life.  He worked for the State Welfare Department and the State Transportation Department.  Mr. Spamer served on the town's bicentennial committee in 1976 and served as President of the Stratford Historical Society in 1970 and 1971. In this interview, Mr. Spamer discusses his research on his forebear, and Stratford founder, Adam Blakeman.  Mr. Spamer traveled the United Kingdom to gain additional information about Adam Blakeman.

Lew Knapp discusses Stratford School history with Frances Russell

Lew Knapp reviews photos (in slide format) of Stratford Schools with Frances Russell on February 14, 1986.  Frances Russell was the first principal of Second Hill Lane School.  She became principal when Second Hill Lane School first opened in September 1954.  Ms. Russell was born in 1898 and was a lifelong resident of Trumbull.  She began her teaching career in Trumbull, but shortly thereafter, moved to the Stratford School system. Ms. Russell began teaching in Stratford in 1927.  She taught at Honeyspot, Center, and Putney Schools.  She retired as principal of Second Hill Lane School in June 1960.

J. Lewis Fletcher, Edwin Washburn and Lew Knapp reminisce about the Housatonic River

On April 4, 1964, J. Fletcher Lewis (Harbormaster), Edwin Washburn, and Lewis Knapp discuss the Housatonic River, the Stratford Point Lighthouse, the lighthouse keepers, Minor Smith's Shorehouse inn and restaurant on Housatonic Avenue, and the five Washington Bridges.

Lew Knapp discusses the historic house styles in Stratford

Lew Knapp, long time town historian, was interviewed on September 30, 1988 at his stately home on Shore Road.  He was asked to discuss various house styles and house building periods in Stratford.  Mr. Knapp details the Judson House, Lt. Governor David Plant's house, Samuel William Johnson's house, his own house, and others.  He talks about the settling of Stratford and Mac's Harbor.  The Mac's Harbor story alone is worth the listen as this story has largely been lost to history.  Lew discusses the process of writing a history book as he was in the final stages of publishing "In Pursuit of Paradise."  Lew's wife Vivienne also describes writing her historic cookbook, "Paradise Enow", which was published during the town's 350th anniversary