The Barkers of Branford: Life in America Through a Local Lens4

“I went to the shop for the first time” (2/12/1866)

At age fifteen, school was over. Llewellyn Barker joined his father and older brothers laboring at the Branford Lock Works (see photo from 1893 catalogue), a major Branford industry that employed over 500 at its height. It drew many off the farms and from foreign lands. All that remains is a portion of one of the brick buildings that now house s Donovan's Reef restaurant The remaining buildings of this major Branford industry in the latter half of the 19th century includes Donovan’s Reef Restaurant (see interior and exterior photos) and a plaque out front pronouncing the area "Lock Works Square".

Llewellyn's diary entries often referred to the specific products by number and description (knobs, buttons, keys, etc.). See photo of items made at the Lock Works during Llewellyn’s time. They are still available on the internet today.

“I went to the shop... maid 734 locks” 3/16/66

“I went to the shop... earnt $1 80 cents clear and pleasant” 3/28/1866

“I went to the shop... Father took all my money” 4/15/1866

It must have been difficult to see his hard-earned salary disappear into his father’s pocket. But sometimes he got to spend it on what he wanted.

“I went to the shop... got my pay stoped and payed for my pants and vest” (6/15/1866)

“I got up this morning and maid fire and ate breakfast ... then I went to church... in the evening I went to prair meeting....

The above day’s entry continues (see below). Perhaps clothes do make the man, as his short poem suggests.

“Sunday Morning to church I went

and felt as big as any other gent” (9/23/1866)

“It was pay day and Father took all my money and it maid me mad but I got over it at last... I maid 411... I found a musk rat in my trap” (11/15/1866)

During this first year, Llewellyn still had to share his salary. It would soon resolve in his favor.

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Ted Braun’s book “The Barkers of Branford: Life in America Through a Local Lens” is available for $30 at the Blackstone Library in Branford. Richly illustrated, it traces not only the history of a family but also that of the town and the nation. For details see https://tedbraun135.wixsite.com/barkers-of-branford