The Barkers of Branford: Life in America Through a Local Lens9

Excerpt from Ted Braun’s book “The Barkers of Branford: Life in America Through a Local Lens” available for $30 at the Blackstone Library in Branford. Details at www.BarkersOfBranford.com

Even though Llewellyn Barker was elected to the Branford Board of Education and eventually became chairman, his life as a laborer continued to challenge his ability to make ends meet. The book provides context for all laborers’ struggles during this time period. Llewellyn found hope in socialism. The candidacy of Eugene V. Debs for president in 1912 on the socialist ticket rallied Llewellyn to action.

"Afternoon I went to a Socialists meeting at Wilfords hall and they organized a local"

“Afternoon I went over to a Socialist meeting and they appointed me treasurer and I received $13.11 from Frank McKeon”

“I wrote a piece for the "Coming Nation". (see Poster- caption: "Brother, take your blindfold off and you'll go theother way") This socialist publication, was born during the Populist movement in 1893, and re-emerged in the Socialist upswing in 1910.

"Howard Williams came & gave me some Socialist literature"

The June prior to the election, Dell (his wife) and Llewellyn stayed overnight in Durham for her Thompson family reunion. He thought it would be a great opportunity to gain converts to socialism. The next morning he states in his diary…

"I got up early & went to walking out east from Durham center... I found Rheuben Thompson at Hubbards milking... we had a very pleasant time... I talked Socialism and Phil Rich talked dog”
Apparently, there were no converts that day! As the summer unfolded, there were often speakers on the green.

"Dell & I went to prayer meeting & then I went and listened to a Socialist
speaker on the green... W F Ries."

The Branford Opinion’s article referred to the Reis speech in August as “an interesting address”.

“The speaker, W.F. Reis of Canton, Ohio, author of “Men and Mules” and other booklets on
socialism, spoke at an open air meeting on Branford green...... the speaker was greeted by a
good sized audience.... he severely arraigned both the democratic and republican parties,
reserving, however, his keenest sarcasm for the “Bull Moose” party and its leader, Theodore
Roosevelt. The socialists... alone offered a practical solution of economic injustice. After the meeting, pamphlets were offered for sale by the speaker and purchased by some of his hearers.”

Imagine how the following words from party literature might resonate with Llewellyn and his fellow workers on the factory floor…and to some today

“The people are demoralized. .. …. labor impoverished. …. the urban workmen are denied the right to organize for self-protection…. ….the fruits of the toil of millions are badly stolen to build up colossal fortunes for a few”.

The election results were a deep disappointment for the Socialists, both locally and nationally. This from Llewellyn's diary diary...

"I voted & then went to the shop….talked with Socialist... we noted 91 votes in Branford" 11/5/1912

"The election of yesterday was a big victory for the Democratic party" 11/6/1912

* * * * * * * * * *

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. Details at www.BarkersOfBranford.com