Enfield Social Society Celebrating 200th Anniversary

ENFIELD, CT — In 1823, 48 residents of the small farming community of Enfield (population 2,065 in the 1820 census) gathered at the tavern home of Peter Field on the corner of Bridge Lane and Enfield Street, to create a mutual aid group to protect against thievery. On Jan. 30 of that year, the Enfield Society For the Detection of Thieves and Robbers was chartered; it cost one dollar to join, and each member had to have "a horse of sound wind."

A list of the original members reads like a history of Enfield with names such as Abbe, Goudy, Thompson, Pease, Bacon and Terry being prominent. Though now strictly a social organization, the Society has persevered through two centuries, and as the oldest civic group in town, will celebrate a milestone anniversary at its 200th annual dinner meeting on Tuesday, Sept. 27.

A great deal of history about the Society has come to light in the past year. Through the efforts of Tom Heath, the original constitution was found in the possession of the Enfield Historical Society. For the longest time, legend was the constitution had never been amended, but unbeknownst to recent members, the Society had been operating under a revised 1951 version.

Another misperception was the thought that only "male residents of the Town of Enfield over the age of 21" could join the Society. However, the original constitution clearly states in two places that women could be members. Even the amended 1951 version states in Article X that women could be members. This grievous oversight was corrected in 1995 when 25 women joined.

The Society now meets once a year to maintain continuity and traditions, including a reading of members who joined 100 years ago, awarding certificates to 50-year members and recognizing the longest tenured member with The Elder's Cane. The present holder of The Cane is Ben Alaimo, who joined in 1950.

The 200th annual dinner meeting will take place at Fitzmaurice Hall at St. Bernard Church, 426 Hazard Ave. This year's featured speaker is John Russotto JD, Deputy Chief State's Attorney and a 1983 Fermi High School graduate, who will present "Moving Justice Forward: The Role of the Prosecutor in the Criminal Justice System."

"The organizing committee is invigorated from learning about all the history that was thought to be lost, and we are truly looking forward to a great evening," President Paul Salva said. "There will be commemorative keepsakes for all who attend this once in a century event."

The gathering begins at 6 p.m., with festivities starting at 6:30 p.m. Dinner is $30 and will be catered by Figaro's Restaurant. New members can join the Society for $1, the same as in 1823.

For tickets, contact Dan Jasminski at 860-394-8122, Paul Salva at 860-882-2813, Scott Kaupin at 860-966-6335, Deb Duren at 860-741-3386 or Gigi Veser at 860-881-8297.