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CentsEast Hampton, Connecticut, November 22, 1946tBroadcast Tells History OfMeshomasict11Announcer: “ ‘Connecticut Out-of-Doors.’ Today Connecticut Out-of-Doors begins a series of broadcasts that will acquaipt you, Mr. and Mrs. Citizen of Connecticut, with your state forests.^ These broadcasts will deal with historical background and the present use of the state forests in Connecticut, and will be given over this station from time to time during the winter months. It is fitting that the first broadcast should deal with the Meshomasic Forest, as it was the first piece of land acquired for state forest purpose? in New England. Eugene C. Winch, District Forester for Eastern Connecticut, will lead the discussion. District Forester Winch.”Mr. Winch: “Thank you. Iwould like to introduce the former State Forester of Connecticut, Austin F. Hawes. Mr. Hawes has been intimately acquainted with the Meshomasic Forest since the original 70 acres were acquired in 1903. Meshomasic now includes an of 7,526 acres. Mr. HawesareawilJL begin the discussion by telling something about the forest and the men who have been associated with it.”Mr. Hawes: “Thank you, Gene. The Meshomasic Forest is located that section of the towns ofmPortland, East Hampton, and Glas tonbury known as Meshomasic Mountain. Its name derives from the Indian phrase ‘great rattlesnake,’ originally Me-shom-as-sek. To anyone knowing the area, the name is particularly appropriate, for in spite of the diligent efforts of early caretakers and rangers toEditor’s Note—The, aceom-paning article is a- verbatim broadcast from Station WTIC, Hartford, on November 9, concerning the history of the Meshomasic State Forest, a large part of which lies in East Hampton.exterminate them, rattlesnakes are still to be found among the ledges of the mountain. The forest extends from Great Hill Pond in Portland northerly along the Bolton range through Glastonbury and Hebron to the Boltol town line. This forest area is by no means completely state-owned, but is interspersed with land in private ownership.”Mr. Winch: “Mr. Hawes, would you explain at this time the reasons for acquiring this forest land?”Mr. Hawes: “Well, the first State Forester, Walter Mulford, first began to acquire this land for the state to be used to demonstrate the proper handling of chestnut woodlands. Since then, there has been an increasing sentiment through out the state for the purchase of lands to be managed for multiple use—namely; to grow timber as a crop, to furnish areas for all types of out-of-door recreation, and to provide watershed protection. The Meshomasic Forest furnishes hunting, fishing, and picnicking, close to densely populated areas in Central Connecticut, and is already beginning to supply wood and lumber for local markets. Since the first purchase of land was made, a part or full-time caretaker has been necessary. The first of these on the Meshomasic Forest was commonly known as ‘Pegleg’ Goodrich.. He was as much a character as his name implies. He was famed for his ability to navigate the woods. In spite of his wooden leg and crutch, his speed and agility would nut to shame men without his handicap.”Mr. Winch: “The stories that I have heard of the second caretaker, John Cordelia Eeeves, better knowntContinued on Page 4
Newspaper Details
East Hampton News
East Hampton, Connecticut, US
Fri, Nov 22, 1946
Page 1
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USA 03 Jun 2025
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