The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
1929 time capsule discovered containing historic photos, documents
New ‘cornerstone box’ placed in wall and sealed for next generation
TORRINGTON >> Charlotte Hungerford Hospital (CHH) turned 100 years old in October 2016, and its members and staff celebrated a century of caregiving throughout the year with commemoration events, a museum exhibit, a new historic monument, and the publication of a commemorative book.
One of the most exciting events of the anniversary was the discovery and opening of the hospital’s cornerstone box, which could also be considered a time capsule. With the help of some old documents and local businesses, the hospital was able to locate a copper box that was placed in its cornerstone at a 1929 dedication ceremony. The box was opened in front of 200 guests at the hospital’s fall commemoration ceremony and contained early annual reports, coins, several preserved newspapers, and photographs of Charlotte and Uri Hungerford and never before seen construction images.
CHH offered special thanks to those who helped make this important discovery possible, including New England Subsurface Imaging, which located the original box, O&G Industries Construction Services and Products, which assisted in locating the box, and Scoville Plumbing & Heating, that carefully unsealed and opened the box.
On Feb. 22, hospital staff and board members gathered for the internment of a new stainless steel box in the hospital’s wall directly behind the original external cornerstone marker. After remarks, hospital chairman John Janco placed the box in the wall, and staff began work sealing the wall up again. The new box was designed as a replica of the original box by Glenn Fern at M&J Sheet Metal, LLC. The box contained recent anniversary memorabilia, newspapers, annual reports, newsletters, coins, photographs, souvenir programs, a copy of the original bylaws and deed, transcripts of anniversary speeches, and a miniature version of the hospital’s “Century of Care” 100th Anniversary commemorative book. Staff and supporters also included messages and well-wishes to their colleges in the future.
Hospital officials hope that future individuals will find and open the box in 75 or 100 years, and discover the incredible history of caregiving at CHH that awaits inside.
“In the future, the year 2016 will be remembered as an exciting and hopeful year of celebration and transition,” said Brian Mattiello, vice president of organizational development at the hospital. “Throughout the year, our staff, physicians, patients and supporters in the region paused on many occasions to take a special and sentimental look back at our history of providing 100 years of caregiving to the communities we serve. Discovering and learning about our history gives us a special sense of the unending partnership we have with those who came before us. Each day, through the work of humble stewards, and the abiding faith of all who care about this place, our Founder Uri Hungerford’s legacy and his mother Charlotte’s spirit still permeate with all of us.”
The anniversary year celebrations began with a wonderful evening of celebration on Sept. 24, 2016, attended by more than 200 guests at the Torrington Country Club and featuring cocktails, dinner, a silent auction, and dancing to music performed by The Cartels. The event raised more than $50,000, which was used to benefit patient care initiatives and to establish a permanent memorial to the hospital founders.
In addition, more than 150 hospital staff, friends, dignitaries and supporters came together at sunset on Oct. 5 for a special ceremony and live opening of the cornerstone box, sealed in the wall 87 years ago. The event included presenters and guests from CHH, places of worship, and city and state offices who presented scripture and historical readings, proclamations, personal recollections, and a tree dedication.
CHH also celebrated a week of history in early October with a special week-long pop-up historical exhibit and talks that featured portraits, photographs, artifacts, and historical documents collected by the hospital since its founding. In addition, vintage medical supplies and equipment offered a unique glimpse into early medical technology.
“The anniversary was also a time to display the many historic artifacts and treasures form the hospital’s past. CHH entrusted its oil portraits of namesake Charlotte Austin Hungerford and hospital founder Uri T. Hungerford to the Williamstown Art Conservation Center for restoration,” said Tim LeBouthillier, director of community relations and development. “We also reframed many vintage documents including al congratulatory letter signed by Herbert Hoover and photograph of Uri Hungerford that was taken by famed early twentieth century photographer Pirie MacDonald. These are such a special part of our history and they are now preserved for future generations to learn from and enjoy.”
As the year concluded, the hospital installed and dedicated a permanent memorial and area of reflection in early December just outside the hospital’s front entrance, which tells the story of hospital founder Uri Taylor Hungerford and his mother Charlotte. Brass reliefs and biographies are included on a granite obelisk commemorating a century or care are surrounded by two benches inscribed with the words “Honoring our Past” and “Building our Future.”
For local history buffs, a special anniversary commemorative book, “Charlotte Hungerford Hospital: A Century of Care: 1916 2016” was published chronicling the people, places and events of the last century. This fully illustrated paperback book sells for $30 at the CHH Gift Shop at 540 Litchfield Street, Torrington, with proceeds benefitting patient care programs.