Madison Author Among Those Featured At Clinton Historical Society

Nestled behind the Captain Elisha White House on Main Street, also known as “Old Brick,” the George Flynn Library, part of the Clinton Historical Society, houses a myriad of treasures from Clinton’s past and present, with steadfast volunteers Bert and Jinny Godwin at the helm.

Together, the Godwins, who have lived in Clinton since 1950, have carefully catalogued nearly 20,000 pieces of Clinton memorabilia and written history.  One of the more interesting collections is devoted to books and manuscripts authored by Clinton residents - past and present.

This fascinating selection of literature features leather-bound books dating back from the 1700s with Jared Eliot’s essays on religion and animal husbandry, to sermons by Joseph Vail, published in 1814.  Other books include more contemporary novels and non-fiction penned by Marjorie McGinley, Noel B. Gerson, and Lewin G. Joel.

Long-time Clinton resident Victor Mays, now residing in Madison, authored and illustrated some of the more impressive books in the collection.

Mays began his career in the U.S. Navy in 1945 after spending his youth on the water.  He attended Ohio State University shortly after World War II then transferred to Yale where he majored in English, history and art. 

His combined experience serving in the navy and his extraordinary literary and artistic talents resulted in his first novel, Fast Iron, in 1953.  This whaling adventure set in the nineteenth century won a Gold Medal in the Boys' Clubs of America Junior Book Awards in 1954. 

Mays’ extensive knowledge of maritime history allowed him to write additional adventure novels for young people, including Action Starboard (1956) and Dead Reckoning (1967).  His impressive illustrations evoke a real sense of life on the open seas.

Jinny Godwin concurs, "our kids loved Dead Reckoning. It’s hard to get since it is out of print.” 

Fortunately, copies of many of Mays’ books and historical manuscripts can be found in the Clinton historical library.

Nat Barrows’ Blow All Ballast - The Story of the Squalus packs quite a punch. The true story of the rescue and salvage of the USS Squalus in 1939, Barrows, a reporter at the time, was on the scene.  His first-hand account of the submarine that sank hundreds of feet and the detailed description of the subsequent rescue of the ship’s crew is another testament to the range and talent of Clinton’s authors.

If you are in the mood for a hike, Ann Colson’s walking books The Connecticut Walk Book East (and West) offers one of the best collections of hiking trails in Connecticut.  Published by the Forest and Parks Association more than 75 years ago, this comprehensive hiking guide is a must-read for avid nature lovers, complete with detailed topographical maps. 

Children’s author Megan Stine’s great uncle George Flynn, having provided the funds for the historical society’s library, has written over 100 books for young people.  Some of those can be found in the Godwin’s collection.  Stine and her husband Bill still live in Clinton.

Some lesser-known self-published pamphlets of poetry, historical essays and even a cookbook are also on hand. Ella Sabbatini, the first female foreman for Chesebrough-Pond’s (now Unilever), was an avid cook and baker.  Her family favorites, corn oysters and her signature velvet chocolate frosting, are forever preserved in the collection.

There is no lack of variety or scope of subject matter in this unique collection.

Jinny remarks, “Authors donate occasionally,” but the library looks for submissions through their newsletter.  Anyone is welcome to peruse the collection and donations of material from local authors are always appreciated.  A visit is well worth the trip to meet the Godwins and speak with them about their extensive knowledge of the history of Clinton.

The George Flynn Library is located behind the 1750 Elisha White House on 103 East Main Street, Clinton, and is open from 9:00 a.m. to noon on Wednesdays, or by special appointment by calling 860-669-2148.