To the Editor:
This past Tuesday, April 8, several local historical societies and the Connecticut River Museum sponsored “Light Up the Night” to commemorate the 200th anniversary of “the Burning of the Ships” in Essex Harbor by British forces during the War of 1812. Three different sites along the Connecticut River in Essex, Old Saybrook and Old Lyme featured bonfires such as were used 200 years ago to silhouette the escaping British forces on the evening of April 8 1814.
The Old Lyme Historical Society was proud to be one of the sponsoring organizations. We could not have done our part without help from several different groups: the Old Lyme Board of Selectmen, Old Lyme Fire Marshal Dave Roberge, Public Works Director Ed Adanti and his crew and members of the Old Lyme Fire Department. In addition we owe great thanks to Brenda Milkofsky and Jerry Roberts for their organizational skills and drummer Jason Augur for “alerting the citizens of Lyme” to the narration of the events of so long ago. In addition we have to thank all the townspeople of Old Lyme who came to the Dinghy Dock on Ferry Road to observe the events.
On behalf of the Old Lyme Historical Society, I would like to extend our deepest appreciation to all those who contributed showing how well a small town can come together to recognize a significant historic event.
Mark Lander, Co-chair
Old Lyme Historical Society