Stamford, Connecticut – A Bibliography
Second Edition 2004
Notes and Thoughts on the Second Print Edition
Over nine years have elapsed since publishing the first edition of this work. Within a short period it was accepted as a useful source by those seeking answers to a wide range of questions about the history of Stamford. Students at all levels from elementary schools to college and graduate institutions, reference Liberians, realtors, newspaper reporters, educators, public relations consultants, land use analysts, attorneys, historic preservationists, civil engineers, neighborhood associations, genealogists, photo archivists, homeowners and a host of others have found it to be of service in helping to resolve their queries. The fact that some copies in public libraries are beginning to indicate evidence of wear, is silent testimony to its value. I have observed that if a reference work is truly of consequence, it will bear the reverent but inevitable signs of usage. Those never consulted may unfortunately await the harsh fate of being listed “… in sour misfortune’s book.” [Shakespeare: Romeo and Juliet v. iii.]
Despite the demands of work, including the daunting task of commuting, I have managed, in the interim since publication, to complete several refinements of it. First of all, being dissatisfied with the index’s inclusiveness, I have re-examined and made additional entries for sixty eight out of the original two hundred items (books, pamphlets, articles in journals, etc.). Upon completion of the aforesaid I then proceeded to add one hundred-sixteen supplementary items, many of which were brought to my attention by friends and associates. As of now the amount of individual reference terms in the index, numbers at over ten thousand-one hundred entries. Another improvement is the elimination of having to consult index numbers against a reference numeral list and then proceed to the main entries. In this edition, simply consult the index and go directly to the main section by utilizing the numeral thus obtained.
Most wondrous of all was the unexpected but thoroughly delightful experience of early retirement as of 2 April, 3:30 p.m. E.S.T., 2004. Euphoria hardly describes the phenomenon of this long anticipated, newly acquired status. Many friends have made humorous quips as to whether I would become bored with all this newly discovered time, knowing well of my intentions to devote many hours to my family and further enhance this work as well as other projects. Now more than ever I fully realize that time itself is the most precious asset we possess. One can make money, loose it, and yet acquire more, many times over. Nearly everyone believes that we are allowed only a certain stated period of existence on this earth. Once spent, no matter how wealthy or powerful a person may be, it cannot be renewed. Bearing this in mind, each individual at selected points in their life should deliberately set aside a certain measure of hours from their usual routine for creative or enjoyable endeavors. A few suggested favorites include reading, writing, watching sunrises, sunsets and vistas; listening to music, being in awe of art, architecture and especially (a singular preference) admiring autumn foliage in New England! In addition to this, I feel strongly that each of us should give something of themselves back to the community in which they live. In producing this bibliography I feel that I have obtained personal fulfillment as to what one should do with a portion of that priceless, irreplenishable commodity bestowed upon us by Divine Providence.
27 August 2004
Ronald Marcus
Introduction 1995
© Stamford Historical Society, 1995, 2004
Bibliography, Table of Contents and Instructions
