Stamford, Connecticut – A Bibliography – O

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Refers to the index of names and subjects covered by individual bibliography items.

  1. O’Donnell, James H. History of the diocese of Hartford. Boston, Massachusetts: D. H. Hurd Co.; 1900; vii, 473 pp., table of contents, illus., ports., 27 cm. 
Notes: Title page reads: “HISTORY / OF / THE DIOCESE OF HARTFORD / BY / REV. JAMES H. O’DONNELL / AUTHOR OF / ” Liturgy for the Laity,”   “Studies in the New Testament,” / Etc., Etc. /     / – /     / BOSTON / THE D. H. HURD CO. / 1900″             For references to St. John’s Roman Catholic Church and the Irish of Stamford, Connecticut, see: pp. 5, 34, 40, 43-45, 67, 282-287. 
Location: Ct, CtDabN, CtFaU, CtH, CtHi, CtNh, CtSHi, CtU, CtY, MB, MWA, N, NN, PV.       Collier (p. 241).       Parks (No. 1326).
Abstract: “The services of the church were held for the first time in Stamford in September, 1842, in the house of Patrick H. Drew in West Stamford. The celebrant of the Mass on that occasion was the Rev. James Smyth. Three families comprised the Catholic population at that time. Mass was said here at stated intervals until 1846. When Mr. Drew removed to the old ‘Webb Place’ on South Street, the Divine Mysteries were there celebrated, first by Bishop Tyler. In this house and in the Town hall services were held until the completion of the church on Meadow Street in 1851.” James H. O’Donnell, p. 282.
  2. O’Neill, Eugene. Selected letters of Eugene O’Neill. New Haven, (Connecticut) and London: Yale University Press; 1988; xi, 602 pp., illus., ports., bibliography, index, d.w., 26 cm. (Travis Bogard and Jackson R. Bryer, editors). ISBN: 0300043740 .
Notes: Location: CtB, CtDar, CtDer, CtFa, CtFaU, CtGre, CtGu, CtH, CtManc, CtMer, CtNbC, CtNc, CtNh, CtNhH, CtNowa, CtPom, CtRk, CtS, CtSoP, CtSU, CtU, CtWhar, CtWrf, CtWtp, CtWilt, CtY, DLC, MH.
For references to Stamford, Connecticut, see: pp. 16-18.   Includes an amusing description of a prank played on the headmaster of Betts Academy by O’Neill and his classmates in 1905.
  3. O’Neill, Heather. “Family way.” Living In Stamford. 2002 May; Vol. 4 (No. 3) pp. 52-53, 55, 57-58, 60, 62; ISSN: 1524-6183.
Notes: Published by Living In Stamford, Stamford, Connecticut.
Location: CtSHi.
Abstract: “Sure, the dynamics of a family business are often difficult to negotiate successfully, according to Priscilla Cale, program assistant for the Family Business Program at the University of Connecticut. 

”The business issues that family business deal with are unique,” says Cale. “What makes them special is that like it or not, it isn’t just the regular industry challenges that they face but personal issues as well. Are you a mother when you are at work or are you a boss? Are you a daughter or are you a colleague? It is sometimes difficult to find that line.”

The three mother-and-daughter teams featured in this article face those challenges as they spend their workweek as partners in successful businesses and their down time as parent and child. Somehow these six women have managed to strike the perfect balance between their professional and personal lives, between business matters and matters of the heart.”   Heather O’Neill, pp. 53, 55.   (Copyright 1999 by Living In Stamford. Reproduced with permission.)
  4. — “Finding their way home: Despite our city’s economic strength, homelessness is on the rise. We spent time with two local women struggling to turn their lives around.” Living In Stamford. 2001 Sep; Vol. 3 (No. 1 [i.e.5]) pp. 60-62, 64-66, 68-70.; ISSN: 1524-6183.
Notes: Published by Living In Stamford, Stamford, Connecticut
Location: CtSHi.
Abstract: “Homelessness isn’t chic, even in cause-obsessed Fairfield County. Charity golf events, benefit luncheons and galas for worthy causes abound here, even as residents rush past sidewalk shanties or look the other way as they drive their luxury vehicles past men and women begging for spare change by the roadside.

Experts say homelessness is the last social ill that is still considered to be self-imposed. As a consequence at a time when many people in our area are richer than ever, the attitude toward this particular cause is often decidedly unsympathetic. ‘If I can get a job, if I can maintain a house, if I can be a success, then everyone else can too,’ seems to be the mantra of many Fairfield County residents. 

This misconception could not be further from the truth, say those who work with the homeless. Factors such as welfare reform and the increasing cost of living have converged, making last year the busiest ever at local shelters. Now that the economy has taken a turn for the worse, it is still not known how the changing economic conditions will affect these shelters.”     Heather O’Neill, p. 61.   (Copyright 2001 by Living In Stamford. Reproduced with permission.)
  5. — “Lyons Den: From house to home with the most powerful woman in Connecticut politics.” Living In Stamford. 2002 May; Vol. 4 (No. 3) pp. 34-38, 40-42.; ISSN: 1524-6183.
Notes: Published by Living In Stamford, Stamford, Connecticut
Location: CtSHi.
Abstract: “Sewage is not usually considered a sexy political issue. But for Speaker of the Connecticut House of Representatives Moira Lyons, this humble platform was the springboard for a 20-plus year political career.

In 1979, when Lyons began picketing the Stamford Sewage Treatment Plant on Magee Avenue, the young wife and mother wasn’t looking for a job. She was just looking for a little relief.

”At that point the odor was of such magnitude that you literally could not walk out of your house,” she says. “The nearby businesses were losing customers; people didn’t want to come there because it was so horrible. I live fairly far away from there and you still couldn’t sit out on your porch and or really do anything outside because the smell was so negative that it made you physically ill. It was awful.”

In an effort to get the plant to clean up its act, Lyons and her neighbors – mostly women- took to the streets with their placards.
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The small protest got the attention the women had hoped for and the pollution was cleaned up. Pleased with the outcome and with Lyons’ leadership abilities, her neighbors soon asked her to run for Stamford’s Board of Representatives in 1980. She won the post and served a one-year term.

In 1981, again at the suggestion of her neighbors, Lyons ran for state representative. It was a long shot: Lyons, who was in her mid-30s, was the only woman running in the four-way primary and was not the endorsed Democratic candidate. All three of her fellow candidates were longtime Stamford residents. By comparison, Lyons was newcomer, having moved to Stamford in 1977 when her then-husband, Edward, an economist, took a job at the Stamford-based Champion International Paper Company. She had never even been to Hartford.

Her campaign, in which friends and neighbors volunteered their services, was not sophisticated or expensive.

”It was a real grassroots effort, really just my friends and neighbors coming out to help. I went door-to-door and introduced myself to people in the community. It was pretty simple,” Lyons says, with a laugh. “I was clearly the new kid on the block [and] I think the impression was that I would not win, but – surprise- I won!”
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Dare to dream. As the representative for the 146th District, Lyons has served 11 terms in the House. She was named deputy speaker in 1993 and was the first woman to be elected House majority leader, serving in that post from 1995 to 1998. In 1999, she became the first woman elected speaker, a first she takes seriously.

”I think it was a special honor, I really do. As a first anything, there is a little added pressure because you are then a role model and people will look at how you handled things, what you did, were you successful, weren’t you?” she says. “But once you have been there for a little bit you just wear the suit, so to speak. You just fit into the skin of who you are.”

Democratic gubernatorial candidate and state Senator George Jepsen, who has know and worked with Lyons for more than 20 years, has seen her develop into a woman with powerful leadership skills. She has, he says, a real talent for seeing a need and getting effective legislation passed to address it.”

Heather O’Neill, pp. 34, 36-37.   (Copyright 2002 by Living In Stamford. Reproduced with permission.)
  6. — “Meet four Stamford mothers who were doubly, triply and quadruply blessed.” Living In Stamford. 2002 Apr; Vol. 4 (No. 2) pp. 38-46, 48. ; ISSN: 1524-6183.
Notes: Published by Living In Stamford, Stamford, Connecticut
Location: CtSHi.
Abstract: “What woman hasn’t wondered what it would be like to give birth to twins … or more? I know I have.
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For the four women profiled in this story, the answer is simple: They can do it because the birth of their multiples was the realization of a dream. One mother had been trying to start a family for years, the others craved a second or third child to complete their families. All became mothers two, three, even four times over with a single pregnancy.

Far from being befuddled by their twins, triplets or quadruplets, these women thrive on the challenges presented by their burgeoning families. For all four women, juggling multiple children, households, husbands and jobs – not to mention the odd coat of lip gloss – is all part of a typical day.”                       Heather O’Neill, pp. 38-39.   (Copyright 2002 by Living In Stamford. Reproduced with permission.)
  7. — “Portrait: Brenda Culpepper.” Living In Stamford. 2002 Feb-Mar; Vol. 4 (No. 1) pp. 36-38, 40-41.; ISSN: 1524-6183.
Notes: Published by Living In Stamford, Stamford, Connecticut.
Location: CtSHi.
Abstract: “From high school scholar to struggling welfare mother, financial analyst to record company maven, Brenda Culpepper’s journey through life reads like an epic novel. Though armed with intellectual gifts, a teenage Culpepper felt helpless when bad decisions took her life on a path that was less than inspired. 

Today, Culpepper has channeled her rich life experiences into a program called Ready Kids. Ready kids, a three-tiered program that aims to help Stamford children make responsible choices, is the brainchild of a woman who admits that she didn’t always make good choices herself. Her life experiences, she says, were the impetus for the work she now does in the community.
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In the early 1980’s she married investment banker Irvin Culpepper and after the birth of her second daughter, Shari, Culpepper became interested in gospel music. She and Irvin formed PepperCo, at that time the only independent record label in Connecticut and one of only three gospel labels in the country owned and handled by a woman. PepperCo went on to produce several popular gospel albums, including The East Coast Regional Mass Choir Live in New York, which was nominated for a Grammy. Despite the company’s success, it wasn’t long before the company’s versatile president was on to another kind of project.
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Culpepper calls herself a “social entrepreneur.” PepperCo no longer produces records; it facilitates social change through Culpepper’s latest venture, Ready Kids. The program is made up of three components: a school readiness program to ensure that small children have the skills they need before they begin school; Club Be Well, a wellness program for Stamford public high school students that encourages healthy behavior; and Young Parents Speak, a support group for teenage mothers.
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Culpepper says it is difficult to say whether access to the programs she now runs could have changed the course of her life. “It was a different time,” she says. “But sometimes things happen that change and shape you. I also believe in destiny and purpose. I believe that this may be what was destined to happen to me.”   Heather O’Neill, pp. 37, 38, 40, 41.   (Copyright 2002 by Living In Stamford. Reproduced with permission.)
  8. — “Written with love: First impressions count. From invitations to place settings, written materials are a crucial part of any wedding.” Living In Stamford. 2001 Jun-Jul; Vol. 3 (No. 1 [i.e.4]) pp. 70-76; ISSN: 1524-6183.
Notes: Published by Living In Stamford, Stamford, Connecticut
Location: CtSHi.
Abstract: “When it comes to weddings, some written materials are more sacred than aesthetic. In Jewish ceremonies, calligraphy often is used to create the ketubah, or wedding contract. Revolutionary for its time, this document has been used for centuries among Jewish couples to state the groom’s obligations to his bride. The ketubah outlines provisions for a married woman’s financial support in case of divorce or her husband’s death. In traditional ceremonies the ketubah, is read aloud to publicly state these promises, then is presented to the bride by her groom under the wedding canopy or chuppa. 

While tradition dictates the required Aramaic text used on ketubot – the plural form of katubah – for reform, conservative and orthodox Jews, today many couples choose to include additional promises and vows in English to personalize their document. What were originally simple, unadorned documents, over time evolved into a form of art that only the wealthy were able to afford. Today, ketubot are available in a range of prices to fit almost any budget and are often hung in a couple’s home as a constant reminder of their commitment to each other.

Former art teacher Harriet Lacker has been creating personalized ketubot since the 1970’s when, during a stint as a tour guide at the Jewish Museum in New York City, she became interested in Jewish history and tradition. After taking several graduate-level courses in calligraphy and illumination and a five day workshop with Charles Pierce, the scribe for the Queen of England, she now devotes herself full time to creating highly ornate ketubot that sell for between $600 and $650 each. 
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The most traditional – and expensive – option for addressing invitations is to hire a calligrapher to address each envelope by hand. Calligraphy, derived from the Greek phrase for ‘beautiful writing,’ has been an art form since the 6th century when it was used in many cultures from ancient Greece to Italy to China to transcribe books and formal documents as well as for decorative purposes. Using a broad-edged pen or quill, calligraphers alternate thin and thick strokes to create highly ornate lettering. Calligraphers often study for years to perfect the ‘hands’ or scripts that are considered classic calligraphy styles, such as italic and uncial.

Although the printing press has replaced calligraphy in the publishing world, it still is the favored choice for many wedding-related specialty items, such as invitations, menus, programs and place cards.

’Calligraphy is the traditional way to address envelopes and place cards for weddings,’ says Nina Lotstein, whose one-woman company, Calligraphy by Nina, completes between 30 and 50 calligraphy jobs a year. Weddings are by far her biggest source of income. ‘The writing is beautiful and formal, two qualities that people associate with their weddings,’ she says.

Lotstein, who has been an artist and calligrapher in Stamford for more than 20 years, says that another reason many brides choose calligraphy for their wedding invitations is the versatility of the writing.'”   Heather O’Neill, pp. 74, 75.   (Copyright 2001 by Living In Stamford. Reproduced with permission.)
  9. O’Rourke, Kevin. Currier and Ives : the Irish and America. New York, (New York): Harry N. Abrams, Inc.; 1995; 144 pp., illus. color & b.w., bibliography, index, d.w., 29 cm. ISBN: 0-8109-4036-1.
Notes: Title page reads: “ Currier and Ives / THE IRISH AND AMERICA /       / Kevin O’Rourke /       / HARRY N. ABRAMS, INC., PUBLISHERS”
For references to John Ennis “The Celebrated Pedestrian,” see: p. 103. 
For additional references to John Ennis and his political activities in Stamford, Connecticut, see: Feinstein, Estelle F. Stamford in the gilded age : the political life of a Connecticut town 1868-1893. (1973), pp. 44, 96, 109-111, 117-118, 121, 123-126, 147, 174, 178-181, 183-184, 199, 228.
Location: CtBhl, CtDer, CtFa, CtU, CtY, DLC, MB, MWA, NN, NNC.
Although John Ennis is listed as being from County Longford in Ireland, at the time of the “Great Walking Match” held at Gilmore’s Garden, New York, [March 1879] he was then a resident of Stamford, Connecticut.
  10. Obaldeston, Richard successively Bishop of Carlisle and of London. A sermon [on Matthew 8 : 11] preached before the incorporated Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts: at their anniversary meeting in the parish church of St. Mary-le-Bow, on Friday February 21, 1752. London: Printed by Edward Owen, and sold by J. Roberts [etc.]; 1752; pp. 71 pp., paper covers, 21 cm.   
Notes: Title page reads: “A / SERMON / Preached before the / Incorporated SOCIETY / FOR THE / Propagation of the Gospel in / Foreign Parts; / AT THEIR / ANNIVERSARY MEETING / IN THE / Parish Church of ST. MARY-LEBOW, / On FRIDAY February 21, 1752. / – / By the Right Reverend Father in GOD, / RICHARD Lord Bishop of CARLISLE. / – / LONDON: / Printed by EDWARD OWEN in Warwick-Lane; / And Sold by J. ROBERTS in Warwick-Lane; / And A. MILLAR, at Buchanan’s Head in the Strand. / – / MDCCLII [1752].”
Location: CtHT, CtSoP, CtY, CU, DLC, ICN, NN, PHi, RPJCB.
Includes “An abstract of the charter and of the Proceedings of the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel in Foreign Parts” (pp. 21-54) has running title: “An abstract of the Proceedings of the Society.”
Abstract: “The Reverend Mr. Dibble, the Society’s Missionary at Stamford acquaints the Society, That Seven Heads of Families had lately joined themselves to the Church, and some at Horseneck and Stanwick; but there are many whose Circumstances are such, that he is obliged to remit their Rates, rather than suffer them to be distress’d by the Dissenting Collectors; insomuch that his annual Support, as a Minister, hath not defray’d the necessary and unaviodable Expences of a Family, with a Wife and six Children; and therefore the Society, as their present Circumstances will not permit them to make an Addition to his Salary, hath given him a Gratuity of Ten Pounds, out of Compassion, and in Regard to his having complied with the Request of sundry poor People living upon a Spot of Ground called the Oblong, between the Governments of New York and Connecticut, where there is no settled Minister of any Denomination.”   An abstract of the Proceedings of the Society, pp. 37-38.
  11. Offord, John A. “Dr. Barnes’ Sanitarium, Stamford, Conn.” New York Observer. 1906 Sep 6; Vol. 84 (No. 36) p. 317.
Notes: Published by Morse, Hallock & Co., New York, New York.
Location: CtY, DLC, MH, MiU.
Abstract: “The grounds of the Sanitarium comprise about twenty acres – ample to provide home-grown produce for the table and room for all desirable athletic sports. Dr. [Frank H.] Barnes believes in the detached cottage system, and it was on this plan that he started his successful enterprise. Standing back from the road is the handsome stone structure of the main building, while further to the rear are the cottages devoted to different classes of patients. The buildings are modern, and with modern equipments as regards heating, lighting and the supply of water. The comfort of the inmates is studied in the furnishings of the rooms, and in every possible way. It was not very long ago when a sanitarium was looked upon almost as a prison, but all this has been changed, and Dr. Barnes’ institution is an example of these changed conditions.
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It is worthy of note that in the booklet issued by Dr. Barnes wherein he sets forth the various treatments employed, the first mentioned medical feature is ‘Rest Treatment.’ Physicians know that the strenuous life of today is responsible for many a breakdown.”   John A. Offord, p. 317.
  12. Ottman, Ford C. (Ford Cyrinde). The Psalm of the pilgrim. Stamford, Connecticut; 1906; 35 pp., paper covers, port., 24 cm. 
Notes: Title page reads: “The Psalm of the / Pilgrim /     / Published for Free Distribution by Some / Friends in the First Presbyterian Church / of Stamford, Conn., June, 1904. /     / [printers’ ornament] / Revised by the Pastor and republished, May / 1906, at the request of many to whom it / has given joy and comfort.”   Imprint on reverse of title reads: “The Knickerbocker Press, New York.”
Location: CtSHi, DLC.   
Abstract: “The Twenty-third Psalm … It is the Psalm of our childhood, which abides with us through all changes, and brings back to us again the faith of our childhood when the pilgrim journey is ending. Its sweet, familiar notes greet the dying pilgrim as he comes to the gates of the sepulcher, and fill with their melody the valley through which he must pass before he can dwell forever in the house of Jehovah; where no enemy can follow, no note of discord mar the harmony of eternal praise.” Ford C. Ottman, pp. 3-4.
  13. Otto, Robert W. “History of the Stamford Historical Society – Especially the first twenty years.” Stamford Historian. 1954; Vol. 1 (No. 1) pp. 21-36.
Notes: Published by The Stamford Historical Society, Inc., Stamford, Connecticut.       
Location: Ct, CtS, CtSHi, CtStr.             Kemp (p. 627).   Parks (No. 8594).
Abstract: “Although dedicated to the study of history, the Society has never undertaken to summarize its own history. This project has now been added to our agenda, and this article is the first result. In it Mr. Otto relates the history of the Society with particular focus on the first two decades of its existence. Major events in the Society’s history are described, and an effort made to bring out the contributions that the Society has made to the community. Mr. Otto is the present President of the Society, having held the office since 1952. This paper was prepared for delivery before the Stamford Museum Feb. 18, 1954.”   Editor’s note, p. 21.   For an excellent illustration of the device utilized on both the flag and later the seal of the City of Stamford, see: Daily Advocate (newspaper), May 16, 1914.
  14. Otto, Virginia Darling. “Early mills at Stamford.” Stamford Historian. (1957); Vol. 1 (No. 2) pp. 139-146.
Notes: Published by The Stamford Historical Society, Inc., Stamford, Connecticut.         
Location: Ct, CtS, CtSHi.             Kemp (p. 632).     Parks (No. 8593).
Abstract: “This much research in Stamford’s early mills only scratches the surface. Literally the length and breadth of each stream should be explored to uncover clues of old dams and mill sites.   ……   The work of the miller was completed in Stamford before the turn of the twentieth century, and need of him may never be felt again. Progress has brought about mechanization to cope with man’s problem of securing his lumber and grain. But still the waterways of Stamford will continue to make their way to the sea past silent sycamores, over mossy dam stones, while timbers and artifacts lie in dampness awaiting discovery by the interested archeologist or historian.”   Virginia Darling Otto (Mrs. Robert W. Otto), p. 146.
  15. Outlook Company. “Rabbi Wise and his son working as day laborers to help America in her great struggle.” Outlook. 1918 Aug 21; pp. 614, 629.
Notes: Published by The Outlook Company, New York, New York.
For additional references to Rabbi Stephen S. Wise’s tenure as a shipyard laborer in Stamford, Connecticut, see:
RABBI WISE LABORER AT SHIPBUILDING YARD, The New York Times, July 27, 1918, p. 5, 1.
RABBI WISE GIVES WEEK’S PAY TO POOR, The New York Times, July 28, 1918, p. 8, 1.
DR. WISE LEAVES SHIPYARD, The New York Times, August 18, 1918, p. 9, 1.
For additional information on Stephen S. Wise, see: Dictionary of American Biography, Supplement Four, pp. 903-906.   
Location: Ct, CtB, CtHT, CtManc, CtNbC, CtNlC, CtS, CtShel, CtSoP, CtU, CtWillE, DLC, In, MH, MnU, NBuU, NcD, NN, NNC, OkU. 
Abstract: “Dr. Stephen S. Wise, rabbi of the Free Synagogue in New York City, whose portrait appears on another page, is not the only preacher who has become a ship-builder. In one Maine shipyard four clergymen are now at work. College professors too have turned their hands to manual labor and are constructing ships.       …….     So almost completely have all these parsons and professors succeeded in losing their identity in the shipyard that it is with some difficulty that they may be located among the workers. The same is true of Dr. Wise and his son James, who are working as common laborers at $3 a day in the Luders Marine Construction Company’s Shipyards, Stamford, Connecticut. Dr. Wise reports with his son at 7 A.M. daily and quits with the other workers. These men whom we have mentioned are but a few among many Americans who have chosen to work in the shipyards as their contribution of energy to the winning of the war.”   Outlook, p. 614
[Photograph of Rabbi Stephen S. Wise and his son James in their working clothes, each holding a tool]. “Dr. Stephen S. Wise, of the Free Synagogue of New York City, is working in a ship-building yard at Stamford, Connecticut, to help win the war. With his son, [James Waterman Wise] he reports for work each day at 7 A.M. and quits at 4:30 P.M.   This is the way he is spending a vacation.”   Outlook, p. 629.      This image, with caption, also appears in Baulsir, Linda / Miller, Irwin Jewish communities of greater Stamford, Arcadia Publishing, 2002, p. 122.

© 2012 Stamford Historical Society, Inc.

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