Avery Memorial Association facts for kids
The Avery Memorial Association is a special group in Groton, CT. It was started in 1895 by the Avery family. Their main goal is to collect and protect important items, papers, and places connected to the Avery family.
They especially look after the spot where the first Avery family home stood. This home was built around 1656. It was lived in by Avery family members for over 230 years until it burned down in 1894. The Association also cares for a monument there.
Another big project is taking care of the Ebenezer Avery House. This house is now a historic house museum at Fort Griswold in Groton. The Association also helps people learn about the history of Connecticut, especially the New London County area. They share what they find with schools and the public.
You can join the Association in two ways. Regular Members are those who can show they are related to the Groton Avery family. Friends are people who want to support the Association. The group has a meeting or reunion every year in the Groton area.
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History of the Avery Family Home
The old Avery family home was built around 1656. It was located in a place called Poquonnock Plains. People sometimes called it "The Hive."
Later, in 1684, the second Captain James Avery made improvements to the house. He even used materials from an old church and watch-tower to make it better.
Seven generations of the Avery family lived in this house. They lived there for more than 230 years! But on July 20, 1894, the house was completely destroyed. A spark from a passing steam train caused a fire.
After the fire, the Avery family formed the Avery Memorial Association in 1895. They wanted to remember the family's beginnings in the Connecticut Colony. In 1896, the Association became a non-profit group. It works to preserve history and educate people.
Presidents of the Association
The Avery Memorial Association has had many leaders over the years. Here are the people who have served as president:
- 1895–1896 James D. Avery
- 1897–1899 Allyn Avery
- 1900–1935 Elroy M. Avery
- 1936–1955 Christopher L. Avery
- 1956–1967 Deane Avery
- 1968–1975 Amos G. Avery
- 1976–1983 Catherine B. Avery
- 1984–1992 Peter Schellens
- 1993–1995 Catherine Leary
- 1996–2006 Peter Schellens
- 2006–present Stephanie Lantiere
The Avery Monument
James Denison Avery gave the Association the land where the old "Hive" home stood. This is where the monument is now.
The monument was designed by Bela Lyon Pratt. He was an American sculptor and also an Avery family descendant. The monument is a tall granite pillar. It has a statue of a "typical Puritan" man. This man represents a leader and a fighter.
The monument stands exactly where the old Avery home used to be. On July 20, 1900, the monument was officially dedicated. About 600 Avery family members were there for the event.
Dr. Elroy M. Avery, who was the Association President, led the ceremony. Helen Morgan Avery revealed the statue. Frank Montgomery Avery gave a speech for the dedication. The monument was celebrated again 100 years later. Cooper Avery Johnson led this rededication in front of 100 Avery descendants.
The Ebenezer Avery House
The Ebenezer Avery House was first built in Groton, Connecticut. It was located at the corner of Latham and Thames Streets. Ebenezer Avery was a tailor. People believe his house was built in the 1760s.
This house became very important during the Battle of Groton Heights. On September 6, 1781, British soldiers brought injured fighters to this house.
In 1971, the house was moved from its original spot. It was moved closer to the site of the Battle of Groton Heights. Now, it stands in Fort Griswold Battlefield State Park in Groton. The house was also restored to look like it did in the past. Even though it's in a state park, the historic house museum is still cared for by the Avery Memorial Association.
