Holiday at the Homestead
The Boothe volunteers have been planning the holiday decorations for the Homestead for months. Decorated inside and out, it truly is magical! If you want to get into the spirit of things, just step inside! There are two December weekends that you can tour the park. To top off your visit, the Railroad Society, the Putney Chapel Meeting House and the Veterans Museum will be open and decorated as well. Photos from previous Holiday events are here to excite you.
Dates and times for this year are listed here! We hope to see you there!
Holiday at the Homestead
Boothe Memorial Park & Museum
Friday, Dec. 6 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Saturday, Dec. 7 2:00pm – 5:00pm
Sunday, Dec. 8 2:00pm – 5:00pm
Saturday, Dec. 14 2:00pm – 5:00pm
Sunday, Dec. 15 2:00pm – 5:00pm
Monday, Dec. 16 6:30pm – 8:00pm
In the spirit of the season!
Every room beautifully decorated
Plus over 30 3ft. trees decorated for silent auction
Take your holiday photos
Admission $5.00 – children free
Many 3-foot trees are fully decorated and on display for silent auction! They are just waiting to be taken home by the highest bidder.
Annual Review of Events
If you missed anything this year, keep your eyes open for the upcoming events for 2025. You will find most events mentioned here in the newsletters, and can always look at our website for up-to-date information!
We are just a click away! boothememorialpark.com
Our list of annual major events:
- Opening Day – the 3rd Sunday in May
- School Programs – June and September
- Hats Off to Roses – June
- Shakespeare in the Park – July
- Pumpkin Festival – October
- Christmas at the Homestead – December
- Luminary lighting – Christmas Eve
Christmas in Connecticut
When thinking back to the early 1900’s at the Boothe Homestead, and in Connecticut in general, it is difficult for us to imagine what things were like. Especially the holidays. While our volunteers at Boothe are currently decorating every inch of the Homestead, we began to wonder what it was like over 100 years ago. After doing a bit of research, we found some interesting facts about the Christmas holiday in our state.
Overall, Christmas in 1900 America was a time for families to come together, celebrate their faith, and enjoy each other’s company. It was a much simpler and less commercialized holiday than it is today, but no less festive and joyful. We are certain that the Boothes enjoyed and shared the holidays with their friends and neighbors. So, in keeping with that joy, our volunteers have worked diligently on decorating the Homestead so you can share in the holiday spirit at Boothe Memorial Park’s two holiday weekends.
Fun Connecticut Christmas Facts:
Connecticut is credited with having the first Christmas tree! According to the New England Historical Society “A Hessian soldier named Hendrick Roddemore put up a Christmas tree in Windsor Locks, Conn., in 1777, giving Connecticut the claim to the first Christmas tree.”
According to Lou Milano, co-host of the i95 Morning Show, “Connecticut is a wonderland for Christmas lovers thanks to our climate, landscape, history and architecture. This is simply one of the best places to be during the holidays: some snow on the ground, candles in windows, and wreaths on the doors. But the holiday was not always a reality in the Nutmeg State.”
The Hartford Courant also wrote about the Christmas ban saying: “Christmas was viewed by the Puritans of New England as a corrupt religious, if not a pagan, ritual and was not celebrated. Dec. 25 was a regular workday – unless, of course, it happened to fall on the Sabath. Eventually, Christmas would triumph over this belief but it wasn’t until the mid-19th century that the holiday was widely celebrated in the Constitution State. There is even a famous movie called “Christmas in Connecticut” that was released in 1945.
And so we hope to see you at the Homestead for a slice of Connecticut Christmas 2024 in Stratford!
Friday, Dec 6 – 6:30 – 8:30 pm
Sat and Sun, Dec 7 and 8 – 2:00 – 5:00 pm
Sat and Sun, Dec 14 and 15 – 2:00 – 5:00 pm
Monday, Dec 16 – 6:30 – 8:00 pm
Looking For Santa?
Santa will be at the Visitor’s Center on Saturday the 14th and Sunday the 15th from 2 – 5 pm. Santa will arrive at the Boothe Railroad Museum around 2 on Saturday the 14th on a town Fire Engine.
A Special Treat!
A video was created by our Board Member and Photographer, Rod Jovanelly. There are fabulous shots of events throughout the past year at Boothe Memorial Park, all narrated by Rod. Some drone images, as well as a clip of a recently uncovered 8mm film from the 50’s are included! The QR code below (the box shape) will allow you access to the video right now.
To use a QR code simply: Open your cell phone’s camera app. Point the camera at the QR code (do not take a picture). Wait for a link or banner to appear on your phone screen. Tap that link or banner to open the associated information and video. Enjoy!
Boothe Park Contributors – 2024
A warm thank you all those who contributed to our annual appeal for 2024!
Your generosity makes our programs viable. Without your assistance we would not be able to provide the community with the historic displays and public events which are enjoyed by so many.
2024 Friends of Boothe Membership, Donations, Memorials
- Ackley, Gwen & Parker
- Catherine Alberti
- Alesevich, John and Bonnie
- Alvord, Al & Claudia
- Antonini, Michael & Okrepke
- Applegate, Richard & Lisa
- Bauer, Renee
- Beauchemin, Patricia
- Benedetto, Beverly
- Bonitatebus, Joseph
- Booth, Marvin & Jean
- Bothwell, Candace A.
- Briner, Edith L.
- Buckmir, Mr. & Mrs. Michael
- Carpenter, Diane
- Cabral, Carol and William
- Carrano, Charles and Heather
- Chagares, Constantine
- Chase, Vincent & Addie Lee
- Cimilluca, Jennifer
- Colon, Carmen
- Cooney, Amy
- Cranberg, Judith & James
- de Socio, Bridget
- Doyle, Julie
- Evanko, Mary Ann
- Falzone, Patricia and John
- Fletcher, Lauren M.
- Foster, Maria
- Freeman, Jacqueline W.
- Gallo, Donna and Anthony
- Graham, Christina and Richard
- Gumbus, Andra and Art
- Habasinski, Lisa A.
- Harris, Virginia and Paul Reslink
- Healy, Colin
- Helwig, Travis
- Henetz, Mary E.
- Hobocan, Kenneth
- Hoctor, John
- Hoctor, Dolores
- Hostetter, Sharo
- Hoydick, Laura
- Jacopian, Arlene
- Jaekle, Robert & Doreen
- Jovanelly, Rodney J.
- Kecko, Frank
- Keegan, Judy
- Paul Kelly & Charlie Adlock
- Kiernan, Jeffrey
- Korosh, Stephen
- Kosh, Marta & Ray
- Kostopoulos, George Peter
- Kurmay, Judge F. Paul
- Lee, Jonathan B
- Liscio, Gail
- Lisi, Diana
- Lisi, Mary
- Logan, Sally
- Lundi, Joel E.
- Mackey, James
- Maco, John and Mary
- Marks, Edward
- Matthews, Charlotte
- May, Irving and Julie
- McDevitt, Faith
- Mcmellon Bros., Inc.
- Minton, Ann & Rick
- Morgan, David
- Mudre, Judy
- Mulholland, Betty and Jack
- Mullard, Grace
- Mulligan, Judy
- O’Brien, Bill
- Pantelis, Pete
- Parker, Carla S
- Patusky, Patricia L.
- Phillips, Stephanie
- Pia, Michele and Gary
- Pierpont, Antoinette M.
- Powers, Betty
- Powers, Blake
- Primavera, Patricia
- Radshaw, Honore C.
- Redding, Dr. David
- Renstrom, Ann & Tom
- Reslink, Paul
- Ross, Carolyn
- Rousseau, Dawn
- Sadowski, Bob & Marie
- Sanetti, Stephan and Carol
- Schoeder, Jane
- Semosky, Mrs. Mary Ann
- Sepso, Linda
- Sheehy, Jay B.
- Soisson, William J.
- Stratford Veterans
- Szymanski, Sheri
- Szturma, William
- Thomas, Susan L.
- Vieira, Marianna
- Vittorio, Helen
- Weaver, Stephanie
- Wentworth, Sara S.
- Zaveruha, Deborah
- Zigmond, Dorothy
- Zychek, Nancy
All donations are gratefully accepted. Your generosity makes a positive impact on our daily operations throughout the year. It also allows us to hold special events that you and your family and friends can enjoy.
Thank you from The Friends of Boothe!
For information on how to become a member or donor in 2025, please see the next page.
How to Become a Member of the Friends of Boothe Memorial Park or Send a Donation
Because we are a non-profit organization, we welcome all donations or memberships. Becoming a member has a few benefits each year, so we encourage you to take a look and support us.
Individual membership = $20
Family membership = $30
Business Contribution $50
Donation Options:
- If you are reading this online, Click here: https://boothememorialpark.com
- In the top row click: “Support Us”
- Click on: “Membership”
- Fill out the online form on our secure website.
- Click “Submit” at the bottom of the screen.
- ONLINE and MAIL
- Print the form found on the same link above and fill it out.
- Mail it with your check to the Boothe address listed. .
- If you are reading this hard copy, you can mail us:
- Write your Name, Street address, City, State, Zip, Phone, Email on a sheet of paper.
- Include your check indicating if this is a
- $20 Individual membership;
- $30 Family membership; or
- $50 Business membership
- Mail your information and your check to: Treasurer; Friends of Boothe Park, Inc; 5800 Main Street; P.O. Box 902; Stratford, CT 06615
All donations are gratefully accepted. Each and every member makes a positive impact on our daily operations throughout the year.
Thank you from the Friends of Boothe!
Boothe Member Advantages
Become a member this year!
There are more benefits than ever before!
- Private Tour. Membership will now entitle you and up to 7 guests to a private tour of the homestead scheduled at any time of year at your convenience.
- Members-Only Events. Some events this coming year that will be free of charge to members. Last year we had our first ever Movie Night in the Visitor Center including popcorn and lemonade, and a visit from the Astronomical Society providing us with a view of the stars.
- Receive our Newsletter. As a member, you will receive our newsletters throughout the year and stay informed of activities at the Park.
- Be the first to get information about major events including discounts on admission.
- Have the satisfaction of knowing that your membership directly supports the legacy of the Boothe Brothers, who shared their lives and property with the Town of Stratford and visitors from far and wide.
Volunteering the Boothe Memorial Park and Museum
People ask us all the time about becoming a volunteer at Boothe Park. What types of skills or interests are needed? There is a spot for just about any interest or skill set.
Just give us a call and investigate the options.
Contact us at: 203-381-2046
We will look forward to hearing from you!
It was a Sunny Pumpkin Day!
The sky was blue and the temperatures were warm, so once again hundreds of visitors, young and old, joined us for the Pumpkin Festival, sponsored by the Town of Stratford. The Roaming Railroad rides through the park were once again a big hit. The new addition of the inflatable maze was a fun adventure! And the scarecrow on stilts had more photos taken of him than any other individual. Food selections were delicious, with the Veterans hotdogs, hot off the grill; homemade pumpkin bread from the Putney Meeting House; Fresh coffee and hot cocoa from the Mayor’s office, Cookies from the Friends of Boothe. The Pumpkin Carvers set up for the competition in the center of the park. The detailing was amazing, as it is every year. Many individuals entered the costume parade – young and old alike, parading across the green and vying for a prize judged by the mayor and fellow judges. Kids, family members, and even pets all enjoyed the Roaming Railroad!
Stay Connected to Boothe
If you are receiving this as an online newsletter, please share it with your friends, neighbors, or relatives who might enjoy this information. Simply tell them to contact the email address below and request to be added to our distribution list. The Friends of Boothe News will keep them up to date with all our upcoming events and show off those which took place last season.
Send requests to: friendsofboothepk@gmail.com
Friends of Boothe Park
P.O. Box 902
Stratford, CT 06614