The Avery Memorial

THE AVERY MEMORIAL

The wave of nostalgia after the destruction of the old homestead led to the formation of the Avery Memorial Association. The house site by the railroad, deeded to the organization by James Denison Avery, the last occupant, was converted into a park known as the Avery Memorial Park. A low stone curbing preserved the outline of the house, the old hearthstones were set in place and the old thresholds marked by stone steps which the feet of the founder of the race first trod. A tall stone shaft was erected in the center. At its base was placed a bronze tablet with a bas relief of the old homestead, a gift from John D. Rockefeller, an Avery descendant on his mothers side. (Lucy Avery his grandmother)

When the Association decided the park would be enhanced with a likeness of their ancestor, distinguished sculptor Bela Pratt, a native of Norwich and also an Avery descendant, designed the bust of heroic size that represents the founder as a typical Puritan, magistrate, and Indian fighter. The apex of the original shaft was reshaped to serve as a lofty pedestal for the bust. This monument was dedicated July 20, 1900. Six hundred members of the clan gathered to do honor to the founder of the tribe, who had been dead two hundred years. A reporter remarked, "It's a long time since Poquonnock had so many gathered for a family reunion!" Trains from both directions stopped at the park to discharge passengers, a New London band played patriotic music, and the Daughters of the American Revolution were in full regalia. A tent for spectators stood at the north end of the park with speakers' platform draped with flags. The bust was perched on the altered pedestal, hidden behind ample folds of Old Glory.

Dr. Elroy McKendree Avery* of Cleveland, Ohio, presided calling the meeting to order with a gavel made from wood salvaged from the old house. Miss Helen Morgan Avery, a key figure in planning the memorial, unveiled the bust to disclose the stern features of the family's founder. Frank Montgomery Avery delivered the oration. The oration was given in full in the report of the dedicatory exercises printed in Avery Notes and Queried, No. 11, August 1900.

* Elroy McKendree Avery and Catherine Hitchcock (Tilden) Avery compiled the"Groton Avery Clan" information,Cleveland, 1912

When the Avery Association met in July 1907 they voted to install seats at the park for the benefit of family members who might be weary after their pilgrimage to the spot.

The Association still maintains the tiny memorial tucked by the railroad tracks. Adjacent property, once sold for commercial development, was returned to the Association when its designation as wetlands prevented this use. The tract remains a tangled wooded spot in the midst of Groton's congested "magic mile."