CTDAR Series:Freelove Baldwin Stow Traditional Cache

The Freelove Baldwin Stow Chapter DAR was named for the wife of Stephen Stow, who in 1777 voluntarily left his wife and family to care for and relieve the suffering of the men who had been released from a British prison ship on the shores of the town, under a flag of truce.  Of the 177 men released, more than half were suffering from smallpox, Stephen Stow contracted the disease and died.  He was buried with the soldiers who had given their lives so that this nation might live.

The Organizing Regent, Mary Hepburn Smith was instrumental in establishing the first chapter house, and on June 17, 1907, her 82nd birthday, the corner stone was laid.  Members contributed china, silver, linen, and furniture.  In 1953, plans for a new building were developed.  The land chosen had historic significance.  It was the original land grant in 1639 to Peter Prudden, who was a preacher and leader of the First Church of Christ.  In Peter Prudden's time, the land was part of his garden and became a burial ground.  He was buried there in 1656.