HADDAM CT

HADDAM CT

Gazebo On The Green

Higganum Town Green

Built - 2000

Haddam is considered to be one of the hidden treasures of the state. It once had a very brisk river trade with an abundance of ships being built in its port, granite quarries and pre-Industrial Revolution water-powered mills. Even with all of this past industry, and now increasing economic growth, it still retains its own rural picturesque setting and personality and boasts having more authentic colonial-era homes than Williamsburg. The highway and scenery through town holds much beauty and is a favorite as listed in publications from Connecticut Magazines and "Connecticut's Best" highways to the Rand McNally Road Atlas.

Haddam's "Gazebo on the Green" was recently built in 2000 and is a Georgian-style structure built on Higganum Town Green by the Haddam Lions Club members. Residents and local contractors all volunteered their time and expertise in the building of this magnificent bandstand designed by Haddam Lion Club member Mark Aldieri, Architect. It was built to create continued community gatherings and functions and continue the town's strong community atmosphere. The bandstand was financed through Haddam Lions Club fundraisers and by resident and business donations.

There were some problems in the development and building of the structure which involved site approval by the Connecticut State Highway Department and the Haddam Town Zoning Department with some setbacks in the dedication date of the structure with issues involving the closeness to two roadways involved. The Higganum Town Green was not a problem for the location of the bandstand due to its natural amphitheatre lay of the land and the final dedication date took place on July 11th of 2000 with speeches and a band concert. Since that date, random concerts have been held in June and July with several local groups playing on the bandstand's stage under the direction of the Haddam Kinningworth Recreation Department. Also in August, the bandstand serves as the venue for Haddam River Days, September Pumpkin Run races, October prayer services and December's Christmas caroling.

The Haddam Lions Club members spent several weekends hand-picking and splitting granite for the base and removing a large 75 foot evergreen that had been planted by town residents in 1937. This tree was then milled at a local sawmill creating the ridge beam of the bandstand. The Lions Club then donated a new 15 foot evergreen on the north section of the green holding a special dedication in memory of those who planted the original tree in 1937.

INFORMATION PROVIDED BY:
Dave Esposito, Past President Lions Club
Building Committee/Project Supervisor/
Coordinator, Owner-Esposito Bldg. Inc.