A puzzle, a 3rd Civil war letter and the MCS newsletter .. A package deal!

Enjoy the day!

May 26, 2024

Good morning Norwich,

I hope you can make it to the Norwich Memorial day parade which will start at 12:00 at the American Legion hall on Beaver Meadow Rd. We are hoping for a great turnout from community members and residents.

If you have time you may want to try out the new puzzle provided by the Norwich Historical society and maybe even read the 3rd letter from a Civil War soldier.

When you return from the parade you may want to settle in and check out the Marion Cross School Newsletter. In addition to the weekly news at MCS, there is a community interest posts link that shares with you some happenings around town.

Have a nice day as the weather looks great so far anyway.

A Sunday Jigsaw Puzzle
From: Sarah Rooker <sarah@norwichhistory.org>

A few hints are provided in the below paragraph:

https://jigex.com/RHLUH


Here's your Sunday historic jigsaw puzzle. I would imagine that the vast
majority of people in Norwich and Hanover would have been inside this
building at one time in their lives if they lived at the turn-of-the
century.

https://jigex.com/RHLUH

This is a 75 piece puzzle. If it is too hard, you can change the number of
pieces. If you want to make this puzzle larger and full screen, click on
the top right icon.
--
Sarah Rooker, Director
Norwich Historical Society
277 Main Street / P.O. Box 1680
Norwich, VT 05055
802-649-0124
www.norwichhistory.org

A 3rd letter from a Civil War Soldier

Letters from a Civil War Soldier, Jesse Hatch.

This is the third in a four-part series. Catch up on the story at:

https://norwichhistory.org/letters-to-norwich/

Letter #6 to Brother Abel, Jackson Miss, May 4th, 1863

Click here to read the transcription

Click here to listen to the letter narration

Letter #6 to brother Abel, is written from Jackson, Tennessee, May 4, 1863. It is noteworthy for several things. As you heard, Jesse shares his opinion of the South both with regard to the climate and the people. He calls them "traitors" which reflects on his own views of the war. He comments about Grant at Vicksburg whose seige will commence on May 18th and continue until its surrender on July 4th. His view of Grant is not a good one, but he praises the soldiers fighting in the west although he hates the idleness of his regiment. The rest of the letter will touch on matters at home, some harsh thoughts about his eldest brother Charles and questions about some others. Finally he shares news from his sister Sarah back in Iowa.

Left: Pamelia Carpenter Noble, Jesse's mother. She was born in Hartford VT, January 12th, 1797 to Israel Nobel and Eunice Carpenter and passed away due to cancer on July 16th 1857. She is buried at the Fairview Cemetery in Norwich. Amos and Pamelia were married March 4, 1819.

Letter #7 to brother Abel

Letter #7 comes 3 weeks after his last one and as usual is sent to his brother Abel from Jackson, Tennessee. Here he again shares his opinions on a variety of war related items from his praise of certain generals to the frustration of how the war is going, particularly in the east, as he laments Hooker's defeat at Chancellorsville in early May. Interesting to note, Thomas "Stonewall" Jackson was a victim of friendly fire at Chancellorsville and died shortly afterward, dealing a serious blow to Robert E.Lee's army.

In this letter, Jesse also mentions his namesake, Uncle Jesse, who was a graduate of Norwich University and he suggests that with his military training Uncle Jesse would be very useful in the army.

While stationed at Butler's Bridge Jesse becomes friends with a Mrs. Butler whose son fights for the Confederacy. Although she is a 'rebel' he sees her as kind and pleasant. Finally it is clear from this letter that he is tired of being a soldier and in closing he throws out the very revealing line, "I believe that I am a good patriot am willing to do any thing in my power for my country but after all there are two sides". His questioning of the war will continue. It will be more than 6 months before we hear from Jesse again.

Letter #8 to Brother Abel

New Year's Eve 1863 will find Jesse in Memphis where he will write to Abel again. Much of the letter will delve into the politics of how the running of the army is led by certain political views that he thinks are a hinderance. He will even go so far as to question Lincoln and feels that perhaps a new party is needed before the 1864 election. And again he shares on the perceived futility he is feeling.

Camp "Memphis Dec. 31st 1863

Brother Abel

Your letter dated Dec 20th is received & not having any way to spend New Yars eve in particular I thought I would write a letter. I am very sorry to hear of your little girl having fits I think her being so young that she will outgrow it. I am looking forward with a great deal of pleasure when I can make you a visit & I want to see all of these little ones. I could get a furlough of thirty days but it would use up most of that time in going and coming & when I do go I am thinking I shall want to stop awhile. I have not much idear how it looks in Norwich if Mother had lived I should ertinly have gone back before this time.

We are having a little squall of snow this evening the first we have had since last winter but I feel thankfull that all night & all the next day tilla fter dark & had nothing to eat & the best fair a soldier can get any way is not calculated to over burden him with fat. I am sorry to hear that the boys especially in Vermont dont rally at the call of the President. I have an idear that people down that way are most all abolitionist & they ought certainly to turn out. I would like to see all able bodied men of that class marching down this way "with their gun upon their sholder" their is plenty of work for them to do but I dont find any of that class in the army except as Quartermasters & contractors

As far as I am concerned I never was in better condition to soldier it then I am now but i must confess that I feel a reluctance in staying in the service any longer. I see plainly that our army matters are regulated upon Abolition & Know Nothing principles according to Old Halluck no General must lead our armies but native born citizens. Why do they dispense with the services of Sigil the most successfull & scientific Gneral in the land, he once saved a Union Army in the West under Curtis and again saved an eastern army under Pope.

Now why do they shelf such a man & keep others who have committed the gorsest blunders in the field is this an example of "A Linolns" honesty is he doing Justice to Genl Sigil or the American nation if he is I cant see it I hope they will get up a new party before another Presidential election I want to see the Union saved we have had a good goverment but a set of hot headed fanatics both North and south have narly or quite ruined it

I hope Abe you & I will live to see the country at peace & the Government sustaned but I dont beleave it ever can be till differant counsels prevail. I head from Iowa the other day our friends were all well Pamelia is stoping with Sarah this winter, times were very good & I judget that Chambers & English were doing well & if times keep good there is a prospect of their coming out all right I hope so for I am somewhat interested. Tell Ann I will send her my photograph before long.

I have nothing especial to write But I hope ear another New Years I can talk with you & I will convince you that I am not a copperhead or rebil but Loyal to the back bone. I hope you will write often. I wish you a happy new year.

Your Bro Jess

Stay tuned for more next week!

Thanks to NHS volunteer Bob Bristol for his research, writing, and narrating.

Copyright © 2024 Norwich Historical Society, All rights reserved.
You are receiving this email because you became a member, donor, or signed up at an event.

Our mailing address is:

Norwich Historical Society

P. O. Box 1680

277 Main Street

Norwich, VT 05055

Add us to your address book

Want to change how you receive these emails?
You can update your preferences or unsubscribe from this list.

And here is the MCS newsletter for the coming week,

Friday, May 24, 2024

Important Dates

Monday, May 27 – Holiday, No School
Wednesday, June 5 - Norwich School Board Meeting, 6:30pm MCS Library
Wednesday, June 12 - Field Day 9:45pm - 1:45pm
Thursday, June 13 - 6th Grade Celebration, 4:30pm, MCS Gymnasium
Friday, June 14 - Last day of school

Marion Cross School Website Calendar SAU 70 All School/District Website Calendar

Message From The Principal

Happy Memorial Day Weekend. I hope that you have plans that get you out into the beautiful spring weather.

Talking about beautiful spring weather, we had an amazing day for Mayfest. During the Mayfest celebration, members of the school community gathered for an event filled with music and dance. Various grade levels presented their dances, contributing to the ambiance. The band performance by the 5th and 6th graders, musicians from the community and staff, and whole school songs mesmerized the audience. This combined exhibition of talent and harmony underscored the vibrant nature of the school community and its commitment to fostering artistic expression. Thank you to everyone who came out to enjoy the afternoon with us.

As the year begins to quickly wind down, I thought I would share some of my appreciations about a wonderful year - knowing that the last newsletter of the year is not the most read!

Here are a few appreciations:

This school year we have been gifted with the most amazing group of staff members. I am thankful for the strong MCS team of support staff and students that come to school each day with well thought-out lessons, joy, and a desire to help all of our students be successful.
The PTO at our school is a real gift to our school community. I appreciate the coordination of Coffee Talk events, the generosity shown through grants and special days, and the willingness to ALWAYS help in any way needed.
Having taught in three states and been principal in three schools, I recognize and appreciate our fantastic students. It is noteworthy how much MCS students want to learn. They are inquisitive, respectful, dedicated, and have an abundance of perseverance. It is a treat to spend my days with your children.
Finally, I am thankful that this school year saw the return of events that bring families into our school. We enjoyed some new traditions such as Family Math Night as well as some old favorites like curriculum night, concerts, and Mayfest. Thank you for showing your appreciation by always showing up, always being enthusiastic, and always leaving behind kind words. We appreciate each of you.

Next week I will share a few more appreciations of our fantastic school year!

Have a terrific weekend,
Shawn

Student Services Update

Happy Memorial Day!

School certainly feels busier and busier and more and more fun! Next week our students will be completing their i-Ready testing (not too fun) and two grades will be doing all day field trips (way more fun). We will also be field testing our daily schedule for 2024-25 school year on Wednesday. The changes to the schedule are minimal, but still take a lot of coordination. A huge shout out goes to our staff scheduling committee who are always looking to improve the schedule.

Finally, for those of you that are interested, I plan to share school-wide i-Ready data at the Norwich School Board Meeting on June 5th.

As you already know, your students are probably feeling the effects of all this business. I know I am. I hope you find some time to rest and relax over the long weekend!

Sincerely,
Greg

Counselor's Corner

Attention Fifth grade families: On May 30th/31st and June 6th/7th, fifth graders will have health lessons. Letters will be sent home, as well as an online form of the letter linked here, with information about the two lessons Nurse Jane and I will be covering for the year.

Check out News Crew’s “Maypril” edition.

School News and Information

If you anticipate participating in end of year activities (8th grade Storrs Pond, 5th grade sendoff, Buddy Day at Ray, MCS field trip chaperones,etc), please make sure your Volunteer Status is up to date. In addition, if you anticipate helping with preseason sports transportation at HHS in the fall, now is the time to submit your paperwork as well. You can begin the process by filling out this form - once completed, you will be contacted by Teal Parker or Bridget Peters with further instructions,

If you have any questions, please reach out to our Coordinator of Volunteers, Teal Parker at tealparker@hanovernorwichschools.org.

6th Grade Parent Meeting: Transition to RMS

The 7th Grade Team at RMS is hosting a transition meeting for 6th grade parents on Monday, June 3rd at 6 PM in the RMS Auditorium (feel free to park in the north parking lot). Our 7th grade teachers and counselors would like to introduce themselves and share some basic information about the start of school and transition resources. There will be an opportunity for Q & A, and parents will have the option to tour RMS following the formal presentation.

The RMS Counseling team will work with the MCS staff to identify a time during the 6th grade visit to RMS in preparation for Poetry Night, for 6th grade students to tour RMS and meet RMS staff. MCS and RMS special education and 504 teams are connecting throughout May and June to provide individualized transition support for students, and any other parents who would like to connect with a member of the RMS Counseling team, are encouraged to email Liz Powers or John LaCrosse.

PE News

Are you interested in volunteering for MCS Field Day 2024? If so, please be sure to sign up here. All volunteers must complete the MCS volunteer process prior to field day.

News from the Health Office

We have had some lovely sunny warm days that I am so excited about. As much as we welcome the summer weather please make sure your child comes to school with appropriate clothes for the changing temperatures during the day and hats serve as a great sun protection during recess and field trips along with water to stay adequately hydrated. Thank you for your help in keeping kids safe.

Measles Outbreak

I have received notice from the state and federal level that there is a rise in measles cases. The state is tracking this information and child immunizations. If your child has had a physical or immunizations during the 23/24 school year and you haven’t already shared this with me I would be grateful to get this so I can update student records. Thank you for your cooperation.

Kindly,
Nurse Jane

PTO Bulletin Board

We’re looking for a few more people to sign up to bake something sweet for the last two staff birthday celebrations on May 29 and June 12!
Mark your calendar for Thursday, June 6th for PTO Volunteer Appreciation Night at the Norwich Inn, 6-8 pm! All are welcome.
Ms Farwell is seeking volunteers for Field Day on Wednesday, June 12:

Field Day signup sheet

In addition, she needs help with the following tasks:

Pick up the dunk tank from Hanover Parks & Rec (June 11th afternoon?)
Deliver the dunk tank back to HPR (June 12th afternoon)
Organize field day shirts into classroom piles and label students' names with tape (June 10th/11th)
Equipment organization in the gym after school (June 11th)

Watermelon slicing (BYO knife) (June 11th/12th)

Courtesy Community Interest Posts

Marion Cross School

22 Church Street
Norwich, Vermont

802-649-1703

Are you interested in volunteering for MCS Field Day 2024? If so, please be sure to sign up here. All volunteers must complete the MCS volunteer process prior to field day.