Derby Hall of Famer of the Week served in Civil War, state legislature

Our Derby Hall of Famer of the Week David Torrance was born in Scotland, but made his mark in Derby. 

His connection to another Derby Hall of Famer, William Wooster, during his service in the Civil War eventually brought him to Derby where he embarked on a legal career that brought him great distinction.

 https://electronicvalley.org/.../Hall.../torrancce,David.htm

'Turnback Tuesday' features story of the Jack-O-Lantern

Turnback Tuesday tells the story of the Jack-O-Lantern.

The name Jack-O-Lantern comes from an Irish folktale about a man named Stingy Jack. According to stories Stingy Jack played tricks on the devil twice and made the devil promise not to bother him.

When Jack did die, God would not allow an unsavory person into heaven. The devil kept his part of the bargain and would not take Jack's soul or allow him into hell. The devil gave Jack a piece of coal to light his way in the darkness. Jack put the coal into carved out turnip and has been roaming with the lighted turnip ever since.

In Ireland and Scotland, people made their own versions of Jack-O-Lanterns by carving out scary faces into turnips or potatoes then placing them in windows to frighten Stingy Jack and other evil spirits away.

Immigrants from these countries brought their traditions to the U.S. and soon found that the American grown pumpkins made a perfect Jack-O-Lantern.

Stingy Jack was referred to as “Jack of the Lantern” and later became Jack-O-Lantern.

This book and others can be found at Derby Public Library.

Thanks goes to the Library staff for sharing interesting history each week.

Ansonia Senior Center to host travel presentation

 Shared from City of Ansonia Facebook page.  

'Turnback Tuesday' highlights history of Jack-O-Lanterns

Turnback Tuesday looks at the history of the “Jack-O-Lantern”.

The name Jack-O-Lantern comes from an Irish folktale about a man named Stingy Jack. According to stories, Stingy Jack played tricks on the Devil and twice made the devil promise not to bother him.

When Jack did die, God would not allow an unsavory person into heaven. The Devil keeping his part of the bargain would not take Jack's soul or allow him into hell. The Devil gave Jack a piece of coal to light his way in the darkness. Jack put the coal into a carved out turnip and has been roaming with the lighted Turnip ever since.

In Ireland and Scotland, people made their own versions of Jack-O-Lanterns by carving out scary faces into turnips or potatoes. Then they put them in windows to frighten Stingy Jack and other evil spirits.

Immigrants from these countries brought their traditions to the United States and soon found that the American-grown pumpkins made perfect Jack-O-Lanterns. Stingy Jack was referred to as “Jack of the Lantern” and later became Jack-O-Lantern.

Thanks goes to the Derby Public Library staff for sharing interesting history each week.