Hummel’s Selection is One for the History Books
Long-time Town Historian Honored with Celebrate Plainville! Award
(March 20, 2008) For some 40 years, Ruth Hummel has gone about her business – meaning the business of chronicling Plainville’s history as town historian and long-time president of the Plainville Historical Society – in her typically quiet and dedicated manner, never thinking once that she, herself, might one day make history.
That day has arrived.
Plainville’s treasure is receiving her long overdue notice for service to the community as she has been selected the recipient of the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain’s 2008 Celebrate Plainville! community service award.
“I am thrilled and honored,” blushed Ruth upon learning of the award. “It is so wonderful to be honored for something that I’ve considered important. To know where you’re going you have to know where you’ve been.”
How apropos for someone dedicated to the preservation of history – Plainville’s history.
Ruth will be honored and presented with her award at the Plainville Chamber of Commerce’s 100th anniversary dinner on April 18, 6 p.m., at the Clarion Hotel in Bristol. Call the Chamber at 860-747-6867 for ticket information.
Hummel is a true gem, renowned for her vast knowledge of Plainville and its history, and she has worked tirelessly over the years to preserve and promote it. She was a founder of the Historical Society back in 1968, the year prior to the town’s 100th anniversary, and was named president – a post she continues to hold.
Back in those days, the Society used to hold meetings at the Plainville Public Library. When the town’s municipal center was built in 1978, the former town hall became a historical museum – due in no small part to Ruth efforts – giving the Society a permanent home; Ruth oversees it with tender loving care.
“I have admired Ruth Hummel’s work for many years and cannot think of anyone who better represents my ideal of a generous community activist,” said Dr. Charles Leach of Farmington, who was a co-nominator of Ruth along with Norman Stitham. “She is a humorous, wise, generous, creative person who has done much for her community.”
“Without her inspiration, the town of Plainville would be just another small town being paved over for commercial use,” added Stitham. “We are indeed fortunate to have this fine lady as our resident.”
Ruth’s commitment to Plainville goes far beyond her work as town historian. She served as town conservation constable for 16 years in the ‘70s and ‘80s, and has a lifelong history of advocating for the preservation of wildlife. Ruth authored “The Farmington Canal in Plainville, Connecticut,” a “labor of love” as she calls it which was published last year, and she is considered one of the foremost authorities on the canal.
There were a total of 10 nominees for this year’s Plainville award. Others were Bill Calder, James Cassidy, Janice Demarest, Matt Gingras, Gerard Reno Levesque, John Potter, Deb Tom, Sue Varano and Carmen Zalewski.
Chairing the 2008 Celebrate Plainville! Award Selection Committee was Signe Guzzo, Corporate Secretary/Treasurer, Ideal Machinery & Supply Co. Serving on the committee along with Guzzo were: Dr. Kathleen Binkowski, Superintendent, Plainville Community Schools; Linda Ferguson, Assistant Controller, Carling Technologies, Inc.; Robert Frazee, Sales Manager and Loan Officer, Family Choice Mortgage; Tabitha Manafort, community volunteer; Robin Lee Michel, Managing Editor, The Plainville Citizen; Gail Millerick, a Plainville resident and Director of Development, MidState Medical Center; Lynda Russell, Co-Owner, The Window Shop, Inc.; Barbara Willard, community volunteer; and Richard Williams, President, The D.R. Templeman Co.
The Celebrate Plainville! Award is part of the Foundation’s four-town Celebrate Our Communities! community service awards program in Berlin, New Britain, Plainville and Southington. The Celebrate Awards have four objectives: To raise awareness of the importance of volunteerism and community service; to offer recognition to deserving volunteers who have made a difference in their communities; to provide financial support to local charities; and to raise awareness of the important work that the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain does in its four service communities.
As the recipient, Ruth earns the right to designate a $2,500 grant award from the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain to a Plainville charity or community service organization of her choice. That selection will be announced at the Chamber dinner.
Established in 1941, the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain connects donors who care with causes that matter in Berlin, New Britain, Plainville and Southington. It does this by raising resources and developing partnerships that make a measurable improvement in the quality of life in each of these communities.
For more information on the Foundation, please call (860) 229-6018 or visit www.cfgnb.org.