History of the Redding Historical Society

The History Club of Redding Town was founded in 1940

to foster continued interest in the preservation of Redding’s rich historical heritage dating back to 1711.    Mr. Philip Dillon, a journalist and authority on American History hosted  and articulated the mission of the  40 founding members,…”the study of Redding history…”.  At the Club’s initial meeting,  original annual meeting was set on the 3rd Monday of June to commemorate the holding of the first Town Meeting under the General Assembly  Act for Making and Forming the Parish of Redding into a Distinct Town (June 15, 1767).  The first President was Earle Balch of the publishing firm of G.P. Putnam & Sons.

During World War II, on June 18, 1942 the Club voted to curtail future formal meetings.  

The resolution: ”In view of the fact that war activities of diverse sorts and kinds are preoccupying nearly every member of the community…that gasoline is being rationed and tires are being conserved…not to be be construed as a dissolution of the Club.”   Informal meetings occurred among members and friends until 1961.

Reorganized in July 1961: The Redding Historical Society, (“RHS”).  Formal meetings resumed,  

A new name was adopted  by Mr. Gerald Ewing and 35 town citizens for, “the purpose of gathering together historic material and preserving it for future generations….”   The Redding Historical Society was incorporated in  1962, and an official seal was adopted in February. 

• 1940 First organized as The History Club of Redding Town (“the Club”)

• 1942 Members voted to curtail formal activities due to War priorities

•1961 Reorganized as The Redding Historical Society

•1962 Articles of Incorporation and Official Seal Adopted

The Emblem/Seal 

The emblem/seal was designed by Mr. Clayton Knight, a renowed American writer and illustrator and a founding  member of RHS.   The center is that of the old Historical Elm, with John Read, his children, and Chief Chickens standing beneath the tree; the emblem also contains a copy of John Read’s signature and Chief  Chickens’ mark.   The Society’s name encircles the drawing.