Avon Library Presents 'The Hadsell Brothers' Exhibit

From The Avon Public Library: The Avon Public Library and Avon Historical Society proudly present “The Hadsell Brothers: Avon in Photographs, 1893 to 1918,” an exhibit of historic photographs at the Avon Public Library, October 10 through November 29, 2017.

The exhibit will feature sixty photographs of Avon taken by Clinton B. Hadsell from 1893 to 1918, accompanied by excerpts from the diaries of his brother Frank Hadsell. Together they captured Avon’s people, places and events at the turn of the century in extraordinary detail. Through the eyes and ears of these remarkable brothers, we’re able to catch of glimpse of the spirit and individuality of the early residents of Avon.

The photos were selected from the “Hadsell Collection,” one of the treasures of the library’s Marion Hunter History Room, which is dedicated to the preservation of local history. The collection includes 269 glass plate negatives, original camera equipment, 45 diaries, photos and postcards generously donated by Seth Stewart of Maine and the late Doris Miller of North Carolina.

The exhibit was curated by Avon Town Historian Nora Howard, whose extensive research on the Hadsell family has been a key contribution to the exhibit. Using the History Room archives, she meticulously studied the brothers’ writings, papers, and photographs to produce a narrative for the exhibit photographs as well as a biographical sketch for each family member.

Remarking on her findings, Howard notes that “Clinton was an artist, and every photograph tells a story, while Frank was a loner whose observations about Avon overflow with emotion and detail. Their simultaneous views of a close Avon community are powerful reminders of what remains the same, and what has changed beyond recognition.”

The public is invited to attend the exhibit’s opening “Apple Cider” reception on Saturday, October 7, 2017 from 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm, at the Avon Public Library. Light refreshments are donated by Avon MotoPhoto in Avon Village Marketplace.

The exhibit is free and open to the public during regular library hours. Avon Public Library is at 281 Country Club Road, Avon, CT 06001, 860-697-9712, www.avonctlibrary.info.

Image Courtesy of Avon Library