Newtown Historical Society To Examine

 The Life Of President John Adams

The first President to occupy the newly built White House was John Adams. The Newtown Historical Society will spend an evening learning about this star of the nation’s early history and one of the most important Founding Fathers on Tuesday, October 9, at 7:30 pm, in the Community Room of the Booth Library, 25 Main Street.

Sometimes thought of as cold and Puritanical, John Adams actually had a personality to go with his strong character. He was direct, did not hide his thoughts or feelings, and once committed to the idea of independence there was no stauncher patriot. Active throughout the Revolution and the early Republic as a legislator, diplomat, and delegate to the Constitutional Convention, he played a major role in the Convention debates, drafting of the language, and campaigning for the Constitution’s ratification. He was a strong supporter of George Washington, served admirably as his vice president, and was the logical choice to succeed Gen Washington in what was effectively the first contested election under the new Constitution.

His time in the Presidency was not to be happy or long, however, as his administration was beset by economic woes, continuing diplomatic and naval problems with France and England, and suffered the natural letdown of following the revered Gen Washington.

In addition to his many contributions as a public servant, political theorist, and writer, Adams was a strong family man. His love for his wife Abigail was passionate and unwavering, and his letters to her, and hers to him, are a lasting treasure. He was also the founder of America’s first political dynasty; his son was to become President, his grandson an important public servant and Ambassador to England during the trying days of the Civil War, great-grandsons were prominent historians, writers, and commentators on American life, and a later descendant was to serve as one of the chief Presidential advisors as recently as the Eisenhower administration, more than 150 years after Adams left the White House. No family in the nation’s history until the Kennedys could match this record of public service and prominence.

The program will be presented by Beth Wolak, who confesses that Adams is her hero, and she has developed and given her presentation before historical societies and other groups for several years. All Newtown Historical Society programs are free and open to the public. Refreshments will be served following the presentation. Please note the Tuesday date, due to the Columbus Day holiday. For further information please call 426-5937.