Discovery Series Ornament – Connecticut
Discovery Series Ornament – Connecticut is the latest ornament from New England, which I was fortunate to add to my collection.
Connecticut, one of the original thirteen colonies, has a history that stretches back to the early 1600s when Dutch traders and English settlers arrived. It was here that the Fundamental Orders of 1639 were drafted, a document many historians call the first written constitution in the Western world. The state played an important role in the American Revolution, supplying ships, weapons, and provisions to the Continental Army. Known as the “Constitution State,” Connecticut was also an early hub of innovation, from manufacturing to insurance. Its name comes from the Mohegan-Pequot word quinetucket, meaning “long tidal river,” a nod to the Connecticut River that runs through it. Today, Connecticut blends its rich history with a distinctive cultural identity, reflected in its official and unofficial symbols.
– Connecticut’s state bird, the American Robin, is often recognized by its warm orange breast and cheerful song. Robins are abundant in Connecticut’s parks, yards, and woodlands, feeding on worms, berries, and insects. Their year-round presence makes them a fitting representative of the state’s natural charm. It is worth mentioning that the designers used blue for the feathers; I am not sure if this was intentional or a mistake.
– The Eastern Oyster is Connecticut’s official state shellfish, representing a long history of coastal fishing and aquaculture. The state’s oyster industry once thrived in towns like Norwalk and Mystic, supplying much of New England. Oysters filter water and improve marine ecosystems, making them as valuable to the environment as they are to the economy. Even today, oyster festivals and waterfront markets keep the tradition alive.
– Ultimate Frisbee holds a special place in Connecticut’s sports history because the Frisbee itself originated here. The idea began with the Frisbie Pie Company of Bridgeport, whose pie tins were tossed around for fun by college students in the early 1900s. This casual pastime evolved into a competitive sport played worldwide. Connecticut’s role as the birthplace of the Frisbee gives it a quirky but important place in recreational culture.
– Connecticut was once the center of America’s clockmaking industry, particularly in the 19th century. Towns like Bristol and Winsted became home to pioneering manufacturers such as Seth Thomas and the New Haven Clock Company. These companies made timepieces affordable for ordinary households, revolutionizing how people lived and worked. The industry’s precision craftsmanship remains part of the state’s industrial legacy.
– Lazy river tubing might not be an official symbol, but it appears in designs celebrating Connecticut because of the state’s many scenic waterways. Rivers like the Farmington and Housatonic are popular for summer tubing trips, attracting locals and tourists alike. The pastime ties into Connecticut’s reputation for outdoor recreation and natural beauty. Including it in artwork or souvenirs captures the state’s laid-back, adventurous side.
– A cornucopia – literally “horn of plenty” – is a symbol of overflowing abundance, and in Connecticut, it feels right at home. The state’s rolling farmland, autumn harvest festivals, and farmers’ markets echo its message of plenty. From apple orchards in Litchfield Hills to pumpkin patches along the shoreline, Connecticut turns the idea of the cornucopia into something you can taste, carry home, and stack on your table. It’s a reminder that abundance here isn’t just a symbol – it’s a season you can walk through.
