| AUGUST 18, 2013 -- When Paul Ziegler was a young boy in grade school, he had a crush on a little girl he thought was pretty special. His family moved to the other end of the city and he lost track of her. Some years later when he returned from service in the Navy, he was invited out with a group of young people on a bowling party. One of the members of the group turned out to be “little Joan O’Hara” who we all know now as Joan Ziegler.
Paul and Joan joined the Grange through a friend (Philip Bergquist) because they were interested in obtaining insurance. Paul always said it was one of the best things they ever did. It certainly was good for the Grange, too. Both of them went on to become Masters of Redding Grange No. 15 (several times), Masters of Fairfield County Pomona No. 9, and committee people and Deputies of the State Grange.
Paul was a “jack of all trades.” He was skilled in carpentry, plumbing, electrical work and painting. He built their lovely home on Valerie Lane in Danbury. He knew a lot about machines, yard work - and many other subjects. He was generous helping friends with projects.
Redding Grange was famous for its pancake suppers - Paul was the “pancake man” mixing the batter with a paddle that was an oar!!!
Paul was active in the Connecticut Agricultural Fair. You always knew it was almost fair time when he was sen on the big mower cutting the grass for the campers and parking areas.
He had many good ideas for the fair - one of which didn’t turn out too well. When he was fair President, he arranged for a helicopter to give people rides from the fairgrounds through the beautiful Litchfield Hills. The folks taking the rides (which went on during the whole weekend) loved it- the good people of Goshen did not! Good thing the days of lynching were long gone - or we might have seen Paul being led off down the road! It was a bitter disappointment to Paul (and the fair), but at least he could say he tried!
Paul loved animals and they loved him. When he was working in his yard, furry friends were often there to help him.
Each evening following supper at the Ziegler home there would be “knocks” at the back door (the doggy grapevine was at work). Each sound brought Paul to the door- where he opened it, and at the same time reached for a “treat” from a big box beside the door- gave it to the guest who left immediately as Paul returned to his chair to wait for the next signal at the gate. There were always several alarms each evening! Guess it can be truly said that Paul was the St. Francis of Valerie Lane.
Do remember Paul! |
