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05/27/2015 03:00 PMIf you want to catch a glimpse of famous American editorial cartoonist, Pulitzer Prize-winner, painter, sculptor, and longtime Deep River resident, the late Clarence Daniel Batchelor, you need look no further than Deep River Historical Society’s Stone House.
With funding from a $1,489 matching grant from the Connecticut Humanities, the society has put together an elaborate exhibition of Batchelor’s work, including his 1937 Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoon depicting a prototypical “Any European Youth” greeted by a skull-faced harlot representing war, and captioned, “Come on in, I’ll treat you right! I used to know your Daddy.” The collection also includes Batchelor’s walking stick collection along with gifts from Teddy Roosevelt, Syngman Rhee, and Carl Sandburg; presidential letters signed by FDR; a press pass for the Democratic National Convention in 1936; and the telegram informing him of his Pulitzer Prize, as well as cartoons and part of his “Inviting the Undertaker” series.
On Saturday, June 6, the society is opening up Batchelor’s former home on Kelsey Hill Road (which is now privately owned) for touring (along with his vintage car collection if it is good weather)from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
“This is a very rare opportunity,” said Rhonda Forristall, curator for the Deep River Historical Society. “To view Batchelor’s home and work that has spanned 40 of the most tumultuous years in U.S. history will be a treat.”
At a time when the role of the political cartoonist made front-page news around the world due to the terrorist attack on Paris-based Charlie Hebdo, the organizers say this tour brings home the importance of freedom of speech to our own community.
The Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation is recognizing C.D. Batchelor’s mural Columbia, which adorns Main Street in Deep River, and his 1734 home, which he purchased in 1929 and resided in until his death in 1977, as “historic creative places” on the State’s Register of Historic Places. The recognition might have pleased Batchelor—he was a charter member of the Historical Society, becoming its first curator. Batchelor was also the president of the Essex Art Association and a staunch supporter of the Ivoryton Playhouse.
He created a special cartoon for the fund drive to purchase Deep River’s first ambulance, and his elaborate portraits of local residents are widespread throughout the community.
“He was truly a Deep River legend. Don’t miss this opportunity to view his work, which is as relevant now as it was then,” said Forristall.
Batchelor’s work, some of which was syndicated in more than 1,000 newspapers across the globe, will be on display, for viewing, all summer long at the Stone House.
Tours for the special grand opening event will leave every 30 minutes from 9 a.m. on. Tickets are $15 and are available by calling 860-526-5086.