‘Freemen For Fremont:’ Historical Society Program Will Hit The 1856 Campaign Trail

The Presidential campaign of 1856 was a lively and exciting one. The nation was deeply divided around the issue of slavery, and a complex set of social, cultural, economic and political issues were beginning to boil into what would become the most serious conflict in United States history.

Newtown Historical Society will examine the issues and arguments in a program co-sponsored with C.H. Booth Library on Tuesday, October 20, at 7:30 pm. The program will be presented by Rick Spencer.

The then-newly formed Republican Party nominated John “The Pathfinder” Fremont as their candidate. “Old Buck” James Buchanan was the Democrat, and the American Party (which came to be called the Know Nothing Party) was represented by former President Millard Fillmore.

It was an interesting campaign, with the rhetoric and posturing characteristic of the mid-19th Century. There was no end of name-calling and mudslinging.  The “issues” of age, marriage, illegitimacy, “free love” and political entrenchment were added to the legitimate issues of slavery, states rights and intolerance. There was even a sensational incident of violence in the Senator’s Hall at the Capitol!

Freemont supporters published a campaign songster, entitled “The Freeman’s Glee Book,” which was widely circulated. In 122 pages of songs, poems and quotes, the songster promoted the virtues of Fremont and the failings of his rivals. The pieces are insightful, humorous, patriotic and inflammatory.

Recently an intact copy of the book was discovered in an old house in Greenwich. A program of the music and history of the campaign has been developed by historian, composer and singer Rick Spencer. This lively, interactive program is called “Freemen For Fremont.” In it the issues and events of the campaign of 1856 are interwoven with great and entertaining songs from the Freeman’s Glee Book.

Rick Spencer grew up in Newtown, and has performed throughout the US, in Canada, England, Portugal, France, Poland, Germany and the Netherlands. He is perhaps best known as a historian and researcher, but is also recognized as a composer and writer of songs that run the range from delicate and sensitive to humorous and irreverent.

Mr Spencer is known internationally for his work as a singer, songwriter and performer of music in the American folk tradition. For over 25 years he has traveled and performed at venues which include concert stages, folk festivals, museums, schools, libraries, historical societies, pubs and others.

Mr Spencer is the site administrator at CT Landmarks’ Hempsted Houses in New London, and is the Executive Director of the Dr Ashbel Woodward House Museum in Franklin.

Newtown Historical Society programs are free and open to the public; however, seating is limited and the library requests advance registration at 426-4533. Refreshments will be served following the presentation.

The library is at 25 Main Street.

For further information, call the historical society, 426-5937.