Two Hamden Legends Remembered
The Town of Hamden honored the memories of former Legislative Council president Al Gorman and former mayor and Legislative Council president Craig Henrici late last week with memorial benches located at Town Center Park.
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Benjamin Alton ("Al") Gorman
(1944 - 2017)
The Hamden Historical Society sought his membership in 1975. This event marked the beginning of his civic participation and leadership. In the following years he served as Boy Scout Troop 604 committee chair, Hamden Arts Commission chair, Hamden Historical Society President (1998-2016), Friends of Brooksvale Board of Directors, Hamden Historic Properties Commission member, Recycling Commission member, Hamden Housing Partnership member, 9th District Democratic Town Committee member, and served on both the Town and School Building Committees. He organized the Farmington Canal Museum at Lock 14.
First elected to serve as Councilman-at-Large on Hamden's Legislative Council in 1994, he continued to serve until recently. He was elected by his peers on the Council to serve as president of that body from 2005-2009. His was always a moderated voice for his constituents. While teaching, Al was recognized for distinguished school service with a T.A.P.S Award. In 1996 he was given the Hamden Notable Award. Later he was given a Paul Harris Award from the Hamden Rotary Club, the P.L.A.C.E. Dedication to Service Award in 2013 and the Hamden Chamber of Commerce Chamber Choice Award in 2014. He was the editor of one book (Hamden Our Architectural Heritage in 1986) and co-author of two (Images of Hamden in 2004 and Hamden Revisited in 2014).
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| Betsy Gorman is pictured here at the bench dedicated to the memory of her husband Al, who served for many years as Historical Society president and president of the Legislative Council for two terms. (CLICK on photo to enlarge it.) |
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Craig B. Henrici
(1952 - 2018)
Craig Henrici served sixteen years on the Town Council and served as Council President for fourteen years. He was a State Representative and served two terms as Mayor of the town he loved. Craig was instrumental in creating the Town Center Park and Hamden's Farmers Market in the Town Center. He was also responsible for the renovation of the Hamden Town Hall and the construction of the new Police Department.
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| Jill Henrici Lassel and son Craig Lassle (Craig's grandson), Craig's wife Lauren Henrici, youngest son Tim Henrici, and son-in-law Ben Lassel. (CLICK to enlarge photo) |
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