(Rescheduled from 1/25/23)

In 1869, the J. & E. Stevens Company of Cromwell, Connecticut began making iron banks that performed an action when coins were deposited into them. Mechanical banks quickly became popular with both children and adults throughout America and beyond. Today, mechanical banks are highly collectable and sell for thousands of dollars at auction.

Join Richard Franklin Donohue, Historian for the Town of Cromwell, as he demonstrates his collection of mechanical banks and explains their history and the amusing tales that inspired their design. Witness Boss Tweed take kickbacks, one coin at a time. See William Tell shoot an apple from the top of his son’s head with a penny! Watch a gentlemanly game of 1880s Baseball from the third base line and help to feed a menagerie of animals, from frogs to bulldogs.

Richard is the Town Historian of his hometown of Cromwell, Connecticut. His original research has formed the basis of museum exhibits, travelling lectures, and living history programs on topics ranging from 18th century Privateers to the Women's suffrage movement. As President and Program Director of the Cromwell Historical Society for nearly fifteen years and a teacher in both public and private schools for twenty-five, he strives to enhance his town’s interest and participation in local and national history. He is the author of "Rosetown Review," a monthly history article published in the Cromwell Life newspaper. As a historical lecturer, he has presented programs throughout the state of Connecticut.