Pilgrimage to New Haven

April 14-16, 2023

On the weekend of April 14-16, 2023, 19 Brothers and 3 of their wives made a pilgrimage to New Haven, CT. They ranged in age from 26 to 80 years old. Front row L to R: Bill Schmitt, Allen Stanley, Johnnie Smith and Bob Miller. 2nd row L to R: Danny Wyatt, Mike Kuch, Chris Corsentino, Jim Gogan, John Hill, Larry Belcher and Troy Adams. Back row L to R: James de Wit, Jerry Gill, Jack Parsons, Butch Berberich, John Cobb, Rick Davis, Barry Yeates and Kevin Stockdale.

GoganStock 2023 – Friday Evening

As Brothers rolled into the hotel Friday night Brothers Jim Gogan and Kevin Stockdale hosted GoganStock 2023. They were offered refreshments, snacks and Brother Stockdale spoke on the early years of the Fraternity. Here are photos from GoganStock.

Evergreen Cemetery – Saturday Morning

Saturday morning we went to Evergreen Cemetery. We honoured 2 of our founding brothers, Arthur Henry Jackson (Alpha #2C) and Wylie Brantly Jones (Alpha #3C). Brother Stockdale read a biography of Brother Jackson, Brother Wyatt said a blessing, we had a moment of silence and the eldest Brother Stanley and the youngest Brother Hill placed red carnations on his grave. Brother Kuch read a biography of Brother Jones, Brother Wyatt said a blessing, we had a moment of silence and the eldest Brother Stanley and the youngest Brother Hill placed red carnations on his grave.

The Taft Mansion – Saturday Morning

After leaving Evergreen Cemetery we went to the Taft Mansion at 111 Whitney Ave. This was the childhood home of founder Alexander Jay Wurts (Alpha #4C). Many early Alpha Chapter meetings were held in a barn at the back of this property.

Lunch Photos

Some Brothers went out for pizza at Modern Apizza. New Haven pizza is said to be the best in the world. Other Brothers went to Louis’ Lunch, the birthplace of the hamburger sandwich.

The New Haven Museum – Saturday Afternoon

After lunch we had a guided tour of the museum and learned about New Haven’s history. After the tour we went into the Museum’s Library where Librarian Edward Surato had put out GDP historical documents. Of particular interest were copies of the 1884 Crescent Annual and 2 photos of the active Alpha Chapter brothers from 1886 and 1887.

Brazi’s Restaurant – Saturday Evening

All the Brothers and wives gathered at Brazi’s for a wonderful dinner. Brother Wyatt offered the blessing and Brother Yeates offered a toast.

Saturday Night

The Brothers gather again in Brother Gogan and Stockdale’s room. There was much discussion about what’s the next alumni event, what is the future of GDP, etc. Among the ideas talked about were the 145th celebration, the Taft Monument ceremony, a baseball game in Richmond and a casino / winery weekend in Niagara Falls.

Yale University – Sunday Morning

Brother Troy Adams did a tour of part of the Yale University Campus before he left New Haven Sunday morning. Here’s the photos he took. Amazing architecture!