Philip Wells Porter, Sr.

Sept. 5, 1888--Philip Wells Porter, Sr. is born in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. The sponsors/witnesses are Norris M. Curtis, George W. Wells, and Florence G. Porter.

May 30, 1889--Philip Wells Porter, Sr. is baptized in Christ Church, Stratford, Connecticut.

June 16, 1908--Philip Wells Porter, Sr. graduates from Worcester Academy, Worcester, Massachusetts. Diploma, Scientific Department. [While a student at Worcester Academy, he resided in Room 20, Davis Hall. Whether he also had resided elsewhere on the campus is unknown (2020)].

1908-1909: Philip Wells Porter, Sr. is a Freshman at the Colorado School of Mines.

1909-1910: Philip Wells Porter, Sr. is a Sophomore at the Colorado School of Mines.

1910-1911: Philip Wells Porter, Sr. is a Junior at the Colorado School of Mines

Sept. 5, 1912 (Thursday)--Ralph W. Porter (Philip Wells Porter, Sr.'s brother) writes in his diary: "We had a surprise this noon. While we were at dinner in walked Phil." Ralph and others were having lunch in the main residence of the Porter family estate, which was in Higganum, Connecticut.

October 1912—Philip Wells Porter, Sr. is attending the Michigan College of Mines, Houghton, Michigan. In a letter dated October 27, 1912 his father (Wallace Porter) writes to Philip: “I received your letter and note that you are well on the way and have joined a fraternity. I have no objection to a fraternity as long as the men in it are all right. If you have a good square lot of men I don’t know why it would not be a pleasure and a benefit as well…I am glad you feel comfortably fixed as to board, room, etc. It is great that you have cheerful surroundings. Will go along. Dad.”

[Note: The fraternity mentioned in Wallace's letter is likely Sigma Rho (Alpha Chapter), which was founded in 1892. It was both the first professional mining fraternity in the U.S. and the first fraternity on the campus of the Michigan College of Mines. A formal black and white framed photograph of Philip W. Porter, Sr. is in the possession of Charles E. Rounds, Jr., 107 Mount Vernon Street, Boston, MA. In the lower-right corner of the matting is the handwritten inscription: "Yours in Sigma, Phil. W. Porter."]. (2016)

Dec. 16, 1912--Wallace Porter, father of Philip Wells Porter, Sr., dies. Wallace was 61 years of age at the time of his death..

1913--"Philip W. Porter, ex-1913, has been working at Hurley, N. M., but recently returned to his home at Higganum, Conn." as per Colorado School of Mines Magazine, Jan. 1, 1913 to Dec. 31, 1913.

[Note: Philip Wells Porter, Sr. never completes his studies at the Colorado School of Mines. Had he done so, he would have been a member of its Class of 1913].

Philip Wells Porter, Sr.'s share of his father's (Wallace Porter's ) estate was comprised mostly of real estate (4 "pieces"). Philip's siblings divied up among themselves the tangible and intangible (stocks & bonds) personal property. Each child's share of his /her father's estate was valued at $18,396.87/8, including Philip's. Here is the description of the third piece of real estate that Philip, presumably pursuant to an agreement among his siblings, took title to: "THIRD PIECE: Containing ten acres, more or less bounded Northerly by highway, Easterly partly by land of C. W. Scovill and partly by land of Arthur L. Bonfoey, Southerly by highway and Westerly by highway, with dwelling houses, two barns, one garage and other buildings thereon."  

The FOURTH PIECE was the family burial lot: "Cemetery Lot in Higganum Cemetery. Said lot is 20 feet square and is number 3 on first line of lots laid out for burial purposes by Orrin Freeman, referring to deed of same recorded in Vol. 47, Pages 193-194 of Haddam Land Records."

Philip W. Porter, Sr. also received 10 shares of D & H Scovil, Inc., valued at $750. His six siblings each received 80 shares of D & H. Scovil, Inc.. Each allotment was vaued at $6,000.

Oct. 31, 1914-Nov. 10, 1914: Philip Wells Porter, Sr. is hunting in the Adirondacks (N.Y.). According to his brother, Ralph, the deer Philip shot was a "big one."

Nov. 11, 1914-- Philip Wells Porter, Sr. skins the aforementioned deer and parcels out portions of the meat to his siblings, keeping some for himself. In the evening his brother, Whitney, drives over to pick up his allotment. The head is sent off to be mounted.

Dec. 8, 1914-Dec. 10, 1914: Philip Wells Porter, Sr. is on jury duty in Middletown, Connecticut.

June 28-July 9, 1915--Philip Wells Porter, Sr. is haying in Higganum. Connecticut.

Sept. 2, 1915 (Thursday)--Hezekiah Scovil Porter [a brother of Philip Wells Porter, Sr.] pens in his diary: "Great day. Helped Phil blow up stumps and rocks this morning. Whit [Whitney Scovil Porter] came over after dinner. Wanted to see us blast. Put couple of charges under a couple of rocks. Piece of rock went mile up in the air and lit on the roof of the house & put a hole in it. Worked around rest of afternoon clearing up the rubbish."

March 16, 1918--Philip Wells Porter, Sr. graduates from the U.S. School of Military Aeronautics at Cornell University.

March 22, 1918--Philip W. Porter, Sr., who has enlisted in the U.S. Army in Boston, Massachusetts [Identification # 2484433] , receives the following orders (Special Orders No. 49): "Pursuant to telegraphic instructions from Headquarters, Eastern Department, dated March 15, 1918, the following Flying Cadets, now on duty at this station [United States Army, School of Military Aeronautics, at Cornell University, Ithaca, N.Y.] will proceed to Camp Dick, Aviation Concentration Camp, State Fair Grounds, Dallas, Texas, reporting upon arrival to the Commanding Officer for training:...37. Porter, P.W. 2484433..." For the trip to Dallas, Philip draws from the quartermaster $1.40 for food (2 1/3 days), "it being impracticable for these soldiers to carry rations of any kind." Philip was stationed at Camp Dick from March 25, 1918 to April 27, 1918 and at Barron Field, Everman, Texas from April 27, 1918 to August 13, 1918, the day he receives his commission as an officer in the U.S. Army.

January 11, 1919--Philip Wells. Porter, Sr. [2nd Lieutenant] is honorably discharged from the U.S. Army, having logged a total of 110:25 hours of flying time. He had completed the aerial gunnery course at Taliaferro Field, Hicks, Texas with the following grades: Lewis 84%, Marlin 85%, Camera 76%, Range 87%, C.C. Gear 80% and Aerial Sights: 88%, which averaged out to 84%. Aerial work: Very good; Marksmanship: Good. Before the end of the day he purchases shares of Sammies Oil Corporation and Comanche Chief Oil Association. In the evening he dines with two friends at the Hotel Worth [7th and Main streets, Fort Worth, Texas].

Jan. 15, 1919--Philip Wells Porter, Sr. and his friend, George, travel by from Fort Worth, Texas to Dublin, Texas, and then on to DeLeon, Texas. Having missed their train connection at Dublin they take a jitney on to DeLeon. In his pocket diary Philip pencils the following: "Snowing hard. Had a very cold room. No water to shave."

Jan. 17, 1919--Philip Wells Porter, Sr. arrives in Fort Worth, Texas at 6:00 a.m. Not having slept much on the train he is tired. He "takes a shave." That evening he pencils in his pocket diary: "Working up(?) a trade in oil leases all day. Seems lonesome. George did not come back. Expect he found other business. Telegraphed Bill [Philip's wife, Orvilla Virginia Benson Porter] to come on. I can't get along without her."

Jan. 18, 1919 (Fort Worth, Texas)--Philip Wells Porter, Sr. pencils in his pocket diary: "Went down town and bought me a new suit of clothes. Seems queer with civilian clothes on. George blew in on 1:45. We have a good line of leases to handle. Received $5.00 from Whit and Wellington. Mailed two letters to Bill [Orvilla Virginia Benson Porter, Philip's wife] and am writing another. Hope she comes soon." ["Whit" is Whitney Scovil Porter, Philip's oldest sibling; "Wellington" is Charles Wellington Walker, Jr., a brother-in-law].

Jan. 19, 1919 (Fort Worth, Texas)--Philip Wells Porter, Sr. spends all day trying to sell oil leases. He pencils in his pocket diary: "Nothing doing. Stock market shot to pieces."

Jan. 20, 1919 (Fort Worth, Texas)--Philip Wells Porter, Sr. pencils in his pocket diary: "Tried to sell leases all day. Sold two but could not deliver(?) them. Did not get home until 11 P.M."

Jan 21, 1919 (Fort Worth, Texas)--Philip Wells Porter, Sr. pencils in his pocket diary: "Worked all day trying to sell leases. No luck. Letter from Bill [Orvilla Virginia Benson Porter, his wife]. Stock market all shot to pieces. Letter from Bill. Wired Bill today. Felt a little discouraged. Can't work out here without money, and that is one thing I am lacking."

Jan. 22, 1919 (Fort Worth, Texas)--Philip Wells Porter, Sr. pencils in his pocket diary: "Almost sold a couple leases. Things look pretty rocky."

Jan. 25, 1919 (Fort Worth, Texas)--Philip Wells Porter, Jr. pencils in his pocket diary: "Down town all day. Market very bum, and prospects look pretty rocky. Bill [Orvilla Virginia Benson Porter, his wife] is coming tomorrow."

Jan. 27, 2019 (Fort Worth, Texas)--Philip Wells Porter, Sr. purchases 400 shares of Sammies Oil Corporation. He pencils in his pocket diary: "Bought a lease in Burkburnett [Texas], today. Looks good on paper. Taking one long chance. Here's where we go busted or start our stake. Down town all day. Bill [Orvilla Virginai Benson Porter, his wife] and I went to movies tonight and saw Wallace Reid." [The month of February has been ripped long ago from the diary by a person or persons unknown.]

Feb. 27, 1919--Philip Wells Porter, Sr. purchases 1000 shares of Sammies Oil Corporation.

July 15, 1919--Philip Wells Porter, Sr. joins the Russell Co. in Middletown, Connecticut "as assistant to T. Macdonough Russell in the maintenance department." [Porter's wife (Orvilla) pencils in her diary: "Phil started work at the Russell Co. to-day. Hope he likes it. At any rate something [underlined] has to be done to bring in some cash. He's a family man for sure now and must start in and dig. He's willing."

July 28, 1919--Philip Wells Porter, Sr. purchases 85 shares of Sammies Oil Corporation.

July 30, 1919--Philip Wells Porter, Sr. purchases 300 shares of Sammies Oil Corporation.

Oct. 18, 1919 (afternoon)--Philip W. Porter, Sr. is hunting. He bags several squirrels and a rabbit, but no partridge.

February 1925--The Higganum residence of Philip Wells Porter, Sr. and his wife (Orvilla) is totally destroyed by fire. It was a shingle-style residence that had been built by Philips' father, who had "equipped it with all modern city conveniences." The residence and grounds (50 acres, 21 rooms, 3 baths, fireplaces, hardwood floors, garage, outbuildings, salmon-stocked lake, tennis court, orchard, woodland, pasture ) was at the time, or had at one time been, on the market, no broker involved. Asking price: $25,000. [It appears the Porter residence had replaced via demolition or renovation the Italianate-style house that had been built by Daniel Scovil, co-founder of the D & H Scovil Company]. The Porters relocate to 8 Landing Road, Higganum. Sometime later Philip composes in pencil on a small, brown paper bag a poem about 8 Landing Road:

8 LANDING ROAD, HIGGANUM--by Philip Wells Porter, Sr.

"Above a wide clear river,/ Wending toward the sea/ There stands an old white dwelling/ That is home to you and me.

It was built from hand hew'd timber/ By sturdy men and able/ And sheltered many men of fame,/ And one who laid the Cable.

We have some large old maple trees/ That shade us there this day,/ A little lawn, a shady knoll,/ That overlooks the bay.

[Note regarding "the Cable": When the Higganum Congregational Church broke off from the Haddam Congregational Church in 1845, the first minister of the new church was a one Rev. David Dudley Field. (The parish hall of the new church was where a memorial reception was hosted following the interment of Capt. Philip Wells Porter, Jr.'s ashes.) The parsonage for the new church had been established at 8 Landing Road in 1845, and had remained there until 1882 when the new parsonage was built next to the church. Rev. Field had 10 children, two of whom were Cyrus Field (the industrialist who financed the laying of the first telegraph cable across the floor of the Atlantic) and Justice Stephen Johnson Field (Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court form 1863 to 1897)].

Dec. 13, 1930--Philip Wells Porter, Sr. is a member of the Haddam Volunteer Fire Company, Higganum, Connecticut. [On that date, D. & H. Scovil, Inc., donates a certain parcel of real estate to the Fire Company. Philip's brother, Whitney Scovil Porter, on behalf of D & H Scovil, Inc., makes the presentation. Elmer S. Hubbard, a trustee of the Haddam Volunteer Fire Company, accepts the "deed to the fire house site."]

Oct. 31, 1931--Expiration date of Philip Wells Porter, Sr.'s registration as an adult member of the Boy Scouts of America, for which he is serving as Committeeman, Troop 23, Higganum, Connecticut.

Aug. 22, 1934--In a handwritten letter, dated Wednesday, August 22, 1934, Philip W. Porter, Sr. writes to his daughter (Winifred Lucile Porter [Rounds]), who is away at summer camp: "Dear Winnie Lou...I am so glad you like your tent leader. Don't be disappointed if you don't win first or second in your swimming events. Remember a good sport just does the best that he or she can, and that is the most important thing (to do your best), [the last four words are underlined three times], and congratulate the winner...Much love from your Mother and Dad."

Sept. 24, 1934 (Monday)--Philip Wells Porter, Sr. purchases a Chevrolet automobile. That evening, his son, Philip, Jr., age 15, pencils in his diary: "I drove it... [the Chevrolet]... a little. It goes well."

June 16, 1936 (Tuesday Evening)--Philip Wells Porter, Sr., in his capacity as Chairman of the Board of Education, Haddam Public Schools, Haddam, Connecticut, presents diplomas to the graduates of the Class of 1936 (Eighth Graders). The "Promotion Exercises" were held in Brainard Hall, Higganum, Connecticut. That evening, his son (Philip W. "Bud" Porter, Jr.) penned the following entry in his diary: "Dad went to the grammar school grad. to hand out diplomas. W. L. [Winifred Lucile Porter (Rounds)] went with him."

Feb. 10, 1937--Orvilla Virginia Benson Porter, wife of Philip Wells Porter, Sr. and mother of Philip Wells Porter, Jr., writes to Philip, Jr., a student at Worcester Academy. Here is an excerpt from her letter: "...What play are you rehearsing? You just say Shakespeare but not which one. If I remember correctly he wrote quite a few. Dad made his debut at Worcester as the witch in MacBeth..."

Feb. 18, 1937--Philip Wells Porter, Sr.writes to his son, a student at Worcester Academy:"...Business is fair. Have sold one of our new machines with a prospect of two more this week. But am handcuffed by not yet having the station wagon which is now promised the 15th of March..."

May 8, 1937--Philip Wells Porter, Sr. attends Worcester Academy's Alumni Day.

June 17, 1939 (Saturday)--Philip Wells Porter, Sr. plays golf all day. [His daughter writes to her brother that Porter, Sr. "won his foursome as he was down in the eighties." She writes that "Mr. Morse and Dr. Craig couldn't understand it because he only plays once a year."].

May 30, 1943 (Memorial Day)--Ensign Philip Wells Porter, Jr., skipper of LCI (L) 18, which is operating in Mediterranean waters, types a letter to his mother and father (Philip Wells Porter, Sr.): "...Today being Memorial Day, and the hour being three o'clock here, it is now nine o'clock in Higganum, and Dad is probably just getting in the car for Winnie Lou [Ensign Porter's sister] to drive him over to Barkers. I would like to be able to hear the Drum Corps warm up. It missed it last year by about four hours. I suppose you are having a picnic. I was surprised to read in a Saturday Evening Post an article on all the foods you could buy for a picnic which aren't rationed. But I suppose you do have to forego the usual steak and hamburger..."

May 3, 1948—Philip Wells Porter, Sr. writes to B.D. Divine, Divine Bros. Co, Utica, NY "Dear Dalton, You perhaps have not heard of Joe's [Joseph Scovil Porter's]death, as we have not yet had time to officially report it to our business associates. He had been in ill health for a year or more after a severe heart attack, and died on April 23rd. Business here will be carried on as usual, and my brother Whitney is taking over for the present. As you know, Joe had a high regard for our business dealings with Divine Bros. In regard to handling Divine buffs. After working a couple of weeks in the field and discussing the prospect with Joe, we felt that it was impossible to handle your buffs because there was hardly a plant in Connecticut that had not at some time bought Divine products. I asked him to write you to that effect. He said he called you on the phone and told you. I then took on American buffs. Sold a few, but found that American Buff Co. does not enjoy a good reputation in Connecticut, at least. Last week I met Johnson at Pratt & Whitney and told him the story, which was no news to him. To make a long story short, I now think I can sell Divine products under the contract we drew up at the time I visited your plant. If you are still interested, I shall need new price-lists. Sincerely yours, Philip W. Porter"

Dec. 29, 1948--Whitney Scovil Porter (Philip's brother) is a director of the D & H Scovil, Inc. Outstanding is an offer of Frederick W. Waterman, Jr., of Johnstown, Pennsylvania, to purchase all of the stock of the company. The offer will remain open until 5 P.M., Jan. 12, 1949. Whitney Scovil Porter "is satisfied with employment arrangements worked out between him and Mr. Waterman." [The other directors are Miss Helen S. Porter (who is residing at 123 Edgehill Road, New Haven, Connecticut), C. Wellington Walker, and H. Wick Chambers, Jr.].

On Sept. 23, 1952--A patent is issued to Philip Wells Porter, Sr. Patent Number: 2611689. An abrasive coated fabric belt for industrial polishing. Porter was the inventor. D & H Scovil, Inc. was the assignee of the patent.

Oct. 25, 1953--Philip W. Porter, Sr.'s son-in-law (Charles Elder Rounds, Sr.) is in Korea on active duty. Cognizant that Philip enjoys hunting game and fishing, Charles writes to Philip: "...Gramp, I have seen lots of pheasants in our area. The hills and ground is perfect for bird hunting and small game--small (scrub) pine, hardwoods, and dense undergrowth difficult to negotiate. Some of the boys have been out hunting. We have two shotguns from Special Services available to anyone..."

Feb. 5, 1958 (Thursday)--Mrs. Philip Wells Porter, Sr. (Orvilla Virginia Benson Porter) writes a letter to her son (Cmdr. Philip Wells Porter, Jr.), in part regarding her husband's failure to receive a bonus from the current owner of the D. & H. Scovil Company, who is referred to in her letter as W.: "...The failure to get a bonus cut deep. He felt he deserved it and that W is taking advantage of him..."

Sept. 4, 1958--Philip Wells Porter, Jr. types a letter to his father (Philip Wells Porter, Sr.). Here is an excerpt from the correspondence: "This note is to say 'Happy Birthday', and tell you that I am looking forward to writing many more of these. I hope that when I have my seventieth birthday I can look on my life and feel that I have been just half the man that you are. Unfortunately it usually takes youngsters a long time before they can see their parents in perspective, but both consciously and subconsciously I know that I have always used you as a standard in judging my behaviour. The older I become the more I realize how fortunate I am to have been brought up in an atmosphere of stability and integrity which you and mother have always provided. Many times I have been deterred from questionable courses of action merely by stopping to wonder what you would do or advise. Coming home for a visit is a refreshing experience for me every time, and if I did not always have that to look forward to my life would be much emptier."

May 1, 1961 (Tuesday)--Philip Wells, Porter, Sr. acquires a new automobile (Nash Rambler).

June 17, 1969--Philip Wells Porter, Sr. via ambulance is taken to the Middlesex Memorial Hospital, Middletown, Connecticut, he having suffered a stroke in his home at Landing Road, Higganum, Connecticut. [His wife (Orvilla) subsequently dies (June 29, 1969) of heart failure in the home while he is in the hospital.] The total charge for the ambulance service is $52.50 [Middlesex Ambulance Service, Middletown, Connecticut].

July 1, 1969--Philip Wells Porter, Sr. dies in the Middlesex Memorial Hospital.

July 2, 1969--A joint funeral service is held for Philip Wells Porter, Sr. and his wife (Orvilla) in the Higganum Congregational Church, Higganum, Connecticut. Their cremated remains are interred in the Higganum Cemetery, which borders and overlooks the village. A Barre granite monument engraved with the name "Porter" and two Barre granite markers, one for Philip and the other for Orvilla, identify the location of the interment, which is at the edge of (and midway up) the road that transects the cemetery. [The total cost of the manufacture, transportation, and setting of the three granite items was $1,210.39 (Dec. 1969). The vendor was Riverside Memorials, 14 Church Street, Middletown, Connecticut].