Elwyn "Cappie" Thayer
Elwyn Thayer was born in Shelbourne Falls, Massachusetts, in 1849 and was the son of Alvin and Myria Thayer. As a teen, he enlisted in the Union Navy and served in the Civil War. He was Branford’s last surviving Civil War veteran. Shortly after returning to Branford, he began a long period of service, approaching 70 years, to the Branford Public Schools as a custodian at the Center School, which was located where the Southern New England Telephone Company building now stands.
Thayer was a beloved member of the Branford community for his contributions to the children of Branford at the Center School. Aside from his custodial duties, he conducted informal “classes” in the basement of the school and was often sought after by students when they had questions. In an informal manner, he instructed the children of the school about Branford’s history and how to function as a young adult in Branford. When he marched in Branford’s Memorial Day Parade, he wore his Civil War uniform to the delight of Branford’s children.
Thayer was particularly helpful in assisting immigrant children, some of whom had minimal knowledge of the English language, providing them with practical citizenship lessons. Thayer made himself available to them when they were experiencing difficulty adjusting to life in a new country.
It was not long into his tenure at the school, that Thayer became recognized as a significant asset to the school system. As he grew older and began “teaching” the children and grandchildren of the pupils he first encountered at the Center School, his influence grew and, along with it, he gained the respect and admiration of the people of Branford. Thayer lived in Hotchkiss Grove for most of his adult life. He was married twice and had seven children. Elwyn Thayer died in 1936 and is buried in the Center Cemetery in Branford.
Thayer was a beloved member of the Branford community for his contributions to the children of Branford at the Center School. Aside from his custodial duties, he conducted informal “classes” in the basement of the school and was often sought after by students when they had questions. In an informal manner, he instructed the children of the school about Branford’s history and how to function as a young adult in Branford. When he marched in Branford’s Memorial Day Parade, he wore his Civil War uniform to the delight of Branford’s children.
Thayer was particularly helpful in assisting immigrant children, some of whom had minimal knowledge of the English language, providing them with practical citizenship lessons. Thayer made himself available to them when they were experiencing difficulty adjusting to life in a new country.
It was not long into his tenure at the school, that Thayer became recognized as a significant asset to the school system. As he grew older and began “teaching” the children and grandchildren of the pupils he first encountered at the Center School, his influence grew and, along with it, he gained the respect and admiration of the people of Branford. Thayer lived in Hotchkiss Grove for most of his adult life. He was married twice and had seven children. Elwyn Thayer died in 1936 and is buried in the Center Cemetery in Branford.