September 13 - Maude Peck Happy birthday to Maude (Tower) Peck, born on September 13, 1873, the daughter of the Reverend Tower at Bristol Baptist Church. She graduated in 1891 from the higher education classes offered in Bristol at the time. She was also an accomplished pianist. She then graduated from Brown University, where she was involved in the Glee Club. She served as an organist for the First Congregational Church. Peck was an active member of the Hartt Music Club and was active in musical circles. She married attorney Josiah M. Peck in 1902 and the lived in Hartford. Peck passed away in 1940 and is buried at West Cemetery. In this photo Maude Peck is on the right – the woman on the left is Helen Russell Smith. At its heart, Bristol history is made up of the people who have lived and worked here. In 2025, we will celebrate the birthdays of some of these people who spent part or all of their lives here. From industrialists, shop owners, educators, administrators, soldiers, medical professionals, and engaged citizens, we invite you to find out which Bristol resident shares your birthday and how they fit into the city's story. (fb)

September 12 - Albert Orefice Happy birthday to Albert J. “Bert Orr” Orefice, born on September 12, 1922. Orefice demonstrated musical talent very early—he and his brother Nate were playing the double bass (Bert Orefice started playing the bass violin and switched to the double bass) and piano respectively in bands around town in high school. Bert Orefice later served in the Army in World War II, where he played with the Armored Division Band, playing for the troops, including for General Patton. After the war, he became a sought-after bass player, touring with a series of bands. He eventually formed his own band, the Bert Orr Orchestra. In it, his brother Nate played piano, Douglas Malcolm played the saxophone, and Hank Bissonette played drums. The quartet played around New England for 35 years. Locally they played the 50th Anniversary of New Departure and the 150th Anniversary of Lake Compounce. Orefice also played classical music with a variety of symphonies in the area. In 1986, he played for the opening of Foxwoods Casino and continued to play with a trio there for an additional 6 years. He also had not one career, but two: he founded the Orefice Agency Insurance Company and ran it for for 45 years. He retired after 76 years of performing at the age of 89. Bert Orefice passed away in 2012 and is buried at West Cemetery. At its heart, Bristol history is made up of the people who have lived and worked here. In 2025, we will celebrate the birthdays of some of these people who spent part or all of their lives here. From industrialists, shop owners, educators, administrators, soldiers, medical professionals, and engaged citizens, we invite you to find out which Bristol resident shares your birthday and how they fit into the city's story. (fb)