Hall the Person
Gardiner Hall Sr. had 8 children with his wife Zerviah Essex: Adeline, Orline, Emeline, Gardiner Jr., Emeline II, William Henry, Origin and Albert. Gardiner Hall Sr. participated in multiple community events and, was a member of several local organizations. As a member of the Willimantic Baptist Church, he adhered to, and preached, strict Protestant values. He was a well-known activist for the Temperance movement. Throughout his lifetime he served in many notable positions, including state legislator, county commissioner, justice of the peace, and town selectman.
Gardiner Sr. remained involved in the thread industry until his passing on November 22nd, 1879. He was buried in the Old Willimantic Cemetery, his headstone a tall obelisk with a large granite chalice set atop, a cloth draped across it. His signet is carved at the top of the obelisk. Hall Memorial School was erected at South Willington in 1922, as a memorial to Gardiner Hall Sr., by his daughter-in-law, Fannie Parker Hall.
“The death of Gardiner Hall was felt by the members of the community where he had so long lived, and which he had so greatly benefited, in the light of a personal bereavement, for his seventy years had been filled with deeds of charity and neighborly kindness. Aside from his public services, his memory is cherished by both personal and business friends” (Beers 203).