Could the walls of Burrit Hall whisper tales of a blacksmith turned diplomat? This is Burrit Hall. It is more than just a building. It is a place of community and contemplation.
Elihu Burritt was born in 1810 in Connecticut. He was a blacksmith and later became a social activist. Burritt was also a diplomat and philanthropist. He was a man of diverse talents and passions.
Burritt opposed slavery. He worked for temperance. He tried to achieve world peace. In the 1840s, Burritt toured New England. He spoke against war and promoted brotherhood. People called him the Learned Blacksmith.
In 1844, Burritt founded the Christian Citizen. This weekly paper voiced his beliefs. He emerged as a leader among radical pacifists. Burritt advocated for universal brotherhood.
In 1846, Burritt moved to England. He found a home in Harborne. This was then a rural village. He sympathized with Birmingham’s industrial culture. He became friends with many leading citizens. Burritt was involved in rebuilding St. Peter’s Church, Harborne.
Burritt founded the League of Universal Brotherhood in 1846. This peace organization gained support from Joseph Sturge and others. The league promoted using free-labor produce. Female groups raised funds by selling free-labor goods.
Burritt popularized the term “peace movement” in 1847. This included various groups supporting peace. He organized the first international congress of the Friends of Peace in Brussels in 1848.
Burritt attended peace congresses in several cities. These included Paris, Frankfurt, London, Manchester, and Edinburgh. The Crimean War and the American Civil War jolted his views.
Burritt advocated for an international “ocean penny post.” He wanted to reduce postal costs to increase communication and trade. He urged using illustrated envelopes for propaganda.
Abraham Lincoln appointed Burritt as the United States consul in Birmingham in 1864. He held this position until 1868. Burritt died in 1879 in Connecticut.
Burritt published numerous books and articles. These included “Sparks from the Anvil” and “Ten Minute Talks”. He described the Black Country as “black by day and red by night”. He appreciated its vast production.
Today, Burritt’s legacy lives on. A library at Central Connecticut State University is named in his honor. It holds an archive of his work. Burrit Hall stands as a reminder of his dedication to peace and community. It serves as a testament to his enduring influence.