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WILI's Wayne Norman provided a live broadcast of Romantic Willimantic's 2007 Cupid Ceremony. Wayne was Willimantic's first Cupid, in 1982.
Ernie Eldridge (L) with Wayne Norman and Windham First Selectman Mike Paulhus, who holds Ernie's Cupid proclomation. Former Cupids Bev York (L) and Rosa Tirado look on.
Ernie is presented with Cupid's gown
Willimantic's first Cupid and reigning Cupid
-- Chris Proulx photos
Anita and Ernie
A Heartfelt Honor
New Cupid crowned, thanks to a little push from his wife
By Heather Lake Lottier, Chronicle Staff Writer 2/17/2007
WINDHAM -- Ernie Eldridge may not have been surprised Friday when he was announced as Romantic Willimantic's Cupid 2007 at the Windham Town Hall. But he was certainly surprised when his wife, desperate to get him there in the first place, was forced to let the cat out of the bag the day before.
Anita Eldridge said she was doing her best to subtly talk her husband into attending the crowning Friday. Had the event gone off on Valentine's Day as originally planned, it wouldn't have been a problem. However, due to prior work commitments, she said he couldn't be swayed.
"I finally said, 'Look, you've got to go to the town hall at 10am,'" Anita said. "He looked at me (suspiciously) and said, 'Why?'"
His reaction, Anita said, was "You're kidding me."
Ernie Eldridge, who was born and raised in Windham Center, said his first thought was that he could think of a lot more deserving people, but said he was truly honored by the recognition from the town he loves.
"It's always a nice reward when someone says 'thank you,'" Eldridge said.
Since 1982, the town has accepted nominations for Cupid each year, crowning one and sometimes two people to hold the honorary title for the year. The honor recognizes individuals who have made notable contributions to the community, brought to the attention of the town by fellow community members. This year, 13 individuals were nominated, some more than once.
Ernie Eldridge graciously accepted the bow and arrow from outgoing Cupids Bob and Pam Horrocks, who both said they enjoyed their reign. "It's such an honor and it really was very romantic," said Pam Horrocks.
As co-Cupids, the first-ever crowned couple attended many town events representing Willimantic, marched in the Boom Box Parade, and said they were always tickled with the recognition and warm reception they got from people on the streets.
"We've been very flattered and received a lot of compliments from a lot of people," Bob Horrocks said. "We brought a lot of smiles to people's faces and I guess that's our job, (wasn't) it?"
Several past Cupids were present Friday as Windham First Selectman Michael Paulhus made the announcement. "We've waited 48 hours and 10 minutes, the suspense is building," said Paulhus before announcing Eldridge's name. "It's top secret stuff."
Eldridge, who owns E. S. Eldridge Auctioneer in Willimantic, is an active community member, who said he likes to get things done.
He sits on Windham's Zoning Board of Appeals, and in 2005 began a campaign as the Republican candidate for Windham First Selectman. He resigned from candidacy, citing concern it would interfere with operating his business.
Eldridge said he enjoys being involved in the community.
"I'm the type of person, if you ask me to do something, I'll do it," Eldridge said. "There's no reason to complain if you're not going to help out.
But Eldridge said he can't think of a lot that really needs to be done to Willimantic, and hopes to use his role as Cupid to enhance what's already been done.
"You don't fix what isn't broken," Eldridge said.
In making his acceptance speech, Eldridge called his wife up to share in the spotlight.
Pam Horrocks said she thought they should have been co-Cupids too. "She's so much a part of everything he does," Horrocks said.
Eldridge is involved in many aspects of the community includidng the Jillson House Historical Society, the Civil War encampment on Jillson Square, the Frog Festival, and the Boom Box Parade.
He plans to continue and expand his involvement in all ways expected of his honorary post over the next year.
"It's going to be very hard to fill the shoes of Pam and Bob, but I am sure going to try," said Eldridge, whose great grandfather first came to Windham in 1909.
"I just think it's a super town and you've got to be from somewhere," Eldridge said. "This is not a bad place to be."
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