Hall of Fame Inductees

Clarence P. Bradley (Benefactors)

1862 – 1934

His diligent pursuit of enterprise and resulting financial success did not distort Clarence P. Bradley's love for the town that became his home, and his philanthropies touched a large portion of the populace. It can be said without prejudice that this man cared.

The most telling proof of his care for people is the Bradley Home for the Aged, one of the finest such enterprises in the country, which he provided for in his will. This single accomplishment in no way diminishes his other legacies to Meriden's welfare and the well being of its citizens through generous contributions to Meriden-Wallingford Hospital, YMCA, YWCA, Meriden Boys' Club, Public Health Association, Police and Fire Benefit Funds, Masonic Home, City Mission Society, Meriden public parks, and twenty-four churches of all denominations.

His enterprises were widespread and included banking as well as the manufacture of clocks and lighting fixtures. Among his many civic participations were a tenure as Meriden Parks Commissioner and Trustee of the Connecticut School for Boys.

Clarence Bradley's love for his city and concern for its citizens are enshrined forever in the living memorials that are his legacy.

Frank Barnikow (Sports)

1891 – 1983

A Meriden native, Frank Barnikow was head of the Meriden High School physical education department, a championship coach, and a veteran of thirty-five years with the local public school system.

He attended Munson Academy where he was active in football, basketball, baseball and track; he was graduated from Suffield Academy where he took part in three sports. After serving in the U.S. Navy for twenty-six months in World War I, he began his teaching career in New York City.

Frank Barnikow returned to Meriden in 1922 and began coaching basketball, football and track at Meriden High School. He later substituted baseball coaching for his duties as track mentor. In the early 1930s he relinquished his post as baseball coach but continued to coach basketball and football until 1947.

In 1926 his first varsity football team breezed through an unbeaten and untied season. Meriden High rolled up 176 points to only 21 by opponents and defeated Nashua, New Hampshire 12-0 in a post-season intersectional game.

In 1935 and 1936, Coach Barnikow led his basketball team to state and New England championships. Meriden High was the first school to win consecutive New England basketball championships.

Coach Barnikow's many accomplishments were recognized by the Connecticut Sportswriters Alliance in 1964, when he was presented the Gold Key.

Phillips H. Lord (Art)

1902 – 1975

Author and creator of many radio characters and programs, Phillips H. Lord was born in Hanford, Vermont, and raised in Meriden, where his father was a Congregational minister. After his graduation from Bowdoin College, at age 22 he served Plainville as Connecticut's youngest high school principal.

Later known as "radio's number-one idea man," Lord achieved lasting national popularity with his story of Maine life, "Sunday Evening at Seth Parker’s,” in which he played the title role. That success led to such offshoots as "Uncle Abe and David," "The Stebbin's Boys," and "The Old Country Doctor."

Among his nationally known radio programs are "Mr. District Attorney," "G-Men," "Lum and Abner," "We the People," and "David Harding, Counterspy." His successes continued into early television days with "Gangbusters" and "The Black Robe" and culminated with a television spectacular based on "We the People."

The author of a number of books and magazine articles, during a two-year trip around the world, he broadcasted his many experiences from his four-masted schooner. He later originated remote broadcasts from an isolated island near Mt. Desert Island, Maine.