Oakville Residents Visit with Sen. Kane at State Capitol

May 1, 2012
Sen. Rob Kane (at right) on April 27 welcomed Oakville residents Sam and Diane Sirica to the State Capitol.

Sen. Rob Kane (at right) on April 27 welcomed Oakville residents Sam and Diane Sirica to the State Capitol.

Sen. Rob Kane on April 27 welcomed Oakville residents Diane Sirica and her husband Sam to the State Capitol.

Diane won a tour of the State Capitol with Sen. Kane and Rep. Sean Williams at a March 3 auction held at St. Mary Magdalene’s School.

As a special part of the tour, the Siricas were each allowed to sit in “The Wishing Chair”, which stands on the dais in the Senate Chamber.

It was carved in 1857 from the fallen Charter Oak tree, which in 1687 hid the self-governing charter given to the Connecticut colony by King Charles II in 1662. The Charter was hidden to prevent British officials from returning it to King James II.

The chair is 65 inches tall, 36.5 inches wide, and the seat is 29 inches deep. The back is surmounted by a spread eagle, and the center is a medallion containing the State coat of arms, surrounded by a wreath of oak. A group of flags ornaments the front of the seat. The chair is massive, all the carving being wrought from the solid wood.

“Legend says if you sit in the chair and make a wish, it will come true,” Sen. Kane said. “It was great to bring Diane and Sam around the Capitol and to show them all the rich history in The People’s House. I certainly hope their wishes come true. And special thanks to St. Mary Magdalene’s School for holding such a successful auction.”