 Search this site Home Table of Contents Newsletter Archives Membership Information Properties Hands-on-History |
Box 212 Monroe, CT 06468
"Mines and Mills of Old Monroe" held on Sept. 17 and organized by society member Marven Moss was a huge success! An excursion by bus-and on foot--into the past of our community covering six largely unrecognized historic sites like an old encampment with a mortar where native Americans ground corn that was recently affirmed--as an authentic Indian habitat-by Prof. Nicholas Bellantoni, Connecticut's state archaeologist and the ruin of a scythe factory that gave Hammertown Road its name were explored. In addition to the mortar and the old scythe factory, the itinerary covered the old Cargill Hoopskirt Factory, the Booth Bismuth Mine, the sawmill of James and Ezra Clark and a site that might be a dolmen or megalithic tomb going back as much as 4,000 years-- or a titanic round glacial deposit. The tour was open to the public with bus transportation provided by First Student and funded by Twombly Nursery as well as a bus provided by the Monroe Senior Center took 60+ participants around the town. During the tour Ed Coffey, the town historian, provided commentary at the sites which were selected for their historic authenticity and accessibility and where riders were afforded an opportunity to disembark and examine our legacy of relics and ruins on-foot and up-close. Mid-way through the tour the group stopped for a picnic lunch at Twombly Gardens where they were met by the Jr. Historical Society members who were in Colonial costume selling old fashioned cookies and bottles of water. After lunch and snacks the tour goers were treated to a tour of the beautiful Tomboy gardens by co-owner Andy Bradman and also were given a generous 50% off coupon to be used anytime in 2011. Gene Bobel, volunteer videographer recorded the tour for the society's archives, and to show in the near future through the society at various public venues. The Society intends to organize another tour in May featuring other locations that are part of Monroe's rich legacy. Seating is to be limited again with reservations required. Details to be forthcoming early in 2012.
| . | |||||||||||||||||
