September 2007
Dear members,
Just a quick note to let you know of a few things that we have been up to over the summer, and to draw your attention to a very special upcoming event. First, PLEASE turn this letter over now to see just what event I’m talking about and then immediately go mark your calendar!
We have been working very closely with Leslie Martino and the Woodbridge Garden Club to design and install a very lovely herb garden just off the back door entrance to the Darling House. Actually, Leslie has been in charge of all aspects of this detailed project including some very in-depth research, the culmination of which has produced a garden that is graceful and accurate for the time period. When you are out for your next Sunday drive (or anytime, really) stop by and have a look. This endeavor has expanded to include two Eagle Scout projects. One involves a fence and gate done in a style similar to our existing picket fence. The other is a bench and trellis arrangement. We can’t wait! These completed projects will add additional style and elegance to an already attractive setting.
We have had the great good fortune to find a new member who has offered his expertise in website development, to help us with our nice-but-straggling www.woodbridgehistory.org. Jason Morrill has found ways for us to save money and still improve and expand our site to eventually include things like on-line membership payments, a database of historical photos, and more! Keep checking in, and email me with any ideas you might have to help us serve you better.
The South School Restoration Committee (especially Jim Urbano) has been actively working on the inside of the schoolhouse and made some really BIG strides towards a beautifully restored interior, while Coach Chris Dickerson and the Amity High School Women’s Cross Country Team have brightened up the outside with a fresh coat of white paint. LOADS of thanks to both “insiders” and “outsiders”.
We are working on a date for the next Tavern Night. You’ll be the first to know.
Best regards,
Don Menzies, President
01/05/2005
Happy New Year!
2004 was a year of new ideas and new concerns.
We pursued our new vision of being an event focused society by bringing in local talent from several directions and turning the Darling House into a tavern for an evening in May. Chef Darren Zaldo, along with the folks at Woodbridge's first commercial brewer: New England Brewing Co., teamed up with us to put on a very memorable event. So memorable in fact, that we held Tavern Night II in November! Hearth cooking, locally made ale, and live music all permeating the 18th century beauty of the Darling House has become an instant tradition. Tavern Night III? Early May of 2005!
We also had very successful and well attended usual events that have also taken a firm hold in the community. Our Ice Cream Social in July on the front porch has a devoted following. Our Annual Tag Sale in September is a great fundraiser for the Society, but we must work harder to get people to stop by! Our at least 20th annual Holiday Open House (always the first Sunday in December) had the usual effect of helping people find a healthy dose of Holiday Spirit. The Amity High School Chamber Singers under the direction of Chris Hickerson are always a high spot. So is the hot mulled cider provided by Barbara Narendra. So is the piano playing of Douglas Traumer (you should hear this guy play our 1880 Steinway!) So are the myriad of "toothsome delights" provided by our Board of Directors. We do know how to party.
The major concerns this year include the impending demolition of FOUR historic structures in Town, all owned by the Regional Water Authority. Their unilateral decision to stop renting these houses and tear them down (unless someone had the money and location to move them) caused many of us wonder how they could claim to be a "regional resource" to the communities they serve and yet carry out this irresponsible plan. Two of the houses are apparently being dismantled and brought to TEXAS (yes, Texas) which is tantamount to demolition, and the other two which have graced Litchfield Turnpike for many years, are slated for demolition this year. We are still trying to change their little money driven hearts, but the future looks pretty bleak.
On a final happy retrospective note, we made some strides this past year at our little one room schoolhouse. The front porch went up and got a primer coat of paint by the ever diligent Amity High School Women's Cross Country Team, under the guidance of Coach Chris Dickerson. We had lots of doors and interior trim accurately reproduced at a fairly large expense, and are awaiting the installation by a local contractor. We also acquired nearly TWENTY period desks from a variety of sources, but mostly through the kind donations of the community.
Watch the local papers for our events in 2005. We will be working hard to get our VAST archival collections into some semblence of order. We hope to be painting the barns across the street. We will strive to make history fun and relevent. We exist not only to preserve and protect the history of our Town, but to provide it's residents with events which foster community pride and spirit. We're having a great time; you're invited, and most welcome!
