Walk Through Saugatuck History with Westport Historical Society

Join the Westport Historical Society on Saturday, September 30 for one of its most popular walking tours, a stroll through Old Saugatuck accompanied by guide Bob Mitchell. The one-hour tour begins at 3:00  p.m. and ends with a drink on the house at one of Saugatuck’s favorite haunts, the Black Duck.

As you make your way through the neighborhood that sits along the tracks near the Westport train station, Mitchell will discuss Saugatuck’s past as a manufacturing hub and the tight-knit, predominantly Italian community it was to become. Most of what we now know as Westport was once called Saugatuck, after the river, though when the town was incorporated in 1835 from parts of Norwalk and Fairfield, it was given the name Westport.

The walk will begin at the NY-bound side of the train station, where rail service was launched in 1848, making Westport more accessible for visitors and, in turn, giving residents better access to New York City. Railroad construction brought an influx of jobs, filled mostly by Irish and Italian laborers, and the young community eventually was called Little Italy. In 1958, a swath of buildings bisecting Saugatuck was demolished to make way for the Connecticut Turnpike.

Here are some bits of Saugatuck lore you’ll learn about: The Saugatuck Grain & Supply Company (1929), Luciano Park, the Westport Bank & Trust branch office, the Hedenbury Tin Shop, the Baynham Coffin Tack Factory, the first Saugatuck firehouse, the mattress factory, the William F. Cribari Bridge (the oldest movable span in Connecticut), and the Saugatuck Manufacturing Company, which made buttons from Brazilian ivory nuts.

The tour was created to give participants insights into Westport’s history and show how resilient Westporters have been in retaining the character of our town, even as the landscape changes and Saugatuck undergoes an impressive renaissance. There is a $10 suggested donation. Ages 12 and under are free. Reservations are recommended: (203) 222-1424. Meet in the Saugatuck Railroad Station, New York-bound side.

The Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum presents new works by artist Jan Dilenschneider

Twenty new paintings by Connecticut artist Jan Dilenschneider will be featured at the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum in an exhibition entitled, Eco Visions, that runs through October 5, 2017, with a reception on Sept. 28, 5:30-7:30 p.m. The exhibition will be curated by Gail Ingis.  Ms. Dilenschneider’s works have been successfully featured for the last four years at the prestigious Galerie Pierre-Alain Challier in the historic Le Marais district in Paris.  Ms. Dilenschneider is the only living American artist to have her work on display at the Grand Palais in Paris.  In the past year her exhibitions have been featured at the Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts Sill House Gallery and at the Bellarmine Museum in Fairfield, Conn, where she broke attendance records.  Each of these exhibitions were solo shows.

The prestigious French newspaper Le Figaro reviewed the 2015 exhibition, Nature at its Most Melodically Colorful and said, “Dilenschneider expresses her artistic sensibility unhampered by the trends and tyrannies of the art market.  She wields her brush with wild passion and tremulous elation, bringing trees, flowers, grass and reeds to calm majestic life.”

“I love to highlight the beauty of nature through my paintings of vegetation, clear waters and their beautiful colors” said Dilenschneider. “Through my paintings, I encourage the viewer to fall in love with nature all over again and consider ecology at all times.”

About Dilenschneider's Work

Dilenschneider received her training at The Ohio State University, The National Academy of Design in New York, the North Shore Art League in Illinois, and the Silvermine Arts Center in Connecticut.

“One of the most exciting moments of my life was when I was entering a painting in a juried show and Roy Lichtenstein helped me put the hooks and wire on the back,” said Dilenschneider. “He was the juror and gave me first prize for The Mourners. I was 17 years old.”

Dilenschneider has painted all her life but she is relatively new to the art scene, when it comes to its marketing aspect, as she began selling her work in the spring of 2013. “My everyday surroundings in Connecticut by the sea are a vast a resource of inspiration,” says Dilenschneider. “I am continually influenced by shore grasses bending in the breeze, blue skies reflected in the cool water, and extraordinary trees silhouetted against green lawns.” 

Although the French magazine LUX, among others, called her work “the new Impressionism,” Jan considers herself an Expressionist who loves the Impressionists’ palette. Dilenschneider’s most recent work combines landscapes and abstract images. One can see in them her gradual merging of the abstract into the landscape canvases.

The French Magazine, LE MAG, wrote of Dilenschneider’s work, “Dilenschneider avoids figuration and abstraction, instead painting highly charged landscapes with strong lines and bold sometimes clashing colors.  But the result is so harmonious that viewers want nothing more than to lose themselves in the contemplation of the glorious nature before them, and to make sure that it remains as stunning for generations.”

Entrance Details

 The exhibition will be part of the tours’ general admission and schedule: Wed. through Sun., 12-4 p.m. 45 minute tour: $10 Adults, $ 8 seniors, $6 children 8-18 years old; 90 minute tour: $20 adults, $18 seniors, $16 children 8-18 years old. Tours and reception tickets will be available online, through the Museum’s website, or by calling 203-838-9799 ext. 4. Walk-ins will be welcomed, subject to availability. The Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum is a National Historic Landmark. For more information on schedules and programs please visit www.lockwoodmathewsmansion.com, e-mail info@lockwoodmathewsmansion.com, or call 203-838-9799.

Colonial Cookery and Customs for Kids at the Wilton Historical Society

Maslin is a mixed crop of wheat and rye. It's little grown today, but used to be the staple crop for many farmers. Using whole meal wheat and dark rye, maslin bread is a high-fiber, wholesome alternative to the classic white loaf.  On Saturday, September 30 from 11:00 – 12:30 the Wilton Historical Society will be holding a Colonial Cookery and Customs Workshop for Kids, and the focus will be on preparing a loaf of this rustic grain mixture.  Museum Educator Lola Chen will be showing the children how to make a loaf of maslin bread sweetened with blackberries.  The children will enjoy vigorously kneading the bread, as well as sampling the finished product.

The Colonial Cookery and Customs for Kids workshop at the Wilton Historical Society teaches kids a “reciept” (recipe) used in the Connecticut region.  While the food is prepared, they hear about Colonial manners, morals and way of life.  The monthly workshops feature relatively simple dishes made with local, seasonal ingredients, adapted for modern kitchens.  All participants will sample their own cooking and take home recipe cards - as well as any leftovers! The children will learn how a Colonial kitchen would have operated, in order to appreciate the modern conveniences we take for granted.  Previous sessions have made bannock cakes, pease porridge, pickles, an amulet of green peas, apple tansey, fairy butter, pumpkin bread, cranberry shortbread, New Year’s “cakes”, New England chowder, hand pies, cheese and ramp soufflé, and pea and watercress Rappahannock. 

Did You Know?

The Oxford English Dictionary defines "maslin" as a "Mixed grain, esp. rye mixed with wheat. Also, bread made of mixed corn." The word derives from Old French "mesteillon" which in turn derives from Latin "miscere," to mix. The oldest reference to this word in English print dates to 1303, and over time there have been many spelling variations. Maslin bread, as is true with most European foods made with rye, was the food of the common/poorer people. Wealthy people ate bread composed solely of wheat. The wealthier the person, the finer the wheat.

Watertown House Tour Sept. 30

The 12th Annual Watertown House Tour will take place on Saturday, September 30 from 11am to 3pm, rain or shine. Five fabulous properties will be featured in this year's tour including The Buell H. Heminway House at 305 Main Street, The Copper House at 28 Nova Scotia Hill Road, The Henry Long House at 423 Northfield Road, The Boone House at 561 Winding Brook Farm Road, and The Barrett House at 53 Hamilton Avenue. The Nova Scotia Schoolhouse at 22 DeForest Street will also be open for viewing.

Advance house tour tickets are $25 per person, and will be $30 the day of the tour. Tickets for this self-guided house tour and are non-refundable & can be purchased by mailing a check or money order to: Watertown House Tour P.O. Box 853 Watertown, CT 06795 Checks should be made payable to the "Watertown Historical Society". Tickets can also be purchased online with a credit card or Paypal at: www.watertownhistoricalsociety.org Requests for tickets after Friday, September 22 will be held for pick-up on the day of the tour at the Nova Scotia Schoolhouse at 22 DeForest Street.

House Tour tickets are available to purchase at the following retail locations: LaBonne's Market in Watertown, Chubba's in Watertown, the Health Complex, The Watertown Library, Hosking's Nursery, Depot Square Farm Shoppe, and Jimmy's of Watertown. On the day of the tour tickets will be available at all of the businesses, all of the houses, and at the Nova Scotia Schoolhouse, which will be tour headquarters.

Call the Historical Society at 860-274-1050 or view www.watertownhistoricalsociety.org for more information. New this year, Sunset Grille, located at 834 Northfield Road in Watertown, is offering a special luncheon for attendees of the house tour. Present your house tour ticket for the purchase of lunch at a special house tour price.

About The Tour

The Watertown House Tour is a benefit for the Watertown Historical Society and Museum in Watertown, CT. The Watertown Historical Society is a private, nonprofit, all volunteer organization dedicated to collecting, preserving, and sharing Watertown's and Oakville's history.

Be the Judge @ Chowdafest Oct 1

The 10^th anniversary for Chowdafest is taking place at Sherwood Island State Park in Westport on Oct. 1 from 11 am - 3 pm  and it's expected to set several records. This year's event will feature the best restaurant line-up they have had to date, showcasing past and defending champions plus half the field is new to the event. If the weather is as terrific as in years past, they are expecting a record crowd which hopefully means a record donation too.

Chowdafest is a true people's choice event where the public determines the best chowder, soup and bisque in New England. Everyone is a judge. This event wants to give everybody a spoon, ballot and pencil when they enter and off they go to enjoy unlimited sampling from 40 restaurants from Manhattan to Maine and as far away as Seattle. 

Attendees use a ballot flashing back to the 70's where you would fill in bubbles like on a test. Foodies are asked to rate everything they try on a scale from 7 to 10.5 in half point intervals. The ballots are then scanned throughout the event so the winners are determined and announced shortly upon the conclusion of the event. The restaurants by category who have the highest rating are declared champions.

The real winner of course is the charity tied to Chowdafest which is Food Rescue US. “Event organizers hope to fund over a half million meals in the ongoing fight against food insecurity. Surprisingly food isn't the problem facing hunger. We have plenty of food but it's poorly distributed. Food Rescue US does a great job identifying excess food and redistributes it to shelters and groups who need it.  Fighting food insecurity is synergistic to promoting the participating restaurants and sponsors.

Tickets are now available online at www.chowdafest.org/tickets.  Tickets includes sampling in  all  specialty sections.  There is an Italian section called “Ciao-dafest” where you can sample freshly baked artisan breads, dipped in premium pasta sauce plus salad mixes and an Italian themed chowder entered by Mario Batali's Tarry Lodge restaurant.  In the  “ChowdaMex” section  people can sample premium salsas, guacamole and a chicken tortilla soup entered in the competition. 

There's also a “sweet treats” section where you can sample farm fresh milk, ice cream, yogurt, cheese, even candy. You can sample juices, sparkling beverages and more in the beverage bog plus coffees and teas! 

Rounding out the pallet is the sample booth for The Great Mac and Chili Challenge, the sister event to Chowdafest that takes place on 11/5, also at Sherwood Island. You'll get a taste of great mac n' cheese and chili. This event has something for all tastes.

Tickets are $20 adults, $5 kids (6-12) and parking is FREE. You can save $5 on every adult ticket if you're a AAA member.

New Show @ Carole Peck's Good News Cafe

Carole Peck's Good News Cafe located on 694 Main Street South in Woodbury is hosting a new art exhibit by Sebastian DiStefano that will run through November 21. DiStefano’s work from the 1960’s to the present includes watercolors, oil on Masonite, and acrylics which depict how he explores color, line, and composition. These paintings, that are the product of five decades of work depict a full expression of the emotional experiences of his life. “I love the elements of painting; it sets my mind in motion where I am seeking the balance even if the piece ends up unbalanced. I don’t speak for my paintings they speak for me.”

Mr. DiStefano was a Waterbury native. He spent his life painting abstract and non-objective art, a medium where he felt most comfortable. Color and balance were two focal areas for him. He was inspired by the Abstract Expressionists and Color Field artists and is also moved by Baroque painters. The incorporation of light and dark contrasts are woven into his works; and, as he painted, he continually turned his pieces around to seek balance. Even in the pieces that appear unbalanced, balance is found. This allows many of his works to be viewed from different perspectives, even though he had seen it in one particular orientation and allowing any owner of his works to hang these pieces from their own perspective.

Mr. DiStefano graduated from the University of Connecticut with a BA in Art and continued his studies at the Tyler School of Art, Temple University. He returned to Waterbury, Connecticut where he stayed the majority of his life until moving to Cheshire. Mr. DiStefano was a true artist and found artwork his expression from within. Rather than being driven to sell his artwork, Mr. DiStefano saw his work as an extension of himself. As a result, this collection remains intact today; as the family states, this show represents the true heart of the artist he was throughout his life. His work has been exhibited at Gallery 53-Meriden Arts and Crafts Association, Sharon Creative Arts Foundation, Mattatuck Community College, The University of North Dakota, the Waterbury Arts Festival, Slater Memorial Museum, Silvermine Guild of Artists, and previously before at Good News Restaurant & Bar.

Carole Pecks is open from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. daily, from 12 noon to 10 p.m. on Sunday and is closed Tuesdays.

Little Red Schoolhouse Opens for Special Tour & Lobsterfest!

Once again this year, the New Canaan Historical Society is hosting it's annual "Lobsterfest" on Sept. 22 and 23   on the grounds of the Historical Society located on 13 Oenoke Road. This event coordinated by the Rotary Club will take place on Friday, Sept. 22 from from 5-8 pm, and on Saturday, September 24 from  12-8 pm.  

Tickets are on sale in the Historical Society office for $35 each. The good news is that for each ticket sold, the Rotary Club will donate $15 to the Historical Society.  If you are not a fan of lobster, chicken dinners will be available as well as a hot dog dinner for kids for $5.

A special opening of the Little Red School House, located on Carter Road will be open on September 23 in conjunction with this event from 1  p.m. to 3 p.m. Visitors and residents will have the opportunity to explore this schoolhouse that was opened in 1868.  This was Connecticut's last operating one-room schoolhouse that closed its doors in 1957.

Physically small, the room centered around the stove, with rows of slanted desks screwed to the wood-plank floor. The desks graduated in size, row by row, with first graders in front and fifth graders in back. Acquired by the Historical Society in 2003, it was

subsequently restored with the help of Society members, non-profit groups, former students and friends.

Celebrating 25 Years of Open Farm Day at Sunny Valley Preserve

Stepping onto The Nature Conservancy's Sunny Valley Preserve on 8 Sunny Valley Lane in New Milford is like stepping back in time. It is a picturesque setting of rustic, working farms that produce fresh, sustainable food for local residents and visitors alike. Once a year, the community and visitors from far and wide join to celebrate this special place during Open Farm Day—an event that is now in its 25th year. It's a Conservancy tradition providing a chance for every member of the community to celebrate conservation and Connecticut's agricultural history—and to see how agriculture will continue to play a role in the state's future.

There is evidence of farming here that stretches back almost a thousand years, and at Open Farm Day, visitors are treated to a host of activities inspired by this history: wool-spinning, maple syrup-making, pumpkin painting and more. Antique and new farm equipment are on display and there's even a petting zoo for children to meet farm animals.

Attractions

This year's Open Farm Day there will be more attractions than ever before, including:

Pony rides
Petting zoo
Border Collie herding demonstrations followed by a meet & greet of the dogs and ducks
Kids "barnyard" where they can collect eggs from chickens and milk a cow
Oxen demos
Sheep-shearing demos
Chainsaw wood carvings
Pumpkin painting
Hayrides
And much more!

Visitors can also hike on trails and learn about nature, land management, and environmentally compatible farming at several observation sites on the property's 1,850 acres of farmland, forests, wetlands and meadows.

About

The land, donated by George D. Pratt Jr. in 1970, was conserved under the condition that the farms be kept in agriculture as long as possible. Today, about 650 acres of the preserve are in active agriculture.

Strut Your Mutt at the Annual Dog Show at Bellamy-Ferriday House

On Saturday, September 23^rd, strut your mutt at the Bellamy-Ferriday House and Garden’s Annual Dog Show. This Fido-festival celebrates dogs of all shapes and sizes- from the well-pedigreed to the well-petted! Join in a variety of canine-related activities, demonstrations & visits from pet-friendly organizations. 

Flaunt your shiny coat on the dog-walk with our Mutt-Strut costume contest, or Strike-a-Paws in the pet photo contest. Boast your moves in the best trick competition; make a run at gold in the BowWow Olympics course and compete for the top spots of King and Queen of the dog show. Be sure to bring your human and lead them in the Pet Look-Alike Parade!

But wait! This event hasn’t completely gone to the dogs- kids are invited too! Kid-friendly crafts, music, and candid canine antics will entertain the whole pack! All this fun takes place from 12-4 pm. The Soroptimist will have food and treats available for purchase.

Admission is $15 registration fee (includes 1 adult & 1 dog); $8 per adult; $5 children; 2 and under are free. In case of inclement weather, a rain date of Sunday, September 24^th is set.

Dogs must be up-to-date on their shots and on a leash. Pre-registration requested call (203) 266-7596 or visit www.ctlandmarks.org for a registration form.

The Bellamy-Ferriday House and Garden is located at: 9 Main Street North, Bethlehem, CT. It is open for tours May through October. For hours and more information, visit htp://www.ctlandmarks.org call (203) 266-7596.

About Connecticut Landmarks

Connecticut Landmarks’ mission is to inspire interest and encourage learning about the American past by preserving selected historic properties, collections and stories and presenting programs that meaningfully engage the public and our communities. 

Torrington House Tour Sept. 23

On September 23, 2017,  from 10 am - 3 pm. the Torrington Historical Society is hosting the  Torrington House Tour that will highlight six historic homes and one garden.  Tickets are $30 in advance and $35 the day of the tour. Tickets may be purchased online at www.torringtonhousetour.org. 

The Torrington House Tour provides a unique opportunity to learn about Torrington’s history and to see how historic homes have been preserved and adapted for the 21st century. The house tour is also designed to highlight positive achievements in the community and increase awareness of the city's heritage.   

The homes and garden that will be open to the public on September 23, 2017 include:

Owen Cummings House located at 251 Crestwood Road 

This Tudor-revival house constructed in 1938 is impressively sited on a large lot with a beautifully landscaped back yard and patio.  The current owners have preserved the home’s exterior charm while adding more living space and a modern kitchen. 

 William Danaher House located at 54 Adelaide Terrace

 This “California-Modern” home was built in 1974.  The open, yet cozy first floor opens onto a patio and inground pool. The house has many original interior details including a double-sided fireplace and cathedral ceiling in the living room.

Hotchkiss-Fyler House located at 192 Main Street

 Built in 1900, this grand Victorian-style home has been operated by the Torrington Historical Society as a house museum since 1956. The home is remarkably well-preserved and is furnished as it was in 1956.

 

William Burns House located at 17 Wilson Avenue

 This house was built ca. 1895 as a clapboard-covered wood frame house.  In 1926 it was totally remodeled according to plans drawn up by noted Torrington architect William E. Hunt and a brick façade was added.  The house retains many of the interior details designed by the architect.

William E. Hunt House located at 59 Wilson Avenue

 This gambrel-roofed home was built in the late 19^th century but was totally remodeled by William E. Hunt when he purchased it in 1920 for his private residence.  The exterior has been restored by the current owners and the interior is well preserved featuring many of the architect’s signature touches. 

First Church Parsonage located at 380 University Drive 

 This historic Greek-Revival style home was constructed as the parsonage for the First Congregational Church in 1845.  The current owners have retained the clapboard exterior and original window sash while adding a new kitchen, large family room and master bedroom suite.

Edmund Wooding House 1845 located at 52 Norfolk Road

GARDENS ONLY

 This historic home is situated on the West Branch of the Naugatuck River.  The gardens are behind the house and along the river.  These formal gardens have a park-like setting with stone walls, boxwood topiary and yews.   The gardens have a European feel and can be enjoyed year-round.

Tour participants can take a shuttle bus or drive their own vehicles. The tour begins at the Chamber of Commerce at 333 Kennedy Drive where participants will receive a program guide and map.  On Friday, September 22^nd a House Tour Preview Party will include a bus tour of the 6 homes from 5-7 p.m. followed by a reception with refreshments and entertainment from 7-9 p.m. 

Last Taste of Summer in Greenwich Sept. 30

The Last Taste of Summer Craft Beer Fest takes place this year at the scenic Roger Sherman Baldwin Park in Greenwich, overlooking Greenwich Harbor on September 30 from 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. The gates will open at 12 noon for VIP ticket holders. Early bird tickets are available online and at the gate on the day of the event.

Festival goers will enjoy a fabulous afternoon with family and friends at this zero-waste, craft beer festival that features brews and pours from over 30 of Connecticut's finest craft breweries, live music, a variety of delicious food, an array of exhibitors, games and activities, making this the perfect finale to the summer craft beer festival season.

Confirmed Brewers include: Armada Brewing, Ballast Point, Charter Oak Brewery, Lock City Brewing Company, New England Cider, New Belgium Brewing, Owls Brew Raddler, Shiner, Spiked Seltzer, Stony Creek, Tito's Vodka, and Thimble Island. It is best to check the website for updated lists of breweries.

Festival goers will not go hungry with a line up of five of the state's top food trucks including Bobby Q's, Cowabunga, Lobster Craft, Melt Mobile, and Wendy's Weenies. To add to the fun, participants will listen to the cool summer sound of Wilton Steel Community Band, blues, funk and rock & roll from The Clams, and Sacred Fire a Santana tribute band. Try your hand at games and activities, visit exhibits and enjoy the picturesque views of Greenwich Harbor. The Last Taste of Summer is the perfect finale for the Summer Craft Beer season.

Parking for this event is free at Island Beach and Horseneck Parking lots, Greenwich Plaza and all street parking in the area. The event is three blocks from Greenwich Metro North Station. Everyone should have a photo ID for admittance and must be 21+ for tastings.