Thursday, March 10, 2016

Researching Historic Homes

I have posted only two things since last fall. That's because I've been busy doing research on three historic houses I lived in from 1974 to 1986.

I was asked to write the stories and memories of when I lived in each of these houses...and I did. Then I realized it was a piece of trash! My stories were full of I think, I was told, and I assume. Since my intention was to give these stories to the East Windsor (CT) Historical Society I had to have facts. 

And so it started.

I needed to know for sure when each house was built, confirm the builder and anything else of historical significance I could dig up. One house was built in 1835; another in 1672; and the third was built in the early to mid-1800s.

My search started at the Town Clerk's office; then across the hall to the Assessor's office. From there I scoured old tax records at the Historical Society as well as old books and the oral histories others had written. My search also led me to the folks at the Windsor (CT) Historical Society. All along the way, everyone who aided me in my search was so gracious and helpful. It didn't matter that I had never done anything like this before; everyone just wanted to help.

This project kept me occupied from October 2015 to February 2016. It's finished and the East Windsor Historical Society has their copy. I thoroughly enjoyed this challenge.

Now that the weather is getting better, and getting better earlier than usual, I'm itching to get out into my gardens and back out on the bike paths. 


I expect you'll be reading my musings on a more regular basis. Until next time...


Willimantic (CT) Multi-Use Trails

Back in November 2015, Peter Marteka (Hartford Courant columnist) wrote, “By next spring, two popular multiuse trails ... the Hop River and Air Line trails—will link together along a series of asphalt paths snaking along the Willimantic River.”

The greater part of both trails is compact stone dust, which makes for a fairly good bike ride and is good for equestrian travel (although I wish the horses would have their own path). This new section is paved.

I went out to Willimantic today (Thursday, March 10, 2016) to see what these trails look like. I wish I had my bike with me! It was a humid mid-70s and perfect for a ride. All I was able to observe was the beginning and end of the Hop River section.

In May, I will start at Mackey’s on Columbia Ave. and ride toward the terminus at Bridge St. Now that’s not going to be a very long ride, but along the way the trail splits (I’m told) where it joins the Air Line Trail. Who knows how far I’ll go? Truth be told…not far. It won’t be more than a 20-mile round trip.

The ride will be significant, however. I will be celebrating my 80th birthday.

Here are the photos I took today:
Nice parking area next to this business, 249 Columbia Ave., Willimantic.
Best place to start your ride.

This is the beginning of the new section.

A view of the Willimantic River. The trail parallels the river. 

Another view of the river.

How's this for a bike path? The new wood smells so good.

I hope it holds!

Good to know!

This is the Bridge Street end which, basically, is the end...of the new section at least.