Farmington, CT

On Saturday, September 27, 2008, the Stanley-Whitman House will hold its annual "Ye Olde Publick Fair" from 11 AM to 4 PM at 37 High Street in Farmington Village.

The Stanley-Whitman House is a National Historic Landmark--- the oldest house from a time when Farmington was a true farming community raising Indian corn, tending sheep and cattle, and hunting and fishing alongside the native Tunxis Indians--- ca 1720.

Built by Deacon John Stanley, the house is an example of traditional New England construction with its central chimney, overhanging upper level, and pendant drops. A lean-to, added later in the 1700's, brings a saltbox shape.

Opened as a museum in 1935, Colonial history comes alive at the Stanley-Whitman House where a visitor can become part of the everyday life of the families who once lived there. Period gardens greet the visitors--- lovingly cared and tended by the Dooryard Garden Society, a volunteer team of dedicated individuals who maintain the gardens:

• 17th Century English Settler's Garden, representing the earliest gardens of Farmington, beginning in 1640
• 18th Century Dooryard Garden, representing later gardens providing food, herbs, medicines, and dyes needed by the Colonial family

Master gardener, Colleen Goldstein, catalogs and oversees dozens of plants.

Guided tours led by costumed teachers are offered for the gardens and the inside of the home. Contact Marie Charest, Director of Education and Interpretation, for more information. Group tours, including Lunch at the Whitman Tavern, Open Hearth Cooking Demonstrations, and Guided Walking Tours of Historic Farmington, are also available. Stanley-Whitman House: 860-677-9222.

Inside the home, visitors can experience the kitchen, the buttery, the weaving room, and bedrooms. Art pieces are shown in two galleries of changing exhibits, and visitors can learn about life in the colonial period by lecture or event. Events planned for the autumn season include:

• A Ghost Walk in Farmington's ancient burying ground, Memento Mori, on October 25th
• Candlelight Tours of the 1720 Historic Home decorated for the holidays on December 6th
• "The Witchcraft Trial of Mary Barnes" in January, 2009

Lectures and workshops on metalsmithing, antique furniture, soapmaking, and cooking promise to educate and entertain young and old alike. Contact executive director, Lisa Johnson, at 860-677-9222 for complete details of events and museum membership.

This month,

Bring the whole family to the Publick Fair on September 27th, and visit with costumed villagers, play games, and enjoy the farm animals and craftsmen.

• Listen to troubadour Tom Hanford, Local Heritage musician, play period 18th Century music.
• Watch Ye Olde Lebanon Town Militia reenact marches and drills.
• Join the soldiers' families in camp life.
• Tour the Stanley-Whitman House in between pie-eating contests and sack races.

Go back to days gone by. Celebrate the harvest. Prepare for the winter season as families did 250 years ago. Be thankful for the beauty, charm, and history of the town we know as Farmington, Connecticut.

"See you at the Fair!"

Stanley-Whitman House

37 High Street, Farmington, Connecticut

September 27, 2008

11 AM - 4 PM

National Historic Landmark since 1961

Welcome to my neighborhood! Farmington, Connecticut -- Let's go back in time.

It's early in the 19th Century.

Because the towns of Hartford and Middletown were near the Connecticut River, they flourished because they could sell and exchange products easily throughout interior Connecticut by utilizing the waterways. And New Haven could trade with the world because it was a seaport.

But, at that time, it was difficult to get those goods over land and into the towns to the north.

And so, The Farmington Canal was built as a connector between the interior towns and New Haven. It went north-- 4 feet deep, and 20 feet wide, for 80 miles-- all the way to Massachusetts. It took 3 years to construct the leg of the canal going to Farmington, and then, another 7 years to dig out the canal up to Northhampton, Mass. A massive feat, it included the construction of aqueducts necessary to cross the Farmington River.

Problems of land acquisition, wetland disturbances, erosion, and winter weather caused lawsuits and troubles. However, the canal was useful for community growth. Locks were built to keep the boats afloat, and horses provided the power. Goods traveled from town to town.

Eventually, the canal was substituted with a railroad that ran more smoothly and regularly.

Today, those tracks are gone, and yet, the path remains. Followed by hikers and bicyclists, the Farmington Canal is managed by organizations dedicated to public awareness and restoration, such as the Farmington Land Trust.

The Rails to Trails program has been successful and welcome by neighbors and visitors alike. So when you're in Connecticut, come and join us. Enjoy the nature and beauty of historic, charming Farmington. Go to the corner of Aqueduct Lane and Waterville Roads. One of Connecticut's finest places.

And for one of Farmington's finest homes, drive by 41 Stonefield Road, Farmington. Available for sale today!

Virtual tour: http://www.vrguild.net/c/stnd.pl?U=0805021527240660