This is one of those state signs in every town, village, and "used to have people living here"…read moreplace in Connecticut. Winchester Center is closest to the la as t of those categories. It's very pretty, and people do live there, but if you need a bottle of milk you're driving at least 20 minutes. Anyway, it does warrant itself a sign from the state, titled "Winchester Center, 'The Old Society'" and reads: The first ecclesiastical society of Winchester was incorporated by the central assembly of the colony of Connecticut at its May session, 1768. The following year, a small, low, steeple-roofed building was erected for a meeting house about 7/10 of a mile south of the present Winchester Center Green;a rough granite post marks the site. The first census of the colony, taken in 1756, has 24 as the population of the entire town of Winchester. The next census, taken in 1774, shows 327 whites, 12 blacks. The Congregational Church was formed October 30, 1771, with 14 members. Only five years after the erection of the first house of worship, a committee was sent from the county court at Litchfield "to pitch the stakes" for a meeting house at the 'center'. On October 11, 1785, Dr. Josiah Everett deeded to the society for the sum of 1 £, 16s and 3d "lawful money" for a certain piece of land containing 56 1/2 rods "to build a meeting house on for divine worship, and for a suitable green around the same." In 1786 a new edifice was erected on this Green. The whipping post and stocks, those indispensable pillars of New England law and order, stood nearby on the green. The post served also for the posting of public notices. The third church, Greek revival with a Doric portico and facade of matched boards, was erected in 1841. Just north of the green, land was provided by 'Squire' Issac Bronson; with the stipulation that no building was ever again to be erected on the green. Our father's built shelter for their families and stock, then the church of God, then the school house. The early records of the town do not contain any accounts of building the first public schoolhouse. However, there is no doubt such buildings were erected. The 'chapel', across Winchester road from the church, began its existence as 'the Academy' finances by a group of investors "who purchased rights payable in higher education for their children." The Winchester institute (which stood some 700 north of the center green) a commodious seminary building opened in 1858 as a boarding and day school. It was the seat of learning for such great men as Dr. Fredrick S. Dennis and Dr. William H Welch (the latter discovered "ether"); after use as a seminary it became The Hill View Inn (destroyed by fire in 1929). The center had at one time two country stores, the Bronson Bros at the north side of the Green and S&L Hurlbut on Newfield Road. The latter building was acquired in 1895 by the Winchester Grange. Fire destroyed it in 1951 and the present grange hall was its replacement. The Winchester Center cemetery, acquired Mar. 16 1773 and the Hurlbut family cemetery are on South road, about a mile south east. The Danbury Courier cemetery is on Benedict road part of the original Winchester Center Settlement. You can park across from the sign near the Grange hall, and dash across and see it. The sign itself is on a small triangle of land, and you'll undoubtedly be in the way of cars if you try to park there.

The sign of Morris is in a good location - it's right in front of ye olde Mill School and ye olde…read moreTown Hall ("ye olde" mine). No idea if they're ever open to the public; not only is this being written in the times of Covid, there's currently a lot of snow blocking their doors. However, in less winter times, the sign is located next to Popeys Ice Cream so one could even wander over while waiting for their food, instead of waiting in the way in the lobby, during a pandemic. Just a suggestion. The sign is a little hard to read and can benefit from a touch up.

Morris history nuggets…read more Ever hear of the Pootatuck Indians? They used to own this land. Morris was twice denied recognition as a town. When it was finally granted township in 1859, its population was under 800. Its namesake -James Morris was a pioneer in the principle of co-education. This is a two-sided marker from the CT Historical Commission in the familiar white lettering on a blue background. It's located across the street from the Morris Volunteer Fire Department on the grounds of the Morris Historical Society. The marker was dedicated in 1974. It's front side is somewhat faded, but it's reverse side is in very poor shape with even worse fading and peeling. The full inscription reads: Originally called South Farms, this area was settled in the 1720's as part of the frontier town of Litchfield. The land was surveyed by Captain John Marsh in 1715 and was purchased for fifteen pounds from the Bantam tribe of the friendly Pootatuck Indians by a committee from Hartford and Windsor. South Farms built its first school in 1747; the first church, Congregational, in 1764; and established its first cemetery in 1748. The earliest library was opened in 1785. The boundaries of South Farms were defined in 1767 when the Ecclesiastical Society was incorporated with seventy families. Although chiefly agricultural, South Farms built saw mills and grist mills on its rivers, had several small industries and stores, and developed a summer resort business on Bantam Lake. Twice, in 1786 and 1810, the South Farms Society applied unsuccessfully for status as a separate town. In 1859 the South Farms Society petitioned the Connecticut General Assembly, stating that South Farms "... is in fact a separate and distinct community having little or no connection by its situation and business interest with the northern portion of said town of Litchfield." The petition, signed by 138 electors, was granted, and the Town of Morris was incorporated in June, 1859. It had an area, later increased, of 10,464 acres and a population of 769. The first town meeting was held June 27, 1859. In 1861 the first town hall was built, now serving as the Morris Historical Museum. The town was named in honor of James Morris (1752 - 1820), Yale graduate, Revolutionary War captain, selectman, and member of the General Assembly. He was best known as the founder and first principal of the Morris Academy. A pioneer in coeducation, the Academy (1790 - 1888) attracted students from nearly every state and many foreign countries. Erected by the Town of Morris and the Connecticut Historical Commission 1974

The tiny town of Warren, CT sent 43 men to fight in the Revolutionary War. It was named after…read moreGeneral Warren, a hero of that war who was slain at the Battle of Bunker Hill. The Warren Historical Marker spotlights that connection to America's War for Independence and the value the town placed on education and the world of academia. It's a two-sided marker from the CT Historical Commission with the familiar white lettering on a blue background. You'll see it on a grassy stretch of land more or less across the street from Town Hall. The sign dates to 1980, and its condition shows some signs of wear and tear -staining, fading, and peeling, especially on the front side. Side two is in pretty good condition. The full inscription reads: This area was settled in 1737 as part of the Town of Kent. A separate ecclesiastical society called the Society of East Greenwich, established in 1750, led to the founding of a church in 1756 and a separate town in 1786. It was named in honor of General Joseph Warren, hero of the Revolutionary War, who was slain in the battle of Bunker Hill. In the first century and a half of its life, Warren not only sent forty-three of its men into that war but later, even though engaged mainly in farming, the Town became known as an educational center. Five private schools and academies produced fifteen ministers and educators. Among them were Charles G. Finney, revivalist and president of Oberlin College 1851-1866, and Julian M. Sturtevant, minister and president of Illinois College 1844-1876. During a half century commencing in 1772, more than 2837 Warren emigrants took part in settling new territories to the north and west. The population of the town had increased to approximately 1100 by the year 1810 but decreased to a low of 303 in 1930 with the decline of agriculture and the local iron industry. Subsequent regrowth to 990 by 1979 was based on residential development and recreational features including Lake Waramaug, several inns, and a state park and forest. In 1963 Warren resident Eric Sloane, well-known American artist and author, revived countrywide the custom of celebrating our nation's independence by the simultaneous ringing of bells on July 4th. The focal point of the revival was the bell in the steeple of the Warren Congregational Church. The old one-room brick schoolhouse, built in 1784, was in continuous use for 140 years. In 1968 it was presented to the Town by Frank Reinhold. The Brick School and the Warren Academy have been restored and furnished with authentic articles of an earlier time, and are open by appointment for public visitation. Erected by the Town of Warren the Warren Historical Society and the Connecticut Historical Commission 1980

Town Bridge is located in Canton, CT and is a historic one lane truss bridge, built in 1895. The…read moreroad is called Town Bridge Road and it goes over the Farmington River. This pin connected Parker truss bridge is one of two left in the state of Connecticut. There were about 100 built by the Berlin Iron Bridge Company; the company was known for building iron bridges at that time. Prior to this bridge being built, a wooden bridge was in its place. The price to build it was $8,500 in 1895. Also at that time, there were only 300 automobiles in the United States. Aside from automobiles, horses and wagons would frequently cross it. Town of Canton had approximately 2,500 residents and 4 automobiles. The bridge is located in a rural neighborhood. During its life span, it has been through hurricanes, snowstorms, and floods. In modern times, it was removed via crane in 2019 for major rehabilitation and reinforcement. After it was painted, it was placed back via a crane in late 2021. After touch ups and paving, there was a ribbon cutting; people with antique automobiles were the first to drive across the newly rehabbed bridge. In the end, this historic bridge is well loved by the community and has served its purposes for over a century; after some setbacks, it seems it will continue to serve its purpose for future generations. I think this landmark is a rare New England gem and a symbol of resilience.

This two-sided marker from the CT Historical Commission has the familiar white lettering on a blue…read morebackground. It's located in front of Farmington Town Hall at the intersection of Montieth Drive and Farmington Avenue (Route 4). The marker tells the story of Farmington's history, starting with the CT General Court's 1640 initiative to investigate settlement areas west of Hartford. They chose to settle by the Tunxis River and the settlement became known as Tunxis. The settlement became Farmington, and it grew to over 225 square miles. By 1775, it had grown to become the second largest town in CT. Farmington was very active in the Revolutionary War. How active? Well, a company from Farmington marched to Boston to fight for the colonies after the shootings at Lexington and Concord. George Washington himself traveled through town, and Rochambeau's troops camped here on their way to Yorktown. The plaque's description of the town ends with a nod toward it's beautiful homes, it's museums and schools. The plaque was erected by the Town of Farmington, the Farmington Historical Society, and the Connecticut Historical Commission in 1981. The marker is in great shape with the crisp white lettering and blue background in very good condition. The marker itself is placed in a pretty setting on the town green in front of Farmington's Town Hall.

On the Litchfield Town Green stand four stone monuments honoring its citizens who served in…read moreAmerica's 20th century wars. There are single sided monuments for the vets of World War One, Korea, and Vietnam. The World War Two monument is two-sided. The respective inscriptions on each plaque precede the honor roll of names. Names with an asterisk were killed in the war The simple inscriptions read: In Honor Of The Men Of Litchfield Who Rendered Service In The World War 1917 - 1919 In Honor Of Those From Litchfield Who Served In World War II 1941 - 1947 In Honor Of Those From Litchfield Who Served In Korean War 1950 - 1955 In Honor Of Those From Litchfield Who Served In Vietnam War 1964 - 1975 There are about 900 names on these plaques -all Litchfield citizens who served their country across the decades of the 20th century. On the other side of the green is a monument that goes even further back in history -back to the Civil War The monuments are in excellent shape with small American flags around their bases. There is a large flagpole and cannon on the green overlooking the monuments. It's a lovely and understated tribute to the patriots of this small New England town.

The impressive memorial monument is located at the front entrance of the Main Fire Station in…read moreSimsbury. It has a small hexagonal top connected to a larger hexagonal base via six columns -it has the look of a cupola. Each of the upper panels is inscribed with the name of the six fire stations in Simsbury. There is a bronze fireman's hat on top and a silver fire bell below. The monument honors one firefighter in particular, and all deceased firemen from Simsbury. The monument's bronze plaque reads: "Frank R. Bradley Memorial In April of 1944, seventeen men stepped forward to form what would become the Simsbury Volunteer Fire Company. Frank Bradley was one of those original seventeen. In June of that year the Simsbury Fire District was created, followed closely by the creation of the Simsbury Volunteer Fire Company with the joint responsibility to provide fire protection for the residents of Simsbury. On July 6th, 1944, Frank Bradley, his wife Helen, and their two young daughters were attending the matinee performance of the Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus in Hartford, CT. Shortly after the show started, fire erupted across the big top. In a matter of seconds, mass panic erupted as the spectators stormed towards the exits in all directions. Tragically, Frank and Helen Bradley became separated from their two daughters. Neither of the parents would emerge from the big top alive. Frank Bradley, that day, became the first deceased member of the Simsbury Volunteer Fire Company. It is in his name that Simsbury Volunteer Fire Company honors all of our deceased members who have served the community with dedications and pride." Many of the bricks surrounding the monument have been inscribed with the names of Simsbury's deceased firefighters. In front of the monument there is a plaque fastened into the bricks. The plaque's contains the Simsbury Volunteer Fire Sept crest and it's inscription reads: In The Line Of Duty Inscribed Here Are The Names Of Those Who Have Died In Serves To Their Community Lt. Richard F. Kelleher November 6, 1981

Similar in design and execution to other Civil War memorials in the north, this one is located in…read moreEast End Park. The park had been a military parade ground a century ago, making this an apt placement. Summarized from https://chs.org/finding_aides/ransom/132.htm... The memorial was dedicated on May 30, 1905. The original donor, Charles H. Pine (1845-1915) was present. At the age of 16, he served as a drummer in the 19th Connecticut Volunteers and served for three years. The memorial is 27 feet tall and features a soldier in greatcoat and cap, leaning on his upturned rifle. It could be said he is staring off into the distance at those who did not come home from the war. The inscriptions read... 1904 For The Dead A Tribute - For The Living A Memory - For Posterity An Emblem Of Loyalty To The Flag Of Their Country. On the north side... The Gift Of Charles B. Pine In honor of the patriotism and to perpetuate the memory of these 368 brave men who went forth from this town from 1861 to 1865 and periled their all that the nation might live this monument has been erected that all who come after them may be mindful of their deeds and fail not in the day of trial to emulate their example On the column, the battles where they fought... Petersburg * Antietam * Port Hudson * Cold Harbor There is parking along the street next to the park. [Review 1692 of 2024 - 96 in Connecticut - 22715 overall]

This simple and modest World War Two monument is located in the town green where Main Street (Route…read more44) intersects with Park Place (Route 8). The green is a busy place, with all sorts of other markers, monuments, and memorials everywhere. It's a 2-sided marker that on one side honors the 1,551 Winchester citizens that served in the Second World War. The other side honors the 39 from Winchester that were killed in the war The inscriptions read: Dedicated To Those Veterans of W W II Who Paid The Ultimate Price For Freedom In Memory Of The 1551 Men & Women From Winchester Who Served In W W II The statue was dedicated on May 29, 2000. The memorial is a lot smaller than some of the other WW II memorials I have seen. It's also a lot less flashy. It's probably exactly what most members of the Greatest Generation would have wanted.