View From the Green
Unprecedented Opportunity in Norfolk
By Colleen Gundlach
It is likely that the 43 families who were living in Norfolk at the time of its incorporation back in 1758 would be very pleased to see our town 250 years later. At their first town meeting, on December 12, 1758, residents had much organizing to do. Today we as voters agonize over the choices we are presented at election time, but these early townsfolk had “thirty town offices to be filled from among the 44 voters present,” according to James H. Potter in his “History, Church of Christ, Norfolk.” Imagine, 44 voters present at a town meeting, and only 43 families in town. Those early settlers put us to shame in terms of performing their civic duty.
Potter goes on to report that, in addition to the usual offices that we moderns discuss at voting time, the early Norfolk town meetings had to appoint such positions as fence viewers, thything men, leather sealers, and “to procure the preaching of ye Gospel in said Norfolk.” (To me, that’s an indication of the real intent of our forefathers concerning separation of church and state, but pardon my digression.)
Eighty-six years later, in December of 1844, a Norfolk town meeting appointed Amos Pettibone, Michael F. Mills, and Darius Phelps to deliver a Centennial Address to the people of Norfolk. This event celebrated the centennial of the town’s settlement in 1744, rather than its incorporation in 1758.
Of the bicentennial celebration in 1944 we have a bit more information. The committee consisted of Edward C. Farrington, Seth G. Brown, Phillip E. Curtiss, George J. Dyer, Michael W. Dillon, Rev. James H. Potter, Abel I. Smith, and Robbins B. Stoeckel. Their charge was to organize a two day event to commemorate Norfolk’s incorporation. According to the program of the bicentennial celebration, a community-wide party was held on Village Green on Saturday, July 5, 1944, with a band concert and “an address by Mr. Edward R. Stevens, a member of one of Norfolk’s oldest families and a devoted historian of the town.”
On Sunday, special services at the “usual church hours” were held at all three Norfolk churches. All seems quite tame by today’s standards.
Not so in the summer of 2008. This year we will see a completely unprecedented celebration in Norfolk’s history. Never before has the town opened itself up to so much activity and fellowship at one time. The celebration planned by the 250th anniversary committee is expected to attract not only Norfolkians, but many “outsiders” as well. Norfolk is going to be bustling and active all summer. What an amazing opportunity to promote our town.
With the influx of people, our merchants and other businesses have the opportunity to let people know they are here. From stores in the center of town to landscapers, to real estate agents, artists, and every other trade, Norfolk people have a chance to show off their talents. In addition, visitors will be able to experience the things that make our residents love the town, including, but not limited to, cultural venues such as the Norfolk Library and Yale Music School as well as a block party that will bring neighbors and friends together to enjoy spending time together.
Take a look at page ___________of this issue where we have listed all planned 250th anniversary activities of which we at Norfolk Now have been made aware. It’s not too late to add to that list. Make your plans now. It’s our chance to shine and to show the world why Norfolk is the number one small town in Connecticut.
