Mystic & Noank Library Winner Of The Eighth Wonder Of Mystic

The hands-down winner for the title of the 8th Wonder of Mystic was the . The historic library received 51.75 percent of the vote. A total of 114 people cast their votes and many of you posted comments. 

I only counted votes in the actual poll, as it was impossible to tell if a vote would be counted twice, but I enjoyed reading all of the reasons for why something should be a wonder and learning even more about Mystic. The criteria for being “Wonder” was: free to view on the outside, open year-round, and in Mystic’s Zip code of 06355.

The contenders of for the 8th Wonder and the number of votes received:

Mystic & Noank Library: with its ornate architecture that includes a second floor vaulted ceiling designed like a ship’s keel, a comfy window seat, oriental carpets and an ongoing group puzzle. 59 votes

“Captain’s Row”: the 19th century Greek revival homes along Mystic River (one former owner built coffins in the basement, another housed the Underground Railroad, and one broke sailing records). 13 votes.

Old goose named Gloria at Olde Mistick Village: the regal yet cranky, arthritic goose that has been reigning over the duck pond since the mid-1980s. 12 votes.

Mystic River Railroad Bridge: the swing bridge that opens for boats. 10 votes.

Mystic Waterfront Views: 19th century buildings lining both shores. 10 votes.

Denison Homestead: built in 1717 and continuously owned for three centuries by the same family (admission charged to enter). 2 votes.

Mystic River’s Art Trail: my term for the several art galleries from the Maritime Gallery at Mystic Seaport to the Mystic Arts Center on Water Street. 2 votes.

Write In Votes:

The Peace Sanctuary: 1 vote.

The colors of fall: 1 vote.

Mystic Waterfront: 1 vote.

John’s café – the local’s flavor: 1 vote.

Portersville Academy, the 1839 schoolhouse 1 vote.

The Seahorse in Noank: 1 vote, but unfortunately not part of the Zip code, so disqualified

If you would like to visit the Mystic & Noank Library to see why they won and to congratulate its very friendly staff, the library is open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Make sure you check out the ceiling on the second floor.

Thank you for voting on Mystic’s 8th Wonder—and as a newcomer to Mystic, thanks for making me feel so welcome here.  I enjoyed reading your comments under my article during the vote. Your enthusiasm and cheer was in keeping of how I feel when I stroll through Mystic with my beagle/basset hound, Bailey. It never ceases to amaze me how strangers here wave hello to each other. I agree with many of you who commented on my “.”

On Monday, Jan. 31, at 6:30 p.m. I will host a “Writer’s Open Mike,” at the Mystic & Noank Library. I will present the back story to one of Mystic’s wonders and other local writers will read their work as well. All writers of any “family-friendly” genre are welcome to present their work. To register to read your work, e-mail me at saundersbooks@aol.com. The first 25 to register will be given three minutes to read.