Community Corner
Avon Historical Society Celebrates 50 Years
Incorporated in January 1974, the society is planning a year's worth of events, starting with a special artifact exhibit in the library.
Avon Historical Society
AVON, CT — The new year is a very big one for the large, local organization dedicated to preserving and promoting the town's rich history.
With the onset of 2024, the Avon Historical Society is now 50 years old this year.
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To begin a year-long celebration of special events, it has installed an exhibit of a select few artifacts, from its collection of over 700, in the display cases of the History Corner of the Avon Free Public Library, 281 Country Club Road, Avon.
On Dec. 31, 1973, eight society members penned their names to the first "Articles
of Incorporation" for filing with the Connecticut Secretary of the State: Norman C.
Southergill, Diana Royce, Mary C. and George L. Leger, Marian M. Hunter, Mary Soule
Jones, William M. Wiepert, and Irena D. Osborn.
Find out what's happening in Avonfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
The articles were accepted on Jan. 4, 1974.
"It was their collective wish that this organization grow and thrive as the country’s Bicentennial was just two years away in 1976," wrote the historical society recently.
"Now, just two years from the Semiquincentennial (250th) of the country in 2026, they have an updated logo with the words 'since 1974' to remind everyone of the commitment to the history of the Town of Avon through the Avon Historical Society."
The exhibit highlight is a recently conserved silk dress, the oldest textile in the collection, used on Feb. 5, 1794, for a wedding in Northington (original name of Avon when it was part of Farmington) of Comfort Peck to Jesse Wilcox.
That actual dress is joined by several other artifacts from various eras of Avon's existence.
As events for the Avon Historical Society’s 50th anniversary are planned, the public will be invited to participate.
Meanwhile, volunteers are always welcome to help with any aspect of the society’s activities.
To volunteer or join the Avon Historical Society, leave a message at: 860-678-7621 or via e-mail at info@avonhistoricalsociety.org.
For more information on the Avon Historical Society and its activities, click on this link.
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