Avon Historical Society Hosting Second Great Photo Hunt

The Avon Historical Society, in conjunction with the Marian Hunter Local History Room of the Avon Free Public Library, 281 Country Club Road, Avon, invites residents of the Farmington Valley to donate old photos of Avon during its second “Great Photo Hunt” on Friday, Oct. 16 from 1-4 p.m. at the library at 281 Country Club Road, Avon.

The Society is seeking to expand its collection of “Avon specific” photographs of people, places and things from Avon over the past 100+ years. Of particular interest are images of remnants of the Farmington Canal, local farms, mills, industry, Cherry Park fairground, schools, people, stores and shops, gas stations, homes of all ages, office buildings, little league games, scouting events (camps), local parades, parks, open spaces, etc. Anything up to the present, including the last 40 years, is encouraged and welcomed. However, the older the photos the better as those images are disappearing from our landscape!

The Society and Library have photos stored away in archival boxes and files in the History Room that are reviewed from time to time when the public requests research information. Many times those requests include photographs, letters, account books, ledgers, etc. in order to add to the information obtained. We would like to add to this collection as we frequently receive requests for information about the town, residents, buildings and land.

Donors will be asked to sign a gift form for original photos. If the owner prefers not to donate originals they can ask to have copies or scans done. History Room volunteers, and other local historians, will be on hand to help identify photos if needed. If a donor cannot attend this event, but has photos to donate, please contact the Avon Historical Society at 860-678-7621 and someone will be in touch to arrange another time to view them.

In addition, the current exhibit “A Canal Runs Through It: Faith, Commerce and Education in Old Avon Center” will be on display through October. It contains many old photos, postcards, pictures, old yearbooks, etc. of the center of Avon from the time of the Farmington Canal (1828-1849) through to present day with much emphasis on the Avon Congregational Church, the Canal, the Railroad and the two Towpath Schools which are all part of the history of Avon Center.

For more information on the Avon Historical Society, visit: www.avonhistoricalsociety.org For more information on the Marian Hunter Local History Room visit: http://www.avonctlibrary.info/MarianHunterHistoryRoom.html.