Southbury Hosts 350th Anniversary History Walk

Press release via Town of Southbury

SOUTHBURY, CT – On Saturday, October 7th two events celebrating the history of the Town of Southbury will be held back-to-back, organized by the Southbury Land Trust, Southbury Historical Society, and Southbury 350th Anniversary Steering Committee. From 9AM to 11AM a guided History Walk along an ancient pathway will take place beginning at Phillips Farm, followed by a large celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the Southbury Land Trust owning the Phillips-Lovdal Farm Preserve on Sanford Road from 11AM to 3PM. Both events are free and open to the public, with no registration required or limits to attendance. The rain date is Sunday, October 8th.

Have you ever wondered what it was like here in Southbury before we had paved roads and highways, or the railroad? How did folks get around? How did they reach each other to visit or conduct trade? Were our relationships with the Native Americans friendly? What was life like in general? Well, if you are interested in learning the answers to these questions and more about the subjects, please come and join members of the Southbury Land Trust and the Southbury Historical Society, and others, for the next installment of our History Walk series, which is a part of the overall 350th Anniversary Celebration of Southbury’s existence this year!

Please come and join your hosts Joe Ruggiero, Executive Director of the Southbury Land Trust, John Dwyer, our Town Historian, and special guest, Pete Rzasa, as they guide you on a walk along an ancient pathway here in Southbury that provided one of the first routes between the Southbury wilderness and civilization in the late 17th Century. Learn about the old Southbury families, like the Osbornes, Phillips, Stiles, and the Stowe's; early local industrial pursuits; find out what a Melonhead was; and visit a historic stone arch bridge along our way! Take a walk through time, and learn as you go with this fun, outdoor community event.

Following the History Walk will be a large celebration of the 20th Anniversary of the Southbury Land Trust conserving the Phillips-Lovdal Farm Preserve, located at 400 Sanford Road. The grounds will open to the public at 10AM, with entertainment beginning at 10:30AM. Don’t miss: The Farm to Heart Petting Zoo sponsored by Mitchell Oil Company, Vintage Tractors sponsored by Jeff Manville & Family, Bonnie Jacobson Trio sponsored by The Bennett Family of Companies. Other highlights include: Farm hikes, Phillips Farm Preserve Barn Quilt unveiling with Southford Falls Quilt Guild, George’s History Barn, Old-fashioned children’s games, Farm Barn Cornhole, Pumpkin Painting, Face painting, Photo ops and more! We have a lot to celebrate and be thankful for in Southbury, please come and join us and be a part of it. We do ask that no pets, including dogs, be brought to the property this day.

Details on both events may be found on the Town website at: https://www.southbury-ct.org/350 and see the schedule is at www.southburylandtrust.org.