From Rugged Road to Addled Artery

Believe it or not, Route 7 has always been a busy, well-trafficked work in progress; so when you're late for work, stuck for an eternity at a congested stoplight, shaking your fist in a rage? Well, know that the Siwanog Indians did the same thing some 200 years ago.

Okay, not exactly. But with the opening of the Route 7 History Project at the Wilton Historical Society, you can see tangible proof of the road's hectic, humming history.

"We wanted to show the story of change of Route 7," said Curator Andrea Wulffleff. "We wanted to convey that the change goes back much further than people think... in some ways, it's always been crowded."

Through three rooms of maps and historical snippets and a gallery of well over 100 pictures that document residences and construction along Wilton's main artery, the project offers a visual trip through the town's yesteryear. And it's equally entertaining for adults and children, alike.

"We wanted to spark a dialogue and have people share their memories," Wulffleff said. "It's probably the most fun exhibit we've put together in a while because you can relate to it. I think it's fun for kids, too, because it helps them know about the world before they were here."

The exhibit is also notable because it was quite inexpensive to set up, considering the pictures are all part of the Historical Society's archive, which is usually housed in the Wilton History Room at the library.

"We wanted to be mindful of the economy and keep costs low," Wulffleff added. "And it's important to use what's in our collection. The whole thing didn't cost more than a few hundred dollars... the most expensive thing was probably spending $30 to get the lettering over the fireplace done, but that was worth it. It looks great."

But don't let the low cost fool you. There are some interesting pieces here, especially for those who want to refresh the visions in their head of Wilton as it was years ago. 

While you're there, you might take one of the guided tours of the fourteen period rooms, complete with a cotton gin and a true feather bed. The whole visit only costs a requested donation of $5 and children and Society members get in for free.

The exhibit will run until Nov. 1. For more information, visit the Society's Web site, listed below.