The Sept. 22 meeting was called to order at 7 p.m. at the Wilton Public and Gregg Free Library. Present were Stanley Young, David Potter, Michael Dell’Orto, Corinne Blagbrough, Don Channing, Dan Donovan, and Nancy Clark.
The Treasurer reported that no money had been spent. Two more house plaques have been ordered.
Commission members reflected upon Old Home Days. The Heritage Commission maintained a daily presence in the kiosk shared with the Historical Society and the Conservation Commission. Interested people stopped and looked at the photographs of downtown businesses from the past to the present. Thanks go to David Potter for his excellent presentation of the photographs. Corinne noted that the open Historic Rooms at the library also attracted many visitors.
On the matter of the County Farm Cemetery, Commission members selected a date in October to survey the cemetery site with David Palance, the cemetery expert, who will advise what overgrowth should or should not be removed. (The October outing was cancelled and another date will be decided upon for a November survey party to meet.) It was also decided to send a letter to the County Attorney expressing the Commission’s concern for the state of the cemetery. The hunt for County Farm records continues and the suggestion was made to search the Bureau of Corrections archives. Prisoners were among those in residence at the County Farm.
The building of a small kiosk on Lot 48 was discussed. Information on and photographs of the downtown fires will be the subject of the first display in that kiosk.
Michael is also planning to use the Town Hall gallery space to display photographs of the Whiting House Hotel. He noted he has found an unusual east side view of the hotel.
Corinne produced the paperwork for the Town Hall’s National Register application. This material will be placed in the Historical Society’s collection of documents. The bronze Nat. Reg. plaque has yet to be purchased.
The meeting adjourned at 8 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Nancy Clark, Secretary