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Who We Are The Weston Historical Society was formed in 1961. It already held a substantial backlog of history to investigate, record and preserve. It was in 1671 that the forest land which is now Weston was marked off in long narrow divisions called "long lots" by the early settlers of New Fairfield on the Sound. Weston officially became a town in 1787. Before that it was known as Norfield Parish and at that time what has become Easton and Weston was one area, but because of geographical and transportation problems of the day had difficulty functioning as a community. The region was primarily devoted to farming but water power from the several branches of the Saugatuck River were soon put to use for driving grist mills, saw mills and, in the 1800s, for small industrial uses. Weston's Historical Society saw the rapid changes taking place and concluded that positive action was needed to preserve articles and records so that both present and future generations could be aware of the town's heritage. As a result, it has been active on many individual projects directed at "Preserving the Past for the Benefit of the Future." Barn Museum The first major program was acquiring and remodeling of an early working farm barn to house the gifts and acquisitions which flowed to the Society. Today this is valued collection of early farm tools, furnishings, papers, clothing and records depicting how the early residents lived and made an often precarious livelihood. It is housed in the Barn Museum located on Weston Road. It is open at published times or by appointment for groups such as school children or interested adults. Open House at the Museum frequently includes demonstrations of craft work such as weaving, spinning, or caning of chairs. Meetings The Society holds periodic meetings for its members and guests at which talks and demonstrations related to local or area history are presented. Coley House: Home of the In 1983 Mrs. Cleora Coley gifted her home at 104 Weston Road in memory of her late husband James Sturges Coley to the Weston Historical Society. In 1986, in preparation for the town's Bicentennial, The Weston Young Woman's Club approached the Society to help fix up the house. With the help of the Woman's Club and members of the Society, new wallpaper was hung and new paint was applied. Later a committee, headed by Pat McLaughlin, took old pieces from the homestead, as well as donated pieces, and decorated the interior four rooms to resemble an 1850s farmhouse. The Coley House is located at 104 Weston Road. For more information about the Weston Historical Society and its programs write to PO Box 1092, Weston, CT 06883, call 203-226-1804 or email westonhistoricalsociety@msn.com. |
