For a bit of local history, I decided to go for a walk/drive along Norwich's Benedict Arnold Trail today. With showers in the forecast it seemed best to keep my car close by as I jumped out, running up and down the streets to take photos then hopping back in the car to take cover. On a nice day, this would have been a wonderful walk, and perhaps felt more like a step back in time. The photo above is representative of the type of house Benedict Arnold's family would have owned.
To learn more about Benedict Arnold click here. Click on the photo above to learn more about the history of the houses on the Benedict Arnold Walking Trail, or visit www.walknorwich.org.
There are many beautiful historic homes in the neighborhoods along the trail. Not all are noteworthy, other than aesthetically. I enjoyed looking at all the dates on the houses, finding it fascinating to discover homes from the 1600's and 1700's!
Tailor Thomas William's House circa 1760 is of the Colonial Era
Lathrop Manor is where Benedict Arnold apprenticed in the apothecary shop under the tutelage of Dr. Lathrop. The skills he learned here, later helped him become a successful business man in New Haven. Ironically, it was not Benedict's traitor status that caused him to leave Norwich in shame. It was his father, Captain Arnold's, public drunkenness that caused the family distress. Although Benedict tried to restore the family name, his betrayal during the Revolutionary War undermined his own efforts. Benedict's fame as a traitor has been embraced by the city of Norwich as a way to keep the history of the area alive.
Lathrop Manor
A plaque at the entry to Lowthorpe Meadows explains the name Lathrop comes from their ancestor's birthplace, Lowthorpe, England. The meadows were preserved by the Gilman sisters as a "...free and open space for the public good," in memory of their sister Maria Gilman.
Entry to Lowthorpe Meadows
Lowthorpe Meadows
Built in 1640, the Christopher Huntington house was home to one of Norwich's founders. Christopher and his brother left England to escape religious persecution.
I love the delicate wreath on the door of the Christopher Huntington House
Simon Huntington, Jr. built this tavern in 1690. His father, Simon, Sr., was one of the original 35 founders of the town of Norwich, and was brother to Christopher.
Notice the upturned horseshoe (keeping the good luck in) above the door of the Simon Huntington Jr. home
I love the historic colors of this Georgian style house built in 1771 by Colonel Joshua Huntington
Take a look at the old stone work surrounding this property and on the house
General George Washington ate dinner at the home of Jedediah Huntington in April of 1776, along with Jedediah's father-in-law, Governor John Trumbull.
Originally, this 1790 building was home of the Jesse Brown Tavern. Today it houses the United Community and Family Services (UCFS).
I was drawn to the scroll work on this fence as well as the rounded shapes above the windows
Some day I will write a post that focuses on town greens. Norwich has at least three that I am aware of. This one is across the street from the Visitor Center.
"...Here, almost daily, people assembled to hear the news, make speeches, and encourage each other in the determination to resist all oppression."
The Facebook of yesteryear: A town green where people gathered to learn the news and speak their mind.
Also across from the green, is the administrative offices of the Norwich Public School System. Although not technically part of the tour, I was drawn to the use of brick around the entry and the tower that rises above it.
Norwich Public Schools Administrative Offices
After the house tour, it was time to go in search of the Mohegan Park Rose Garden. Signs directing you can be hard to come by in Norwich, but I knew I was in the right area when I spotted this center divider on Rockwell Street.
Some day I'll write a post on the welcoming quality of well planted and cared for center divider's. This one says, "So happy you stopped by, Welcome!"
August is not the best time to visit this memorial garden. You'll find it in full bloom in June. However, I did find a few flowers and enjoyed walking along the paths, and through the arches.
Mohegan Park Rose Garden
Leffingwell House Museum
Thomas Williams House, 363 Washington St
Lathrop Manor, 380 Washington Streeet
Lowthorpe Meadow, 382 Washington Street
Christopher Huntington House, 410 Washington Street
Samuel Huntington Mansion, 4 E Town Street
Jedediah and Ebenezer Huntington House, 23 E Town Street
Bradford-Huntington House, 16 Huntington Lane
Joseph Strong House, 30 Huntington Lane
Norwichtown Commons
Simon Huntington House, 2 Elm Avenue
Knight/Peck Tavern, 8 Elm Avenue
Daniel Lathrop Schoolhouse, 69 E Town Street
Joseph Carpenter's Siversmith Shop, 71 E Town Street
Jesse Brown Tavern, 77 E Town Street
First Congregational Church
Lord's Tavern, 86 Town Street
Laura S. Pringle is the author of The Pringle Plan, a series of educational guides.
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