My second day of Walktober events was a walking tour of an historic section of Norwich. This is Bohemian Norwichtown! A middle class section of town that was filled with creative people - students, artists, teachers and administrators associated with the art program at the Norwich Free Academy. Although the area is much older, the tour focused on the years 1850-1900.
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This soon to be married dynamic duo is our tour guide for Bohemian Norwichtown - Dayne Rugh, Director of Education at the Slater Museum and his tour assistant Regan Miner, Executive Director at the Norwich Historical Society.
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| The Norwichtown Green |
Our group met at the Norwichtown Green and proceeded up Mediterranean Lane where Dayne told us about the three artists who lived on this street. At the time, the area behind the homes was stripped of most trees for farmland. You will find links to more information about the people by clicking on the photos.
Ozias Dodge was an artist, teacher, and inventer. His wife, Hannah, was a Gibson Girl and after her husband's death served as Director of the Slater Museum from 1926-1963.
I had trouble finding information about Case, but the link above does mention his poetic headstone.
Dayne passed around photos of hand-painted Christmas cards the neighbors exchanged with one another. They had many social gatherings and were part of a very tight-knit community.
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| It's hard not to be distracted from the tour when walking by these flowers! |
After walking up East Town St., we continued the tour along Washington St.
Many parties, plays and art exhibitions took place at the East District School which served as a Community Center for Bohemian Norwichtown residents.
Next, our walk continued through Lowthorpe Meadow where we followed a trail to the Ancient Burying Ground.
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| You will find clear cut trails through Lowthorpe Meadow |
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| Ancient Burying Ground, Norwich, CT |
The Ancient Burying Grounds are also known as the Colonial Cemetery. It is where Revolutionary War Soldiers are buried, as well as Norwichtown founders, artists, NFA teachers and administrators and residents. Unfortunately, many of the headstones are so old, worn and covered in lichen that names and dates cannot be read. Others may never have had names on them.
I had a wonderful time and plan to go back again just to walk around and soak up the wondrous history of this area.
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