Heritage Day
Why Heritage Day ? by Dagmar J. Noll
June 1991 Quarterly
Eastford’s first official Heritage Day was on the third Saturday of May in 1974, but the real start for Heritage day was the 1973 exhibit in the Ivy Glenn. It was the idea of Ed Trepal to use the Eastford Historical Society as a means of drawing the community together with an annual event, involving the participation of a wide range of people. The 1973 exhibits included a slide show of old photographs, the fire department’s famous chemical tank, panels which depicted a governmental history of Eastford prepared by Lennox and Lorraine Beach, and a large collection of old farm equipment collected from all around town by Franklyn Buell. Also displayed were old clothing, family photographs, and other memorabilia. As the exhibit lasted several days and many irreplacable items had been borrowed, it was felt necessary to have someone with the exhibit at all times. Members of the committee took turns sleeping in the Ivy Glenn at night. With the nation’s bicentennial in 1976, Heritage Day took its present form of day long activities with participation by many town organizations. Many of the same people have worked hard every year to make Heritage Day a success. The idea is to engage many people and provide a fun time for folks who are new to town.
Heritage Day Now
A Road Race, 300th Anniversary of the Settlement of Eastford Parade, a Climbing Wall, Artists & Historians, Car Show Sponsored by Bowens Garage, Firetrucks & Fingerprints, COW Kissing, Waterfights, Pie Eating Contest, Dinner & a Show…not your typical day in the center of Eastford. But on June 11th, 2011 during the Annual Heritage Day Celebration, you w
ill find something for all ages, so grab your friends, family, and come check it out.
Heritage Day serves to bring the energy, talents and history of Eastford together in one place. Enjoy beverages, coffee, danish, ice cream, pie, backyard barbecue fare, and place your bids in the Historical Commission’s Auction. Learn about native plants, local trails and Eastford’s history, and share your ideas with visitors and townspeople alike.
Please visit the Schedule of Events page to learn more. More details on the road race, the artists/historians/crafters, the evening BBQ and the suppertime Talent Showcase can be found on this website. Be sure to visit all the pages.
Hope to see you on Saturday, June 11th at 12 Westford Road, E
astford CT!
