Shade Swamp Nature Trail

Today's adventure started out at Shade Swamp Nature Trail in Farmington. This shelter was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1934 and is actually listed on the National Register of Historic places. Who would have guessed by looking at it?

We were attracted here because I read it was the site of an abandoned zoo. Upon research, it was actually a wildlife rehabilitation center, also built by the CCC. Opened in 1934 by the CT Dept. of Fish and Game, it was originally intended as a place to care for injured birds and animals and then release them into the wild. It was nicknamed the Farmington Zoo.

When people heard about the "zoo", they often tried to bring their exotic pets which they no longer wanted like monkeys and alligators. One stranded carnival even tried to leave a baby giraffe.

In 1934 the CT Dept. of Fish and Game also used it as a breeding place for racoons and rabbits. These experiments ended in late 1930's. The place was officially abandoned in the 1960's.

The cages remain. I am glad the poor animals were rehabbed and hopefully weren't in them long because they were quite small. One source suggested the place was haunted.

The cages are all at the beginning of the blue blazed trail. We decided to walk the supposedly 1.2 mile loop--sure felt longer. It was a narrow path and there were no rewarding views  but I always take the time to see small things that interest me and following are some photos of things that intrigued me a little.

A side note, on the way back, we came to a fork and we didn't agree on which one to take. So, we did the unthinkable. We each took a different route. We spoke to each other as we went our separate ways and they wound around and joined together--thankfully. I guess his was a tad shorter, but mine had the blue markings.

Only a foot wide.

We had to walk under this fallen tree.

There is a swamp out there.

Another tree to go under--there were ones to go over too.

Cute little flowers.

Been there done that.

"Storybooks through the Ages" Mural

Today we found this wonderful mural high near the ceiling of the children's section of the Torrington library. It contains illustrations representing over fifty books and landmarks of Torrington. This wonderful artwork was made by Marc Stolfi painting from a scaffold in the wee hours of the morning alone, some times concerned about things that went bump in the night when he was there alone.

This is an amazing tribute that we were glad we happened across and ironically, later in the day we met the artist at Coe Park. We shared with him, George's special experience being alone at night in an old library when he was cleaning (there is an older blog about that). I was glad that we got to personally tell Marc how much we liked his mural.

Here is the rest of the mural. See how many stories and landmarks you can find, if you are willing.

Here are the list of the stories and landmarks in the mural. You will probably have to enlarge the picture to read it. We highly recommend a visit to the Torrington Library to check this out. 

Mini excursion to Connecticut Historical Society Museum

We have been here before but when they label a special new exhibit as "That's Weird", it attracted our attention. We were able to get here before this exhibit closes next month. It was fun seeing the weird things that ended up at this Connecticut museum.

One of the first things we saw was a lock of Abraham Lincoln's hair and then below that was just a couple of George Washington's hairs in a card. They have letters to back them up, but who knows for sure. On the way out, George offered to give them some of his hairs--authentic George Washington hair. Silly people didn't want them but thanked him for the offer.

Here are a few of the interesting things we saw.

This flag, which is under glass and barely holding together, was on display at Ford Theater the night that Lincoln was shot. It is said, perhaps for dramatic effect, that he may have grabbed this flag as he was shot. Still I always find things that were actually "there" in history, fascinating.

Things made out of the Charter Oak:

This was interesting in that it is very local (New Hartford). They were asking people to vote on what they would like the museum to display more--this and a couple of other options, one being the Yard goats mascot's head.

I have a special fascination of the Leather Man and I was pleased to see actual artifacts from him.

Some movies with Connecticut ties. This one kind of peaked my interest because it's the first "horror monster musical". I am really interested in that musical score!

These were from the not-weird part of the museum, but I found them interesting:

Oh, my. I guess this is not a new sentiment:

I have such fond memories of Savin Rock

Lake Compounce

I took this picture because when my parents moved to Connecticut, for a short while they both worked at Royal Typewriter (the one on the right is a Royal).

I smiled at this book, "written by a lady":

Benjamin Franklin's "Way to Wealth".  I guess people have always searched for wealth.

The witchcraft hysteria didn't miss Connecticut--in fact, we were years ahead of Salem sadly.

Finally there was a room dedicated to Tavern Signs. As this sign told us, they were required

The one in the bottom right corner is Pettibones.

Interesting name, "Strangers Resort"

I wonder what kind of entertainment was provided for horses.

Obviously the word "entertainment" wouldn't fit across...

And I'll leave you with these words of advice: