Town Of Bridgewater

All About the

July, 2014

Connecticut

Bridgewater Overview

•Settled in 1722

•Incorporated in 1856

•Land area 16 miles

•Population - 1,800

•Bridgewater’s low taxes

Location •10 miles northeast of Danbury

•80 miles from New York City

•20 minutes to I-84

•Close proximity to shopping,

restaurants & transportation options

Only 90 minutes from Manhattan, in the southern most tier of Litchfield County, is the quaint town of Bridgewater.

When the outside world thinks of Connecticut, it tends to think of places like Bridgewater. Small and extraordinarily picturesque, the town sits away from the main highways in the southernmost reaches of Litchfield County. The town center is comprised of eight historic buildings and the outskirts possess pleasant views, farms, rolling hills and unspoiled beauty.

View of Lake Lillinonah in Bridgewater

The name Bridgewater came from “a bridge between two waters” as it is bordered by Lake Lillinonah and the Shepaug River

For more information: www.bridgewatertownhall.org

About Litchfield County

The county of Litchfield (a 920-square-mile corner of Connecticut) consists of 26 towns including: Washington, Kent, New Preston, Roxbury and Cornwall. It encompasses the foothills of the Berkshire Mountains and the historic Housatonic Valley. The landscape is classic New England with rolling hills, preserved woodlands, farm fields, and pristine streams. The most recent U.S. census marks the area as the least densely populated CT county.

Bridgewater is the nearest neighbor to Fairfield County

For more information: www.litchfieldhills.com or www.visitwesternct.com

A Little History… Bridgewater has a storied and interesting past!

Bridgewater was settled in 1722. At that time, it

was a part of New Milford known as Shepaug

Neck, commonly called "The Neck." The

separation from New Milford began on

ecclesiastical lines in 1803, and the town was

incorporated in 1856. Many of the homes date

back to the 17th and 18th century, showcasing

the elegance and distinction of period

architecture.

"The charm of Bridgewater lies on the far away outlook over wooded hills and cultivated valleys, the wild and natural beauty of the winding roads... the rustic beauty of the narrow back roads steep and winding hemmed by sassafras, witch hazel, sumac, elder, golden-rod, brambles, ferns, vines and creepers, and vocal with the bird notes, the well-kept New England homes, the friendly spirit of the community, and not by any means to be omitted the moderate assessment rolls and low tax rate."

A 1939 description from the book, Homes of Bridgewater Connecticut:

In the town’s historical records and books you can read about the characters of our past – including Charles B. Thompson who founded the 1st mail order business and whose name is still prominent on the façade of the Village Store. There was Captain Burnham whose philanthropy made our school and library possible and also Connecticut’s first counterfeiter who hid his “money” in Bridgewater caves.

A sketch of the old Blacksmith shop

Our Town Culture A small town with a big heart…

. •True to its Yankee roots, it is also well known for being the last remaining dry town in Connecticut. •Despite Bridgewater’s small size, hardly a weekend goes by without some activity or event sponsored by a local organization and open to all residents.

Bridgewater's prohibition on the sale of alcohol goes all the way back to 1935, just two years after prohibition was lifted. No one is sure why the town decided to go dry, but the story around town is that Bridgewater went a little wild after prohibition was lifted. Impromptu taverns sprouted up in resident's barns and basements, and farm work took a backseat to late night carousing.

Why Dry?

People come to Bridgewater to experience the natural beauty,

the privacy and quiet way of life it offers. Others come to

experience the small town, neighborly feel and partake in

community events and activities.

•Volunteerism is commonplace as town residents staff the fire department, town boards and commissions, groups and organizations. •Bridgewater people vote in record numbers and are known for standing up for what they believe. In 2012 and 2013 Bridgewater won the CT “Democracy Cup” for highest voter turnout in the state. • There is a very responsive government here and always strong support for fellow citizens in need.

Natural Beauty

• There has always been a strong local instinct toward historic preservation, and by extension, farm and forest protection. • There are working farms, vineyards and forests across Bridgewater’s sweeping hillsides. • The Bridgewater Land Trust supports conservation activities aimed at protecting our natural resources. In addition, The Nature Conservancy and Weantinoge Land Trust have significant preserved parcels and trail systems throughout Bridgewater. • Ultimately, it’s all about preserving and enjoying a way of life in a beautiful corner of the world.

Bridgewater’s Got It!

There are over 1,900 acres of preserved land here!

Hiking/Outdoor Recreation

Sunny Valley Preserve (Nature Conservancy) has several hiking trails in Bridgewater. These trails are accessible from public roads and most have designated parking areas. Sunny Valley trail maps are available at the Bridgewater Town Hall or from the Sunny Valley office in neighboring New Milford.

Also available for Bridgewater residents: - Horse riding stables and trails - Lynn Deming Park in New Milford for beach/swimming - Swimming Lessons at Shepaug High School - Passes available for hiking/picnic at nearby Roxbury Falls - Roxbury Road Race series for runners

Bridgewater is most known for its open space, natural beauty, clean air and water. Residents often take advantage of this as walking, hiking, horseback riding and running are common pastimes for local people and their guests.

For more information go to www.tnc.org, www.weantinogue.org, www.bridgewaterlandtrust.org

• Bridgewater has a Town Park located on the lake which has a maintained area to picnic, fish and launch small boats • The renovations to Lake Lillinonah Boat Launch were completed in 2014. This is ideal for larger fishing and recreation boats.

Lake Lillinonah

Lake Lillinonah’s Namesake - Lillinonah was a young Indian maiden and daughter of Chief Waramaug of the Pootatuck Tribe. She died in the rapids of the Housatonic below “Lover’s Leap” three centuries ago. When the lake was formed in the 1950's, townspeople insisted the lake be given her name. The compelling and sad legend of Lillinonah can be found at the Bridgewater Historical Society.

From its headwaters in the Housatonic River in New Milford, Lake Lillinonah extends 12 miles to the Shepaug Dam, covering 1900 acres.

To learn more about the Lake and its preservation go to www.friendsofthelake.org

The Recreation Center includes:

• The Pavilion, complete with kitchen and bathroom facilities, is available for Bridgewater residents to rent for private functions.

• Well-maintained ball fields for baseball, soccer and softball

• New state-of-the-art tennis courts

The Town Recreation Center

• Playground • Basketball court • Handball court • Skating and fishing pond • Walking Path • Dog Park

• A town sponsored summer camp and sports camps • Annual Fishing Derby • Town events at the Pavilion including concerts, wine tastings, and parties • Games, practices. lessons and activities

Center Activities

Bridgewater boasts a beautiful Recreation Center! It’s known across the area for its beauty, well manicured fields and wonderful recreational opportunities

For more information go to: www.bridgewatertownhall.org

A view of the Recreation Center

The Village Store

The store is now celebrated for its heavenly homemade chocolates and is a terrific place to enjoy breakfast or lunch or to sip coffee, read the paper and get to know town happenings. It offers an in house bakery, gourmet coffee and a full-service deli for lunch. Local products include Maywood maple syrup, honey and organic produce .

“There is a great feeling in this town of caring and love.”

The Village Store on Main Street has been the veritable heartbeat of Bridgewater for generations. It is housed in the Thompson Building, a Victorian gem completed in 1899.

This village store epitomizes small-town living at its finest.

The now famous and delicious Bridgewater Chocolate

– Eleanor Gowan Village Store owner from 1954-1983

For more information go to www.bridgewatervillagestore.com

Our Schools

• Located in the town center, it is the heart of our

community!

• Consistently ranks high on Connecticut Mastery Tests.

• Received the highest designation in 2012 - A School of

Distinction Rating by State Department of Education

• A very active PTO that sponsors numerous enrichment

programs for students

• Before and After Care available on site.

• Low student to teacher ratio

The public education system is under the auspices of Region 12. This includes Burnham Elementary School(K-5) in Bridgewater, and Shepaug Valley Middle High School in nearby Washington.

Burnham School

Shepaug Valley Middle High School • Regional 6-12 school combines students from

Bridgewater, Roxbury and Washington

• NEASC (New England Association of Schools and

Colleges) rating – Shepaug designated a model,

showcase school in 2011.

• 11 AP classes in house and unlimited on-line

• Athletic Program was honored as a "Michael's

Achievement Cup Exemplary Program" at the 2013

CIAC Sportsmanship Conference.

• After School Arts Program available to all students For more information go to www.region-12.org

A front view of the Burnham School

The Burnham Library

The Burnham Library has been serving the town since 1904. It is also a hub of the community and hosts art shows and openings, fundraising events, educational programs and group meetings. The children’s program, run by the Children’s Librarian, offers year round activities, including summer programs and partnerships with the Burnham School.

Library Services • Inter-library Loan

• Book Sale Room

• Public Computers

• WiFi

• Public Internet Access

• Meeting Spaces

• Homebound Service

• Copy/Fax/Printers

Situated on historic Main Street, the library serves to foster the educational, personal and cultural interests of the community.

For more information go to www.burnhamlibrary.org

An early sketch by Shirley Devoe

Bridgewater Senior Center

The Senior Center opened in 2008 and is an active center for our town’s older residents.

It is located across from the town’s Recreation Center and sits on a beautiful parcel of

land on top of a hillside with wonderful views.

The Centers offerings include:

• Themed luncheons

• Informational Speakers

• Variety of classes

• Exercise Programs

• Social activities such as card games,

bingo, birthday celebrations

• Blood Pressure screenings

• Town van for transportation

• Services to help with insurance and

medicare, medicaid etc.

• Computers and WiFi

• Medical equipment available

A casual and inviting place, residents go to the center for mahjong, yoga, canasta, a special luncheon, computer class or just to have cup of coffee and good conversation.

The Annual Bridgewater Country Fair

The Bridgewater Country Fair is a long standing

tradition, preserving the character of the country fairs

of yesterday, when farmers and other country folk

congregated to compete with their prized livestock,

produce, and arts and crafts. The fair takes place each

year on the third weekend in August. Besides the

displays, there is a fantastic midway featuring rides, as

well as food tents throughout the fairgrounds including

famous roast beef sandwiches, chicken breasts from the

grill, and delicious hot dogs (found at Howie's hot dog

hut). Visitors can kick off the weekend at the fair

parade. The parade features area volunteer fire

companies from Connecticut and New York, all

carrying their colors and displaying their newest trucks

as well as antique fire equipment. Marching bands,

color guard, and many other attractions ring in the fair

as they make their way down historic Main Street.

The event that puts Bridgewater on the map!

Sponsored by the Volunteer Fire Department

Active Volunteer Firemen receive a tax break each year. Learn more about the Fire Department at www.bvfd.org.

For more information go to www.bridgewaterfair.com

Kids and Town Traditions… They almost always go together

Bridgewater traditions are fun for kids and adults alike. Annually the Town holds a

Memorial Day Parade, Easter Egg Hunt, Holiday Tree Lighting, Tractor Parade on Labor

Day weekend, Fishing Derby and Trunk or Treat on Halloween! In addition, we celebrate

our school children and honor their awards and accomplishments.

Groups & Organizations

• Two active churches - St. Mark’s Episcopal

and Bridgewater Congregational Church

• Grange based in Bridgewater and serving

surrounding communities

• Roxbury/Bridgewater Garden Club

• Historical Society/Museum located in the

Elijah Peck House on Main Street

• Volunteer Fire Dept. & Women’s Auxiliary

• Community Caring in Bridgewater

The town publishes the “Our Town” newsletter once per quarter and produces an on-line calendar so that residents are fully informed of all events and activities

There are several farms in town that

produce vegetables, fruits, maple syrup,

eggs, all-natural beef and pork.

Look for this fresh food at our farm

stands and in our local stores!

Active Farms & Farm Stands

Find links to all of these organizations at www.bridgewatertownhall.org A spring view of the Grange Hall