Join Norwalk Preservaton Trust on Sunday, October 14th, from 1-5 PM, on a bus tour to visit the chapels, schools and stores that defined the early communities of 19th century rural hamlets that are embedded in our current neighborhoods of Brookside, Broad River, Cranbury and West Norwalk. Some of these buildings are remarkably intact and some quite visibly changed.
Hamlet Hop Tour Followed by Reception at Cranbury Chapel
The Hamlet Hop includes tours of some of the buildings, reenactors in period costumes to bring the history to life and architectural historians who will provide insight into the significance of the area.
A reception with refreshments will follow the “Hamlet Hop” and awards will be presented to the individuals and organizations that have preserved and maintained these important elements of Norwalk’s history. The receptions will be at the Cranbury Chapel, our last stop.
The neighborhoods of Brookside, Broad River, Cranbury and West Norwalk were once much more remote than they are today. The farmers, homesteaders and mill owners were miles away from the center of Norwalk. Getting to church, schools or shops required bone-rattling travel in carts over roads that were little more than wagon ruts. As these communities grew and prospered, the residents began to yearn for a place to worship in their own community – one where they would not be considered the “outlivers”.
Starting in the early 1800’s, these communities began to establish themselves as separate “hamlets” within Norwalk. As such, they began to organize as citizens of that community and created community centers that had a chapel that also served as a meeting house, a small school for local children and a store to provide basic provisions.
You can reserve space on the Hamlet Hop through the Norwalk Preservation Trust website (norwalkpresevation.org). Cost is $50 per person until September 30th and $60 per person after that date. Deadline for sign up is October 7th so sign up early to be part of this dynamic trip into Norwalk’s living history!
Norwalk Preservation Trust is a nonprofit organization that works to preserve Norwalk’s irreplaceable historic buildings and neighborhoods by raising awareness, partnering with other organizations and taking appropriate action when necessary.
We fulfill our mission through education, information, advocacy award programs, and public events. Our goal is to be a preservation resource for property owners, businesses and developers as well as city, state and national organizations and government agencies. We believe that Norwalk’s historic environment and architectural heritage should be a living part of the community.
Space is limited. Reservations can be made by phone: 203 853 7495. Email: info@norwalkpreservation.org
