19th Century Litchfield to Come Alive

The Litchfield Green will be transformed into a hub of 19th century activity as the Litchfield Historical Society’s 8th annual Borough Days celebration comes alive. On Sunday, September 8 visitors young and old will have the opportunity to learn about different aspects of life during the 1800s, including music, entertainment and crafts.

Craftspeople will demonstrate old time skills, including candle making, doll making, pottery and bobbin lace making, spinning, woodworking and blacksmithing. Quill pen and paper workshops will be offered. Children can enjoy performances by the Ivy Vine Players, a modern twist on old-fashioned puppetry, as well as have the chance to play with authentic 19th century toys and games and try on reproduction clothes. Everyone will enjoy the freshly made kettle corn.

The 2nd Connecticut Heavy Artillery, a Civil War reenactment group, will hold an encampment on the Green, cooking, reliving war stories, and demonstrating the life of Civil War soldiers. The re-enactors will host a 19th century ladies’ tea party and invite ladies of all ages to join them for light refreshments and the chance to talk about social customs of the past.

The Litchfield Historical Society, with cooperation from the Borough of Litchfield, organizes the event, which draws visitors from throughout the state. Becky Martin, Educational Coordinator for the Litchfield Historical Society, sees this event as a way of making history come alive. Borough Days also brings focus to the Borough of Litchfield, a small government entity encompassing about one square mile in the center of town. According to Lee Losee, Borough Warden, "Borough Days shows many of the activities that would have been going on, right here on the Green or in the center of town, back in the 19th century."

Litchfield Bancorp, which prints and hands out old-fashioned currency (with modern-day value), also sponsors the event. The currency coupons can be redeemed for food and other items at a number of Litchfield area businesses.

Borough Days will run from noon-5 p.m., rain or shine. All activities will take place on the Green in Litchfield, on Route 202. Admission is free. A meticulously restored horse-drawn stagecoach will tour visitors around town for a small fee. Parking is available on the Green and in municipal lots accessible on the south side of the Green. The Litchfield History Museum will also be open for visitors, and is located across from the Green, on the corner of Route 202 and South St.