Norfolk
Connecticut
Town Of Norfolk
History:
In the heart of the Green Woods, Norfolk was settled in 1744 by Cornelius Brown of Windsor. The town was incorporated in 1758 with forty-four voters at the first meeting. A meeting house was built in 1761 and the Reverend Ammi R. Robbins became the first minister, serving for 52 years.
Twenty four men from Norfolk marched to aid Boston in 1775 and over one hundred and fifty fought in the Revolutionary War. The early settlers were farmers, erecting sawmills, gristmills, and blacksmiths for their own needs. Using the waterpower of the Blackberry River, the town became industrial in the 1800's, manufacturing such diverse products as linseed oil, men's hats, woolens, cheese boxes, scythes and hoes.
In the later 19th century, industry declined, but the coming of the Connecticut Western Railroad in 1871, together with Norfolk's natural beauty, contributed to the growth of a thriving summer colony.
Largely through the efforts of the Battell and Eldridge families, Norfolk has been a center of culture. The Norfolk Library was established in 1888 and the Litchfield County Choral Union in 1889. The Stoeckel Estate and its famous Music Shed, often visited by many of the world's greatest musical artists, is now the home of the the Yale Summer School of Music and Art.
Recent News
Town Of Norfolk News - March 9, 2023
Gas Spill Remediation to Expand this Spring Residents were informed of spring plans for remediation of the effects of last November's massive gas spill during a fourth public information session held Tuesday. For more about what’s…
Read More »Town Of Norfolk News - March 2, 2023
Budget Season is in Full Bloom Preliminary budget figures are being plugged in to the proposed 2023-23 municipal budget in anticipation of its presentation to the Board of Finance on March 14. For more about what’s happening, visit…
Read More »Town Of Norfolk News - February 17, 2023
Pros, Cons of Dog Park Debated The room was packed, but 45 letters, pro and con, added to the debate over whether a dog park should be allowed on Westside Drive. Opinion was almost evenly divided, leaving the Planning and Zoning Commission with…
Read More »Town Of Norfolk News - February 9, 2023
Pleasure Park for Pooches is Hearing Topic The benefits—and drawbacks—of establishing a dog park on Westside Road will be discussed at a Planning and Zoning Commission hearing Tuesday at Town Hall. For more about what’s…
Read More »Town Of Norfolk - Solar Panel Array Could Be Coming Soon
Town Solar Panels Construction Nears First Selectman Matt Riiska predicts that a large solar panel array will be built this summer. And don't forget, another public information session will be held Tuesday to update residents on the gas spill…
Read More »Town of Norfolk News - January 19, 2023
Town Officials Gathering Data on Fiber Optics Plan Town officials are in discussions with Frontier about implementation of fiber optic service in Norfolk, but no immediate decision is near. In addition, another public information session has…
Read More »Town Of Norfolk News - 'My Norfolk' Photo Contest for Norfolk, Connecticut
The bucolic town of Norfolk, known for its unspoiled landscape, charming village green, and magnificent architecture has put together a photo contest that will showcase the beauty of this northwest Connecticut gem. This friendly community, well…
Read More »Town Of Norfolk News - January 12, 2023
Selectmen Begin Planning for Spring Norfolk is quiet in the days following the holidays, but that won't last long. First Selectman Matt Riiska is already gathering budget data for the Board of Finance, even as the town continues to recover from…
Read More »Town Of Norfolk News - January 13, 2023
Selectmen Begin Planning for Spring Editor's Note: Computer gremlins were at work last night and created several bad links in our newsletter. They have been banished today and here is the newsletter again, with better linkages. Norfolk is…
Read More »Town Of Norfolk : 'Raise The Steeple' Project Offered Large Grant
The Church of Christ has been offered a large grant to help with the restoration of its 210-year-old steeple. In other news, the Website Committee has announced a photo contest in its quest to compile images that reflect Norfolk's special qualities.…
Read More »Town Of Norfolk News : Grant Allows Affordable Housing Project To Move Forward
Norfolk Receives Development Grant for Housing The town has received a development grant to purchase land and install infrastructure to support 10 affordable housing units off Old Colony Road. And, in more good news, the Fire Department has its…
Read More »Town Of Norfolk News - December 23, 2022
Neither Snow, Nor Sleet Deter Firefighters Norfolk firefighters worked against time this week to bring home a new fire truck from snowy Minnesota. The town has hosted a second town meeting to update residents about the gas spill and churches…
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