We continue east on R. 101 to Norfolk, the last town in Litchfield County to be auctioned off by the General Assembly. Two families located in 1744, but the main settlement did not come until ten years later. A town was incorporated in 1758. The name was taken from the English county of Norfolk. The town is mountainous, and the scenery and elevation have drawn a large summer colony. It has been widely known as a musical center, and for many years the Litchfield County Choral Union of 700 voices gave annual concerts. During the winter, the village has an annual ski tournament.
R. 101 follows Blackberry River, a famous trout stream, now all State leased water. In earlier days it turned the wheels for many small textile mills. The second house on the left, after passing the town line, is the Capt. Titus Ives House, built about 1785. Haystack Mt. looms up ahead. It is reached by turning north on R. 49 for a few rods and following the park roadway. The last 200 feet must be made on foot. Many years ago, Robbins Battell built a carriage road to the summit and had a tower erected. The present stone tower, with the surrounding State Park, were the gift of his daughter, Ellen Battell Stoeckel, in 1929. There are tablets to Carl Stoeckel and to Mr. Battell, with the motto which he composed for the original tower: "To thy country, state and town be thou ever faithful."
In Norfolk Village, the beautiful Congregational Church, built in 1813, stands to the west of the Green. The chime was a gift from Robbins Battell, who was an expert on bells and had rare musical ability. The first minister was Rev. Ammi H. Robbins, who came to the church at 21 and served until his death 52 years later. Next the Church is the stone Battell Memorial Chapel, with Tiffany windows representing the Seasons. On the north side of the Green stands the Public Library, presented to the town by Isabella Eldridge; there is a collection of autographed letters of famous people. At the south corner of the Green we find the Memorial Foundation, given by Mary Eldridge in honor of Joseph Battell. A shoft distance to the west are the picturesque Buttermilk Falls. The Town Hall, on the west side of Maple Ave., originally planned as a gymnasium and play house for the town, was the gift of Mrs. Henry H. Bridgman.
On Greenwoods Rd. (R. 182) the third house north of the Norfolk Inn was the birthplace of Dr. William H. Welch, dean of scientific medicine in America, with a memorial tablet placed in 1930 on his 80th birthday. Dr. Welch came of a distinguished family of doctors, both his father and grandfather having practised in Norfolk, and numerous uncles and cousins entering the same profession. At the street intersection is a fine watering trough, erected as a memorial to Welch's father, Dr. Wm. W. Welch.
There are a number of 18th century houses in and near the village. The Shepard Hoose, to the left, at the top of the hill, was built in 1794 by Giles Pettibone. Jr., and at one time used as a tavern; it has been in the Shepard family for many generations. The Battell Homestead, known as the Whitehouse, was the home of Joseph Battell, who had his store nearby. In his day he was the best known merchant in Litchfield county, and in this store laid the foundations for the family fortune. Goods were brought from the Hudson River, mostly by ox-cart, over the old turnpike still known as Greenwoods Rd.
Other landmarks can be found on outlying roads. To the east are the Amasa Cowles House, on the north side of R. 182, about 2 miles from the center, and the Joel Phelps House (Wilson Tavern) of 1775, on the east side of R. 101, about 3/4 mile beyond the junction. On Mountain Rd.. about a mile west of the village, we have the Parret Place to the right, and Curtis Farm to the left.
Norfolk is a horseback country, with much riding and an annual horse show. There are still many country roads where it is possible to go on horseback or in a carriage, without meeting motor vehicles. One of the attractive trips is the Nine-Mile Drive to the southeast past Beckley Pond. taking the first right turn on R. 101. about 2 miles from the vlllage.
Norfolk is famous for its mountain laurel, and the roads are particularly beautiful in laurel time. There are wonderful clumps of it on the two golf courses. The Norfolk Downs Golf Club, on high ground adjoining the beautiful Tobey Pond, gives fine views from almost every hole.
Going south from the village by R. 49. Dutton Mt. lies to our left, with a good western outlook. About 2 miles south of the village, on our left, is *Dennis Hill, a State Park, bequeathed in 1934 by Dr. F. S. Dennis, a distinguished surgeon, largely responsible for introducing the use of anaesthetics in this country. The hill, 1610 feet elevation, has a fire tower with a remarkable view; Long Island can be seen on a clear day. In the ravine to the east of the house is an unusually fine stand of laurel.
Meekertown Rd. which turns off to the west, must be traveled on foot. About 2 1/2 miles from R. 49 and 1/4 mile south by a wood road, is a large stand of first-growth hemlock. on the land cif Frederick C. Walcott and Sterling Childs. This region will repay anyone who loves to walk in the woods, but it is easy to get lost.