Volunteers are coming today to set up a tent and chairs and such for the official groundbreaking ceremony that will take place at 10am tomorrow. If you can make it great! If not and you’re the praying sort, pray there is NO RAIN. at least from 9:30-Noon if possible.
10 years ago this month, the Friends of Brooksvale incorporated and started their work at the park. On the wish list then was Ranger Vinny’s desire for a new animal barn to properly take care of them and educate the children of Hamden about the Brooks family farm and it’s importance in Hamden’s history.
We are excited for this project to get off the ground, or is it get in the ground as our shovels dig in? The foundation pour will start next week and the materials for the barn ordered through Mark Calabro of American Country Barns. With town officials being supportive, Al Gorman has worked tirelessly alongside Fred McCarthy (NEW FOB President), Vince Conte and Ranger Vinny to get all necessary permits, forms, permissions, plans, etc. Gail Traester (NEW FOB VP) and her husband Jim (Treasurer) have kept the details flowing and the records straight. Ed Colavolpe, Mike Gibson and many volunteers have helped to ready the barnyard for the construction.
As a matter of fact, I’m excited to report that the Brooksvale Poor Farm, Brooks Family Homestead (Ranger’s house) and the Corn Crib (Sugar Shack) now, have all recently been added to the State of Connecticut’s list of historic places!