Norfolk, A Town of Culture
Eldredge Gymnasium in early 20th century postcard, now Town Hall
Norfolk is distinct from most other towns in the Northwest Corner, in that it was originally owned by the New Haven colony. In 1736 Yale petitioned to the New Haven General Assembly for the lands referred to as Norfolk. It was proposed that the land be divided into 53 parcels, reserving one for the Church, a second for a parsonage and the third for a school. The sale would take place at the Hartford Courthouse, in 1738. The first right to purchase a parcel was sold to Timothy Hosford, who postponed payment, selling his right to Titus Brown. In 1744, Cornelius Brown bought his brother’s right, came to Norfolk, becoming its first settler. Norfolk , once again surveyed and parceled, was finally sold in 1755. In 1757 forty three settlers were finally granted township.
A meeting house was assembled in late 1759, for both government and worship use, initially hosting itinerant ministers. In 1761, at the age of 21, Rev. Ammi Ruhamah Robbins selected as preacher for the 1st Church of Christ in Norfolk. Within two years he had established a public library and Norfolk Academy (preparatory) . Upon completion of the parsonage, Rev. Robbins took a wife, Elizabeth Le Baron, and over the next 55 years they raised their thirteen children, took in over 200 students into the Academy. Most importantly, they brought music to Norfolk, initially in learning the Psalms by singing them during services and then adding instruments in accompaniment.
As Norfolk was somewhat set off from neighboring towns, with few roads, and harsh winters, it became a town of cottage industries; mostly of dying and weaving of flax and wool. It housed a small factory, making socks and underwear for over three generations. Men and women created beautiful and functional tools, furniture and paintings. The arts were encouraged at the Academy, concerts given. In 1871 a railroad was extended through Norfolk. Summers drew vacationers and tourists spawned further patronage, and drew more musicians, artists, poets and writers to Norfolk, making it one of the more cultural towns in Connecticut; a quiet aristocracy. In 1941 Yale opened its school of Music, and in 1946 its School of Art in Norfolk.
The Isabella Club, “Norfolk Bicentennary Papers” ; Norfolk Connecticut, 1958
