45°
WILTON, Conn. Imagine Wilton 30 years ago. Route 7 was a mostly tree-lined, two-lane road. A farm sold apples on Skunk Lane. North of Wilton Center, the next traffic light was in Georgetown.
Things changed quickly, of course. Farms were sold, homes sprang up, roads were widened and traffic increased exponentially. Artists and photographers who recorded the rural beauty of Wilton in the earlier years of the 20th century would not recognize the places they had portrayed.
In a new exhibit, Scenes of Wilton Through the Years, which opened Sept. 10, the Wilton Historical Society brings visitors on more than a nostalgic journey through Wilton's history. A special artists reception will be held Sunday, Sept. 18, from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Historical Society, 224 Danbury Road.
The images brought to life by the artists with brush, pencil, camera and more provide a window into the geographic and economic history of the town.
From its earliest days through the razing of the Gilbert & Bennett complex in 2007, the images show the slow march of change throughout Wilton. Farms and fields long gone are re-created in oil and watercolor. Barns and prominent buildings once clearly recognizable but now converted, moved or torn down are featured, some at different points in time.
The pieces are from the society's own collection and from private homes and Wilton businesses, and many have never before been publicly displayed. They represent Wilton artists still living: Marie Donahue, Ed MacEwen, Lynda Pattee, Meg Prezzano, Jen Shelley, Mac Squires, Karen Tartell and Gretchen Yengst, as well as those who have passed on: Henry Thomson, Eliot Clark and Mary Kumpf.
The exhibit runs through Oct. 30, and is open Tuesdays through Fridays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m.
On Sunday, Oct. 16, at 2 p.m., Marilyn Gould, former society director, will lead a presentation on "Wilton Through the Eyes of the Artist and the Lens of the Camera" providing the history and stories of the scenes displayed. Other lectures and special events are being planned.
The exhibit and events are free to members, $5 for non-member adults. For more information, visit the society's Website at www.wiltonhistorical.org or call (203) 762-7257.
Find TheDailyWilton.com on Facebook and like us.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Wilton and receive free news updates.
