Vintage Roton Point Buildings
Awarded Historic Plaques

Most Rowaytonites already know that the property now encompassing Roton Point, Bayley Beach, and Wee Burn Beach Club was once an amusement park known as Roton Point from the 1880's through 1942 (when the military took the ships that brought visitors to the park for service during the War).  But many residents know little beyond that, which is why the the Roton Point History Committee was created.
    
Charged with the task of preserving the vibrant history of the park, the committee, chaired by Lisa Wilson Grant, annually hosts "History Day" in which they share old photos, postcards, and other ephemera of the park as it was in days past.

This year's History Day, held on June 28th, added two exciting new elements to their popular annual event: the "world-premiere" of Dave Hogoboom's film, Roton Point - the movie, plus a special dedication ceremony of four historic buildings that were formerly part of the Amusement Park. Each structure was awarded an historic plaque, including-

• The Roton Point Hotel c.1880
• The Roton Point Merry-Go-Round & Bath House c.1880
• The Roton Point Gazebo c.1926
• The Roton Point Roller Coaster Platform c.1914
   (now the Bayley Beach Pavilion)

A week later, on July 4th, 6th Taxing District Commissioners Mike Barbis and Tammy Langalis, RHS board members Wendell Livingston and Francine Hubbell joined Lisa at the Bayley Beach Pavilion for a separate dedication. Lisa put together display boards with additional information and roller coaster photos for all to see. More details on the Roton Point buildings, as well as the rest of the plaqued houses in Rowayton, can be found in the RHS' 50th Anniversary book Historic Rowayton published in September. The limited edition book, fully illustrated and chock full of wonderful stories can be ordered by emailing info@rowaytonhistoricalsociety.org, or can be purchased at the Rowayton Library.  For more information or questions about the history of Roton Point, email Lisa at lisawgrant@yahoo.com.

Photo: Dana Laird

Get your copy of Historic Rowayton before they're all gone!

The RHS' limited edition book on the historic places, people and points of interest in Rowayton is hot off the presses and available for sale for $35.00, but they're going fast!  Included are photos of over 140 plaqued houses and historic points of interest, including Roton Point, the two cemeteries, the canon, and Greens Ledge Light House. The evolving landscape of our small coastal village's architecture is like that of so many New England towns, and each structure has a story to share. Within their stories are the equally interesting tales of the people who built them and who helped to shape Rowayton.

Historic Rowayton is the perfect guide to the legends and lore of the farmsteads, of oystermen's homes, and of the luxurious retreats of prominent businessmen. This fully illustrated book not only offers an armchair tour into the past but also serves as the perfect companion for an informative leisurely stroll through the town.

If you are interested in buying a book, please contact the RHS at info@rowaytonhistoricalsociety.org, or stop by the Rowayton Library to pick up your copy today.

Are you interested in having an historic plaque* on your house?

Curious about the people who built your home and their involvement in Rowayton history? If you think your house or barn may be 90 years or older, and you would like an historic plaque, please contact the Rowayton Historical Society at info@rowaytonhistoricalsociety.org or call 299-0399. 

*An historic plaque in no way restricts home renovation

The Rowayton Historical Society www.rowaytonhistoricalsociety.org

The Norwalk Mentor Program

Established in 1986, the Norwalk Mentor Program is one of the longest running and most acclaimed programs in the country.  The mission of the Norwalk Mentor Program is to encourage the academic, social and mental growth of Norwalk's children through a one-on-one mentoring relationship where a caring adult serves as a role model to a youth as he or she goes through a difficult period or faces new challenges. 

The Program matches deserving students with positive adult role models and coordinates a structured one-on-one relationship between the student and adult volunteer; it is entirely school-based.  This unique approach provides participants with an adult who can meet them for approximately one hour per week during the school year and engage in activities conducive to the school setting.  By sharing fun activities and exposing a youth to new experiences, a mentor encourages positive choices, promotes high self-esteem, supports academic achievement, and introduces the mentee to new ideas.  Mentors can choose to mentor at any of the 19 Norwalk public schools closest to their home or office.

Today, too many Norwalk youths may not be getting the support they need to become successful members of society and the need for more mentor volunteers is great.  Spending as little as one hour a week with a student and listening and being a friend to them, can make all the difference. This program has proved to help increase the student's sense of self-confidence, improve their grades because they enjoy school more and it helps to enhance their relationships with other adults. Go to their website at www.hscct.org for more information. To become a mentor and make a difference, contact Jackie Effren at 849-1111, ext. 3042 or email her at jeffren@hscct.org.

Odyssey of the Mind