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In Wilton, Connecticut: Three Centuries of People, Places, and Progress, historian Bob Russell takes us on a remarkable journey of our town. Wilton began three hundred years ago as part of Norwalk and became a separate town in 1802. Wilton residents enjoyed their close-knit self-sufficient community until the coming of the railroad in 1852 connected them to the rest of the country and changed their lives. City folks soon discovered Wilton as a quiet and healthful summer home alternative. The demand for houses after World War II caused farms to rapidly disappear, replaced by homes, schools, and commercial development.
As the story develops, you will meet the early pioneers, the Revolutionary patriots, the Gold Rush prospectors, and other fascinating people who have helped to build the Wilton of today.
Bob Russell was educated as an engineer and has ended up as a historian. Along with his 35-year IBM career, he served on many Wilton town and organization boards including the Wilton Library Association, the Wilton Historical Society, Wilton Land Conservation Trust, the town’s Board of Finance, the Wilton Fire Commission and later as First Selectman for six years. A resident in the Wilton area for 53 years, Bob wants to preserve our history for future generations. He has been married to Carol for 60 years and they have raised two children here in Wilton.
Bob will be recognized with a Grodin Family Fine Writers Award during the talk.
Books will be available for sale and Bob will be signing books after the presentation.