New Milford Will Turn 300 in 2007!

Adapted from The Spectrum, July 2, 2004

The town as we know it has come a long way since John Noble and his daughter Sarah arrived from Massachusetts, the first folks of European descent to make their home here.

In 1907, Charlotte Baldwin Bennett wondered in an essay printed as part of the New Milford bicentennial celebrations whether those reading about the town 200 years later would find the record of townspeople of 1907 worthy. We might all ask the same question today. How will our town and we be viewed by generations that follow?

Amont the goals of the town's Tricentennial Commission, chaired by resident Bob Coppola, is to produce a publication for the 300th birthday – a publication that would briefly update earlier historic documents but would also paint a picture of New Milford at the beginning of the 21st century. The Commission is also planning and coordinating a series of celebrations and events. The publication subcommittee chaired by the Rev. Mike Moran is planning a regular series of articles about the town we call home that would be included in a book about the Tricentennial.

For the 200th birthday celebration, articles of historic interest were loaned and displayed in "Grand Army Hall," now called Memorial Hall, on the second floor of the Library. Now, with the age of internet, Residents looking for information on New Milford's history will find many useful links on this site including local, state, and federal historical sites, both public and private. The New Milford Library is set to begin placing historical documents on its web site and we hope to have our Search Engine up and running soon so that you can research your family, your house, or any topic of interest.

The Greater New Milford Chamber of Commerce describes New Milford in 2004 on its web site as a "fine blend of history enhanced by modernization." But change is inevitable. As the town approaches its 300th birthday the population is pushing 30,000. And much of the population growth in the town's current 64 square miles has occurred in the past 50 years. Signs of growth can be seen all around town. Our Tricentennial celebrations will remember the past, but will also celebrate New Milford's bright future.

One hundred years ago there were still one-room schools in town. The land was mostly woods and fields and there was no Candlewood Lake or Lake Lillinonah. There are some descendants from the early families living in town--the Nobles, the Mygatts, the Bostwicks, the Taylors, the Marshes and Hines, to name a few--and many new families call the town home. Pigs no longer roam the Village Green, and the former stream running through it has long since been channeled underground. The Green, a town park still open to all, is now considered the town's jewel.

In 1957, at the town's 250th birthday celebration from July 4 to 7, an estimated 75,000 were on the New Milford Green to hear then-Gov. Abraham Ribicoff speak.

The town's 275th festivities were celebrated from July 17 to Aug. 15 in 1982. Renowned conductor Skitch Henderson, a New Milford resident, led a community sing-along; there was a giant anniversary quilt; and there was a 90-minute parade during the celebrations that included the New England Pops playing on the Green.

That was then. For me it's fascinating reading about the town as it grew over the centuries. Now it's our turn to plan the celebrations and to bring the town's history current for future generations.

If you have any ideas for our upcoming celebration or information to contribute, please contact the committee by using our online form .