Historically Speaking

Another historic plaque has been placed in Norwich commemorating the East District School on Bean Hill in Norwichtown. Throughout Norwich are 25 or more plaques designating historic sites and monuments.

The Norwich Grange sponsored the fist plaque, which is on Asylum Street at the site of the paupers' field where, for years, the poor and mentally ill were simply buried without gravestones. After reading the story in a Sunday "Once Upon a Time" column, the Grange, under the leadership of Richard Chapman, presented that first plaque that identified the paupers' field and the 16 mental patients who burned to death one tragic night many years ago.

Bill Stanley and the society took up the cause and located numerous plaques around town. The most recent is the third plaque established by the Norwich Grange in memory of Louise Sterry Chapman and was paid for by Dick and Arlie Chapman.

The plaque commemorates the sale by Thomas Leffingwell of land for the East School District for six pounds. Norwich writer and native Lydia Huntley Sigoumey attended the school in 1795.

Many additional historic plaques will, in the future, be erected throughout Norwich. The Norwich Historical Society salutes Dick Chapman and the Norwich Grange.

You can reach the Norwich Historical Society by calling 886-1776.

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