Artifacts relocate to Salisbury Town Hall

SALISBURY, Conn. — A crowd of 30 or so people piled into the newly-painted Town Hall Friday, April 5 for a noontime ribbon cutting for two items of historical interest.

They were a sign from the old Farnam Tavern in Lakeville, and the Salisbury Bicentennial Quilt, which are now hanging opposite each other on the walls going up the staircase in the center of the building.

Rich Reifsnyder related how the Salisbury Association Historical Society learned that the Farnam Tavern sign was up for auction in November 2021, and after determining it was the genuine article, went ahead and bought it.

With a grant from the Anne and Rollin Bates Foundation, the sign received the attention of conservator John Lippert.

The Salisbury Association’s Sarah Morrison thanked Lippert, who was present, for fitting the relatively small project into his schedule.

Next up was how to hang the heavy sign.

That required the expertise of blacksmith Will Trowbridge of Sharon, who designed and created the hanging hardware for the sign and for the quilt.

Also involved: First Selectman Curtis Rand and Building Inspector Michael Carbone for providing the space and determining it was structurally sound and Kevin Wiggins and Janet Manko for reinforcing the walls and installing the items.

The quilt was created in 1976 by a group of Salisbury women under the direction of Mrs. David Luria to celebrate the country’s bicentennial. It features scenes from around town, including the ski jumps, the old Barnett’s store, and the Scoville Memorial Library.

Salisbury Association President Jeanette Weber said it was time to get the quilt in the public eye, since the country will be celebrating its 250th birthday in 2026.

Patrick L. Sullivan

Salisbury First Selectman Curtis Rand, State Rep. Maria Horn (D-64), and State Sen. Stephen Harding (R-30) listened as Rich Reifsnyder spoke on April 5.