QUESTION #3: THE POND, WHEN WAS IT BUILT AND HOW WAS IT USED?

The pond was dug in late 1937, about November into December.  It is spring fed and easily maintains its water level. There is a spillway on the northeast side which creates a brook that goes down to Buell Road.

In 1938 a small picnic area was cleared on the Northeast side. A metal table and 4 chairs were placed there for enjoyment and relaxation. Also in 1938, several rainbow trout were stocked, hopefully to reproduce, but that didn’t work out. In 1939 several ducks were purchased, and duck houses were built for them, but the ducks didn’t stay.
The picnic area was used periodically for lunches and Miss Edith would often go there to read, relax, bring a snack and feed the fish and the ducks.

In the 1950’s the south side of the pond was enlarged and a small flat bottomed boat was purchased. It was secured to a large rock on the west side of the pond. But it proved to be too difficult to get in and out and row around the pond so it was removed after a few seasons.

Also, in the mid to late 1950’s the pond became infested with frogs and Miss Edith asked my brother Jackie for help. He was a fisheries biologist with the State of Connecticut. He stocked the pond with a few largemouth bass and at the end of the season – the frogs were gone!
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The pond continues to be a tranquil, pastoral spot on the estate as it has been for 88 years.

THE SECOND POND
In the late 1950’s; and early 1960‘s; Miss Edith and Bernard Stairs, the Farm Manager, discussed an additional pond on the land purchased in April of 1959 from Philip Buell. One consideration for this pond was as an additional water supply in case of a fire. The pond was dug, and I think it was about a quarter of an acre in size. It was located in a depression in the land not far from Buell Road, near where Marsh Road intersects. Initially, it could be seen from Buell Road, but now it is no longer visible due to the planting of many pine trees.