A Squirrel Steals Christmas
By: Nancy Barnes 11/21/2008

The New Milford Historical Society has canceled the holiday tradition of its annual Christmas Shop, thanks to the invasion by a squirrel of the small, red brick building that, built by Elijah Boardman about 1820, became the first office of the Bank of Litchfield County three decades later.

The structure now sits on the historical society property, just up the hill on Aspetuck Avenue from the museum gallery. "It's significant," said society board member Diane Dubreuil of the damage the animal caused. "It chewed the wooden strips that hold the window panes together."

That a creature had been stirring, albeit not a mouse, became clear only with the approach of the holiday season. "The little bank building is used almost exclusively for the Christmas boutique, so, consequently, it wasn't noticed until we got ready to open the store again," Ms. Dubreuil said.
Ms. Dubreuil said the windows will be rebuilt but that "it takes a little time."

The society will proceed with its holiday wine-tasting fundraiser entitled "An Evening of Wine and Song" on Dec. 6. The evening will feature the barbershop quarter "Rare Occasion," with appetizers by local restaurants and the wine supplied by Warehouse Wines and Liquors.

The Christmas Shop had been scheduled to open Nov. 27, with its usual selection of ornaments, prints and crafts by local artisans. Instead, a visitor to the historical society should visit the gallery next door, where holiday decorations will be part of the display.

New Milford native Elijah Boardman (1760-1823) served as a senator from Connecticut from 1821 until his death two years later. The bank building, which the senator originally built as a law office for his son, went up on the property that today houses the Cramer & Anderson law firm. The historical society bought the structure in 1939 and, in 1964, moved it to its present site.

For tickets and more information on the wine fund-raiser, persons are asked to call 860-354-3069. Advance tickets are $25 per person, and $30 at the door.

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©New Milford Times 2008