A Journey Through Time: Exploring the Rich History of Old Lyme
Old Lyme, a captivating coastal town nestled in New London County, Connecticut, boasts a history as vibrant and diverse as its picturesque landscapes. Bounded by the Connecticut River, Long Island Sound, and the neighboring towns of East Lyme and Lyme, Old Lyme's story is one of artistic legacy, maritime heritage, and enduring community spirit. This article delves into the multifaceted history of Old Lyme, exploring its origins, key events, and cultural evolution.
From Saybrook to Old Lyme: Tracing the Roots
The story of Old Lyme begins with its parent town, Saybrook, established in 1631 and occupied in 1636. Saybrook encompassed a vast territory on the west bank of the Connecticut River's mouth, including present-day Fenwick, Essex, Deep River, Chester, and Old Saybrook. On February 13, 1665, Lyme was set off from Saybrook in an act called “The Loving Parting,” and in 1667, it was officially named Lyme.
Lyme initially covered a large area, stretching from Long Island Sound north to Haddam (and Moodus) along the east bank of the Connecticut River. Over time, this vast territory was further divided. East Lyme was incorporated in 1839, carved from Lyme and Waterford, and included the towns of Flanders and Niantic. In 1855, the southern portion of Lyme was incorporated as South Lyme, which was then renamed Old Lyme in 1857, recognizing it as the oldest-settled part of the Lymes. The name "Lyme" itself is derived from Lyme Regis, a port town in Dorset, England, from which many early settlers emigrated in the 17th century.
A Glimpse into the Past: Echoes of Early Life
Historical records and local accounts offer glimpses into the daily life and industries of early Old Lyme. The Lyme Grange, established in 1896, served as a forum for community members to discuss topics of interest and issues affecting rural life. Members, like J. R. Warren, would present talks on diverse subjects.
One such talk, reprinted in the Darien Review, paints a vivid picture of Old Lyme's past. It mentions a popular road house or wayside tavern owned by Miss Eliza Martin, a place of "gay times," lively music, and the "chink of wine glasses." About a quarter of a mile from the Pleasant Valley four corners stood a carding mill, where farmers from near and far brought their wool fleeces to be carded into rolls for spinning. On the east bank of the Eight Mile River, a hatters shop manufactured beaver hats, utilizing Beaver Brook for materials. Sleuman’s bridge was the location of a cider brandy distillery. Some residents recalled the hillside being covered with barrels of cider destined for conversion into a potent beverage. Sam Mathers' grocery store at Pleasant Valley four corners retailed this cider brandy, along with New England rum. A private school near Clover Hill prepared young men for college.
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The Allure of the Coast: Geography and Climate
Old Lyme occupies approximately 27 square miles (70 km2) of diverse terrain, encompassing shoreline, tidal marsh, inland wetlands, and forested hills. The southern part of town is characterized by flat topography, intersected by tidal marshes and swamps, while the northern sections feature a rocky and hilly landscape. According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of 28.8 square miles (75 km2), of which 5.7 square miles (15 km2), or 19.85%, is water.
Old Lyme experiences a mild temperate climate, classified as Cfa under the Köppen climate classification system. Summers typically see highs in the 80s °F (and occasionally 90s °F), while winters have highs in the upper 30s to low 40s °F. The town receives an average annual precipitation of about 40 inches (100 cm), with approximately 28 inches of snow falling each winter.
Rogers Lake, located in both Old Lyme and Lyme, is a prominent feature, formed by a dam along Town Woods Road in Old Lyme. The lake has a surface area of 265 acres (1.07 km2) and is fed by Mill Brook, Grassy Hill Brook, and Broad Swamp Brook. Five small islands dot the lake, one of which has a cottage built on it. The lake is also associated with a local legend: Roger, a lake monster said to inhabit its waters.
A Haven for the Arts: The Lyme Art Colony
Old Lyme is renowned for its thriving art community, which has flourished for many years. The town's artistic legacy is deeply intertwined with the Florence Griswold Museum, formerly the Florence Griswold House, which served as the epicenter of the Lyme Art Colony in the early 20th century. This colony attracted prominent American Impressionist painters, including Childe Hassam, Edward Charles Volkert, Willard Metcalf, Wilson Irvine, and Henry Ward Ranger.
The artists were drawn to the beauty of the region, capturing the landscapes and scenes of daily life in their paintings. Many of these works depict subjects in and around the Griswold House and are now featured in the museum. The Lyme Art Association and the Lyme Academy of Fine Arts further contribute to Old Lyme's artistic vibrancy. Founded in 1976 by Elisabeth Gordon Chandler, the Lyme Academy College of Fine Arts focuses on teaching techniques and the history and tradition of representational art.
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Community and Demographics: A Portrait of Old Lyme
Old Lyme is a community of approximately 7,600 permanent residents, augmented by several thousand seasonal vacationers who occupy rental homes and cottages during the summer months. Several distinct villages contribute to the town's character, including Black Hall, Laysville, Soundview, and South Lyme.
According to the 2010 census, the population density was 320.6 inhabitants per square mile (123.8/km2). The racial makeup of the town was predominantly White (97.37%), with smaller percentages of African Americans, Native Americans, Asians, and individuals from other races or mixed races. The median income for a household in the town was $68,386, and the per capita income was $41,386.
Old Lyme and Lyme share Regional School District 18, which operates five schools. In the 2011-2012 academic year, 1,450 children from the two towns were enrolled in these schools. The district has a student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1.
Landmarks and Local Lore: Exploring Old Lyme's Identity
The main street of Old Lyme, Lyme Street, is a designated historic district, lined with homes once owned by sea captains, reflecting the town's maritime heritage. The picturesque Old Lyme Cemetery contains the graves of the town's early settlers.
Old Lyme is also known as the namesake of Lyme disease, a tick-borne illness first identified in the area.
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The Old Lyme Inn, constructed around 1865 by the Champlain family, has a storied past. Originally a working farm, it later housed a riding academy and served as a studio for artists from the Florence Griswold House. The Inn was named after the Barbizon School of painters and a 300-year-old oak tree on the property. After a fire in 1965, the Barbizon Oak Inn closed.
Transportation and Accessibility: Connecting Old Lyme
The Estuary Transit District provides public transportation throughout Old Lyme and the surrounding towns through its 9 Town transit service. Route 1 is the main thoroughfare, running mostly in the north of the town.
