Community celebrates Gaylordsville's anniversary with picnic

The village of Gaylordsville in the northwest corner of town celebrated its 300th anniversary with a special event Sunday, Aug. 17. A community potluck picnic was held at the Little Red Schoolhouse on Gaylord Road. Nearly 50 people attended the event that featured cold cuts, birthday cupcakes and beverages provided by the Gaylordsville Historical Society, and dishes shared by community members. In addition to the picnic, attendees put items in a new time capsule that will be opened in 2050. 

Deborah Rose/Longtime resident Barbara Thorland, who is part of the Gaylordsville Historical Society, places some of the contributed food as part of the potluck.

Deborah Rose/Geraldine Haase and Scott Thorland catch up on some of the latest happenings via sharing photos on their phones.

Deborah Rose/Garylordsville residents Mary Jane Williamson, seated at left, and her husband, longtime firefighter David, and David's niece, Karen Brett, center, of Barkhamsted, settle into the picnic held at the Little Red Schoolhouse.

Deborah Rose/Rich Kosier, a past president of Gaylordsville Historical Society, shares a summary of Gaylordsville's history at the start of the festivities.

Deborah Rose/Members of the public listen closely as the story of how the Gaylord family settled into what became known as Gaylordsville.

Deborah Rose/Former longtime Gaylordsville resident Sue Lopardo and her friend, Wayne Williams, make their way through the buffet line.

Deborah Rose/Longtime Gaylordsville resident and member of the Gaylordsville Volunteer Fire Department Al Burkhardt chats with Ilene Deutsch, center, who has long been active in the community, and resident Mary Hendrix, whose husband Lee is a member of the fire department.

Deborah Rose/Residents delight in the smorgasbord of potluck dishes shared at the community picnic.

Deborah Rose/Desserts and fruit are available for guests inside the Little Red Schoolhouse, which opened its doors in 1740 and closed in 1967.

Deborah Rose/Cupcakes wish the community a happy 300th birthday.

Deborah Rose/George Ruman, 6, grandson of longtime Gaylordsville resident Jeremy Ruman, peruses the vintage books on display inside the schoolhouse.

Deborah Rose/Guests enjoy a leisurely afternoon picnic.

Deborah Rose/An assortment of bookmarks featuring a variety of photographs of Gaylordsville throughout its history are on hand for guests to take and share.

Deborah Rose/The Little Red Schoolhouse on Gaylord Road was the venue for a community-wide 300th anniversary picnic recognizing the village's founding.