My grandmother had a summer home just south of the Red Mill, on the other side of the Wewaka Brook. At that time the property was part of an informal Russian émigré enclave. The mill property was owned by Natasha Boleslavsky, the estranged widow of the famous Russian director. Up in the woods on her property was the hideaway cabin of the Russian actress Maria Ouspenskya.
Our house contained a variety of wood objects and furniture crafted by Paul Ouzenoff (not sure of the spelling), a Russian furniture maker who may have worked in the 1930s NYC theater.
1
There is a Brigadoon quality to Bridgewater. Geographically cut off in parts by Lake Lillinonah, with few commercial businesses, a self supporting fire department, a country fair 80% of the town volunteers at, a huge vibrant senior center, an amazing tiny progressive school, and a population of really special people who give back, support each other and cherish and protect the natural and historic beauty of their town.
Everybody that lives there knows Bridgewater is something special. Thanks for the lovely article.
4
Boat launch on Route 133 river crossing on Lake Lillinonah where you can launch your canoe or kayak onto peacful waters
1
Would love to visit sometime
3
I live in nearby Newtown and drive right over the bridge through Bridgewater everyday to get to my office in New Milford. Such a lovely commute envied by all those sitting on I-84 and I-95! My only traffic is the occassional rafter of turkeys.
3
A shout out to the best small town in the U.S. We just read the article and are so “hme sick”. Although we had to move from there in 2011, Bridgewater will always be what we call Home.
2
Great schools!
1
Good article with some flaws. The photo for 31 stuart rd east for sale is incorrect and there is a second store and meeting place hub which is Marty's, its the gas station with store and deli at intersection of 133 and 67. I meet more people there every morning for my coffee than the Bistro.
3
I am really surprised they don't mention the Annual Bridgewater County Fair. It's a major event for the entire town. It's like doing a piece on Monterey and not mentioning the Jazz Festival.
@DavidF
"Last month, residents volunteered at the 67th annual Bridgewater Country Fair, where livestock competitions, tractor pulls, rides and lots of food drew throngs. The fair is the main fund-raiser for the Bridgewater Volunteer Fire Company, the last self-sustaining fire department in Connecticut."
@DavidF, Ooops, my bad, somehow I missed that paragraph
3