Day four in a great summer adventure in the walk of generations as
our family came from Killingly to Mansfield in 1772 and we recreate
it now in 2002. Two teams of oxen and two boys and Mom walking the
miles to home. Today we came from the natchaug river at Bassetts
Bridge Rd. in Chaplin to the Mansfield Hollow park. To find the
village letterbox come along and park at the main park entrance on
the road here - not the boat launch. We stopped here for a picnic
lunch and met with quite a few other letterboxers. From the drive way
look across the road and see the red trail . Your adventure is short
compared to ous and you will be well rewarded. Carefully cross the
road and enter the trail. Into a pine forest think of how the early
settlers of Mansfield used trees such as this for houses , barns ,
bridges, fences. And sold them for ships masts too. Walk into the
forested path for 27 adult paces. Look for a really tall pine. From
that head North to a 5 foot tall broken stump & piece of tree. The
village as drawn in Barbers Sketch book of early Ct. has become a
little piece of stamp and is hidden under large pieces of bark. Color
the stamp with the markers in box and breathe on it just before you
stamp it and you will see the village that Boaz Stearns walked to in
1772. Please rehide exactley so others may enjoy this piece of
history in Mansfield . Thanks to all those who helped hide this box
today on the oxen drive. Leader of the Pack