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PREFACE.
"Of making many books
there is no end."
"O that mine adversary had written a book."
- Holy Weit
Some years ago, in searching out family genealogy, the want
of a history of my native town became to me apparent.
As bits of Norfolk history were from time to time
discovered, in books and elsewhere, such items were
preserved, and the accumulation began. A desire to
learn many things from those whose memories and traditions
go back to the early part of this century took hold upon me,
and knowing full well that upon those around whom the shades
of evening have gathered, soon the sun will set, and their
remembrances be forever beyond our reach, an effort to
obtain these things through correspondence was made with
results not altogether satisfactory.
In June, 1899, I came 'home' and soon took up in
earnest the work of preparing a history of Norfolk.
The encouragement and kindly assistance of a large number of
the present residents of the town, and former residents as
well, has made the difficult, perplexing task a pleasure.
Mention by name cannot well be made of the large number who
have put me under lasting obligation for their kind
assistance. Some of them have done for others and for
me what they could do, and have 'entered into their rest.'
Mention should be made of the kindness and assistance, great
and manifold, rendered by the family of Dr. Joseph
Eldridge, which has made possible the publication of
this volume. Access has been given to the many rare,
valuable manuscripts which were prepared and left by Dr.
Eldridge, which have been indispensable in compiling
this history. So, in a measure, my purpose has been
accomplished, of preserving in permanent form some record of
the lives and work of the past generations, upon whom the
curtain has fallen and shut them from our sight.
It has been a pleasure to recall and mention, if
nothing more, the names of some of those who have walked
these streets in former times; have dwelt in these homes;
have heard the same Sabbath bell, and gathered for worship
in these temples; have sat in the same seats in church which
we now occupy; their eyes have looked upon these same
beautiful landscapes of valley and mountain; their feet have
climbed these everlasting hills where they, too, have looked
out and up, and adored the great Creator and Ruler of all.
And they are gone.
Such as it is, suggestive, - not exhaustive, - with
some errors which should not have been, - it is sent forth
on its mission, in the hope that it may be of interest and
help to all of its readers some of the time.
THERON WILMOT CRISSEY
Norfolk, Conn., September 1, 1900.
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