Printer Friendly Version - Clarks Honored with Inaugural Old Saybrook Preservation Award

From left, Herb Clark, Old Saybrook Historical Society President Marie McFarlin, Sherry Clark, and First Selectman Carl Fortuna, Jr., admire the historical society plaque placed in Town Hall that will list the society’s Preservation Award winners. The Clarks were twe inaugural winners. Photo courtesy of Tedd Levy

Herb and Sherry Clark, owners of the 1678 Bushnell House and Farm on the Boston Post Road, were recently honored by the Old Saybrook Historical Society with the presentation of the society’s first Preservation Award for their significant contribution to education and public involvement in preservation programs.

That honor was again highlighted in ceremonies at the Old Saybrook Town Hall where Historical Society president Marie McFarlin and First Selectman Carl Fortuna, Jr., unveiled a new plaque that will list the Clarks and all future recipients of the society’s preservation award.

The Clarks were lauded as concerned and thoughtful stewards of historic resources. Sherry Clark is currently president of the Essex Historical Society and Herb Clark, who heads Clark Development, is a well known and highly respected developer with a serious interest in collecting and preserving historic artifacts and properties.

Since purchasing the Bushnell House and Farm in 2000, they have maintained the house, outbuildings and farm land and hired former Connecticut River Museum executive director Brenda Milkovsky to oversee the property and offer programs for public education. The Bushnell House and Farm reflects agriculture and enterprise in the pre-industrial age and offers an insightful look into the 17th century lives of ordinary citizens.

There are five original buildings on the site, including the 1678 home of Joshua Bushnell, the 1790 barn with a later carriage house addition, the 1800 loom house, a store thought to date from 1790, and the 1840 caretaker’s cottage.

The Clark’s Bushnell House and Farm was selected by the Historical Society’s Preservation Award committee consisting of Atty. William Childress, Town Planner Christine Nelson, former first selectman Barbara J. Maynard, architect Jill Cartegena, and Historical Society member Tedd Levy.

Residents wishing more information or wishing to suggest a property or person for the honor may contact the Old Saybrook Historical Society at 860-395-1635.