Printer Friendly Version - Iino: The Cowboys of Killingworth

Though it only operated for a few years, Cowboy Valley remains a memorable attraction from Killingworth’s past, and one that will be celebrated as part of the town’s 350th anniversary. Photo courtesy of Cathy Iino

Virtually all of the town’s organizations are involved in presenting the yearlong commemoration of Killingworth’s naming in 1667.

Coming up in April is a program on one of Killingworth’s claims to fame: Cowboy Valley, a recreation of a western town complete with bank, Wells Fargo office, saloon, trading post, and general store. Wild West enactments, including robberies and shoot-outs, were held regularly. The tourist attraction was open only from 1957 to 1959, but it is still widely remembered throughout the state.

Cowboy Valley memorabilia will be on display at the Killingworth Library throughout the month. On Friday, April 7, at 7 p.m., several original participants will present a free program on Cowboy Valley at the Haddam-Killingworth Middle School. No need to reserve a space; just come in your best cowboy or cowgirl duds.

The Killingworth Library will host a variety of historical programs during the year, both on Killingworth heritage and the wider historical context. Starting in April, Phil Devlin, a retired Haddam-Killingworth High School teacher (and twice named Teacher of the Year), will present a guided reading series on World War I. This program grew out of a presentation Devlin made last year on “HK’s Role in the Great War.” Participants will read and discuss Ernest Hemingway’s A Farewell to Arms, on Tuesdays, April 11, 18, and 25 and May 9. Sign up at the library (860-663-2000).

Visit the Killingworth Library monthly to see changing displays on historical subjects and programs exploring aspects of Killingworth life in earlier eras. A scavenger hunt will kick off there in May, with prizes to be awarded at the Parmelee Farmer’s Market on June 10.

Several programs on the native groups who inhabited the area before and after 1667 will occur throughout the year, including workshops for children on Native American crafts and a lecture series by Lucianne Lavin, Institute for American Indian Studies.

On Saturday, Sept. 2, a parade up Route 81 will include floats, a fife and drum corps, antique vehicles, and members of local teams, clubs, and civic organizations. If you are interested in participating, please contact Michele Adametz at killingworth350@gmail.com.

Following on the parade a town picnic will take place at Parmelee Farm. The first picnic in a decade will feature music, booths, food trucks, not too many speeches, and fun for children of all ages.

A full calendar of events is available at townofkillingworth.com. To submit ideas or questions, please email killingworth350@gmail.com or contact Town Hall.

A new Timeline of the History of Killingworth, Connecticut, 1600-2016, by Thomas L. Lentz, our municipal historian, is available at the Town Clerk’s office for $5.

I am tremendously grateful to the Killingworth 350th Anniversary Committee members, who are putting together this wonderful year of events; to all the town organizations that are stepping up—as they always do—to help make this a memorable year; and to all the generous donors who are supporting this exciting commemoration.