Norwich bulletin., 1917-06-19

summit of the hill, stands the stone academy. After it's erection in 1925 the three former buildings of the cor poration were put to other uses-two of them being used for some years as district schools. Space only prevents us from giving list of distinguished men who have taught or studied at the Plainfield Academy. Tn 1S4S 1t numbered among its students seven teen Indian youth from the Chicka- saw nation and at other times stu dents came from foreign countries ex- pressly to study the languages. Con- tinuing north the third house on the right was the home of Rev. Joel Ben edict, D. D. Rev Benedict was prin- cipal of the academy as well as pas tor of the church (17S41S16). In this house lived the renowned Rinaldo Burleigh when he first moved to Yale and principal of the academy for thirteen years.
 The second house on the right. north of the Benedict Parsonage" is one of the eldest in town and practically un- changed. It once belonged to the Pierce family. Nearly opposite the Pierce house (minus ore of it's sides). is the first, last and only public pound enclosed by a stone wall, m Plain field. It was built two hundred years ago. On the top of the hill north of the Pierce house, in 17f6, was built the second meeting house" in town.
 
 Canterbury lire and was built in 1704. Near this meeting house" was built the first school house. Going north about a mile you come to the forks of the road near the railroad cross ing.
 This is where the Great Gate" was. Just why it was called great we do not know, but the old records al- ways gave it this title. From Rish- ops Crossing to this place you have been travelling over the "siX rod road" or 'Kir:-s highway" laid out in 1790. Going north the six rod road kept to the right, at the great gate. and go- ing south from Bishops Crossing it kept straight ahead to Preston, in- stead of crossing Post Plain.
 Continuing from the great gate you soon come to the iron bridge over the Moosup river, Stop and enjoy those massive, weeping elms. their dropping branches tickling the face of the mer- rY waters IS they run tumhling over the rocky river bed You will travel many miles before you find another spot so delightful.
 There was once a smithy's shop un- der these elms and we can never for get the picture it made. The river takes it's name from ~PesSacus. alias Moussup, a Narragansett sachem and the great Miantonomo's brother. How appropriate for the present occasion! Now you are in Central Village. the little hamlet apparently sleeping but in reality wide awake. At the north end of the bridge are the foundations of oI4e-of the first textile factories. The gambrel roofed building was once the home of a savings bank-the first in town. Tn minute you will see the Second Congregational Church of Plainfield-buiIt in the forties.
 The large, old fashioned white house with the w&de lawn about it. on the right, just beyond the church. was built by Daniel Wheeler long prior to I700. It is the home of Hon. Sessions Lester Adams, present state senator l from the 29th district It is filled l from cellar to attic with choice an | tiques, handed down" from the Lest | CTS. The brick house just beyond was l built of bricks made at the "clay pits" | near the Moosup river The clay pits | were jealously guarded by the first