By Genevieve S. Ward

WILTON — This summer, when the bulldozers start plowing through the heart of Wilton to lay the path for the new Route 7, the folks at the Wilton Historical Society will not be shaking in their shoes. On the contrary, they are eagerly anticipating the move of their headquarters and Heritage Museum, The Raymond-Fitch House, to a superior location.

Because the building is a designated National Historic Landmark, the state of Connecticut is morally and financially responsible for the safe relocation of the home, which has existed since before the Revolutionary War. It is a perfect example of good policies working well, and goes to show that it is not always “my way or the highway.”

Bright orange flags currently mark the foundation for what will become a more centralized “campus” of historic buildings owned by the society at 224 Danbury Road (Route 7). Where the Raymond-Fitch stands in front of an office building and level to Route 7 today, it will enjoy a more scenic setting raised about four feet from the road, and surrounded by historic structures, when the project is completed. And the state will have its improved thoroughfare. Two additional lanes will be added to the heavily traveled two-lane road that connects Norwalk to Danbury.

In addition to its change of address, the historical society is taking the opportunity to reinterpret period rooms in The Raymond-Fitch House, in order to provide what it calls a “time continuum” of 18th and 19th Century Wilton history. The circa 1735 Betts-Struges-Blackmar House, which is currently undergoing renovations and reinterpretation, will become connected to The Fitch House by a new structure, which will provide the society with expanded collections storage.

This is not the historical society’s first experience in the relocation of historic Wilton structures. Most recently, The Abbott Barn and Blacksmith Shop found a new home behind The Betts-Sturges-Blackmar House. Moreover, with well-timed gifts and bequests, the historical society has overseen the relocation of eight other buildings, which comprise Lambert Corners, an award-winning example of adaptive reuse.

Founded in 1938 in the home of Wilton resident Julien Gregory, Sr, the Wilton Historical Society has, since its inception, focused on the preservation of historic buildings. Prior to 1964, the society met in members’ homes. The purchase of The Lambert House, Wilton’s earliest extant house, in the same year allowed the society to set up a central meeting and exhibition space.

However, the impetus to initiate “adaptive reuse” came about when the society received a bequest of the 1756 Raymond-Fitch House and moved its headquarters to that location in 1970, where it remains today. In order to generate income to preserve Lambert House, the society decided to rent the property for both residential and commercial use.

A 1973 article in Antiques and The Arts Weekly applauded Wilton Historical Society’s adaptive reuse plan at Lambert Corners. In that article, “adaptive reuse,” a newly-coined term at the time, was defined as the process of saving historic buildings, creating a financially lucrative use for them, and using the income to pay for the initial effort. In time, adaptive reuse can pay for a mortgage and then some.

Through the 1970s, the 3½-acre parcel on which stands Lambert House became what is now known as Lambert Corners. Under the supervision of Wilton Historical Society emeritus trustee Walter R.T. Smith, the historical society has added to the site Wilton’s original 1852 railroad station, the circa 1810 Lambert Overseer’s Cottage, the 1843 one-room Greek Revival Kent Schoolhouse, the circa 1889 Hurlbutt Street General Store and Post Office, the circa 1790 Cannon General Store and corncrib, the mid-19th Century Davenport Barn, and a three-seater Greek Revival outhouse. These buildings, in a desirable location at the corner of Routes 7 and 33, are now rented commercially and residentially.

When asked about Lambert Corners, Wilton Historical Society executive director Marilyn Gould said, “This successful adaptive use project has preserved eight historic structures, while creating a beautiful complex that helps to support the society’s activities.”

Ms Gould is also the town’s second selectman. She explained, “The purpose of planning and zoning in Wilton in the 1970s was to preserve the existing historic structures along Route 7.” By avoiding changing the zone and by giving incentives to building owners, the town and society regulated additions to existing structures so as not to compromise Wilton’s architectural and historical integrity.

Funded primarily by the proceeds of the Annual Historical Society Antiques Show in March and the November Craftsmanship Show, the historical society receives no governmental support. With a membership of about 400 families and with the help of committed volunteers, Wilton Historical Society has managed to preserve and restore 12 historic structures. As for the future of Lambert Corners, the society has a vision of eventually creating a historic museum complex that presents 18th and 19th Century life.

The local historic district of Lambert Corners is also on the National Register of Historic Places and has won awards from the Connecticut League of Historical Societies and the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation. Christopher Wigren, the assistant director of the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation, remembered, “Lambert Corners is an interesting demonstration that historic buildings can be useful in different ways. We are happy to see that the Wilton Historical Society is encouraging adaptive use.”

Wilton is not alone in its quest to preserve historic structures amid the flurry of commercial and residential construction across Connecticut. Organizations such as the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation not only recognize successful projects, but also offer advice. Mr Wigren explained,  “Although we have no legal duty as a private, non-profit organization, we offer assistance and support for local organizations and owners of historic homes. As an advocate, we also offer technical assistance and a contact with experienced craftspeople and contractors who specialize in historic preservation.”

The process isn’t always easy. “If a structure is listed on the National Register of Historic Places or if it is a National Historic Landmark and if any activity involved with federal money will have an effect on the property,” he explains, “further consideration is needed. If adverse effects can be determined, an agency will try to mitigate that effect.”

Examples include executing an archeological dig, or completing an architectural record of the property to be demolished for legacy’s sake. Ultimately, however, the goal is to be granted an offer to move the building. Practically professionals at this game, Wilton Historical Society should be applauded for its continued commitment to historic preservation.

To learn more about the upcoming projects at the Wilton Historical Society, including its 33rd Annual Antiques Show set for the weekend of March 18-19, call 203/762-7257. To contact the Connecticut Trust For Historic Preservation, telephone, 203/562-6312.

(Genevieve S. Ward is an associate editor for The Newtown Bee’s sister paper, Antiques and The Arts Weekly.)