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Bethlehem, Connecticut
Rural in Bethlehem
by
Adele
Gray
4th Grade Teacher Bethlehem, CT
When people drive into Bethlehem, the first thing
they notice is the spectacular farmland. One of the oldest and
well-known farms in town is March Farms, with its rolling orchards
that bear apples and peaches. Other crops include sweet corn,
blueberries, and other vegetables. Many visitors come from around the
state to pick their own produce.
Because Bethlehem is primarily rural, it hosts a
huge agricultural fair each September. Thousands of people come from
far and wide to see the exhibits and farm animals. They enjoy the
tractor pulls, oxen pulls, and wood-chopping contest, among many
other events.
Every year the fourth graders from Bethlehem
Elementary visit the
Old Bethlem Historical Society Museum and the
old school house. Dressed up as students from the past, they learn
about Bethlehem school history and are treated to lessons from the
1800s.
Another place of historical importance is the
grand Bellamy-Ferriday House in the center of town. It was the home
of Joseph Bellamy who started the earliest theological school in the
country there. Later, it became the home of Caroline Ferriday, a
benefactor for many survivors of WWII prison camps. This house is on
the National Register of Historic homes.
Although small, Bethlehem offers the visitor
attractions rich in history and charming to the senses.
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