Volunteers continue work at Spicer Homestead ruins; commission to present findings to council in September

Volunteers digging and documenting the Spicer Homestead ruins reported progress and new finds to the Land Use & Public Works Committee on July 6, and the historic commission said it will seek a September presentation to inform the full council.

Doug Kelly and others described stonework, cellar-hole dimensions and other features suggesting a 17th- or 18th-century farmstead. The group said they are coordinating 3-D photography and a Preservation Connecticut tour to help compile materials for an informed council presentation.

"We had a great bunch of volunteers up there helping us," a commission representative said, and noted that a researcher and a preservation professional will help finalize documentation ahead of a formal September appearance. Committee members agreed to place the presentation on a fall agenda so council members have time to review findings before action is requested.

The commission mentioned the option of revisiting whether a broader parcel (4.4 acres) or the smaller 0.73-acre area is appropriate for preservation action, and said it will bring detailed materials to avoid abstentions for lack of information at the full council level.