Whittlesey Road

This is the final installment of our river series. We end where the Bantam River ends, at its confluence with the Shepaug, on a dusty road in Washington. It's a stranger and more moving place than I expected. More on that below, along with events worth your time this week.

Tue — 78° / 55° · 🌦️ AM showers, PM sun
Wed — 60° / 42° · 🌧️ Rain
Thu — 58° / 39° · ☀️ Mostly sunny
Fri — 57° / 43° · 🌤️ Partly cloudy
Sat — 55° / 44° · 🌧️ PM rain
Sun — 70° / 49° · 🌤️ Partly cloudy
Mon — 59° / 41° · 🌧️ Showers

You may have noticed some new colors around here lately. We also built something new: a live Field Report for Litchfield County, updated each week with air and water temperatures, trail conditions, moon phase, spring progression, and what's coming up out of the ground. It lives on the visitor guide at visit.litchfieldledger.com and updates automatically. Take a look before your next time outside.

We began this series with the mighty Housatonic River. So, it seemed fitting to end where our little Bantam River flows behind Mt. Tom before rejoining it via the Shepaug River, which itself empties into Long Island Sound.

Today’s focus is the confluence itself: the place these two rivers finally meet. You can find this place along one of my favorite dusty drives in Litchfield County: Whittlesey Road.

When I first located this on the map, I expected this spot to be a public park, or at least worthy of a nice wooden bench to take it all in.

When I arrived, however, I was surprised to discover a silver-grey home sitting dead center in the middle of these rivers, as you can see here.

I have mixed feelings about this home. I do, of course, wish it were a public place, but I also considered what it would feel like to live there.

On one hand, it’s hemmed in on both sides by indifferent waters liable to flood at some wild moment, like the Storm of 55’, which plugged the Shepaug with such debris that when it finally broke free, it sent a wall of water crashing through Washington, taking the few who stayed behind.

And on the other hand, this little fork of real estate is liberating, as if at any moment one could leave a little note on the kitchen table, walk out the back, and float downstream to some other, sun-lit, splendid place, of which we have no shortage here.

It’s the kind of place an industrialist from 150 years ago would have bought to swim in its waters to heal some ambiguous illness we’ve long since cured.

VIDEO HERE

The word "Schaghticoke," the name of the Connecticut tribe whose ancestors were the Wyantenock people of this exact watershed, derives from an Algonquian word, "Pishgachtigok," meaning "the confluence of two waterways" or "Gathered Waters." These people named themselves, or were named, after the confluence of two rivers.

In broader spiritual beliefs about water, the Algonquian-speaking Connecticut tribes revered Manitou, the Great Spirit found in all living things and in the forces of nature. Water was not a resource in that worldview. It was a living presence. The Algonquin believed that nature was inhabited by spirits that intermixed with the physical world.

More specifically, Algonquian tribes across the northeast believed in Underwater Panthers, powerful spirits inhabiting deep water and river confluences. These were not benevolent figures. They were to be respected and appeased, associated with the unpredictable power of floodwater.

To stand at a confluence is to watch two things end and begin at the same moment, over and over, without pause. The Bantam arrives, the Bantam disappears. The Shepaug receives it and is no longer quite the Shepaug. Something new moves south.

As the Shepaug continues beyond the fork, it flows south past vineyards and under bridges, carrying cold water, fresh nutrients, aquatic insects, and brown trout from the north.

It drops further south before losing itself in the Housatonic, which empties into an ocean to lose itself there too, and on it goes, indifferent to the naming of things.

As I stared off the bridge, my trance was broken by my children shouting from the car window. And as I turned, I thought: we are all at a confluence, every day. We join things, leave things, and return carrying something new. Maybe that's why these rivers mean so much. They show us the process in plain sight.

And so we conclude River Studies …for now…

Last week's question, OK, on to our new question: True or false, White Memorial is older than any official state park. = TRUE

This week’s question: Can you name one of the men who started the town of Litchfield?

Litchfield Community Center, Litchfield – Celebrate Cinco de Mayo with a lively fiesta lunch featuring live Mariachi music, festive food, and fun for all ages. Bring the whole family and enjoy a colorful afternoon full of flavor, music, and community vibes. 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM EAT FESTIVE

Gunn Memorial Library, Washington – Bring the kids for a hands-on Kids Crafternoon in the Makerspace featuring 3D printing, robots, Legos, and creative building stations. This month’s highlight: design your own 3D-printed bookmark while exploring fun tech and crafts. 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM BUILD COOL

Action Wildlife Foundation, Goshen – Get moving with Safari Walkers Club, a fun and active outing for families featuring a scenic park walk, animal encounters, storytime, crafts, and playscape time. Perfect for kids to explore, learn, and burn energy while parents enjoy the fresh air and wildlife. 10:00 AM – 11:45 AM GO WILD

Housatonic River Brewing, New Milford – Test your brain at General Knowledge Trivia hosted by Rich, featuring fun questions across all topics and gift card prizes for the top teams. Grab a drink, bring your crew, and compete for bragging rights. 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM TRIVIA NIGHT

Peggy Mercury, Kent – Experience HOMESICK by Joshua Huyser, a watercolor exhibition capturing everyday objects through light, color, and nostalgic emotion. This reflective collection invites you to slow down and reconnect with the beauty and memory woven into ordinary moments. 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM FEEL NOSTALGIA

Five Points Gallery Annex, Torrington – Explore Making Our Mark With Words & Art, a collaborative exhibit featuring artists and authors with readings, book signings, and creative workshops. Don’t miss the Opening Reception on May 8 and a special hands-on Partnership Painting workshop on May 10. 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM SEE ART

The Homestead Collective, Litchfield – Celebrate the Grand Opening of this beautifully curated shop featuring specialty pantry goods, kitchen essentials, and home finds. Enjoy a ribbon cutting, champagne, small bites, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere while you browse and discover something new. 5:00 PM – 7:30 PM SHOP FRESH

Sunset Meadow Vineyards, Goshen – Sip, relax, and create your own glowing cherry blossom bottle lantern at this dreamy Paint & Sip experience. Enjoy wine, guided instruction, and a cozy creative vibe as your design comes to life with soft fairy lights. 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM SIP & PAINT

Fox and the Buck Farm, Litchfield – Find the perfect Mother’s Day gifts at this charming farm pop-up featuring curated vendors, charcuterie boards, gourmet treats, plants, and fresh coffee. A one-stop shop for thoughtful finds in a cozy, spring-filled setting. 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM SHOP SWEET

Black Rock State Park, Watertown – Cast a line at this FREE Family Fishing Day with rods, bait, and on-site instructors ready to help beginners and young anglers alike. Enjoy a relaxed day by the water with hands-on activities, nature, and plenty of chances to reel in your first catch. 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM CAST OUT

Hopkins Vineyard, Warren – Sip, sing, and celebrate spring at this FREE Karaoke Party with Chris Radz. Enjoy vineyard views, your favorite wines, and a laid-back afternoon of music, dancing, and good vibes. 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM SING LOUD

Belden House & Mews, Litchfield – Celebrate Mother’s Day with an elegant day of brunch, afternoon tea, and dinner, plus a charming French-style floral pop-up to create your own bouquet. Enjoy beautifully crafted seasonal dishes and a refined atmosphere perfect for honoring someone special. 8:00 AM – Evening CELEBRATE

Create Escape Studio, New Milford – Celebrate Mother’s Day with a cozy Bisque & Bagels Brunch while painting your own pottery masterpiece. Enjoy a catered spread, choose from a wide selection of ceramics, and create something meaningful together—perfect for moms, kids, and anyone feeling creative. 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM PAINT MEMORIES

Troutbeck, Amenia – Celebrate Mother’s Day with a seasonal prix fixe menu highlighting fresh spring ingredients like ramps, asparagus, and fava beans. Enjoy a beautifully curated three-course dining experience in an elegant countryside setting—perfect for making Mom feel truly special. 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM TREAT MOM

Hollister House Garden, Washington – Celebrate Mother’s Day surrounded by blooming gardens, vibrant spring colors, and peaceful pathways perfect for strolling and making memories. Enjoy a free, beautiful afternoon honoring the special women in your life in one of the region’s most charming garden settings. 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM STROLL BLOOMS

Mattatuck Museum, Waterbury – Explore the outdoors on a guided History Hike through Southford Falls State Park, featuring scenic waterfalls, forest trails, and rich local history along a 1.5-mile loop. Transportation is provided—just bring sturdy shoes and enjoy the adventure. 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM HIKE HISTORY

Oliver Wolcott Library, Litchfield – Dive into history at President’s Club with a discussion on Harry S. Truman led by historian Peter Vermilyea. Explore the complex decisions and legacy of a pivotal U.S. president in this engaging, thought-provoking book talk. 3:15 PM – 4:15 PM THINK DEEP

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Patrick