Pilfershire of Simsbury is a neighborhood which includes abandoned homes where little remains except stone cellars, stone wells, stonewalls and stone remnants of small mills. Yet, all these stones have stories to tell about early colonial settlers, farm living and life changing events. Too little is known and too much of the currently available information about Pilfershire is conjecture – unreliable and inaccurate hearsay or sensationalized tales of haunting ghosts.
Motivated by the lack of credible information regarding Pilfershire of Simsbury, we will share the results of our findings combining historical research, physical evidence, and expert insights. Our goal is to provide substantiated knowledge and better understanding to explain this area. And, in doing so, help clarify some of the “mystery” of Pilfershire.
Ethics and integrity are central to our research approach. It is our philosophy that we be inquisitive observers and respectful students of history; thereby open to new insights and interpretations while showing reverence to historic documents and encouraging preservation of historic sites.
“The greater part of humanity’s effort to express itself serves only the passing generation. At times, however, a distinct and forceful individuality finds a mode of self-expression that is lasting and will serve the Future.” *
Most humbly, we hope that our research, observations and documentations in this project will lead to additional studies that contribute even further wisdom and understanding to historical knowledge … thereby serving, in some way, as a sustainable resource for future generations. Let it be so!
* Julia E. Pattison, recording secretary ABIGAIL PHELPS CHAPTER DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION notes in 1931 regarding LUCIUS I. BARBER, M. D. ‘s work “A RECORD AND DOCUMENTARY HISTORY of SIMSBURY 1643-1888.