The Pomfret Fish is one of more unique fishes of the fish family. The same can be said about the town
of Pomfret, Connecticut. The town just recently celebrated its 300 anniversary, as it was founded in
1713. lts history carries much Connec...ticut Folklore while hosting the oldest buildings that are still
standing in our state. Also, the town was the site of the last wolf in Connecticut. All this and yet, the
town has no official center or green. ls there something fishy going on here you might ask? I think not.
Pomfret get its name from former Governor Saltonstall's estate in Yorkshire, England called Pontefract.
The name actually stands for broken bridge in the English Language. I really don't know of any broken
bridges in Pomfret, but l do know of the Vanilla Bean. Located at the intersection of Routes 44, 169 and
197 is a very popular destination for day trippers and the locals. The Bean, which opened in 1989, offers
some of the best homemade soups, sandwiches and treats in this part of the state. You can stand and
gaze at their tasty menu for a very long time. The offer both indoor and outdoor is seating. The outdoor
patio is very busy in the summer months, as many pass through this part of the state and this
intersection. They even give you giant playing cards upon your purchase, which matches with your food
purchase. Just hold up your card and the waiters will know where to find you. You can find many other
cool things of interest in Pomfret .The oldest continuing social library in the United States is here. The
Abington Meeting House/ Church is the oldest standing meeting house in the state of Connecticut. Oh
and the name Abington, that's just the name of a neighborhood in the town itself. Sharpe Hill Vineyard
is one of the states better vineyards that include a restaurant and scenic view. Then there is the
infamous Wolf Den located in what is Mashamoquet State Park. It is here deep in the woods of the park,
that in 1742 Israel Putnam killed what was then the last wolf left in Connecticut. The story goes the wolf
up until his death was destroying the livestock at nearby farms in town. This went on for a while, until a
group of farmers and Old Put cornered the wolf in the cave. lt is then the Israel was lowered into the
cave by rope by his fellow farmers and then shot and killed the wolf. Now you know the origin of the
name Wolf Den, at the Mohegan Sun Casino. Haven’t your ever wondered about that? As many of you
know Israel went on to become General lsrael Putnam that fought in our countries war for
independence. The question remains though, have the wolves have returned to the state. The DEEP
claims there are none, but there have been reported sightings. When you visit Pomfret you probably
won’t find much fish, not even a broken bridge. What you will find though is some great history, scenic
Connecticut Farmland, great sandwiches and wine. lt’s up to you to decide if the wolfs have returned.
Click here for information on my book, "The Signs of Connecticut," a chronicle of those familiar blue signs that have the names of Connecticut's towns on them.
