To the editor,

When I grew up in the 1960s, "play" meant being released into the neighborhood for unscripted, breathless fun. Sometimes we got up to mischief. Most of the time, we made up games, imagined castles in the woods and got unintended exercise while learning how to navigate the complicated social web of childhood.

At Coggeshall Farm Museum's annual Harvest Fair in late September, I saw my childhood come back to life as people of all ages joined in simple games, from the corn-husking competition to the skillet toss. No custom equipment required! More than 2,200 people came to Coggeshall's 48-acre "neighborhood" over a single weekend to enjoy being outside with family and friends, listen to music and just have fun.

I often see families go through a moment of adjustment when they arrive at Coggeshall. There is no pre-determined way to experience this living history farm museum. You are not immediately swept up into a whirlwind of structured activity. For some, this is unsettling. But after a few minutes, the easy pace settles in. A game of stick and hoop, a visit to the historic farmhouse, a stroll through the garden, a conversation with a friend, all blend seamlessly into the Coggeshall experience.

We are proud to draw people from across the region to the beautiful and historic town of Bristol for our major festivals, school field trips and daily programming. And we are humbled by the tremendous support of the community, from our growing membership, to our one-time visitors, to the major donors and grantmakers who have helped to keep this nonprofit museum afloat for 43 years. We also offer a special thank you to the sponsors who made Harvest Fair possible: Bristol Marine, Capital City Financial Corporation, WaterRower, BankNewport, East Bay Newspapers, Sunshine Oil and Elder, Gaffey & Paine, PC. 

With the community's help, Coggeshall will continue to preserve a way of life that honors hard work, togetherness and simple pleasures. When you need a break from the daily grind, stop by our neighborhood. We'll be waiting for you.

Cindy Elder
President, Board of Directors
Coggeshall Farm Museum