A Secret Stonington Place Photo courtesy of Avalonia Land Conservancy After you have visited every special shop on Water Street, explored the charming sidewalks with their historic homes, checked out our docks and real fishing boats and dined in one of the Borough’s excellent restaurants, you might still have some time and strength to walk behind the scenes.
Described in a recent article as "a very rewarding circle", the improved walkway around the Dodge Paddock and Beal Preserve meanders through a waterfront oasis in the densely-packed village. Last Fall, members of the Avalonia Land Conservancy (www.avalonialandconservancy.org) and some neighborhood volunteers lengthened an old walking path around the historic waterfront plot at the dead end of Wall Street (off Main Street). The improved access to the small salt meadow offers great views of birds and natural and cultivated plant life. The vista encompasses the Watch Hill (RI) Lighthouse, Napatree and Sandy Points and Salt Acres. The private backsides of several big, old homes lie exposed!
A dedication plaque mounted in the small parking area tells the story of the land-- The Dodge Paddock, as it is called now, was the site of a successful stoneware pottery works in the early 1800’s. The States family started the factory in 1811 but by 1835 had gone out of business, mostly due to the increasing popularity of glassware. Kiln Wharf, which extended into Little Narragansett Bay was a bustling waterfront distribution point in the 19th century. After the pottery works, a steam-driven sawmill produced doors and window frames in the 1840’s but burned down in 1865.
Vintage postcard courtesy of Boathouse Antiques The plaque also shows an artist’s depiction of the pottery works, wharf and surroundings during its heyday. Today, nothing but the occasional shard remains on the site. However, our Stonington Lighthouse Museum at the Point (end of Water Street) contains some fine examples of States stoneware. If you go, know that the Preserve is for Passive Recreation Only from dawn to dusk. Park in the small lot at the end of Wall Street or on Main St. Do not park illegally on Wall Street. This is a short but ungroomed nature walk--not for city shoes. Look for the small cut in the stone wall to complete the counterclockwise circuit from the plaque. Thanks to Avalonia et al for this pristine, historic land in the heart of our sophisticated Borough.
