Arts & Crafts Fairs in Woodstock, CT

After two days of the Historic New England Summit (You can read my summaries of Day 1 and Day 2), I still could not get enough New England history and culture! On Saturday, October 14, I went to the Arts & Crafts Fair at Roseland Cottage, a Historic New England property in Woodstock, Connecticut that I first toured back on July 3. The fair is a tradition in Woodstock, now in its 40^th year.

Roseland Cottage is a perfect venue for the event as its founder, Henry Bowen, loved bringing members of the community and powerful American political figures together in large parties on the estate. I enjoyed seeing historical crafts like pottery, jewelry, painting, woven baskets, and beeswax candles alongside more modern crafts like digital photography and handmade dog coats.

A second, smaller crafts fair was held across the street at First Congregational Church in Woodstock, across the street from Roseland Cottage and sharing the same parking area. As staunch Congregationalists, the Bowen family would have attended this church during their summers in Woodstock. Henry Bowen was an active church planter, assisting with the founding of Plymouth Church in Brooklyn, New York. Led by Henry Ward Beecher, the congregation supported abolitionist activities in the area and served as a stop on the Underground Railroad.

The church in Woodstock was well-established by the time his family summered in the town, as it is the third church building on the site. The structure is a classic, early 19^th century, white New England church with later additions matching the style of the original building. Part of the arts & crafts fair was held in a fellowship hall with elegant exposed beams.

I understand how these fairs have become an annual classic for Connecticut residents and crafts lovers alike. The cheerful atmosphere creates a satisfying ending to the Historic New England season and beckons in new historical activities for the fall and winter months. With plenty of vendors, tasty treats, and the oldest extant bowling alley, a trip to the fair is the perfect intergenerational activity for a sunny fall day.