Local Town Meeting Plots World Domination, Settles for Walking Tour Instead at 222 Main St.

Unionville Historic District Prepares for Walking Tour: A Step Into the Past and a Glimpse of the Future

Unionville’s rich history is set to come alive in a new way this fall as the Unionville Historic District and Properties Commission finalizes plans for its upcoming walking tour, slated for September 28–29. The tour aims not just to educate but to inspire the community to take part in preserving the town’s architectural and historical legacy. With meticulous planning, enthusiastic volunteers, and a bit of sunscreen, the event is shaping up to be a memorable weekend.

A Tour Through Time: Bringing Unionville’s History to Life

The walking tour will take attendees through Unionville’s historic Main Street, providing a rich narrative of the town’s architectural evolution. This tour, which will run both days from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., and again from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., promises to showcase some of the most notable structures in town, with guides detailing the unique architectural styles that define the area.

One of the key contributors to the tour is Barbara, whose efforts have shaped much of the program. Barbara has worked tirelessly to ensure the tour is educational and engaging. Steve, who also assisted, confirmed that architectural descriptions of the various buildings will be available in print, allowing attendees to not only hear about Unionville’s rich past but to also have something to refer to after the tour.

“Barbara’s really carried the weight here,” Steve said modestly, adding that he’ll be ready to lead a tour or two if needed. The group agreed that having printed pamphlets on hand—complete with architectural descriptions and the commission’s mission—would allow visitors to delve deeper into the history of Unionville, even after the tour.

Practice Makes Perfect: The Tour Guide Dry Run

To ensure the tour runs smoothly, the commission has scheduled a practice run for the tour guides on Thursday, September 19, at 4 p.m. at the Masonic Hall on Main Street. Steve will lead this practice, giving guides a chance to rehearse their scripts, polish their timing, and adjust to the challenges of guiding groups in the bustling Main Street area—where traffic noise could be a real test of patience.

Several members of the commission, including Kelly and Amy, have already committed to guiding tours, though schedules vary. Kelly is available to help on Saturday, while Amy has offered to assist in the morning hours. “We might pack in several tours a day,” one member joked, as enthusiasm for participation was high.

Logistics and the Little Things

As with any event, the success of the tour depends on the careful coordination of logistics. The group committed to arriving 30 minutes early each day to help with setup. With tables, chairs, and even water bottles accounted for, no detail was left behind. Steve also lightheartedly volunteered to bring sunscreen, acknowledging that even history buffs can get sunburned on a bright fall day.

Despite the lighthearted atmosphere, the commission remains focused on its goals. Barbara reminded everyone that part of the reason for this tour is to recruit new members to the historic district, encouraging property owners to consider adding their homes and businesses to the district. “We’re not shy about this,” someone quipped, as the group discussed the importance of raising awareness about preserving Unionville’s historical integrity.

Materials and Marketing: Spreading the Word

Printed materials will not only include historical pamphlets but also recruitment sheets for those interested in joining the Unionville Historic District. Flyers about the event will be distributed around town at gas stations, libraries, and even George’s Pizza—a local favorite.

The commission also plans to make a visual impact with historical aerial photos of Unionville, which will be displayed on a large printout during the tours. These photos, showing Main Street as it appeared in 2016, 1951, 1947, and 1934, are sure to spark discussion and deepen attendees’ appreciation for the town’s evolving landscape.

And in case the weather doesn’t cooperate, the group has an umbrella—literally. While the commission hopes for clear skies, they’re prepared to host the tours rain or shine, with raincoats and umbrellas on standby.

A Community Call to Action

The walking tour is about more than learning local history—it’s an invitation for Unionville residents to engage in their town’s preservation efforts. The commission encourages attendees not just to enjoy the day but to think about how they might contribute to the future of the Unionville Historic District. Whether it’s adding a property to the district, volunteering, or simply spreading the word, the commission hopes this event will foster a stronger connection to the town’s heritage.

Final Words: A Big Thanks (and Some Sunscreen)

As the meeting wrapped up, the commissioners expressed gratitude for everyone’s hard work, particularly Barbara and Steve, whose efforts in organizing the tour have been monumental. “This group does anything and everything—it’s amazing,” one member commented, echoing the shared sense of pride in their collective work.

And before we close, we have to say a huge thanks to our sponsor, Farmington Storage. Whether you’re looking to preserve historical artifacts or just need a place to store your holiday decorations and miscellaneous boxes, Farmington Storage has got you covered—literally. Located at 155 Scott Swamp Road and reachable at 860.777.4001, they promise to keep your treasures safe (but they can’t promise there won’t be a few ghosts in the attic!).

So mark your calendars for September 28–29, and come prepared to step into Unionville’s past—and maybe help shape its future.

This article brought to you by Farmington Storage, where history and holiday decorations live in harmony.

-JB-