The Forge Farm should properly be called The Gallup House. This property was in the Gallup family (an important family in the growth of Stonington) for a great number of years. This history was most appreciated by Mr. and Mrs. Berry who, upon their deaths, wished to preserve the property for future appreciation and so deeded it with a significant endowment to the care and trust of what is now the Connecticut Landmarks Society.

As an active member of the Stonington Historical Society, and a former director, I find it appalling that the Landmarks Society should even discuss the possibility of the sale of that property when they have so neglected it and, apparently, benefited financially from its endowment.

I have done research on a number of historic properties in our town for the Stonington Historical Society, including the Gallup House. To learn about the ownership of that house and property over the many years and to read the history of the people who lived there will put this whole debacle in perspective. I urge the Town of Stonington and our conscientious Historical Society to take steps to continue the preservation that Mr. and Mrs. Berry intended.

Joan Rowley

Stonington