Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Eels in the river at Hilton's


My family visited Ted Hilton's in the summer of 1952.  The week as I remember was wonderful.  The horses were tied up and waiting on the far side of the river so one had to row across.  I had a crush on the top wrangler. We went riding at least three times, once for an early morning breakfast ride.  We stayed in the new lodgings at the top of the hill -- overlooking the swimming pool, where I also spent a lot of time.  The river was lovely with its little sandy beach -- but it was the first time I ever saw an eel -- and didn't appreciate the experience as that long, black shiny, slimy thing coiled about my ankle!  The food was great and I remember one morning particularly.  I always got up very early and there I could walk down to the lodge by myself and eat with other guests, likewise early risers.  I was 10. 

--Jeanne Melis Mills

  I am pleased to announce that the new local history website EastHaddamStories.org is now live. It is a project of the East Haddam Historic...