West Fens: A new CJ

[acornhp 1]

February 3, 2006

Issac De Sautel, Ph.D., Executive Director

West Fens Historical Society

24 Center Street

Fens Port, WF DL-2490

Welcome Visitor!

West Fens is an exciting community, one which reaches from Sea to Mountain, as our town motto states The West Fens Historical Society is proud of our long heritage. We were first surveyed in 1693 by Isiah Fens, who had recently traveled north from his recent settlements. Although it is not clear why he chose West over north, or some other description, some feel that he chose this name to distinguish it from the Fens area of Europe where from where he had emigrated. What ever the choice, we are happy to have such a strong and vibrant community.

We have attached a photocopy of an early map of the West Fens area, as described by Isiah Fens. It is a fairly accurate map, considering the map making abilities of the early settlers. You will note some of the areas that were on that original map, are still quite a part of our modern maps. Queens Point, then known as Queen Mary Point, is still one of the major vibrant shipping ports. Williams Point, here known as Prince William Point, still a major tourist center. Of course, our historic village, the subject of a major archaeological dig, is still at the site of the second landing. An copy of artist Bill Anthony

[Cjah 15]

Excellent...Most excellent indeed!

I love historical CJs!

 

The detail and the background info is awesome.Great start and I can't wait to see some development!

 

[acornhp 1]

February 3, 2006

Governor Peter Wallansbee

Executive Office

19 North State Street

Fen Lake, WF PQ-5136

Welcome Visitor!

We are thrilled that you are going to be exploring West Fens. We think you will find this area to be the most exciting community on the coast. Not only that but we have great mountains in which to explore. Of course, the central part of this area is alive with opportunity for all types of businesses.

The many exciting possibilities of West Fens are at your fingertips with this package of information. As each of the towns report about their community, I hope you take a few moments to look over their provided aerial photographs - which the West Fens Aeronautical Administration has provided. These photos will provide a great look into how our area works.

So, dear visitor, I will not prattle on about the benefits of West Fens. I can only ask if you have any questions, do not hesitate to stop by my office for more information.

Sincerely,

Governor Peter Wallansbee

[acornhp 1]

Technical Note:

The Colonial Village was designed by sk8ziml. The trails and cabin are Pegasus productions.

[SCDawg 0]

wow, this is cool. i love historical CJs. this one should go far. i would ike to see the beginnings of the town soon, i hope

[acornhp 1]

Dear Visitor,

Scout Troop 1287 of Fens Landing, WF is thrilled to extend our welcome to you visitor. Scout Troop 1287 (formerly Troops 12 & 87) can trace their history to the earliest days of scouting in West Fens.

We offer a great many options for today's scout to participate in. Our Scout House is located in Fens Landing, but we travel throughout the region to participate in camping trips, camporees, and to attempt to help the variety of citizens of Fens Landing and West Fens.

Below are a few pictures of a recent scouting trip we took to the Upper Fens River area. We kayaked the river to the overlook and back again. Ranger Bill Wilson provided us with a biology lesson about the river. Emma Tilson from the Riverway Association also turned out to help us clean the riverway. We camped overnight and cooked out on the fire.

If you are interested in helping out with local Scout Troop 1287, we would love to have you. Contact us any time!

Bob Scott, Scoutmaster
Baden Powell, III, District Commissioner


From Pegasus' trail, cabin, restoom, and camping packages

[acornhp 1]

Dear Visitor,

I would like to personally extend a hearty welcome to West Fens and the Fens River watershed. The Fens River, first charted by Isiah Fens, extends up into the Fens Mountains and is considered some of the cleanest river water in the region.

We have worked hard to clean up the river over our last 20 years. We have cut back industries along the river. We have worked for a watershed protection overlay district. We have fought for better upstream conservation of land from resource extraction processes. But most importantly, we have worked to create and maintain the Riverway.

The Riverway is a 35 mile long trail extending from the central part of West Fens up and into the mountains. We have built an overlook near the trail head and have worked to establish a public camping area. The trail crosses atop Dunham's Ravine - well known to locals as the place where Joseph Dunahm tragically perished when he tried to navigate his raft upstream in 1843. The trail then winds its way along the river and over Crocker's Hill to the end point at the Marshall Penn Memorial Campground. Here we have cooperatively agreed, with the West Fens Park System, to host a ranger and interpretive guide. We have also encouraged the docking of kayaks at this site.

Now that the Riverway is running so well, we have turned our attention to the overall watershed. We are working hard to protect both the Jumping Child Lake, the Moon Pond, the Sun Pond, and the Fens Lake. We are also working with the West Fens Park System to ensure an easement is placed over Whale Back Island for its continued enjoyment in its natural state.

Thanks for visiting and please be sure to get involved in our local environmental initiatives. We look forward to having you!

Emma Tilson
Executive Director, FRA


Fens River Overlook

Dunham's Ravine


Pegasus trail, overlook, and trailside bathrooms featured

[acornhp 1]

Dear Visitor,

The Old Settlement Neighborhood Association would like to offer a warm welcome to you visitor. The OSNA is one of the oldest neighborhood associations. We are located in Fens Landing, around the old settlement site. The entire district is a National Register District and is on the local historic register of historic places as well. We have a voluntary design restriction that we ask local residents to follow. The OSNA is committed to ensuring a great neighborhood and a strong design ethic.

Our board members work hard to hold bake sales, garage sales, welcome wagons, neighborhood watches, and much more. If you are thinking about moving to West Fens, the Old Settlement neighborhood could be a perfect fit for you. We are near the ferry terminal and just down from the commercial district. The Old Settlement Elementary School is in the heart of our neighborhood - which runs from Main Street to Old Settlement Turnpike and between First and Seventh Avenue. Elm Street forms the core of our neighborhood.

Please contact me if you have any questions about moving to the area. Many local realtors are ready and willing to help you get into the OSN. If you do move in, be sure to join the OSNA as soon as possible to get into all the fun!

Andrea Semoyer, President
Old Settlement Neighborhood Association


The Old Settlement village, operated by the West Fens Historical Society.


An aerial image of the Old Settlement Neighborhood. OS Elementary in the background.


An Art Deco home in the Old Settlement Neighborhood. Art Deco was common in the period around 1920, especially in coastal neighborhoods. Art Deco was less common on smaller homes, so we are especially proud to have this house in our historic district.

**This space will denote lots used as researched. Colonial Village by sk8zim17.

[acornhp 1]

Whale Back Island Archaeology Project

The Whale Back Island Archaology Project is a program funded largely by the West Fens Historical Society, but is provided grants from the West Fens Historical Commission (a government agency), and the West Fens College System. The project is located on Whale Back Island, a largely undisturbed island, which was previously used by Native Americans for ceremonies, was the site of the first landing, and later for sheep grazing. The lack of construction on the site has provided a clear site for archaeology.

The WFHS has most recently built a boat landing and constructed a small cabin near the first test site. Clearing is underway and several archaeology and preservation students from the college are camping on-site for the summer. Recording will take place with the standard pit markings. Four other test sites will be conducted in the future.

Below are a few images from the survey plane which provide a good overview of what is happening currently on the site. If you would like more information, please contact the WFHS. The site is closed to general boaters and visitors, but we will be planning an open house type even to WFHS members later this year.


Overview of island showing boat landing and site.


A closer look at the site. Clearing is underway to create a clear site for researchers to examine the area.

**This area reserved for lot makers. Cabin, timber workers, and camps by Pegasus.

[acornhp 1]

West Fens Grange Association

Dear Visitor:

It is a great time to be a farmer in West Fens. We have great opportunities to grow and market our crops. While other places around the world are struggling to get by, we are working hard to make sure the small farmer gets his part of the pie. Probably melon pie!

There are several historic farms in West Fens. The most significant is the Wannamaker Farm near the Old Settlement area. This farm - with its distinctive round barn - is a major force in the area and the Wannamaker family is working hard to diversify and stay in the farming game. They were instrumental in starting the Grange and also for forming the Farm Bureau program. Now that the government oversees the Farm Bureaus, the Grange is the local connection to all things farming.



We also have the Quinn farm down the road from the Wannamakers with their small crops of organic melons, they are a local favorite.



On Williams Point the farming is going strong. Andrew's family farm is one example of that type of work. For a small tourist community, its great to see these small farms working hard.



We hope you consider joining the Grange if you are involved in local farming. Your work is important and we hope we can do more for you.

Rawley Smith (Market Farm, Center Fens)
Grange President

Round Barn by Nexus, others TBA

[acornhp 1]

Look for more to come with the West Fens Preservation Trust, the West Fens governments, and some of the local towns. If you have a particular part of the government or non-profit sector that you would like to hear from, let me know. If you are interested in some of the historical research (i.e. the archaeological dig, the architectural history, the old settlements) let me know and I will do my best to document this history.

Thanks,
Aaron

[Cjah 15]

Excellent farms and also maybe put it all in one post.

A bigger update gets more posts,but still good job on the town and everything else!

[Sisu 1]

Awesome work. Nice historical start .I like those farms. Keep it up!

[jacqulina 162]

wonderfull start,great history,love the campsite, coming on great look forward to more

[acornhp 1]

I wanted to post to make sure people didn't think I was suddenly off the map. Far from it, I actually made my proposal too agressive for my own good. I am working now on getting out some great images - but bear with me as I have a certain rigour that I hold myself to. I will be posting images of a coal patch town, a look at sprawl in a conservation area, an architectural tour, and some advertisements from commercial operations. Thanks for bearing with me!

Aaron

[sloppet 3]

good start! so far it's interesting
keep up the good work