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Town of Woodbury
Orenaug Park
View from the top of Orenaug Park
Mrs.
Shove was quite a collector, according to her friends. She would travel all
over the U.S and bring back stones from each. When she returned, she used
these stones to construct the two stones pillars that stand at the park's
entrance.
Mrs. Shove was known to sit at the entrance of the park, under an umbrella to shade her from the summer sun, fitting these well-traveled stones into the gate.
In 1959, when the U.S. accepted Alaska and Hawaii as states, two rocks were brought from this far-off lands to be set into the pillars.
The history of the park's birth is well-documented, in the form of personal letters between Mrs. Shove and noted town historian William Cothren. Mr. Cothren owned a large amount of land in the area surrounding the park, and assisted Mrs. Shove in collecting the lots that encompass the park.
The two enjoyed a friendly correspondence, which was documented in a report life-ling resident Charlotte Isham presented to the Woodbury Historical Society.
Mr. Cothren wrote the following description of Orenaug Park in his history of Woodbury:
"Oak, maple, hickory, chestnut and cedar trees are scattered over the mountaintop, and in the beautiful ravine beyond, while the crest is covered by a beautiful grove of pine trees, in the midst of which a town, thirty feet in height, has been erected, from which views of the six surrounding towns may be obtained.It has been named the Orenaug Park. Here one can always catch a delightful breeze and enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the village, valley and meandering river below, while the whispering pines above his head sooth the perturbed, wearied and overworked mind"
Mr. Cothren's description, written more than 100 years ago, is still accurate today, except for the 30-foot town, which collapsed in the 1880's. The present, more that 80-feet tall including the weather vane at it peak, was built by Mrs. Shove in 1890, with funds donated by some 15 Woodbury residents.
The park includes what could be called the town's first Town Hall - Bethel Rock. The rock was the site of the signing of the first land deal between settlers of Woodbury and the area's original residents, the Pootatuck Indians, in July 4, 1659.
It was also the gathering place of the First Congregational Church. The Congregationalists held their weekly meeting there, guarded by sentinels stationed below the rock to warn them of intruders, until their first church was built in 1681.
Ask a local history buff if they know the story behind Bethel Rock or, for that matter, what Bethel Rock is.
If you ask Jamie Monckton, she'll not only give you the answer, she'll give a guided tour.
Ms. Monckton, for a Girl Scout project, restored on area around the historic and legendary Bethel Rock and created a brochure that details the surrounding Woodbury landmark
Bethel Rock is located in the southeastern part of Orenaug Park and is accessible by a newly created, one-third of a mile long trail that branches off the main pathway leading to the Orenaug fire tower, another landmark with a story of its own.
Jamie learned of Bethel Rock and the history behind it after working as a docent at the Hurd House "One day we took a walk up there and heard the story behind it", she said. "That's when I became inspired to do this".
She researched the subject using history books in the library, checking town maps, speaking with people who worked on a similar project 35 years ago and talking with Charlotte Isham, the author of an article about Orenaug Park.
She created a Brochure entitled: The story of Bethel Rock.
Jamie also replaced rows of rotted and deteriorated benches that were positioned in front of the rock and used for services.
Welcome to Orenaug Park
We hope you enjoy your visit and that you respect
others savoring its beauty and peacefulness.
Under state statute-52-557g- you use Orenaug Park at your own risk. Hazards include but are not limited to ticks, falling rocks or objects, poison ivy and broken glass.
You should be aware that the Town of Woodbury:
Ø Does not maintain rocks, cliffs or other natural features of the
terrain at Orenaug Park.
Ø Does not provide supervision or instruction.
Ø Is not responsible for the condition of the terrain or the acts of
persons who may be on town property.
Ø Has not placed or maintained climbing or safety aids (for example:
bolts, pitons or rappel slings & rings) on or about the cliffs.
Ø Is not responsible for the placement or maintenance of such devices
by others.
Open from one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset.
Board of Selectman
Orenaug Park Regulations
1. Persons using park facilities do so at their own risk.
2. An adult must accompany children under the age of 8.
3. The Parks & Recreation Commission reserves the right to revoke the
use of any facility or area to persons or groups violating the regulations.
4. The park is open from one hour before sunrise to one hour after sunset.
PROHIBITED:
Ø Damaging any equipment of property, including trees, flowers or shrubs.
Ø Littering
Ø Throwing or dropping objects from the Orenaug Park Tower.
Ø Discharging firearms.
Ø Flying combustion-powered airplanes.
Ø The consumption of alcohol.
Ø Driving all motorized vehicles on parklands.
Ø Dogs and other pets not kept on leash.
NOTICE:
Town of Woodbury Ordinance 7.5 and CT General Statute Sec. 52-557g: A parent
or guardian is liable for damage caused by minor.
WARNING!
ROCK CLIMBING IS DANGEROUS
SKILL, TRAINING AND PROPER EQUIPMENT ARE ESSENTIAL.
CLIMB AT YOUR OWN RISK
THE TOWN OF WOODBURY PROVIDES NO SUPERVISION, INSPECTION OR MAINTENANCE OF THE ROCKS OR CLIFFS.
WEATHER CONDITIONS CAN MAKE THE ROCKS TOO HAZARDOUS FOR CLIMBING.
TOWN PERSONNEL ARE NOT AUTHORIZED TO INSTRUCT OR ADVISE CLIMBERS AND ARE NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR WARNING OF DANGEROUS CONDITIONS OR PRACTICES.
BOARD OF SELECTMAN
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