BEACON FALLS Continued

Continuing past the Mill Complex on Main Street is the 19th century building (currently housing Beacon Falls Pizza & Restaurant) that was built as the Second Methodist Church. South of the "pizza church" is another mill complex that began as Coe Tannery in the mid 19th century and later became the Homer D. Bronson Company. This company moved to Beacon Falls from Waterbury in 1893 and made continuous hinges and butt hinges for pianos, automobiles and many other uses. After driving past the former Bronson building make a u-turn at the next separation in the island onto South Main Street. Back at the Mill Complex, take a right onto Burton Street. From Burton Street, take a left up Wolf Avenue which was the home of several of the factory managers, including the wool mill superintendent. Take a right onto South Circle and bear right onto Maple Street. The Town Hall is located here on the left. You can obtain a map of the town here. Continue back down Burton to South Main Street.

Old Wilcox Store Across the street from Burton Street is the Old Wilcox Store, a turn-of-the-century shop with a pressed tin ceiling. Wilcox's Luncheonette and Variety Store is near the former trolley stop located on Depot Street. Photographs of the building, dating back to the time of the trolley, are on display. Wilcox's has a "laid back, just folks

atmosphere" that gives you a sense of the real Beacon Falls. The current municipal center of Beacon Falls, on the hill east of the restored factory, was originally property of the mills which was used for workers' housing around World War I.

Naugatuck State Forest One of Beacon Falls' greatest natural assets is the Naugatuck State Forest, where you can visit High Rock Grove and Spruce Brook Ravine and Falls. High Rock Grove may be reached by taking a left oft Burton and taking a right at the bridge that crosses the Naugatuck River. From the bridge, turn right onto Lopus Road and cross the railroad overpass; turn right on Cold Spring Road north one and one-tenth miles to picnic area on left. Approximately .5 miles down Cold Spring Road the pavement ends. You can continue down the dirt road to reach High Rock, or you may park and continue on foot.

To Spruce Brook Ravine continue past the picnic site another .3 mile, crossing Spruce Brook to a second picnic and parking area on the left. Park your car, then walk back across Spruce Brook to the southwest corner of the bridge where the Ravine Trail begins. Spruce Brook has long been considered one of the most beautiful ravines in Connecticut.