All of us know that Mansfield was settled in the 1690s as a part of the town of Windham. But the distances between settlements proved burdensome and just 300 years ago, on 30 January 1700, a town meeting voted to separate the north end of the town from the south end. It was, however, nearly two years later before the matter was presented to the General Assembly for ratification and confirmation on 9 October 1701. Then, on 26 May 1702 the General Assembly granted the separation of the two townships, subject to certain conditions, the northern town to be known as Mansfield and to have MM for its horsebrand.
Though 1702 is the date generally given for the founding of the town, in fact it was not till 13 May 1703 that the General Assembly ordered that Windham and Mansfield be incorporated and have patents, “ forasmuch as they are a considerable number of inhabitants and a good quantitie of land convenient for two townships. ” And it was not till 20 October 1703 that the Mansfield patent was issued over the signature of John Winthrop, Governor.
A year ago the Town Council appointed a Steering Committee to lead in the planning of a celebration of the town's three hundredth anniversary. That committee consists of Rudy Favretti, Michael Gergler, Roberta Smith, Donna Stratton, and Fred Cazel, chairman, along with a University representative. The committee has been meeting monthly and this month is presenting its tentative recommendations to a larger group of community leaders. A yearlong celebration is proposed with as many events as can be staffed. A logo contest is planned for this spring and a fund-raising committee has been appointed.
Our society, it is hoped, will want to play a major role in this celebration. Museum exhibits, regular and special programs, tours, and publications can all be included. The Steering Committee will welcome proposals of all kinds.
Fred A. Cazel, Jr., Chairman
Update