The day boxers Morrissey and Sullivan slugged each other for 37 rounds, in remote Boston Corner, as related by Bob Estabrook

SALISBURY — Bob Estabrook told the story of the Oct. 5, 1853, prize fight in what is now Boston Corner, N.Y., to an appreciative audience at the Scoville Memorial Library Saturday, Nov. 21.

The fight, a bare-knuckle affair between John Morrissey and Yankee Sullivan, went 37 rounds, with Morrissey the victor.

But what was really notable about the fight was that 8,000 people attended, with riotous results.

Contemporary accounts included descriptions of what would today be called “home invasions.� There was also plenty of pickpocketing, stealing of chickens and general mayhem.

In the question period after the talk, Estabrook was asked if the 8,000 attendance figure is credible.

“I think so,�he replied. “The charcoal cutters and other people on the mountain came down to let off steam.�

Was anybody killed or hurt?

“Well, Sullivan was pretty badly beaten up. And I don’t know how much local medical attention would be given to the loser.�

Why were no women reported at the fight?

“I don’t think it was by design,� said Estabrook. “Maybe the fairer sex had better judgment!�

Why Boston Corner?

“I’m guessing here but I think it was chosen because it was a no-man’s land between New York state and Massachusetts — and has remained so.�

Ron Jones from the Salisbury Association added that, “This area has been called the 14th Colony — between the three states it had more people than Hartford, but little or no contact with Hartford, Boston, Albany or New York.

“And when I told that story to [state Sen.] Andrew Roraback, he replied, ‘Nothing has changed!’�

Latest News

Salisbury ski jumpers put on show for students

Gus Tripler prepares to jump from the new 36-meter jump.

Margaret Banker

SALISBURY - With the Winter Olympics just weeks away, Olympic dreams felt a little closer to home for Salisbury Central School students on Feb. 4, when student ski jumpers from the Salisbury Winter Sports Association put on a live demonstration at the Satre Hill Ski Jumping Complex for more than 300 classmates and teachers.

With screams of delight, student-athletes soared through the air, showcasing years of training and focus for an audience of their peers. The atmosphere was electric as the jumpers soaked up the attention like local celebrities.

Keep ReadingShow less
Classifieds - February 5, 2026

Help Wanted

PART-TIME CARE-GIVER NEEDED: possibly LIVE-IN. Bright private STUDIO on 10 acres. Queen Bed, En-Suite Bathroom, Kitchenette & Garage. SHARON 407-620-7777.

The Scoville Memorial Library: is seeking an experienced Development Coordinator to provide high-level support for our fundraising initiatives on a contract basis. This contractor will play a critical role in donor stewardship, database management, and the execution of seasonal appeals and events. The role is ideal for someone who is deeply connected to the local community and skilled at building authentic relationships that lead to meaningful support. For a full description of the role and to submit a letter of interest and resume, contact Library Director Karin Goodell, kgoodell@scovillelibrary.org.

Keep ReadingShow less
Legal Notices - February 5, 2026

Legal Notice

The Planning & Zoning Commission of the Town of Salisbury will hold a Public Hearing on Special Permit Application #2026-0307 by Amber Construction and Design Inc for vertical expansion of a nonconforming structure at 120 Wells Hill Road, Lakeville, Map 36, Lot 09 per Section 503.2 of the Salisbury Zoning Regulations. The Owners of the property are Joseph Edward Costa and Elyse Catherine Nelson. The hearing will be held on Tuesday, February 17, 2026 at 5:45 PM. There is no physical location for this meeting. This meeting will be held virtually via Zoom where interested persons can listen to & speak on the matter. The application, agenda and meeting instructions will be listed at www.salisburyct.us/agendas/. The application materials will be listed at www.salisburyct.us/planning-zoning-meeting-documents/. Written comments may be submitted to the Land Use Office, Salisbury Town Hall, 27 Main Street, P.O. Box 548, Salisbury, CT or via email to landuse@salisburyct.us. Paper copies of the agenda, meeting instructions, and application materials may be reviewed Monday through Thursday between the hours of 8:00 AM and 3:30 PM at the Land Use Office, Salisbury Town Hall, 27 Main Street, Salisbury CT.

Keep ReadingShow less
Putting a stamp on Norfolk

Antonio Alcalá

Provided

As part of the Norfolk Economic Development Commission’s campaign to celebrate the Norfolk Post Office and the three women who run it — Postmaster Michelle Veronesi and mother-and-daughter postal clerks Kathy Bascetta and Jenna Brown — the EDC has invited USPS art director and stamp designer Antonio Alcalá for a visit.

Postage stamps designed by Antonio Alcalá.Provided

Keep ReadingShow less