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Tom Key’s talk at Scoville Memorial Library Nov. 9 brought forgotten tales of the Revolutionary War to light.
Patrick L. Sullivan
SALISBURY — In a region rich with Revolutionary War history, Tom Key, a self-described “redneck engineer,” offered residents a deeper look at some of the lesser-known events of the American Revolution during a talk at the Scoville Memorial Library on Sunday, Nov. 9.
The program was part of an ongoing series tied to author Russell Shorto’sbook “Revolution Song.” Copies are available at the library, and Shorto is scheduled to appear in person on March 27 with local teachers Peter Vermilyea and Rhonan Mokriski through the Salisbury Forum — a group well-known for its public discussions on history, politics and culture.
Key focused on the Revolution’s early stages in the northern colonies, outlining events that shaped the era in New England. He described the tense buildup to April 18, 1775 — the night of Paul Revere’s famous ride — noting that colonists around Boston were already stockpiling munitions while British General Thomas Gage watched from the city, “getting nervous.”
According to Key, the colonists expected a British march of roughly 1,000 soldiers toward Lexington. When the troops advanced, the colonists fired and retreated, setting off the skirmishes that led to the start of the war. As the British continued toward Concord, American fighters harassed them using what Key described as “guerrilla” tactics — an approach that would define New England’s early resistance.
With no reinforcements nearby, the British pulled back toward Boston. “That’s when it got vicious,” said Key. American snipers targeted the retreating troops, causing casualties and demoralizing the redcoats.
Back in Boston, Key said, the Americans “tightened the noose” by constructing a redoubt or temporary fortification on Breed’s Hill — the precursor to the more widely remembered Battle of Bunker Hill. Built overnight, the fortification heightened British frustration.
“Gage sent three waves against the colonials, into coordinated fire,” Key said. “It was a killing field.”
But the tactic was effective. By the last wave, the colonials were out of ammunition and were overrun by the British.
Key then shifted to Benedict Arnold, a figure with ties throughout New England.
Arnold participated in the siege of Boston before proposing the capture of Fort Ticonderoga on Lake Champlain. After that accomplishment, Arnold launched an ambitious attack on Quebec.
Key explained that Arnold began the expedition in September 1775 with 1,100 men, traveling up the Kennebec River in Maine before attempting a grueling march through the wilderness. The mission quickly faltered amid brutal weather and supply shortages. At one point, Key said, Arnold “saved the day” by buying a herd of cattle from a Frenchman so his troops could eat.
Reinforced by Gen. Richard Montgomery, Arnold pressed on and attacked Quebec City on Dec. 31, 1775. Montgomery was killed, Arnold was badly wounded, and the assault failed.
Arnold went on the following year to fight a series of naval actions on Lake Champlain that were ultimately unsuccessful but did delay the British advance to the south.
When asked why Arnold defected in 1780, Key said Arnold had accumulated a long list of grievances, beginning with not being paid.
His reputation had been challenged, leading him to request a court martial to clear his name. “Remember, a court martial wasn’t always a bad thing,” Key said.
Arnold also resented the personal and financial costs of leadership, was embittered by his wounds, and was grieving his wife’s death. While administering Philadelphia, Key added, “he lived it up, more like a Tory” than a committed revolutionary.
“Hurt feelings? Money? Opportunist?” Key asked. “But not a coward.”
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Santa attends Kent’s tree lighting
Dec 03, 2025
Lans Christensen
A crowd gathered at the Kent Town Green Friday, Nov. 28, to witness the annual lighting of the tree. Santa Claus made an appearance and attendees caroled as the tree was illuminated for the holiday season.
Lans Christensen
Parishioners gathered Saturday, Nov. 29, to light the Christmas tree and enjoy handmade doughnuts and cider at Trinity Epsicopal Church in Lime Rock.
Patrick L. Sullivan
LIME ROCK — Parishioners gathered outside Trinity Episcopal Church on Saturday, Nov. 29 for a festive evening of tree lighting, carol singing and a chance to try handmade doughnuts.
The carolers, led by Trinity’s musical director Christine Gevert — tucked inside the church vestibule with an electric keyboard — launched into the first songs promptly at 5 p.m. Moments later, the tree lights were turned on, adding a glow to the gathering.
About 20 minutes later, with the carols and pop tunes finished and the cold settling in, the group headed inside to warm up and investigate the cider and doughnuts.
The latter were fried in bacon fat by John Lloyd, dusted lightly with confectioner’s sugar, and carried out to the hungry crowd.
Patrick L. Sullivan
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Built in 2003, 20 Ashley Drive was sold in July 2023 for $560,000 and two years later for $645,000 on 0.84 acres with a four car garage in Woodridge Lake community.
Christine Bates
GOSHEN — In October, all four single-family residential transfers recorded in Goshen were located in the Woodridge Lake development.
The town’s 12-month median sale price held steady at $642,400 — close to September’s record 12-month median of $649,700, which remains the all-time high.
At the end of November, 12 single-family homes were on the market, reflecting the town’s continued tight inventory. Five were listed above $1 million, including two “to-be-built” homes in the Meadow Crest Lane development. Only four homes were priced below the current median of $642,400.
Transactions
197 West Hyerdale Drive — 4 bedroom/3 bath lakeside Woodridge Lake home on 0.9 acres sold by Lloyd J. and Arlene Streisand to David Mandelbaum and Moira J. Dolan for $1,875,000.
20 Ashley Drive — 5 bedroom/3.5 bath home in Woodridge Lake sold by Jennifer and Jon Alex Sheaffer Sr. to Kelly and Michale Santoro for $645,000.
3 Equestrian Drive — 4 bedroom/2.5 bath home on 0.95 acres in Woodridge Lake sold by Sheryl A. and Daniel P. Nemergut to Bryan D. and Elaina J. Fealy for $575,000.
172 Bentley Circle — 5 bedroom/3 bath home in Woodridge Lake sold by Judith A. Juliano to Johanna C. and Toby G. Geiger for $465,000.
* Town of Goshen real estate transfers recorded as sold between Oct. 1 and Oct. 31, 2025, provided by Goshen Town Clerk. Transfers without consideration are not included. Current market listings from Smart MLS. Note that recorded transfers frequently lag closed sales by a number of days. Compiled by Christine Bates, Real Estate Salesperson with William Pitt Sotheby’s International Realty, Licensed in Connecticut and New York.
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