This cache is one of four placed by The History Hunter with the Townsend Historical Society to celebrate this small town's heritage. It is placed with permission. The cache is a large container which has a log and some trinkets to trade. Bring your own pen just in case but there are a few in the container. It is a relatively quick grab (less than 10 minutes to complete). Might not be winter friendly depending on the level of snow. Watch for high water in the spring. If you take something, please leave something. Watch out for muggles fishing. Don't forget to hide the container exactly as you found it (or better).
History:
This cache celebrates the Reed Family and their history in Townsend Harbor. The Reed Homestead is a historic house museum owned by the Townsend Historical Society. The building built by Oliver Reed in 1809 and was owned by several generations of the family until 1972. Oliver was a tanner and there was once an extensive business carried out in the site's side yard. The museum is well known for its Rufus Porter murals and faux graining on the doors and fireplace surrounds. It is a great historic site and offers views of the Townsend Harbor Pond or the adjacent Squannacook Greenway Rail Trail (to Townsend Center and Groton).
The Cache gets its name from Letty Reed and her portion of the estate after the death of Oliver. Traditionally, widows were offered 1/3 of the estate with the other half split among heirs (children/relatives). This lot was formerly a pasture and belonged to Mrs. Reed. It is home to the Townsend Harbor Church, built in 1853 (and also owned by the Townsend Historical Society)
Parking:
Please pull in the driveway and park facing the church building. In winter, parking may be limited.
Rail Trail: Feel free to hop on the rail trail and follow it down to Townsend Harbor and grab the nearby cache. Or you could follow it west towards Townsend Center for a pleasant two mile wooded hike.