Norwalk's first European settlers grazed their cattle on this property - hence the name "Calf Pasture." Among these earliest arrivals was Matthew Marvin, who moved to Norwalk in 1651 (the year the town was founded). His son, Matthew Jr., bought a parcel between the Norwalk and "Saketuck" rivers from the native Americans in 1669.
Seven generations later, in December 1836, William and Amanda Marvin settled into a 19-room farmhouse on the family property. William Marvin gradually purchased adjacent parcels, creating "one of the fairest domains in Southern New England."
His granddaughters, Orie Marvin and Mary Louise Marvin Taylor, donated the family's beach property in the city in 1922. Calf Pasture Beach Park was ceremoniously opened in May 1924.
Mary Louise's sons, William Marvin Taylor and Frederick Bradford Taylor, sold the family's remaining property to the city in 1968. Thirty acres were turned into Taylor Farm Park and 10 acres were designated for the new Marvin School.
Shady Beach
The city purchased the land for Shady Beach, with its wooded area for picnicking, from Louis & Helen Canevari in 1952.
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