Tucked between the western edge of Westport and blending into the foot of the rock cliffs that define the Norwalk River Valley and the nighborhoods of Cranbury and East Rocks, lies a small neighborhood of early Norwalk suburbia. That’s not to say there aren’t historic areas and homes still in the neighborhood, but the proximity of the Post Rd comprising its southern border, meant that the farms gave way to growth during the post WW2 years.
Notably this is where Pepperidge Farm once anchored the commercial strip along the Post Rd. until it befell the coporate mergers over the years and closed its bakery, then distribution center, then headquarters.
But apartments were built on the former parking lots and Wolfpit once again served as fertiel ground for growing housing. Peperidge Farm was named after a peperidge tree on founder, Margaret Rudkin’s family farm, also named after the same tree. The logo was based on a grist mill she used once things took off. The Norwalk bakery was built in 1947, and sold the business to Campbell’s in 1961.
Partrick Preserve, which mostly sits in Westport is the one of the oldest settled areas both of Norwalk and Westport. An ancient burial ground testifies to the age of the community, as well as the hostoric properties that line Partrick Road. Knowing the bits of geography then, helps picture the farming valley that the area once was. The twenty-two acres are also home to Earthplace, who created a network of trails, boardwalks, and interpretive signs for visitors to enjoy.
Because Norwalk essentialy at the foot of a glacial waterhsead, there are many springs abd brooks that lie just benearth the surface of the hilly lawns and wooded groves that provide the character of the Wolfpit neighborhood. This feature was made the land work for agriculture.
