By KEVIN D. R.
  Newspaper  Staff
MY TOWN- The spirit of the country's first president was alive and well Saturday night at the Oliver Wolcott House at 89 South St.
George Washington ate dinner and slept at the house on Sept. 23, 1780. The occasion was part of the theme of the Local Historical Society's fund-raiser. The society celebrated its 150th anniversary this year.
"The homeowner offered up the house for the event," Director Catherine F. said.
The Oliver Wolcott House was finished in 1754 and was the home of the former governor of Connecticut.
"It goes all the way to the Bantam River," Curator of Education and Public Programs Andy A. said about the house.
The event was held in the backyard under a stripped tent. To celebrate the occasion, Local Area Business Association President Peter (me) dressed up as Washington and rode along in a horse and carriage with guests. The horse and carriage was provided by Bob E. Coach and Carriage Service,
"Well, I think our nation will survive," (Pete) joked when asked what it was like to play Washington.
"I'd like a good glass, a good lass and a good game of cards," (Pete) said, quoting a Washington line from 1776.
People who came to the event made a donation to come in. The event brought in 175 people, President of the Board of Trustees for the Local Historical Society Chip S. said.

A statue of King George III was taken from New York City and was melted down in Wolcott's backyard and made into musket balls.
All of the items available in the live auction and the silent auction were donated, he said. (He) said he was concerned about the weather in the morning when the society was setting up for the event. There were sporadic showers Saturday morning, but the rain let up Saturday night.
"It's an all-volunteer thing," (he) said.
Drinks and hors d'oeuvres were available for guests. The live auction items available included two different trips to New York City, a trip to Washington, D.C., a trip to Lake Tahoe, Calif. and a replica of an 1800 Litchfield Card table by John L. The table was an original that may have had cards played on it by Aaron Burr and is owned by the Local Historical Society.