JOHN WILLARD’s (1892-1976) contributions to his native community ofWethersfield, Ct., were many, and included his work on the Historic District Commission, Park Board, Recreation Committee, Cemetery Association, Historic Foundation, and as the Tree Warden. ‘These volunteer positions coincided with his work as an employee of Comstock, Ferre & Co (1912-57), the nation’s oldest seed company in continuous operation.
John Willard was Wethersfield’s most distinguished modern historian. He was well known as an author and scholar but also possessed the rare abilities of a master storyteller. He was a founding member of the Wethersfield Historical Society in 1932, and served as president from1939-42. He believed that “history is the story of people.”
In 1971, Mr. Willard received an Award of Merritt from the American Association for State and Local History for over 50 years of service to the history of Wethersfield, Connecticut, and to early Connecticut.
(John Willard biography by Nora Howard, former Director Wethersfield Historical Society)