by Mrs. Gloria Rosati
There were six or seven houses built in the “Bissell” meadow area. The original John Bissell house that was built in 1659 is no longer standing. The present house was built by Major Noadiah Bissell in 1786. The house is the site of the second ferry operated across the Connecticut River. The first ferry was located further up the river. The ferry franchise and house were purchased in 1816 by John Pelton who also operated a tavern. In 1850, the Town bought the house and farm and created the Town “almshouse.” The Town operated the ferry until 1921. A small jail still exists in one of the attached buildings. The property was sold by the Town in 1924. After a succession of owners, the house was purchased by relatives of the early owners, and is being preserved as a historical site.