The resilient beauty of Cloverhill

The view facing west from the highest elevation of Cloverhill, autumn 2017.

What can be said about the parcel of land in Woodbridge once known as Cloverhill Farm? A previous post here on TownHistory recounts the origins of the property's ownership, tracing back from pre-Revolutionary days through to the early 1900s. Today of course, this parcel is more widely recognized as the former Country Club of Woodbridge. Over the years, it has gone by several names, including the Woodbridge Country Club and the Woodbridge Hills Country Club.

A deed recorded in the Woodbridge Land Records in April 1917 references the property as “The Cloverhill Farm” owned at that time by James L. Nesbit (1859-1935).

*A deed recorded in the Woodbridge Land Records in April 1917 in which James L. Nesbit refers to the property as The Cloverhill Farm.*

Before it was transformed into a golf course, the property was a horse farm, owned by Nesbit. Even earlier, the land was held by several generations of the Fowler family. For more about this property's history — and previous owners like Roger Sherman, Captain John Beecher, and Barnabus Baldwin — you can explore our 'Clover Hill Farm' post from way back in 2016.

*A 1934 aerial photo at left compared to a satellite photo from 2016.*The TheT

But, as they say, a picture is worth a thousand words. So in this 2024 post, let’s take a closer look at some digital scrapbooks filled with images from the recent past — as even these days are swiftly becoming part of our shared history in Woodbridge. First, we'll revisit images from 2012-2017, in the early days of the Town of Woodbridge’s ownership. During that period, the golf course operated alongside a clubhouse and pool, with an event tent nearby.

Since the clubhouse, pool, and tent have all closed, the surrounding land has been busy transforming itself into a rich habitat for wildlife and vegetation. A recent visit reveals vibrant wildflowers blooming in the fields as summer ends and the first day of autumn arrives. In previous seasons, visitors have glimpsed reflections of the winter sky in the ponds and waterways that silently wind through the property.

Next month, the Woodbridge Library plans to host an exhibition featuring writing, art, and photography that captures the ever-changing beauty of this land, all created by local community members. This display of local creativity promises a unique opportunity to honor the land's transformation and celebrate its lasting influence in the lives of those who have found inspiration in the resilient spirit of Cloverhill.