East Wallingford

East Wallingford Highlights

East Wallingford, West Wallingford and Wallingford are all part of three historic districts in one town. It is difficult to separate information for each. Because of this, most information will be found in the town description of Wallingford. With that being said, here is a story for your enjoyment that relates to East Wallingford. The “Boy With the Boot',” a folklore tale (or true story -- no one seems to know) that you will want to hear told by the local residents. Here is a teaser. History tells us that the boy was 10 years old. One theory is that an English newspaper said he was modeled after a well-liked newsboy who sold papers on the streets in Italy. He tragically drowned while fishing. Others say he was a “drummer boy” in the Revolutionary War (or Civil War) and would try to care for the sick and wounded soldiers on the battlefield. Using what little he had, he pulled off his boot, ran to a nearby creek, filled his boot with water to give the men a drink, while plugging up the hole in the front of his boot so the water wouldn’t leak out. It is said that fifteen of these statues were made, one being displayed in the middle of downtown East Wallingford because of a resident closely associated with the young boy. Folklore? True story? Visit East Wallingford and you might be able to find out!