Today’s look back into the archive is a reminder that there are more ways to give to Joshua’s Trust than simply writing a check. Of course volunteering is another valuable gift. But beyond those most common methods of supporting Joshua’s Trust, there are land donations (both for conservation or for profit), gifts of stock, bequests and more. To learn more about the different ways to give to Joshua’s Trust click here. Now on to a bit of history!
Dr. Fred Cazel, former mayor of Mansfield and University of Connecticut Professor Emeritus, has donated a house and five acres to Joshua’s Trust. Proceeds from the sale of the property will benefit preservation activities. Mike Rice of Century 21 will handle the sale of the property donated by Dr. Cazel. Hill Bullard, president of Joshua’s Trust, praised Dr. Cazel’s generosity and foresight. He explained that in addition to donating the property Dr. Cazel has placed a conservation easement on the land surrounding the house to protect its rural character.
Located in an old farming community, the property has a large meadow which will be maintained under the terms of the easement. As a historian, Dr. Cazel understands the value of protecting a record of how the land was been used in earlier periods. His wife, the late Annarie Cazel, was active in preserving local history and was one of the founders of Joshua’s Trust.
Hill Bullard pointed out that this was the second such gift that the Trust had received. Several years ago, Dorothy Godwin donated her house to the Trust with the understanding that it would be sold and the proceeds used for conservation purposes. Usually, the Trust is the recipient of gifts of land that the donor wants to have preserved. Dr. Cazel explained, “It makes more sense for me to give the property to the Trust and let them handle it than for me to sell it myself.”