The preserve is named in memory of Theodora Goberis who generously donated the property to The Old Lyme Conservation Trust and in memory of the Chadwick infant, and others, whose graves are in the small cemetery next to the preserve.

Theodora Goberis

Theodora Goberis, or Teddy as she was known to her friends, was born in Hartford in 1917. She attended Norwich Free Academy High School and later graduated from Alfred University. As a member of the faculty of Norwich Free Academy, she was an art instructor for 44 years.

Ms. Goberis never married. She was a quiet, private person who lived a simple life. She loved her church and attended Mass every day. Her cottage at Point O’ Woods allowed her to enjoy Long Island Sound, where she was close to nature, loving birds and fish.

Ms. Goberis donated her property of about 25 acres to The Old Lyme Conservation Trust in 1998. She died in 2006 at the age of 89.

Chadwick Family

In 1767, nine years prior to our Declaration of Independence, the marriage of Reuben Chadwick and Martha Miller took place in South Lyme. Thirteen months later, they had their first child, a daughter, who lived for only 2 days. The child’s name is unknown but her gravestone indicates that her first initial was A. The gravestone is located in a small cemetery bounded on 3 sides by the Goberis Chadwick Preserve. The cemetery also includes the graves of 7 other people who names are unknown.

Reuben and Martha had at least 7 other children. Ruben died in 1836 at age 95 and Martha lived about 2 months longer and died at age 86. They are both buried in the Duck River Cemetery.

The Chadwick family was prominent at that time and later in the South Lyme area. They were initially farmers and later mariners and Ship Captains. Early Chadwick homes are still standing in Old Lyme on Four Mile River Road, Brown’s Lane and Mile Creek Road. In addition, Daniel Chadwick, who was a prominent Ship Captain, lived at what is now 31 Lyme Street.

Visitor Rules

The following applies to all properties owned and managed by OLCT:

No littering, always carry out what you carry in, please bring a bag to put your garbage in.
No ATVs (All Terrain Vehicles).
Trails get beat up and might be dangerous for anyone else to use.
More info...
All dogs/pets under your control at all times.
Stay on the trails and do not trespass on adjacent land.
Do not mark trees, start fires, camp or collect plants or mineral.

For more information please see our General Information A-Z section.

Let's take care of what we have got so we can enjoy it for a long time to come!

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