On the 12th of November, 1850, the site was visited by a large number of members of the association and practically dedicated to the uses of the new village, Mr. Greeley making an address in which he spoke in complimentary terms of tin1 wisdom displayed in the choice of locality and predicted rapid growth for the community about to be established. In the spring of 1851 the village was laid out into streets and avenues, various contracts for grading were effected, and the distribution of the one thousand quarter-acre lots among the members was made. A depot was erected at the expense of the association, and presented to the New Haven Railroad Company. In October there was a jubilee in celebration of the rapid progress attained in the space of a single year. On the 12th of December the president of the association, Mr. Stevens, reported that fifty-six houses had either been completed or were in various stages of construction, and this number had on the 6th of August, 1852, been increased to three hundred. " One of the causes of this rapid progress was the reversionary clause in the deeds given, which required tin1 erection within three years or a forfeiture of the land. This provision in the deed undoubtedly

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was not legally binding, but effected the purpose for which the members of the association freely placed themselves under its seeming risks. The lots not improved, as so required, were, however, in a few years relieved from this incumbrance by releases freely given." 1 By the fall of 1853 the settlement of the place had been so satisfactorily accomplished, and its preparation in other respects for organized government so far advanced, that its people were ready to consider the question of its incorporation as a village. This plan was agreed to by a majority vote in December.