There are those who love Ridgefield. No other word fully expresses their regard for the old town. Every thing done in it is of consequence, every thing written about it is of interest. They read and forget to criticise. They recognize in every incident of its history a gem; rough and uncut though it be, or tossed from its native bed by stranger hand, it is nevertheless a gem - fancy will brighten it and memory will set it. For stick I have written.<br><br>A residence of nearly seven years in this beautiful town has greatly endeared it to me. Its hills and valleys have grown as familiar as the faces of its people, and if what I have written shall in any way contribute to the pleasure of my readers, I can assure them that on my part it has been also a pleasure to write.<br><br>No claim is made to originality. It has been my purpose to collect rather than to compose; to procure from all available sources such fragments of history as related to the town and arrange them in the most convenient order. The Town Records have been carefully searched, and such portions selected as were thought of greatest interest and value. The Colonial Records, so far as published, have also been examined.