If These Rocks Could Talk, What Would They Say About You?

When Benjamin Greene and Jordan Barnaby were growing up in Madison, they both thought "this place is so boring." 

Now, several years after graduating, they think otherwise. "Now it's like paradise," said Barnaby, who was hanging out on the rocks by West Wharf with Greene Wednesday afternoon. He said the rocks, in particular, seem like paradise. "For five or six years I've been coming here when I want some peace. I listen to music. I've brought some of my dates here. It is one of the most peaceful places in Madison." 

Greene said he often comes to the rocks to get centered, and to practice martial arts. He said he's particularly drawn to the rocks when he gets concerned or upset about how the town is changing, because the rocks are a constant. Greene and Barnaby were one of several people who visited the rocks Wednesday afternoon. 

It's memories from people like that that the Madison Beach Hotel hopes to collect as part of a contest. Madison Beach Hotel General Manager John Mather said what started as a simple effort to grow the hotel's email list has generated a lot of enthusiasm and excitement, from Madison and from as far away as Boston. 

"We're very pleased with the response," he said. The hotel is giving away a weekend at Madison Beach Hotel, and is donating money to the town's ongoing renovation project of nearby West Wharf as part of the contest. 

Mathers said he has worked at the hotel for about a year and a half, and he has seen people out on the rocks just about every day. "Three hundred and sixty five days a year," he said. "When it's sunny and when there's a hurricane. Sunrise and sunset. Fishermen and people getting married. They are an emotional touchpoint for many in town, and many who visit town." 

Mathers said about a year ago he was talking with a neighbor, Charlie Elliot, and Charlie showed him a map that identified the rocks as "South Rock." Intrigued, Mathers called Madison Town Hall, and, after getting transferred from one department to another, ending up speaking with a woman in archives who said the proper name of the rocks was "Reuben's Rock," after Capt. Thomas Reuben from the Revolutionary War era. 

Mathers spoke with another woman one day who informed him the rocks were named after her. "Carolyn Rocks. Because she used to sunbath out there and the boys would come down to watch her," he said with a laugh. 

Other neighbors nearby call it "Pride Rock," he said. Regardless of what people call it, he said, they are welcome to submit their memories.

The “If Only These Rocks Could Talk” contest ends Columbus Day, Monday, October 14, 2013. Click on this link below to submit your memories and photos: http://www.madisonbeachhotel.com/madison-beach-hotel--west-wharf-rock-contest.htm

Here's the full press release from Madison Beach Hotel:

New England’s Most Famous Rock? 

In these parts, we don’t have anything as imposing as Mount Rushmore, El Capitan, or Devil’s Tower.  We must be content with smaller formations.

Some in the northeast may assume (especially residents of Plymouth, MA) that Myles Standish and his mates aboard the good ship Mayflower sealed the answer to the “rock” question back in 1620.  It’s hard to argue Plymouth Rock’s symbolic role as the quintessential threshold of the new world, but even geologists would have to accept that at best it’s a one-trick-pony of a stone.  In theory, the fabled rock received a few leather-soled footprints from our nation’s earliest European settlers.  In reality, the Pilgrims landed many miles from the site of the landmarked rock in Plymouth…. It’s a nice story if you avoid the facts.

Residents and visitors of the Connecticut Shoreline have had affection for a real rock formation for many years.  The rocks have brought together family and friends, fishermen and artists, lovers and lost souls.  Kids have learned to crab, to fish, and to make friends on these rocks.  New love has been found, proposals have been made, and marriages officiated on these rocks.  Meditation, contemplation, and revelations have occurred on these rocks.  Sing-a-longs and drink-a-longs have been celebrated on these rocks.  Babies have been baptized and ashes have been scattered from these rocks.

The West Wharf Rocks in Madison, CT have come to be an emotional touch point for so many memories over the years that they seem to possess mystical properties. Whether the peak of summer sunshine or the depths of a mid-winter freeze, the West Wharf Rocks attract us.

However, like walls, rocks can’t talk.

The Madison Beach Hotel is launching a contest to share memories, photos, experiences, and history from the West Wharf Rocks.  The grand prize winner will receive a glorious weekend at the Madison Beach Hotel. In addition, a donation in the name of the winner in the amount of $500 will be directed towards the ongoing revitalization to West Wharf being spearheaded by the Town of Madison, CT. All submissions will be eligible for a series of other prizes including spa treatments at Sounds of the Sea Spa, Sunday Brunch and dinner at The Wharf restaurant.

Entries can be submitted for consideration and posting on a special area on the Madison Beach Hotel website for all to see, share, and learn.  A Blue Ribbon panel of knowledgeable old-timers, regional historians, and well-intentioned know-it-alls will be assembled to choose the most unique stories and photos.  No memory is too fleeting or superficial and none too grand or significant.

The “If Only These Rocks Could Talk” contest begins Tuesday, July 30, 2013 and ends Columbus Day, Monday, October 14, 2013.

Click on the link below to submit your memories and photos:

http://www.madisonbeachhotel.com/madison-beach-hotel--west-wharf-rock-contest.htm