Vernon Welsh, 92, owned historic houses here

Vernon M. Welsh of Old Lyme, an executive with General Dymamics who once owned two of Ridgefield’s oldest houses, died at his home on Monday, Sept. 4. He was 92 years old and the husband of the late Glenna M. Welsh, a Ridgefield historian.
The Welshes came to Ridgefield in the 1950s, buying the Keeler Tavern on Main Street, which they worked on restoring. In 1961, they moved to the “Hauley House” at the corner of Main Street and Branchville Road, believed to be the town’s oldest house, dating from 1713.
Mrs. Welsh wrote the book, The Proprietors of Ridgefield, in 1976. She died not long after it was published, and Mr. Welsh moved to Old Lyme more than 20 years ago.
He served as chairman on the Old Lyme Historic District Commission and his home on Lyme Street is on the National Register of Historic Places as a Historic District Property. He also was past vice president of the Library Board in Old Lyme.
Mr. Welsh had been vice president of communications at General Dynamics and was one of three editors of Dynamic America, a history of General Dynamics Corporation. He also was a consultant for CEIR and Boeing Corporation before he retired.
He graduated cum laude from Dartmouth College in 1931.
Mr. Welsh was an avid reader and writer, well versed in literature, politics, religion, and world events and “was a committed member of his community, maintaining his interest in historic preservation,” said a family spokesman.
He also restored the Cranberry Cottage, a summer home in Chatham, Mass., which the family enjoyed for many years.
“He had a keen and loving interest in his large family, his friends and associates and their activities,” said the family spokesman.
Mr. Welsh is survived by his wife Marcia Welsh of Old Lyme; a daughter Jane Hamlin of Austin, Texas; a son Michael Welsh of Helena, Mont.; a daughter Suzy Nickerson of Chatham, Mass.; a son Mathew Welsh of Alexandria, Va.; nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.
Services will be private. Donations may be made in his name to a charity of one’s choice.