William B. Carlin: Passionately Dedicated to Preserving Weir Farm![]() William Bayard Carlin (1927-2014) was the grandson of Julian Alden Weir, for whom Weir Farm is named. Carlin’s parents were Cora Weir and William E. Carlin. Cora would later marry Charles Burlingham. As a child, Carlin spent every weekend at Weir Farm with his family. He explored the woods, rode ponies, and was surrounded by his family’s love of art and nature. As an adult, he would become instrumental in preserving his home and playground. ![]() NPS Photo
![]() NPS Photo
![]() NPS Photo
![]() NPS Photo
![]() NPS Photo
![]() Left to Right: Malcolm Brooks, Robert Faesy, Jim Coleman, Jennet Shelley, Nancy Faesy, Lindley Voekwein, Richard Faesy, Geoffery Baker, Charles Jacobs, Sperry Andrews. Courtesy Weir Farm Art Alliance and Carol and Robert Russell Wilton History Room, Wilton Library. The Weir-Leary-White PreserveCora Weir Burlingham’s gift to the Nature Conservancy sparked the beginning of the Preserve’s growth and purpose. Additional land gifts from Eugenia Slaughter in memory of George Leary; Geoffrey and Elizabeth Baker in memory of Anna White; Robert Geffen; Elsie French; Helen Littauer; and Charles Lokey increased the preserve to 110 acres. The Weir Preserve Management Committee, mobilized by Doris Andrews, volunteered to do the physical labor of managing a nature preserve by cutting trails, mowing fields, and repairing stone walls. By 1979, the committee adopted bylaws, wrote a management plan, coordinated educational programs, and inventoried flora and fauna in the Preserve. In 2005, the Nature Conservancy transferred ownership of the Weir Preserve to the Weir Farm Trust, now the Weir Farm Art Alliance. Today, the Stewardship Committee of the Weir Preserve in partnership with Weir Farm National Historical Park, remains committed to the conservation efforts initiated by Cora Weir Burlingham and her son William Carlin. |
Last updated: May 27, 2023