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Gc 974.6 M38h 1646886
M. L.
REYNOLDE UETORICAL GENEALOCY COLLECTION
ALLEN COUNTY PUBLIC LIBRARY 3 1833 01149 3324
Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2019
https://archive.org/details/historichousesof00maso
CONNECTICUT BOOKLET NO. 5
HISTORIC HOUSES of CONNECTICUT
Open to the Public
By H. F. RANDOLPH MASON
Introduction by DR. ROBERT J. CRAIG President, The Connecticut League of Historical Societies, Inc.
GC 974.6 M38h
Sponsored by The Connecticut League of Historical Societies, Inc.
M. L.
N C. Williams $100 Williams parkway
REYNOLDS HISTORICAL GENEALOGY COLLECTION
HISTORIC HOUSES of
CONNECTICUT
Open to the Public
By H. F. RANDOLPH MASON
Introduction by DR. ROBERT J. CRAIG President, The Connecticut League of Historical Societies, Inc.
974.6 138h
P
THE PEQUOT PRESS, INC. Stonington, Connecticut 1963
Acknowledgment
The publication of Historic Houses of Connecticut was made through the complete cooperation of the officers of the organizations or others closely asso- ciated with the ownership or maintenance of these splendid buildings, which en- able everyone to enjoy their interesting architectural features and their many beautiful and rare furnishings.
The basic facts concerning each of these houses, in some cases the complete text, together with the pictures, have been supplied and approved by these representa- tives and grateful acknowledgment of their assistance is hereby expressed. The sponsorship of the Connecticut League of Historical Societies has been invaluable in encouraging the compilation of the material and in the production of the book. The splendid introduction by Dr. Robert J. Craig, president of the League, well demonstrates the state-wide interest which this organization has in the preserva- tion and care of our historic heritage.
In the case of almost any historical work, there are always a few who question the accuracy of statements and dates. In some instances it is impossible to pin point these. It is believed, however, that the information supplied is as nearly cor- rect as can be obtained and that in the matter of dates for the construction of these houses they are relatively correct as to the general period in which they were erected.
At the time of the publication of this book, there are at least a half dozen his- toric homes which have been preserved and which are in various stages of restora- tion, but they have not been included, as the exact dates when they will be open to the public and the material to be on display have not been fully determined.
It should be. noted that the days and hours when the houses listed are open to the public are subject to change, due to local conditions.
H. F. RANDOLPH MASON
Copyright 1963 by THE PEQUOT PRESS, INC. Stonington, Connecticut Library of Congress Catalog Card No. 63-16432
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1646886
Introduction
BY DR. ROBERT J. CRAIG President, Connecticut League of Historical Societies, Inc.
The history of our people in early times is written in their struggle for a living, the clearing of primeval forests to plant their crops among the stumps, the rude shelters that first housed them, the sacrifice to gather a church and build a school then find and support pastor and teacher. These things were essentials to our Puri- tan ancestors, and the threat of the displaced savage hung over them constantly.
Each generation saw the forest pushed back. New Towns were established. The young couples moved on. Before Connecticut was filled, some had filtered into western Massachusetts and Vermont. After the Revolution they flooded into west- ern New York, then Ohio, and the West.
William Cooper in his A Settlement in the Wilderness, said, "The Yankees are the poorest sort of people. They listen respectfully when you tell them how to do things-and then do it their own way which is probably better."
To get back to the pioneer stock that stayed home. They prospered and built substantial homes. Over the years fire, neglect, and increased land values have caused a great many to disappear. Many were saved by antiquarians.
In many communities, historical societies were formed and when the opportun- ity presented itself, acquired an old house, restored it, and set out to depict the life of earlier times in their community.
This book illustrates some fifty houses from several periods, all preserved as historic house museums.
The Pequot Press is to be congratulated on presenting this book. It also lists other Historic Museums in the state. This is a much needed work, not only for those of us in the Connecticut League of Historical Societies, but the students of history, antiquarians, and the strangers within our gate. It is an excellent guide for the visitors from far and near. It presents a picture of life, architecture, furni- ture, folk art, decoration, tools, dress, utensils, etc.
This was Connecticut through the ages, from the Indian wigwam to the modern split-level ranch house. It is here for your enjoyment and enlightenment.
Appreciating the need, the League Board of Directors is sponsoring this vol- ume. If we do not tell this portion of the State's history-who will?
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Houses and Towns
("Other Buildings and Historic Displays" are listed on pages 62, 63 and 64.) Number after name of house indicates map location
Page
Page
Allis, Nathaniel (40); Madison 46
Lockwood-Mathews Mansion (5);
Andrews Homestead (33); Meriden 39
Norwalk
9
Ansonia 13
Madison 46
Backus, Nathaniel (53); Norwich
59
Mansfield, Gen. J. K. F. (32); Middletown 38
Bridgewater 16
Mansfield, Rev. Richard (9); Ansonia 13
Bristol 29
Map 32, 33
Mark Twain (24); Hartford
28
Buckingham, Samuel (50); Mystic Seaport 56
Meriden
39
Burbank, Phelps, Hatheway, Fuller (20); Suffield 24
Milford
11, 12
Burnham, William D. (12); Bridgewater 16
6
New Canaan Historical Society (4)
8
Buttolph-Williams (28); Wethersfield
34
New Haven
42
Clinton
47
New London
52, 53, 54
Colebrook
22
New Milford 15
9
Coventry
61
Norwich 57, 58, 59
Danbury
14
Old Lyme 50
40
Denison Homestead (49); Mystic
55
Phelps, Capt. Elisha (21); Simsbury
25
Deshon-Allyn (48); New London
54
Pratt, Lt. William (43); Essex
49 5
East Lyme
51 Reeve, Tapping (14); Litchfield
18
Eells-Stow (7); Milford
11
Rockwell, Solomon (17); Winsted
21
Ellsworth, Oliver (23); Windsor
27
Essex
49
St. John House (10); Danbury Seymour Inn (18); Colebrook Sharon
22 20
Ford, Col. Stephen (8); Milford
12
Shaw Mansion (47); New London
53 25
Gay-Hoyt (16); Sharon
20
Glebe (13); Woodbury
17
Greenwich
5
Stanley-Whitman (26); Farmington 30
Griswold, Florence (44); Old Lyme 50
Stanton, Adam (41); Clinton 47
Griswold, Thomas (39); Guilford 45
Stevens, Isaac (50); Wethersfield 36
Guilford 43, 44, 45
61
Stratford
10
Suffield
23, 24
Hartford 28
Torrington 19
Hempsted (46); New London
52
Trumbull, Gov. Jonathan (54); Lebanon 60
Hotchkiss-Fyler (15); Torrington
19
Wallingford 40
Hoyt Farmhouse (3); Stamford
7
Webb, Joseph (29); Wethersfield 35
Hyland, George (38); Guilford
44
Welles-Shipman (31); South Glastonbury 37
Wethersfield 34, 35, 36
Lee, Thomas (45); East Lyme
51
Leffingwell Inn (51); Norwich
57
Windsor 26,
27
Lewis, Miles (25); Bristol
29 Winsted 21
Litchfield
18 Woodbury 17
14
Fyler, Lt. Walter (22); Windsor
26
Simsbury
South Glastonbury
37
Stamford
7
Hale Homestead (55); Coventry Hamden 41
Stone House (42); Deep River
48
Hill-Stead (27); Farmington
31
Judson, Capt. David (6) ; Stratford
10
King, Dr. Alexander (19); Suffield 23 Lebanon 60
Parsons, Samuel (34); Wallingford
Deep River
48
Dickerman, Jonathan (35); Hamden
41 Putnam Cottage (1); Greenwich
Rockwell House (52); Norwich
58
New Canaan
8
Bush-Holley (2); Cos Cob
Cos Cob
6 Norwalk
Morris House (36); New Haven Mystic 55, 56 42
38
Middletown
Boardman, Frederick (11); New Milford 15
Whitfield, Rev. Henry (37) ; Guilford 43
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Farmington 30, 31
PHOTO BY CHAMBERLAIN
No. 1 Putnam Cottage (Pre-1729), Greenwich
A scene of considerable activity dur- ing the colonial days when Timothy Knapp and others of his family played host to many a famous personage, in their travels by horseback or stagecoach between New York and Boston, the once famous Knapp Tavern now stands as a more peaceful abode, the charming headquarters of Putnam Hill Chapter, D. A. R. The old house was built be- tween 1692, when Timothy Knapp ac- quired the land, and 1729, when he deeded one-half of it to his son, Israel Knapp.
Although a stone ell has been added, the house probably appears today about as it did in 1779, when General Israel Putnam was a guest, but was forced to hurry away when he learned that
the British General Tryon was ap- proaching along the Post Road. Put- nam, with a small detachment of troops, offered some resistance, but was forced to flee before vastly superior numbers. During its early days, one of the first Masonic lodges in the country held its meetings here.
Col. Herschel Adams purchased the house in 1901, and with several of his fellow townsmen organized the Put- nam House Association, and a little later it was turned over to the D. A. R. chapter. Included among many beauti- ful and rare furnishings is a large por- trait of General Putnam, the work of the noted Boston painter, Darius Cobb, who was commissioned to do the work by Col. Adams.
Putnam Hill Chapter, D.A.R., 243 East Putnam Avenue (Rt. 1), Green- wich; phone TO 9-8034; open the year around, Monday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, 10-5; contributions accepted.
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No. 2 Bush-Holley House, Cos Cob
Tradition has it that the Bush-Hol- ley House may have been built by a Dutch trader in 1685, or perhaps by the town's first parson, Eliphalet Jones. Justus Bush, wealthy mill and ship owner, acquired it in 1738, passed it to his son, David, in 1760, who left it to his sons Justus Luke and Dr. Ralph Isaacs Bush.
Justus Bush installed beautiful pan- elling c. 1740 and, about 1780, David added a new kitchen wing. During the Revolution, when little Horseneck Chapel was closed, Mrs. David Bush sponsored Church of England services in her home. Her portrait, painted in 1817 by William Dunlap, hangs in the parlor.
Much of architectural interest was discovered during its restoration, in-
cluding early wallpaper bearing the tax stamp of George II, a long aban- doned stone stairway, bake ovens, and beautiful Jacobean fireplaces.
In 1882 the house was purchased by Edward P. Holley, who, with his wife, and later their daughter, Mrs. Elmer MacRae, operated it as Holley Inn. About this time it became the center for young artists and writers. John H. Twachtman conducted an art school and here, in 1912, the Association of American Painters and Sculptors was formed.
The house is furnished with note- worthy pieces of early American crafts- manship, glass, china, silver, docu- ments, maps and prints, as well as considerable material from the early period of modern American art.
Historical Society of the Town of Greenwich, 39 Strickland Rd. (1 block S of Boston Post Rd., Exits 4 or 5 from Conn. Tpk.), Cos Cob; phone TO 9-9849; open daily except Monday, 2-4; 50c, children free.
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No. 3 Hoyt Farmhouse (c. 1690), Stamford
Isaac Hoyt, descendant of Simon, one of the first settlers, was an early owner of the oldest structure in down- town Stamford. Its construction sug- gests a 1690 date. Restoration in 1962- 63 has revealed the hewed posts, mor- tised and pegged, and wide vertical planking, chinked with clay and cov- ered with a thick coat of oyster white- wash. Three fireplaces are also chinked with clay. Old clapboard is seen on the porch, enclosed about 1860, and else- where. Planking and floors are hand sawed and the handsome doors appear to be original. The dormer was added about 1930.
A simple home, occupied by genera- tions of simple, hard-working folk, it was long known as the "Widow Bar- num House," "Betsy Barnum House," and "Grandma Barnum Homestead."
From 1822-26 it was held by Ezra St. John or his widow, Ruhanna. It be- came associated with the Hoyt family again on the purchase by David Bar- num. As wife and widow, Betsy Barnum Hoyt lived here for 46 years before deeding the house with 10 acres of land to Charlotte Elizabeth Ferris for the nominal sum of $100. A be- quest by Mrs. Lillie Thompson Mather enabled the Stamford Historical Society to acquire the house in 1942.
Important collections include 19th century dolls, period costumes and ac- cessories, Revolutionary and Civil War documents, 18th century household im- plements, 18th and 19th century car- pentry and farm tools, prints, and a library of Stamford history and geneal- ogy. There are many other exhibits of general interest.
Stamford Historical Society, 713 Bedford St., Stamford; phone 323- 1975; Tuesday through Friday, 1-5 p.m., and by appointment. 25c.
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No. 4 New Canaan Historical Society House (c. 1764), New Canaan
The house built about 1764 by Ste- phen Hanford, soldier in the French and Indian and Revolutionary wars, stands on land granted to his great- grandfather, William Haynes, by the proprietors of Norwalk. At the begin- ning of the Revolution, it was the principal tavern in the Parish of Ca- naan.
After the death of Stephen Han- ford, it became the homestead of Jo- seph Silliman and remained in the Sil- liman family until 1924. The New Ca- naan Historical Society purchased it in 1958.
With the exception of the ell at the back, added by the Sillimans, and a few minor interior alterations in later years, the house retains its origi- nal appearance. Its location near the
early churches, in an historic area of the old town, gives it added tradi- tional value.
Every article in the house bears wit- ness to the attention paid to the fur- nishing of a house in the colonial and post-colonial period. The many gifts include pieces of fine, authentic, an- tique furniture and a magnificent col- lection of pewter.
A recent acquisition of the society, moved to the property, is the original studio of John Rogers, sculptor, hous- ing a growing collection of his work.
Near by is the New Canaan Nature Center, a gift of Miss Susan Bliss, forty acres occupying a part of the original Haynes land grant. It offers the public nature trails and a wild- flower garden.
New Canaan Historical Society and Rogers Studio, 79 Oenoke Ave., New Canaan; phone WO 6-1964; open Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, except holidays, 2-5 p.m.
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No. 5 Lockwood-Mathews Mansion (1868), Norwalk
A splendid example of what can be accomplished by a group of deter- mined citizens to prevent the demoli- tion of an outstanding structure is il- lustrated by the work done by the Common Interest Group of Norwalk in saving the fabulous Lockwood- Mathews Mansion. Through the ef- forts of this organization, a city-wide referendum resulted in a decisive vote in favor of its preservation.
LeGrand Lockwood, a native of Norwalk, a builder of railroads, an executive of shipping companies, and president of the New York Stock Ex- change, in 1863, commissioned the architect, Detlef Lienau, to erect for him this great house, in design a com- bination of French chateau and Scot- tish manor. Sending to Europe for
artists, artisans and materials, there were assembled hand cut granite blocks for the exterior, and for the interior, hand carved woodwork, inlaid mar- quetry, sculptured plaster ceilings, fres- coed walls and ceilings, carved marble mantels with mosaic inlay, and a great many other elegant and interesting de- tails.
The mansion was completed in 1868, but three years later Lockwood lost his fortune, and, in 1786, Charles D. Mathews, New York importer, pur- chased the estate. His family resided here until 1938, when it was leased and later purchased by the city. Its furnishings were sold and the struc- ture finally became a store house for surplus material. In 1959 plans were made for its destruction.
City of Norwalk, Veterans Memorial Park, West Ave., directly off Conn. Tpk., Exit 15; phone TE 8-7531 (City Hall ); open April 1 to November 1, Monday thru Friday, 1-4; Saturday and Sunday, 11-4.
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No. 6 The Captain David Judson House (1723), Stratford
On the foundation of a house built in 1639 by William Judson, one of Stratford's first settlers, Captain David Judson, his great-grandson, erected his substantial home nearly a century later, and in 1768 the present western por- tion of the house was added. The early foundation can still be seen in the base- ment, and as the Judson family owned slaves, their quarters were also located in this portion of the building.
Like many of the old houses, this one was "modernized" in the 1800's, but under expert supervision, careful restoration has been accomplished, the removal of lath and plaster revealing the fine period panelling and early fire- places. With this background, the house is now pleasantly furnished as a
comfortable dwelling of its day, the living rooms and bed chambers con- taining many original pieces. One item of special interest is an oak chest, c. 1650. The early kitchen is replete with cooking utensils and appurtenances, while in the basement are farm and household tools.
At the rear of the house is a splen- did, modern, fireproof museum. Here are many rare and beautiful objects- china, glass, silver, Civil War memora- bilia, swords and guns from the Rev- olutionary War and later wars, quaint costumes, a doll collection and items of special local interest. Here also is to be found an 800-volume library, with histories, genealogies and early documents.
Stratford Historical Society, Academy Hill, between Main and Elm Sts .; phone DR 8-0630; open May 1 through Labor Day, Wednesday, Sat- urday, Sunday, 11-5; Labor Day to May 1, Thursday, Friday, Satur- day, 1-5; adults 75c, children 25c.
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No. 7 Eells-Stow House (c. 1680), Milford
On the homelot granted him by the town, Samuel Eells built a simple dwelling, about 1670-80, with a wide, second story overhang, over a plaster coved cornice-a unique de- parture from the prevailing first story overhang.
According to a noted authority, in the central hall are the earliest "dog- legged" stairs he had ever seen.
Where once hung a rare 17th cen- tury portrait of Samuel Eells, now hangs a fine copy. "At ye Towne ord- er," Samuel Eells transcribed the first records of 1639. Photostats of these display his handwriting. Also on view is the unique Nichols Camp Carver chair, a documented Connecticut vari- ant of the best Massachusetts Carvers. Nicholas Camp was one of the 44 First
Planters of Milford of 1639.
Captain Stephen Stow, the 18th cen- tury owner of the house, volunteered to nurse smallpox-ridden American sol- diers discharged from a British prison ship. He succumbed to the disease, with forty of his charges. A state-spon- sored monument marks their common grave.
The Frank Julian Sprague documen- tary is of special interest. A native of Milford, he was the first to apply suc- cessfully electricity to traction, develop- ing the trolley car and the elevator.
Also of importance is the First Tele- phone Exhibit. George W. Coy, of Mil- ford, invented the first switchboard and he was the first manager of the central office. The first telephone direc- tory lists 42 subscribers.
Milford Historical Society, sponsor, 34 High St., Milford; phone TR 4-2664; open May 15 to Oct. 15, Mon. and Wed. 'til noon, other days, including Sun. 1-5; during closed months, open by appointment.
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PHOTO BY GUTRICK OF MILFORD
No. 8 The Colonel Stephen Ford House, Milford
Few houses are more closely asso- ciated with the founding of Milford than that of Colonel Stephen Ford, whose ancestors settled in Milford in 1646, and whose descendants lived here until recently.
It was a licensed tavern in 1710, sit- uated on the original Post Road from Boston to New York. The house is now accredited in the Library of Con- gress as one of the early houses possess- ing exceptional historic and architectur- al interest. Especially noteworthy in construction, one will observe the un- usual overhang of the roof on four sides, and some of the largest summer beams recorded in Connecticut.
Of outstanding interest is the orig- inal 18th century taproom, or tavern room, with its huge early fireplace,
whitewashed walls and its furnishings of the period. The built-in bar, with portcullis grate for closing at curfew time, today displays some of the finest examples of early drinking glasses, bottles, pottery, and other equipment the barkeeper used.
The atmosphere created by the earli- est cooking utensils around the fire- place, the sausage turned high stret- cher tavern table set with pewter and wooden ware, and some of the finest in early lighting, now to be seen in the house, would add greatly to the comfort and enjoyment of the fastidi- ous traveler.
The house is of extraordinary inter- est in that it retains the authentic colo- nial heritage while being lived in to- day.
Mr. and Mrs. John Burk, 142 W est Main St., corner of High Street, Mil-
ford; phone TR 8-0960; open daily Monday thru Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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PHOTO BY MARIAN O'KEEFE
No. 9 The Rev. Richard Mansfield House (Pre-1690), Ansonia
Rector of St. James' Church for a total of seventy-two years, from 1748 to 1820, the Rev. Richard Mansfield resided in the dwelling that is now the property of the Derby Historical Socie- ty. When the house was built and by whom are not known, but it was lo- cated in what was then a thriving ship- ping community, and today it is one of the few old residences remaining in the lower Naugatuck Valley.
In 1926 it was moved across the street from its original site, but in other respects the visitor today will find it much as it appeared in the days when the venerable clergyman pre- sided over a territory which now in- cludes ten separate towns. It still has its saltbox form, deep brown clap -.
boards, and massive center chimney of stone. Its double entrance door had to be replaced, but is a duplicate of the original.
Within the house are the early fire- places, with a huge one in the kitchen, as well as the interesting woodwork and other appointments of the period. Dr. Mansfield's study contains his old desk and Bible, while other furniture of distinction is on display.
Mansfield was ordained by the Archbishop of Canterbury, in England. His loyalty to that country caused him difficulties during the Revolutionary War, but following the war he was soon returned to a place of high es- teem among all the residents of the area.
Derby Historical Society, 35 Jewett St., Ansonia; visitors should call Mrs. Richard Morrison, RE 4-7641, or make appointment with Mrs. George Thompson, 21 Fairview Ter., Derby, RE 4-1339.
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No. 10 St. John House, Danbury
Since 1941, standing in the heart of down-town Danbury, the St. John House, a pre-Revolutionary dwelling, has housed the collections of the Dan- bury Scott-Fanton Museum and His- torical Society and the Mary Wooster Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution. Representative of the gen- erations who have lived there, periods from early American through Empire and late Victorian are charmingly in- termingled in several living rooms, and other rooms, and the basement and attic are used to display a great variety of collections of significance to the area.
Antique furniture, costumes, Indian artifacts, mementoes of war and peace, and maps, deeds, utensils are tastefully displayed and frequently rotated. Throughout the year special exhibits
of arts and crafts, ancient and modern, are available to visitors. The Museum also sponsors lectures, film programs and special "open house" events under professional museum management, throughout the year.
The home of a Tory, the St. John House was spared during Tryon's raid on Danbury in April of 1777, when many of the dwellings of the town were looted and burned. It was at- tractively restored and re-opened to the public in the fall of 1958. The entire house is open to visitors, from cellar to attic, and there are special attractions for children as well as for their elders.
The Museum sponsors a Junior Cu- rators Club whose members assist in the preparation of exhibits and in guiding visitors.
Danbury Scott-Fanton Museum, 43 Main St., Danbury; phone 743-5200; open (except holidays ) on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 2 to 5 p.m. Groups by appointment.
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No. 11 The Frederick Boardman House (1882), New Milford
Of late Victorian architecture, the spacious residence of Fredrick Board- man, built by him in 1882, became the property of the New Milford Histori- cal Society, which established its head- quarters here in 1922. The house, with an endowment fund, many antiques and family portraits, was left to the so- ciety by the Misses Helen and Kate Boardman, direct descendants of the Rev. Daniel Boardman, the town's first minister.
A group of exceptional portraits, some of them of a very early date, miniatures and other paintings acquired by the society, are outstanding among the items on display. Pottery which was once made in New Milford, furniture, glass, china, books, many beautiful cos-
tumes, and numerous pieces of interest in local history are also exhibited.
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