We went from “Polar Vortex” conditions to a balmy 56 degrees and rain all day yesterday. The Mr. and I decided to take a drive to a town known for its well maintained centuries old homes – Wethersfield, CT.
The town, founded in 1633–34, has its niche in history, being “Ye
Most Ancient Towne” in Connecticut. Over 150 of it’s distinctive old Colonial homes still stand as a symbol of its heritage since the early days of its
founding more than 375 years ago.
We visited in the off season, meaning the museum houses are only open for tours by appointment or on special occasions. So, we weren’t able to go inside. All are close together, however. We grabbed some breakfast and walked between, in and around rain puddles and snow melts to take some pictures. While other continents can boast much older ancient structures, here in New England I still marvel at the homes that withstand the elements and other tests of time for hundreds of years. The design of homes haven’t changed much over the centuries either.
The Webb House – built in 1752 by Joseph Webb. A young and successful merchant, he hired
Judah Wright to frame a stylish three-and-a-half story house and shop
with a massive gambrel roof that provided greater upper-floor storage
for Joseph’s trade goods. It was also probably used as the sleeping
quarters for the household’s enslaved Africans. In May 1781, Gen. George Washington
spent five nights in the house. Here, in one of the front parlors,
Washington met with the French general Comte de Rochambeau to plan a
joint military campaign that led to victory at Yorktown and American
independence.
To see the interior, click on the link highlighted above.
These homes have many layers of (original?) paint and hardware.
BUTTOLPH-WILLIAMS HOUSE –
Built for Benjamin Belden around 1715, this house – now a
museum – provided the setting for Elizabeth George Speare’s
award-winning novel, The Witch of Blackbird Pond, which depicts a young
woman’s encounter with superstition and intolerance
in a 17th century
New England town.
Note the smaller window size in these houses…
I Love the simplicity of this door.
More houses heading toward the cove…
The Cove and Warehouse…
Once part of a thriving commercial center, the warehouse located on the cove –
now housing a Wethersfield Historical Society maritime exhibit –
contains reminders of the West Indies trade that flourished in
Wethersfield from 1650 to 1830. Merchants exported lumber, grain,
onions, salted beef, fish and pork in exchange for salt, sugar, molasses
and rum from the Caribbean.
We also drove through the ancient burying ground –
“The quaint, often poetic, inscriptions found on the
headstones in this historic burial ground tell poignant tales of the
demise of loved ones. The skills of a dozen different Connecticut Valley
stone carvers are represented here. The earliest one – Leonard
Chester’s table stone – dates from 1648.”
If you care to stay for a while among these colonial treasures,
there is a bed & breakfast right in the heart of it all –
The Silas Robbins House
Silas Robbins, an owner of the seed business Johnson, Robbins and Co.,
built the large house in 1873.
It is now renovated and available for weddings, special occasions and as a B & B.
*LOVE* the front door!
