Tag: connecticut events

Litchfield House Tour – a tradition in Litchfield Hills

The 66th Annual Open House Day Tour of Litchfield to benefit the Connecticut Junior Republic (CJR) will be held on Saturday, July 13, 2013 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, rain or shine. Conducted by the Litchfield Aid of CJR, an auxiliary volunteer organization established for the sole purpose of supporting the Connecticut Junior Republic, this year’s tour features five homes of historic and architectural interest and a lovely garden in the quaint community of Milton.

Hidden away among Litchfield’s country lanes and back roads, this storybook village features many fine homes, as well as the charming Milton Center Historic District, which flourished on waterpower until the middle of the 19th Century. Surrounded by farmland and woods, Milton is a lovely destination often missed by visitors to Litchfield.

In addition to the featured homes, the self-guided tour will also include additional points of interest in Milton and Litchfield, including the Milton Congregational Church, Trinity Episcopal Church and Milton Hall, as well as the beautiful churches in the center of Litchfield, the Litchfield History Museum, Tapping Reeve Law School and Lourdes of Litchfield.

The tour begins on the Town of Litchfield’s historic central Green. Ticket sales, information and a “lost and found” will be located here. Famous for its grand and elegant homes, Litchfield’s historic district offers visitors many opportunities for walking, fine dining and shopping in a quintessential New England town.

The following homes are featured on this year’s tour:

Deacon Peter Buell House
Deacon Peter Buell House

THE DEACON PETER BUELL HOUSE
This remarkable 1723 center-chimney, chestnut framed Georgian farmhouse was constructed by Captain/Deacon John Buell near a place commonly called “Watch Tower.” The dwelling was passed on to his son, Peter, in 1734, and a “lean-to” was added. The house was held by the Buell family until 1863, when it was sold, and then reclaimed again in 1923, and finally sold in 1958. In 1961, the house narrowly escaped demolition and was rescued and moved to Milton. Here, the home was restored to reflect domestic life as it existed during Peter and his heirs’ fifty-year tenure. Today, the Buell House stands as a document to 18th century rural family life in Litchfield. Highlights of the home include transverse summer beams, a pine sheathed ceiling, six-over-four sash above entry and wide board chestnut and pine flooring. Extensive renovations recently completed by the home’s current owner include a new rear addition with all the amenities and comforts of modern day living.

Dickinson Farm
Dickinson Farm

DICKINSON FARM
In 1726, Benjamin Boardman was granted the land on which this house stands to work as a farm. Today, the Dickinson Farm is one of the few remaining intact farms in Litchfield, dating back to the 18th century. The existing Colonial house was constructed circa 1760 and was designed as a five bay central chimney residence. During the 19th century, a two bay extension was added, and for a period of time, served as a cobbler’s shop. In 1849, Edwin P. Dickinson bought the house and surrounding farm land. This property remained in his family for the next 110 years. The current owner added on a great room in the back of the house for use as an art studio and to display family art. The fabulous wall mural in the dining room, illustrating Litchfield history, is a continuing work in progress.

Fox Ridge
Fox Ridge

FOX RIDGE COTTAGE
Built in 1996, this stunning Adirondack-style Cape home was sited on a granite ridge overlooking a small stream and fox den. The interior features include nine-foot ceilings, wide plank hardwood flooring, two fireplaces and a state-of-the-art kitchen. Attached to the back of the house is a screened three season porch, and an outdoor hot tub and shower, with undisturbed views of the woods. Towards the back of the home is a new outdoor retreat center. This enchanting section of the garden features unique stump seating around an open fire pit. The grounds on the south side of the home include a heart-shaped herb garden and a crescent moon-shaped perennial garden.

White Bridge Farm
White Bridge Farm

WHITE BRIDGE FARM
The oldest part of this home was built by Levi Coe, Sr., circa 1787, on twelve acres. In 1832, Levi Coe, Jr. inherited the home and enlarged the property to 300 acres, added the Greek Revival elements to the house and named it Cloverdale Farm. The notable Greek Revival details include recessed panels on the pilasters, double fascia board with stringcourse molding, and the trabeated (horizon beams or lintels), in the entry. The south parlor displays distinctive door surrounds with eared architraves (moldings surrounding doors), and splayed (oblique angled or beveled) frames. The newel post is original to the house. Also of historic significance are the maple trees lining the front of the house, which are said to have been planted by Civil War veterans. The glass greenhouse on the south elevation is a modern addition. An in-ground pool, bath house, tennis courts, livestock arena, two barns and a 1920’s office building are located on the property.

William Sprat(s) House
William Sprat(s) House

WILLIAM SPRAT(S) HOUSE
William Sprat(s), a British soldier of Scottish decent, came to Hartford and Litchfield as a paroled war prisoner following the defeat of General Burgoyne, prior to 1779. Sprat(s) bought five acres of land in Milton in 1786 and as a trained architect and builder, built his own small gambrel dwelling. The house, erected in 1787 with a chimney and front entry on the original North-end, was typically called a “half-house.” A shoemaker’s shop operated in the residence from 1814-1834. In the 20th century, the present north side and gambrel roof were joined to the original house. Dormers were added in the 1920’s. Highlights of the original house include the well in the kitchen, the raised panel doors throughout the house, Litchfield hardware on some doors and a five light transom above the door. Of interest outside are a vintage three seat outhouse and various sheds.

STARR AND ZIEHL GARDEN
At the end of this delightful formal garden, an Adirondack-style pergola overlooks a small brook with a large granite slab set in the earth to serve as a bridge. Gravel paths lead to an impressive sized millstone centered within the courtyard and an Adirondack-style bench sits on the opposite side of the pergola to take in a view of the entire garden. The north side of the garden includes shade perennials and decorative stone work. Ornamental pear and cherry trees in stone lined ovals, lead your eye to a stone bench, anchoring the South side of the garden. Other plants in the garden include hornbeams – a small hardwood tree, as well as boxwoods, blueberry bushes and honeysuckle growing on a trellis.

TICKETS
Tickets and information about the evening tour and cocktail reception may be obtained by calling the Connecticut Junior Republic (860) 567-9423, ext. 278. Advance tickets for the general tour on Saturday are $30.00 and may be ordered by contacting the Litchfield Aid of CJR, P.O. Box 214, Litchfield, Connecticut 06759. Please include a stamped, self-addressed envelope with your credit card information, or check or money order, made payable to: Litchfield Aid of CJR. Those using credit cards (American Express, MasterCard and Visa) for payment should provide account name, number, security code and expiration date. Discover Card is NOT accepted. Advance orders are non-refundable and must be received no later than Friday, June 28. Requests for tickets after this date will be held for pick-up on the day of the tour at the ticket tent on the Green. Special rates are available for tour groups that reserve a minimum of 20 tickets in advance.

Tickets for the Saturday Tour from 10: AM to 4:00 PM will be sold on the date of the event for $35.00 for adults and children on the Litchfield Green. (No charge for infants.) Further information about the House Tour and ticket sales may be accessed online: www.litchfieldhousetour.org.

The Litchfield History Museum and the Tapping Reeve House and Law School, recognized as the first law school in America, will be included in the admission price of the tour. The History Museum is currently featuring the exhibition, The Hour of Conflict. This exhibition examines the ways in which the American Civil War im¬pacted the residents of Litchfield, Con¬necticut in the 1860s, and will be on display for the House Tour.

LUNCHEON
Visitors may enjoy lunch at the Connecticut Junior Republic for $7.00 from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM. A choice of a seafood salad or smoked turkey and Swiss cheese sandwich plate, including pasta salad, brownie, and iced tea, will be offered by CJR students. The luncheon may be viewed on the House Tour website: www.litchfieldhousetour.org.

AREA INFORMATION www.litchfieldhills.com

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Darien SideWalk Sales and Family Fun Days 2013

darien sidewalk 3

Darien is a lovely seaside community located on Fairfield County’s “gold coast” in the southwest corner of Connecticut. Every year, the Darien Chamber of Commerce holds the annual Sidewalk Sales & Family Fun Day. This year, the long anticipated Sidewalk Sale will take place on Thursday, Friday & Saturday, July 11-13, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Live bands, kids toys and bargains galore rain or shine are highlights of this fun family event.

This popular sales event features Darien merchants exhibiting along the Post Road and at the Goodwives and Noroton Heights Shopping Centers. This event is perfect for treasure hunters and bargain hunters because discounts of up to 70% can be found here. A special highlight of this event will take place on Saturday, July 13th, when Day Street will be closed to vehicular traffic permitting participants stroll around the event safely and enjoy the bargains, shade and hanging flower baskets while kids have a blast on the children’s inflatables.

dairen sidewalk

There will be children’s entertainment on Thursday, July 11 with a toy on the Post Road, and face painters at First County Bank. On Friday, July 12, there will be children’s entertainment including Home Run Challenge in Noroton Heights, in front of William Pitt Sotheby’s Int’l Realty, on Day Street and behind First County Bank & 1020 Post Road and live music in Gofer Plaza. In addition to this fun, the Uncle’s Hot Dog Cart will be in front of the Darien Fire Department and the Fire Truck will be out for children to enjoy. There will also be a visit from the Blue Fish Mascot that will entertain shoppers of all ages.

darien sidewalk 2

On Saturday, July 13, in addition to the bargains to be found, there will be a face painter in Noroton Heights near Edward Tunick, BB the Bluefish Mascot, Zumba for the Family, an inflatable slide on Day Street (which will be closed to vehicular traffic), a huge inflatable Back Yard Obstacle Course behind First County Bank., and free balloons in Goodwives Shopping Plaza for the children to enjoy. For more information contact www.darienctchamber.com. For area information www.visitfairfieldcountyct.com.

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Celebrate Henry Ward Beecher’s 200th Birthday with the Litchfield Historical Society

Henry Ward Beecher Courtesy of the Helga J. Ingraham Memorial Library
Henry Ward Beecher Courtesy of the Helga J. Ingraham Memorial Library

This year is the 200th anniversary of Litchfield native and famous preacher Henry Ward Beecher’s birth. Join the Litchfield Historical Society on Monday, June 24 at 7:00 pm for a celebration of Beecher’s birthday, as well as a discussion of Debby Applegate’s 2007 Pulitzer Prize-winning biography, The Most Famous Man in America: The Biography of Henry Ward Beecher.

Led by retired Litchfield High School English teacher Jerry Geci, the conversation will focus on Beecher as a fascinating and complex man: celebrated in his own time, though not untouched by scandal. The Most Famous Man in America creates a powerful portrait of Beecher, highlighting both his charisma and his flaws. Applegate’s book has been touted as “Thoroughly researched, passionately written, and richly detailed” (Harry S. Stout). Joan Hendricks, a Harriet Beecher Stowe scholar calls it “A lively narrative of nineteenth-century religion, power, passion, and politics, as well as a perceptive study of the elusive preacher who rode them to the top.”

Whether you think Beecher was a saint or a scoundrel, please join us for a rousing book discussion. We will also view Beecher family-related items from the Historical Society’s collections and have birthday cake.

This event is free; a copy of the book can be purchased for $8 from the Historical Society. Please register by Friday, June 14, to receive a copy of the book. To register, call (860) 567-4501 or email registration@litchfieldhistoricalsociety.org.

The Litchfield History Museum is located at 7 South Street, Litchfield, CT. For more information about this or upcoming programs, please call (860) 567-4501 or see www.litchfieldhistoricalsociety.org.

For area information visit www.litchfieldhills.com

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Impressions of Light at Weir Farm in Litchfield Hills

Black Birds Over Weir Farm
Black Birds Over Weir Farm

Weir Farm National Historic Site located in Wilton and Ridgefield is hosting an art show through July 7 called Impressions of Light that features the work of modern-day American Impressionist Dmitri Wright of Greenwich, CT.

This exhibition, Impressions of Light, includes paintings inspired by Weir Farm and by Wright’s plein air experiences. Wright has a long history with Weir Farm National Historic Site, having led the park’s Impressionist Painting Workshops since 2009 as Master Artist/Instructor. Continuing in the vein of Weir Farm’s first American Impressionists, Mr. Wright’s pieces for this exhibit were drawn “full-scale on location” in order express what is happening…behind nature.

In this show, Wright tries to communicate his visual experiences of how light changes the way matter appears and how refracted light affects color. As Master Artist and Instructor at Weir Farm, Wright seeks to help others fulfill their unique gifts through the creative process, by helping them connect with their natural ability and the technical knowledge of their chosen school or schools of art.

There will be a gallery talk on Saturday, May 4 and Sunday, June 9 at 2 p.m. when Wright will discuss the challenges and rewards of plein air painting. He will use Weir Farm National Historic Site’s unique setting to discuss the history behind, and future of, American Impressionism. Participation in these gallery talks is free, but space is limited and registration is required. To register or for more information, please call (203) 834-1896 ext. 28.

The exhibit can be viewed in the Burlingham House Visitor Center Wednesday through Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

About Weir Farm National Historic Site
Weir Farm National Historic Site, the only National Park Service site dedicated to American painting, was home to three generations of American artists including Julian Alden Weir, a leading figure in American art and the development of American Impressionism. Today, the 60-acre park, which includes the Weir House, Weir and Young Studios, barns, gardens, and Weir Pond, is one of the nation’s finest remaining landscapes of American art. For more information about Weir Farm National Historic Site, please visit www.nps.gov/wefa or call (203) 834-1896.

For area information www.litchfieldhills.com

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The Beauty of Botanical Illustrations in Litchfield Hills

Betsy Rogers-Knox has been drawing and painting since childhood. Her interest in botanical illustration began in Boulder, Colorado where she worked for a botanist and learned by close observation to appreciate the intricate beauty of Colorado wildflowers. This interest led her to the botanical illustration program at the New York Botanical Garden. Her final project included paintings of historic plants from the gardens of the Bellamy Ferriday House in Bethlehem, Connecticut.

Betsy_R-Knox-_Cherry

Betsy is enchanted by the full lifecycle of the plants she portrays in watercolor, and typically observes a plant for a full year before beginning a composition. Published work includes cover designs for Herb Quarterly magazine, the illustrations for the bookHerbs, Leaves of Magic and White Flower Farm’s catalog, as well as over thirty greeting card designs internationally distributed by Renaissance Greeting Card Company and Sunrise Publications.

Betsy_R-Knox-Common_Mullein

She has exhibited extensively including the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C., London’s Kew Gardens, the Horticultural Society of New York, and the New York Botanical Garden. In April 2013 she will show several works at the Royal Horticultural Show in London. Betsy also teaches drawing and watercolor painting to both adults and children from her studio in Bethlehem. Her website is www.betsyrogersknox.com.

Betsy_R-Knox-_Indian_Corn

A selection of the work of Betsy Rogers Knox will appear in the Gallery of the Oliver Wolcott Library located on 160 South Street, Litchfield, CT. through April 26 2013. For more information call 860-567-8030. or visit www.owlibrary.org. For area information www.litchfieldhills.com

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The Artist in Venice at Darren Winston, Bookseller

On Saturday, April 6, from 2 to 4 p.m., bookseller and gallerist Darren Winston located in Sharon Connecticut in the Litchfield Hills will host a reading and book-signing by Adam Van Doren to celebrate the publication of The Artist in Venice, at Darren Winston, Bookseller (81 Main Street, Sharon, Connecticut). A selection of paintings by Van Doren, including pieces featured in the book, will be on display from April 2–28.

Van Doren’s new book showcases not only his virtuosity as a painter but also his writing talent. He first went to Venice to paint in 1986, to escape the “barren and cheerless” New York winter. He left as an architecture student and came back a painter—and “Venice was responsible.” The Artist in Venice presents twenty-five glorious watercolor paintings of that city, accompanied by sketches, maps, and the artist’s insightful narrative and history.

In the introduction to the book, the writer Simon Winchester observes: “Adam Van Doren has a way with light. His painterly calling-card is, in its essence, illumination. It is opalescence, iridescence, brilliance.” Publisher’s Weekly says of the book: “Architect and artist Van Doren offers a love letter to Venice in this elegant and slender volume, and he sings his praise to the city through majestic prose and 25 beautiful watercolor paintings.”

Adam Van Doren was born in Cambridge, Massachusetts in 1962 and is of the distinguished New York literary and artistic family that includes his grandfather Mark Van Doren—the Pulitzer Prize–winning poet and celebrated Columbia professor—and his great-uncle Carl Van Doren, the Pulitzer Prize–winning historian. His great-aunt Irita Van Doren was the editor of the Books section of The Herald Tribune for forty years, and his grandmother Dorothy Van Doren was a novelist and editor at The Nation. His mother is a painter and was integral in cultivating his artistic sensibilities.

Van Doren studied at Columbia University and the National Academy of Design. He has exhibited at the National Portrait Gallery in Washington, D.C., among other institutions, and his work is included in the Art Institute of Chicago, the Princeton University Art Museum, The Museum of Fine Arts (Houston), the Yale University Art Gallery, The Addison Gallery of American Art, and The Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of American Art, among others. Van Doren has been a Visiting Artist at the American Academy in Rome and an instructor at the Institute of Classical Architecture in New York. He is an Associate Fellow and former Lustman Fund Lecturer at Yale University. He maintains a studio in Manhattan, where he exhibits annually.

Although he was raised in New York, Van Doren and his family have deep connections to the Litchfield Hills in northwest Connecticut. While growing up he spent summers in Cornwall Hollow on the old farm owned by his grandparents, and now he splits his time between that property (in a new house he designed and had built there) and his home in Manhattan. In a recent interview he remembered stories of how his grandfather and uncle had to travel from Manhattan for five hours in a Model-T to reach the farm in Connecticut. “I can only imagine what it was like,” he said. “It might have meant they didn’t come up too often. They went for the summer and stayed there.” Van Doren returns to Darren Winston, Bookseller following the bookstore-gallery’s popular October 2011 exhibit of his paintings, which garnered favorable coverage in The New York Times.

For more information about Darren Winston, Bookseller, please call (860) 364-1890 or e-mail darrenwinston@gmail.com. The shop’s hours are Tuesday through Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and by appointment, and the website is www.darrenwinstonbookseller.com. For area information www.litchfieldhills.com.

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