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Chase Cottage under "a duvet of snow" (read Margaret Hunt's March Musings below) photo by Margaret Hunt
a note from a visitor"Greetings to the Friends of Topsmead,
...we "happened" upon Topsmead on a rainy [October] Sunday afternoon. We had a bit of time to fill and Topsmead State Forest had been recommended by a Litchfield local, 'there's an English cottage on the property you would love.' What we didn't realize was that there are also tours given of the inside of Edith Morton Chase's Cotswold tudor but what a delightful surprise! After being welcomed into the cozy interior by three gracious hosts, we enjoyed a phenomenal tour... Thank you and blessings, Rachel Denlinger of Christiansburg,OH" Note: Free guided tours of the residence are offered from June through October on the 2nd and 4th weekends of each month.
Photo by Rachel Denlinger
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ASK BOB
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Bob Orintas, the son of John Orintas, Miss Edith Chase's chauffeur, has been sharing his wonderful essays recounting his memories of Topsmead on our website for more than four years! Thank you Bob!
Since April we have begun to offer the opportunity for everyone to ask him direct questions about life at Topsmead. Please send your questions via the button below. Your question may be one that Bob responds to in our newsletter and on the website! |
QUESTION #4
CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THE HOUSE YOU LIVED IN AT TOPSMEAD?
Overview
Our house was built in 1934 as an extension on a long line of attached machine sheds and a 3 car garage (built in 1929) located near the barns at Topsmead. The dwelling was designed by Waterbury architect Fred Webster as a place for my father and his family to live because he was their chauffeur. He needed to be at Topsmead during the summer months when Miss Edith and the Burrell sisters were there. Since the house was intended to be strictly a summer home, it had no central heating system. If it got chilly, heat was provided by an oil stove in the kitchen and one in the upstairs hallway. There was also a fireplace in the living room. Mother cooked for us on a 24” propane gas stove also in the kitchen. There was an old-fashioned refrigerator that came from the Chase family home at 42 Church Street. That house was emptied and sold after Miss Edith’s mother passed away.
>>read more
Our house was built in 1934 as an extension on a long line of attached machine sheds and a 3 car garage (built in 1929) located near the barns at Topsmead. The dwelling was designed by Waterbury architect Fred Webster as a place for my father and his family to live because he was their chauffeur. He needed to be at Topsmead during the summer months when Miss Edith and the Burrell sisters were there. Since the house was intended to be strictly a summer home, it had no central heating system. If it got chilly, heat was provided by an oil stove in the kitchen and one in the upstairs hallway. There was also a fireplace in the living room. Mother cooked for us on a 24” propane gas stove also in the kitchen. There was an old-fashioned refrigerator that came from the Chase family home at 42 Church Street. That house was emptied and sold after Miss Edith’s mother passed away.
>>read more
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by Margaret Hunt
Icicles hang from Chase Cottage
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Vertical Divider
GET SNAPPY!
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