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Friends of Topsmead Annual Scholarship Program
The Board of Directors of Friends of Topsmead State Forest has established an annual scholarship program for high school seniors. We offer one $1,000.00 scholarship to a student pursuing a career in environmental/ecological studies, resource management, conservation, or historic preservation. Deadline: April 22, 2026 
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Calling All Poets!
Margaret Hunt celebrates Topsmead and the 30th Anniversary of National Poetry in "Musings" Read more here! 
"...last year's withered berries and a few aged apples on the leafless limbs of the fruit trees..." 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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Gift Memberships Buy now |
Give the Gift of Topsmead
Donations and memberships support our mission to preserve, promote, and protect the diverse landscapes, bike and nature trails, unique bird habitats, history, formal gardens, and the meticulously crafted English Tudor style cottage.
Donations and memberships support our mission to preserve, promote, and protect the diverse landscapes, bike and nature trails, unique bird habitats, history, formal gardens, and the meticulously crafted English Tudor style cottage.
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 #5: Where in Waterbury did Edith spend her early years ?
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Miss Edith was born on April 3, 1891, the second daughter of Henry and Alice Morton Chase. Her parents were married on April 4, 1889, and around the same year or slightly earlier, her father purchased a home at 42 Church St. where the family of 4 daughters and one son were raised. All the children except Edith married and left for their own homes, the last was the youngest, son Rodney in 1925. Miss Edith remained with her mother at 42 Church St. until her mother's death in 1933.
At the invitation of Lucy and Mary Burrall, who were lifelong friends and lived across the street at 33 Church St., Miss Edith accepted their invitation to come and live with them. >>read more |
42 Church Street, Waterbury, CT. The Chase Family home until 1933.
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by Margaret Hunt
"...the brown naked beds of the formal gardens around the house languish beneath a glowering grey sky." Margaret Hunt
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Through the Lens of poetry
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