The Ponds at Topsmead

THE FIRST POND
This pond is located not too far away from either the main house or Underhill. There is a grass path from the gravel drive to the pond and it is clearly visible today. The digging for this pond began in October/November of 1937. Miss Edith purchased the land, over 44 acres, from Mary Jones in June of 1921. It comprises all the property out to the corner - from the current Chase Road north to East Litchfield Road and over to Buell Road. When the ladies lived at Topsmead there was a small clearing to the left of the pond to accommodate a metal table and 4 metal chairs. They were painted a dark blue/green color to blend with the surroundings. They used this area for an occasional picnic or just for some quiet reading or relaxation.
 
The pond is spring fed and originally some rainbow trout were stocked, but without success. In the late 1930’s and early 1940’s Miss Edith attempted to raise ducks on the pond. Duck houses were installed along the southern edge of the pond for about 20 ducks, but sadly the ducks didn’t stay for long.
 
In the 1950’s a small flat-bottomed boat was built and tied up by a large rock on the west side of the pond, in the area where there was a grove of weeping willow trees. The boat was used for a short while, but apparently the effort to get in and out wasn’t worth it for such a short cruise around the pond.
 
In the 1950’s, the pond was overrun by a large number of frogs. My elder brother John Jr. who was a fisheries biologist, introduced a few large-mouthed bass to the pond, and by the end of the season, the frogs were no longer a problem.
 
THE SECOND POND
In the late 1950’s; and early 1960‘s; Miss Edith and Bernard Stairs, the Farm Manager, discussed an additional pond on the land purchased in April of 1959 from Philip Buell. One consideration for this pond was as an additional water supply in case of a fire. The pond was dug, and I think it was about a quarter of an acre in size. It was located in a depression in the land not far from Buell Road, near where Marsh Road intersects. Initially, it could be seen from Buell Road, but now it is no longer visible due to the planting of many pine trees.