History

100 Years Ago in Suffield

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October 2 Spaulding gardens is increasing the capacity of their output by erecting a new greenhouse about 300 feet long. This, added to the present plant, will make one of the largest plants of this kind in this section October 9 The house owned and occupied by Joe Smith was burned to the ground Wednesday night, with its contents. The fire started about 10.45[p.m.] and in a short time was blazing fiercely. Fortunately, Mrs. Smith had not gone to bed as she was waiting for Mr. Smith, who is employed in a paper mill at Windsor Locks and returns home on the 11 o’clock bus. Mrs. Smith smelled smoke and aroused the children sleeping upstairs and they had just time to get outside with what clothing they were wearing.

History

Fall into History at the King House Museum & Barn

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This year, the Suffield Historical Society has extended the King House Museum & Barn tour dates through October 11—giving you even more time to experience this local treasure. October’s crisp air and vibrant foliage make it the perfect season to step outside and explore. During your visit, you’ll uncover stories from Suffield’s past and the legacy of the King House itself. Plus, don’t miss the Artists of Suffield exhibit, still on display and showcasing the creative spirit of our community. The King House Museum & Barn is open Wednesdays and Saturdays from 1 to 4 pm.

History

The Suffield Border Wars

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One of the things I have most enjoyed about living in Suffield is the people who live here. My neighbors are always quick to lend a helping hand, whether it’s letting someone borrow a tool, helping haul brush to the dump or calling one another to get kids and pets indoors when a bear is spotted in the neighborhood. Beyond that, there’s a shared sense of courtesy. When someone is planning work near a property line, we check in with one another, consult, and make sure everyone is comfortable before moving forward. It reminds me of that old expression, “good fences make good neighbors.” But what happens when those fences—or more accurately, those boundaries—are not clear at all?

History

100 Years Ago in Suffield

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October 2 Spaulding gardens is increasing the capacity of their output by erecting a new greenhouse about 300 feet long. This, added to the present plant, will make one of the largest plants of this kind in this section October 9 The house owned and occupied by Joe Smith was burned to the ground Wednesday night, with its contents. The fire started about 10.45[p.m.] and in a short time was blazing fiercely. Fortunately, Mrs. Smith had not gone to bed as she was waiting for Mr. Smith, who is employed in a paper mill at Windsor Locks and returns home on the 11 o’clock bus. Mrs. Smith smelled smoke and aroused the children sleeping upstairs and they had just time to get outside with what clothing they were wearing.

Uncategorized

A Moment in Time

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Old Photos Invited from Our Readers

Photo provided by Art Sikes from the KML Archives Inside the Hill Street School Last month we featured the Hill Street school from the outside. Here is what it looked like on the inside. It looks like it is set up for about 35 students, with lots of blackboard space and a stove to keep everyone warm in the wintertime.

History

Correction

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There was an error in the September Observer on the page of historic house photos. The caption for the Gay Mansion states that it is now the home of the Suffield Academy headmasters. That is incorrect. They live at the Gay Manse. We apologize for the error.

History

A Moment in Time – Old Photos Invited from Our Readers

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Provided by Art Sikes This photo is titled “North West District – East Society” or the Hasting Hill School. It’s located just north of First Baptist Church on Hill Street. This picture was probably taken in the early 1950s. Kent Memorial Library has several pictures of the inside in their collection. Does anyone else have other pictures?

History

Trivia Answers

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a. Furniture. To save money and time, an unknown early Suffield woodcraftsman did not include a dovetail joint when making drawers for chests and bureaus, leaving a square open notch at the back of the drawer. An example of this “Suffield Notch” is found in a highboy chest at the King House Museum in Suffield.No. The first intent, in 1670, was to settle the town in a loosely formed community with residences spread out in large lots mainly along two roads, on East Street (known then as Feather Street) and Main Street (known then as High Street) and the “Western Division.” In 1676, when the town was resettled again after the Native Americans attacked the town during King Phillip’s War, there was a shift to a more compact settlement. At least ten men moved their residences from the western part of town to High Street, although not all of the settlers moved to the central village.b. and c. but not a. Most town roads during that time were built after the construction of residences.c. Sachems were chosen because they demonstrated leadership qualities and belonged to a prominent family; they could be male or female.

History

Historic Suffield

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Photo from Connecticut Landmarks Ebenezer King built this elaborate Federal-style mansion, with two porticos in 1795. In 1811, he sold the house to William Gay, the son of Ebenezer Gay and a prominent lawyer and postmaster of Suffield, who ran the post office from his house. The house came to be known as the Gay Mansion and remained the possession of descendants of the Gay family until 1916. The house is now the official residence of the headmaster of Suffield Academy. Photo from Connecticut Landmarks This house was built in 1850-1870 by Ephraim West.