Years of patient waiting finally paid off when my schedule had room to attend Willimantic's Victorian Home Tour, featuring fun people dressed in Victorian era costume, carriage rides, tea parties, an architectural slide show and entrance to six of Willimantic's historic Victorian homes. I'll definitely keep this event on my To Do list for future years.
A slide show presentation, before the tour, explained the styles and features of Victorian homes. Contrary to popular belief, none of the styles would have been recognized by Queen Victoria. They are American styles, influenced by European features, and built during the reign of England's Queen Victoria. There are six styles: Second Empire, Stick, Queen Anne, Shingle, Richardsonian Romanesque, and Folk Victorian. Second Empire homes feature mansard roofs with dormer windows, and decorative brackets. Stick style homes feature steep gabled roofs, and siding interrupted by vertical, horizontal, and diagonal boards. Queen Annes are asymmetrical, have bay windows and wide porches. Shingle style uses - you guessed it - wood shingles on both roof and siding. Richardsonian Romanesque features arched windows, rough faced squared stonework, and towers with conical roofs. Folk Victorians are modest, have spindle work and lace-like trim. One other style, Eclectic, uses a combination of these styles.
Victorian homes are known for being colorful. The exteriors are traditionally painted with three colors. Because this can be expensive ($35,000-$45,000) many home owners have abandoned this practice in favor of the more economical one-color scheme.
Willimantic, Connecticut is known as the "Thread City." That's why you'll see frogs sitting on spools of thread at each of the four corners of the bridge leading to downtown. What explains the 11 foot tall bronze frogs? Well, they were designed in the 1990's by sculpture Leo Jensen to commemorate the infamous Windham Frog Fight of June 1754. A frog fight you ask? Yes, the frogs were battling for access to the last bit of water in the drought ridden area. The noise from the late night battle created a fright among the citizens. Many believed that warring French or Indian tribes were invading, while others believed it to be the trumpet call of Judgement Day! Today its a fun story to tell and a great tourist attraction!
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| Notice the turret, gables, and 3-color paint scheme |
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| Mansard roofs are often featured in Haunted House movies |
Home owners Pam and Bob Horrocks play the part as they dress in vintage clothing and enthusiastically give a tour of the Albert Morse House. The house sold for one dollar back in 1894. No, houses weren't really that cheap back then. The sale had a purpose. The new owner, Elnor A. Benner, agreed to support and care for the seller, Albert Morse, and his daughter, Ida Morse. I love the paint scheme of predominately Fine Wine and Anjou Pear .
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| The Albert Morse House 1890 |
First time home tour participants Jennifer Murray and Wendy Quintana were my favorite home owners. They enthusiastically guided me through their home, sharing thoughts on decorating choices. Their porch and garden are inviting, while their warm welcome and colorful homey touches made me want to stay awhile. They have plants growing in every room, taking advantage of the light filled rooms, and their nurturing personalities.
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| The Herbert G. Bentley House 1923 |
The George Nasin House stood out for several reasons. First, was the beautiful cow paintings by artist Emile van Marcke. Second, was the burled birch of the doors, pediment moldings, ornate fireplace and staircase. Third, was the stain glass window on the staircase landing, and last was the 12-seat movie theater with seats from the old Hartford Colonial Theater on Farmington Ave.
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| I had fun kidding our greeter about how her dress coordinated with the house paint |
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| The George Nasin House 1894 |
Another great color scheme is seen on the Joseph Dwight Chaffee House. Lovingly restored by both current owners Claire and Doug Lary, and former owner Bruce Bellingham, this home is full of charming details like the fireplace tile work featuring sunflowers, dragon flies, and hunting and fishing scenes. But for me, my favorite spot was the outdoor pavilion. Give me a blanket and a cozy chair and I could have lived right there!
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| The Joseph Dwight Chaffee House 1889 |
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| Wrap around verandas, pavilion and a porte-cochere |
My original plan had been to take some time to drive around the neighborhoods to see some of the hundreds of other Victorian homes not on the tour. A flat tire nixed that idea. Fortunately many kind people helped me and AAA arrived to change the tire. I was able to finish the home tour, but the drive will have to wait for another day. Something to look forward to!
Laura S. Pringle is the author of The Pringle Plan, a series of educational guides.
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©2017 Laura S. Pringle. All Rights Reserved.
