Bellamy-Ferriday House & Garden

Bellamy-Ferriday House, Bethlehem, Connecticut

 At my friend Linda's recommendation, I recently read Lilac Girls by Martha Hall Kelly. She suggested when I finish reading the novel, a work of historical fiction, we take a day trip over to Bethlehem, Connecticut to tour the Bellamy-Ferriday House and Gardens. The home belonged to Caroline Ferriday, one of the main characters in Lilac Girls, and her mother, Eliza. I loved the idea of combining a day trip with our reading, and quickly roped my friend Donna into joining us.

Bellamy-Ferriday House, a Connecticut Landmark

Not everything Kelly writes about Caroline is true, but the house, gardens, and dedication to volunteerism are very real. Ironically, the home is not a Connecticut Landmark because Caroline was considered important. It is a landmark because Caroline was a huge fan of Joseph Bellamy, the original owner of the home. She researched his work, preserved antiques, and upon her death deeded the property to what is now called Connecticut Landmarks.

Foundation planting

However, Caroline was also a very important historical figure. She supported the Free France Movement during World War II, and secured medical assistance for the Ravensbruck Concentration Camp survivors. This is the story we had come to hear. Lilac Girls tells the story of Polish women imprisoned at Ravensbruck, through the eyes of three characters: Kasia, a fictional composite of the Polish women; Herta Oberhauser, a doctor who performed horrific operations on the women; and Caroline Ferriday, a New York socialite working at the French Consulate.

By stroke of luck, not only were we enthralled by Dorothy, the best tour guide I've ever met, but we also had a surprise visitor - Martha Hall Kelly, Author of Lilac Girls! The two graciously posed for photos.

Dorothy, World's Best Tour Guide! (left) and Martha Hall Kelly, Author of The Lilac Girls (right)

 We enjoyed seeing the home and many of the items mentioned in the book, such as Eliza's handmade curtains; the gardens where lilacs grew; and the kitchen where a few of the Polish ladies visiting America, for medical assistance arranged by Caroline, gathered one Christmas. 

Handmade crewel work draperies made by Caroline's mother, Eliza

Wealth without pretension - The Ferridays played chess with plastic and cardboard

Memorabilia from Caroline Ferriday's extensive volunteer work

The Polish ladies Caroline helped were once referred to as "the rabbits"

Hand crocheted spread made by Eliza Ferriday

Caroline's childhood bedroom

A view of the garden

Caroline Ferriday had been a successful actress before devoting herself to volunteer work during WWII

A few of the Polish ladies spend Christmas at the Ferriday's country home in CT

This tree struck me as a reminder of the strength of both  the war victims, and the volunteers who were determined to help.

Eliza sketched the design for the garden from an oriental rug

Windows and garden align perfectly

Although the lilacs were not in bloom on our visit, the peonies were!

Daytrip friends - Me, Linda, and Donna

Laura S. Pringle is the author of The Pringle Plan, a series of educational guides. 

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