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Travel & Food

The Henry Whitfield House: A Historic Landmark in Guilford

Introduction:

Nestled in the charming town of Guilford, Connecticut, the Henry Whitfield House stands as a living testament to American history. Built in 1639, it is not only the oldest house in Connecticut but also the oldest stone house in New England. This historic gem, with its massive stone walls, served various purposes throughout its rich history. Join us as we unravel the story of this remarkable house, from its construction to its significance in American history.

Construction:

The story of the Henry Whitfield House begins in September 1639 when the first settlers of the Guilford colony embarked on constructing their minister’s home. However, winter weather proved a formidable obstacle, allowing them to complete only half of the great hall and north fireplace until the following spring. By the summer of 1640, the rest of the hall, the second floor, and the attic were finished, and the house became the home of Henry Whitfield, his wife Dorothy Shaeffe Whitfield, and their nine children. Local Menunkatuck Indians played a crucial role by transporting stone from nearby quarries for the house’s construction. The house’s walls were built nearly two feet thick to make the best use of available stone, and the original mortar combined yellow clay and crushed oyster shell, a resourceful technique due to a lack of conventional building materials. Inside the great hall, hand-hewn oaken timbers formed the joists and rafters, and wide planks of pine or white wood with feathered edges shaped the interior partitions.

Purposes:

The Henry Whitfield House served various functions in its history. First and foremost, it was the home of Henry Whitfield, his family, and the nine children. The house also functioned as a place of worship before the first church was constructed in Guilford, a meetinghouse for colonial town meetings, a protective fort in times of potential attack, and a shelter for travelers between the New Haven and Saybrook colonies. Even in the 1860s, the Roman Catholic community used it as a chapel before St. George Church was built on the Guilford Green. Today, the Henry Whitfield House is a museum, a State Archeological Preserve, a National Historic Landmark, and a site listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Architecture:

The Henry Whitfield House stands out for its unique architectural style, differing from the prevailing English and London styles found in the rest of New England. Its construction included large rooms, despite smaller rooms being more efficient to heat. The original floor plan featured a kitchen and great hall on the first floor, three bedroom chambers on the second floor, and a small attic above the chambers. The great hall, a central room measuring thirty-three feet in length and fifteen feet in width, was used for various purposes, including church services, town meetings, feasts, and lodging for travelers. The house featured six fireplaces, with the largest being ten feet four inches across, located on the north end of the great hall. This fireplace remains mostly unchanged today.

Henry Whitfield:

Henry Whitfield, one of Guilford’s founders and its first minister, was a distinguished figure with a rich background. Born in Kent, England, Whitfield’s father, Thomas Whitfield, was an influential lawyer in the courts of Westminster in London. Henry attended New College, Oxford, and was ordained a minister of the Church of England in 1618. He took up the post of vicar of St. Margaret’s Church in Ockley, Surrey, where he served for 18 years, gaining a reputation for his eloquence and scholarship. Whitfield’s sympathies shifted toward the Puritan movement, and he ultimately emigrated to Connecticut, where he played a significant role in the Guilford colony.

Owners and Residents:

The Henry Whitfield House passed through various owners and residents throughout its history. Initially, it was the home of Henry Whitfield, his wife, and their children. After Whitfield’s departure in 1650, the house had different owners, including Major Robert Thompson, Wyllys Eliot, and Jasper Griffing. In 1900, the house became the property of the State of Connecticut, and it has been operated as a museum since 1899.

Renovations:

Over the years, the Henry Whitfield House has undergone several renovations. The first major renovation occurred in 1868, led by Mary Chittenden, and was focused on making the house habitable. The second renovation in 1902, directed by Norman Isham, aimed to attract visitors and make the house suitable for tours. The most extensive renovation took place during the 1930s, under the guidance of J. Frederick Kelly, who focused on restoring the house to its 1639 condition.

Museum:

The Henry Whitfield House became Connecticut’s first state museum in 1899. It reflects life in early colonial America, featuring both original artifacts found on-site and items from the same time period gathered from other historic sites. Visitors can explore the house through guided or self-guided tours and even online interactive tours on the museum’s webpage.

Conclusion:

The Henry Whitfield House stands as a living relic of American history, offering a glimpse into the past and the enduring legacy of Henry Whitfield. As a National Historic Landmark and a museum, it continues to be a cherished piece of Connecticut’s heritage, allowing visitors to step back in time and experience the rich history of early colonial life in America.

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