To Greenwich Historical Society friends, members and supporters, Today, overlooking the quiet Cos Cob Harbor, I am sending my best wishes to you and your loved ones during an unprecedented period in our history. As we all navigate the uncertainty and change to daily routine, I want to offer an update on what we are … Read more
Greenwich is connected to a number of literary and publishing figures, but did you know that former Greenwich resident Irving Bacheller helped to introduce the legendary fictional detective Sherlock Holmes to American readers? Addison Irving Bacheller was born in upstate New York in 1859. His mother (a descendent of Mayflower settlers) named him to reflect … Read more
Mr. and Mrs. Francis Bailey Vanderhoef originally became interested in weaving as a hobby and became so involved in the process that Mr. Vanderhoef constructed a loom at their home, Wishing Woods, on Husted Lane. Mrs. Vanderhoef created her earliest pieces on this loom, and they were of such quality that they attracted great interest. … Read more
Leon Volkmar (1879–1959) was an American studio ceramicist whose pieces were deeply influenced by the forms and glaze colors of ceramics of the ancient world, many of which were rediscovered and popularized by archaeologists in the early 20th century. With the financial backing of his former pupil, Jean Rice, Volkmar established his pottery enterprise, Durant Kilns, … Read more
At this time when we are isolating ourselves in our homes to help stem the coronavirus pandemic, it may be enjoyable to recall good times when we were able to gather with friends and loved ones without our present concerns. We can also look forward to future social occasions when the current crisis passes (and … Read more
These are two images of the Manor House at Conyers Manor in backcountry Greenwich. The postcard dates from the early 20th century, shortly after businessman Edmund Cogswell Converse combined over 10 farms to form a sprawling and productive agricultural operation. The business employed over 200 people at its height, many of which lived with their … Read more
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