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09/24/2019 04:53 PMTo open the doors of one of Clinton’s most notable historic homes more often, the Adam Stanton House Board of Directors is holding two teas and an evening party to help with needed renovations to the house.
Originally built in 1791, the Adam Stanton House was where one of Clinton’s earliest families and business owners called home. Lise Gazzillo, one of the members of the board, said that unlike some other historic houses, the Stanton house still has a lot of the original artifacts and beams inside.
“The house itself is pretty pristine,” said Gazzillo.
Some of the items inside the house include inventory ledgers, clothing, and furnishings.
“There’s a wealth of knowledge in there,” Gazzillo said.
Though the house became a museum in 1916, the house is not open as much as the board would like. The board’s interim president, E.C. Schroeder, said that the goal is have the house open with more regular hours, but first the house needs more attention.
The house is now open for tours by appointment and during major town events like Christmas in Clinton. In order to expand visiting opportunities, Gazzillo said that the house has undergone some major renovations, with more in the future.
“We’re really excited about these,” said Gazzillo.
A renovation of the front porch and portico using the funds from a grant from the 1772 Foundation was recently completed. Next, the board is hoping to secure about $100,000 to repair the roof. The board was awarded $30,000 from a grant as a head start.
To fund the rest of the way, Gazzillo said the board is holding a tea party on Sunday, Sept. 29 with two seatings, the first at 1 p.m. and a second at 3 p.m.—hats and gloves are highly encouraged. In addition to tea, pastries and sandwiches will be served. The event is free to attend, but donations that will go toward repairing the roof are encouraged.
Additionally, on Saturday, Oct 19 at 7 p.m., the board will hold its annual Harvest Moon Benefit. The evening will feature refreshments, alcohol, live music, and a silent auction. The event costs $35 and tickets can be purchased online at www.adamstantonhouse.org/harvest-moon-benefit-tickets.
Gazzillo said that once the roof repairs are done, the house will need to be painted.
“Then the house will be ready to do more programming once we have it in a state for more people to come in,” said Gazzillo.
The hope is to have all the word done within one calendar year.
“I think there’s a lot of energy around the house right now,” Gazzillo said.
To reserve a seat for the Saturday, Oct 19, call Tess Taft Edge at 480-203-1168. For tickets to the Harvest Moon Benefit, visit www.adamstantonhouse.org/harvest-moon-benefit-tickets. To donate directly toward the roof fund, visit www.adamstantonhouse.org or mail donations to P.O. Box 63, Clinton, CT 06413.