The Newtown Historical Society will host an open house at its
headquarters, The Matthew Curtiss House. A fine example of Connecticut saltbox
architecture, it was constructed circa 1750 and purchased by Matthew Curtiss Jr.
in 1781. In 1970 the Newtown Historical
Society purchased and restored the house to its original condition.
During the Open House, visitors will learn about an iconic
treat that rivals the all American apple pie – Ice Cream. While discovering some of the more unusual
flavors that were popular over the years, they can taste a recipe made famous
by Dolly Madison, who served it to her White House guests in 1813. Ambitious visitors will also be able to help
us make some ice cream the old fashion way.
There’s nothing more satisfying than to sit down and enjoy the results
of your own labor.
In celebration of Ferris Acres Creamery’s 10th
Anniversary we also will welcome Charles Ferris, III and his wife, Shirley, who
will be stopping by between 1:00 – 3:00 to share the history of dairy farming
in general and their farm in particular.
The Ferris family arrived in Newtown from Stamford in 1703. William David Baldwin Ferris moved to the
site of their current farm on Sugar Street in 1864 and William’s son, Charles
Ferris, Sr., built an apple orchard. It
wasn’t until the 1930s that dairy animals were introduced by Charles Ferris, Jr.
and the rest as they say is history.
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The public is invited to visit and tour the building at 44 Main Street any
time between noon and 4pm.
Admission is free; however, donations are welcomed and appreciated. Our junior and senior docents will be
available to answer questions about the house and its history, as well as provide
guided tours by request.
The Historical Society is a non-profit, all volunteer
organization. During the year we offer
open houses with living history demonstrations, a lecture series, and a summer
history camp for kids among other special events. All funding comes from private donations,
membership dues, bequests and fund raisers such as the antique show, house and
garden tour and publication sales. New members
are always welcome and volunteers are needed to help organize and run our many
events. To join or for more information, please visit our website www.newtownhistory.org, like us on
facebook http://www.facebook.com/newtownhistoricalsociety, or
call 203-426-5937.
