Morning journal and courier. [volume] (New Haven [Conn.]) 1848-1894, 1892-12-31
CONN. oDb FELLOWS, HOWE.

LhdLlO5 OpPooloo A>O" AoAASAo4A Wooi
Ibly not be attracted by anythiAe
special in the landscape. A long, b.
Cling street, hardly more than a road,
twisting itself along with curves of the
Thames, forms what is known as |
Groton. Once year, indeed, it arises |
from its accustomed quiet and repose,
when the annual Yale Harvard boat race
occurs on the waters which ripple at Its
feet. Here one can hardly hear an echo of
the traffic in the thriving little town of
New London. which lies on the opposite
bank of the Thames One can, however,
enjoy here the beauties which country
landscape presents to its utmost extent.
But Groton is not without it's history.
People have lived here in the years that
have gone by and people still live here. In
the war of the revolution Fort Griswold
was located here, and was commanded by
Colonel Ledyard. In 1881 it was attacked
by a large force of the British, and was
bravely defended for time by the garri-
son. They were at length overcome, how
ever, and the one hundred brave men un-
der Captain Ledyard were massacred ruth
lessly. The coat that Captain Lsdyard
wore, in which the sword thrust is still to
be seen, il now preserved at the Hartford
Historical society rooms. To-day tower
of Portland granite commentaries the
brave colonels death.
Here it was forty years ago that Colonel
Stafford brought the beautiful quadroon,
Mary Stafford, and erected for her and
their children the magnificent residence
known as Fairview. Colonel Stafford was
wealthy planter from Cumberland island
In the Savannah river, Georgia, where he
owned an extensive plantation. He owned
the old City hotel in the city of New Lon
don, where he spent his summers for
great many years.
of her six children were married and away
from home, when she returned to her old
home at Cumberland island.
Fairview, which is now the Connecticut
Odd Fellows home, is situated about a
mile north from Groton depot, on a COM
handing and slightly eminence over
looking the Thames. It can be seen
for miles around. The house is
built in the style of the old southern man
sion, with broad piazzas all around the
house and low French windows. On the
top of the house is an elegantly furnished
observation cupola. The>view that ia OBJ
tanned from here Is grand. Almost, seem
ingly, at ones feet lies the blue Thames, a
little lower down the river is the Shore
Line bridge over the river, which is of itself
an object of considerable interest as tri-
umph of mechanical art. At the opposite
end of the bridge lies the busy little city
of New London, with its harbor filled with
schooners and small vessels of every de-
scription. Still further off as far as the
eye can reach across the sound the low
lying shores of Long Island are visible. A
little more to the east ia the granite tower
commemorating Colonel Ledyard's death.
Up the river toward the north ~ the
United States naval station, where there is
a garrison. The view embraces miles and
miles of sea and land and Is worth going
some distance to see.
Fairview lies in the midst of beautifully
terraced grounds, comprising about fifteen
acres. Ornamental trees, shrubs and
bushes adorn the place. No expense was
spared when the house was first built, to
| make it home of beauty and luxury.
The ceilings are high, the mouldings are
trimmed in white and gold, the banisters
| of the grand spiral staircase are of San
Domingo mahogany. The walls are fres
| coed and everything about the place be
| tokens a beautiful and artistic design
| Since the place came into possession of the
| Odd Fellows it has been entirely refurnish
| ed throughout. The different lodges Of
Odd Fellows throughout the state have
furnished the rooms, and on each door Ii
the name of the lodge which has furnished
that room. A fine library of fiotior
has been donated by the New Haver
Odd Fellows Library association. The
principal rooms in the house, including
the parlor, library and dining room, ar
heated with coal CRATES. Next season it il
| the intention to put in steam heat in }al
the rooms in the house. II
There are at present four occupanGoG
the home, Mr.. J.H. Cloyes of New Brig i,
Walter NJ. Edmonds, Charles Bower, Gf.e
W. Scofield, the latter two being theNe
mer there will be twenty occupants, an(
plans are being made to enlarge the build
ing so that more can be accommodated
Mr.. Edmonds has charge of tn
place at present and will proba
bly, be made superintendent as sool
as the charter is obtained from
the legislature. Mr.. Cloyes is the janitor
Mrs. Ida NJ. Cohen, formerly of Bridge
port, is the matron. Those who enter pa,
So per week for their accommodations
Every member throughout the state
taxed two cents per week, which raises
considerable sum of money to meet tn
| cApouScs VI tuo lustlGU6lOa. IL
farm comprises forty-two acres, and in tn
rear of the home the farmers cottage i
situated. Mr.. Orrin Gray has charge o
the farm at present. The property was Sc
cured by the Odd Fellows, through the eff
ficient efforts of William B. Ware, tn
grand master of New London, at a cost o
$4,000. The house alone when built i
said to have cost $4,000. The water TO
the house is forced from spring dow
near the waters end by hydraulic ram
The Odd Fellows were very fortunate ii
securing SO pleasant and elegant plac
for the home for their aged and invali,
members. Mr.. Ware has just issued
calendar with fine Autographs of the home
All visitors are cordially welcomed by Mrs
Cohsn.
The Postofhce New Years Day.
Ga Monday, January 2, the postof6c
and branch at Fair Haven will close at
o'clock, noon.
Carriers will make one trip only.