Milford chronicle., 1956-09-07
ChestertOIUn Plans
For Big Anniversary
Continued from page one)

ON the tour. Acclaimed 0sfe of the
nations outstanding examples of
genuine colon ial architecture,
"Widehall" dates to the 1905, is
noted for its unique stairway, its
English lockwood in a vast garden
that extends to the Chester River.
Its broad verandas are faced with
massive wooden pillars rising two
stories, while its entrance from
offers a doorway framed by brick
columns surmounted by weathered
masonry spheres.
Besides occupying an important
spot on the colonial tour Wide
hall" will also be the setting for
Period Fashions On Parade, a
revue of authentic costumes. dan
ces and music which will have
three showings = afternoon and
evening on Thursday, October 18th,
and matinee performance on Fri
day, October 18th, during the Ami
versary celebration.
Other tour attractions in Chester
town for Monday, October 8th are:
Ringgold House, home of presi-
dents of Washington College, loca-
ted on historic Water Street with
a sunken garden running to the
Chester River. The legendary bill
let for British officers brought to
Chestertown to quell defections of
the colonials prior to the Revolu
tion.
Carvell House, a 1926 mansion
Offering exquisite examples of
panelling, with a lawn running to
the river.
Chester House, said to have been
the towns first tavern, and located
at the terminus of a colonial ferry
across Chester River. 1t is general
ly conceded to have been built by
Simon Wilmer, ancestor of Ches-
tertown's present mayor who own
ed land where town was laid out,
in 1706.
Byford Court and gardens, early
18th century estate of the late Hope
H. Barroll which adjoins Chester
town to the north, and now owned
by Mr. and Mrs. Morris Keene Bar
roll. Replete with relics of a glori-
Gus past in a delightful setting on
Chester River.
The Customs House, one of
earliest buildings,
original structure which served as
warehouse for the Collector of the
Dorf x,rL,l,c, ;,.,,; 5iotio,, IN, 1 7Qe oou
cred the entire Eastern Shore.
Owned by Mrs. w. w. Hubbard, it
has recently been renovated and
dungeons for slaves, an
unusual fireplace, exceptional ex-
amples of masonry.
Nicholson HI O IL G, adjoining
'WidehalP' ON Chestertown's an
cient Water Street, is principally
famed for being the birthplace of
the three seafaring brothers Mic
holson who rank high in the his
tory of the first days of the United
States Navy. Captain James Mic
holson was commander-in-chief of
the Continental Navy from 1778 to
the end of the Revolution despite
LIlC SllOl 10 VI JOlill cAQl 1
Jones to uns.eat him. Captain Sam
uel Nicholson, his brother, not
only served as John Paul Jones ,
lieutenant aboard the Bonhomme |
Richard in it's battle with the Sc
rapis, but he also supervised the
of both. Old Ironsides |
(USS Constitution) and the USS
Constellation, now enshrined in a
Baltimore berth.
Kibler House, now owned by
Col. and Mrs. ]. Tohmas Kibler,
and renowned as one of Water
Streets most venerable mansions.
It has never before been shown on
tour. Col Kibler, athletic director
Of Washington College for several
decades, is also a much-decorated |
of both World Wars and a |
county commissioner of Kent.
The list of Kent County homes |
to be opened for the two other |
tours will be announced shortly.