And featuring…“The Mather Homestead!”(But don’t let Bertha hear you say “Dutch oven…”)

On November 12th, guests at this fall’s third Scholar’s Lecture will learn about area Revolutionary houses, more about the Homestead, and much more about Bertha Mather McPherson.

Bertha was an ardent champion and cheerleader for her home.  She preserved existing antiques and added scores of period-appropriate pieces.  And she quite literally, threw open the doors to those who were interested in the Homestead.

Thanks to her, the Homestead graced the cover of the 1960-1961 Darien/New Canaan Telephone Directory.   (Anyone remember phone directories?)  She also made sure that the Homestead was a regular stop on both house and garden tours.  And of course, led the successful effort to have the Homestead added to the list of Registered National Historic Landmarks.

In the archives we have Bertha’s typed note for the guides of one tour.  Included were such insights as…

“OLD KITCHEN…Fireplace- bee hive Bake oven (do not say Dutch oven)…”

“DINING ROOM…Originally the Parlor, for funerals, weddings and minister’s calls…”

“SOUTHWEST CHAMBER…Curtains-Crewel embroidery by Bertha McPherson, carrying out motifs of 1772 American crewel embroidery framed over bed…”