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New England, 1810-1825. Maple, white pine; 28 ½" h. x 18" w. x 16" d < Back One-Drawer Stand Second Floor - SE Bedroom Furniture and Hard Furnishings New England, 1810-1825. Maple, white pine; 28 ½" h. x 18" w. x 16" d The nearly square stand has a thin birdseye maple top (replacement) over a drawer-front of highly figured birdseye maple, stamped brass pull; over four square, tapered legs. Previous Next

A CHRISTMAS STORY This story, published in 1884 and discovered on the bookshelves of the Mather Homestead, was written by Massachusetts author Mrs. Sophia P. Snow, and published in this book of Christmas stories by Henry Floy, Stephen Tyng Mather's brother-in-law. It tells the delightful story of two young children on Christmas Eve who had lost their mother and whose father had lost Christmas in his heart. We hope that this story brings you a smile this Christmas season! Annie and Willie's Prayer by Mrs. Sophia P. Snow ‘Twas the night before Christmas: "Good-night," had been said, And Annie and Willie had crept into bed. There were tears on their pillows, and tears in their eyes, And each little bosom was heaving with sighs; For to-night their stern fathers's command had been given That they should retire precisely at seven-- Instead of at eight-- for they trouble him more With questions unheard of than ever before. He had told them he thought this delusion a sin, No such creature as "Santa Claus" ever had been; And he hoped, after this, he should never more hear How he scrambled down chimneys with presents each year. And this was the reason that two little heads So restlessly toss'd on their soft, downy beds. Eight, nine, and the clock on the step toll'd ten; Not a word had been spoken by either, till then; When Willie’s sad face from the blanket did peep, And whispered, "Dear Annie, is 'ou fast aseep?" "Why no, Brother Willie," a sweet voice replies, "I've long tried in vain, but I can't shut my eyes; For somehow it makes me so sorry because Dear papa has said there is no 'Santa Claus.' Now we know there is, and it can't be denied, For he came every year before mamma died; But, then, I've been thinking that she used to pray, And God would hear everything mamma would say, And maybe she ask'd him to send Santa Claus here With the sack full of presents he brought every year." "Well, why tan't we pay, dust as mama did den, And ask Dod to send him with pesents aden? "I've been thinking so too," -- and with out a word more Four little bare feet bounded out on the floor, And four little knees the soft carpet press'd, And two tiny hands were clasp'd close to each breast. "Now Willie, you know we must firmly believe That the presents we ask for we're sure to receive; You must wait very still till I say the 'Amen,' And by that you will know that your turn has come then." 'Dear Jesus, look down on my brother and me, And grant us the favor we're asking of thee. I want a wax dolly, a tea-set, and ring, And an ebony work-box that shuts with a spring: Bless papa, dear Jesus, and cause him to see That Santa Claus loves us as much as does he: Don't let him get fretful and angry again At dear brother Willie and Annie. Amen." "Pease, Desus, 'et Santa Taus tum down to-night, And bing us some pesents before it is 'ight; I want he sood div' me a nice 'ittle sed, Wid bight shinin 'unners, and all painted 'ed; A box full of tandy, a book, and a toy, Amen. And den, Desus, I'll be a dood boy." THEIR REST Their prayers being ended, they rais'd up their heads, And, with hearts light and cheerful, again sought their beds. They were soon lost in slumber, both peaceful and deep, And with fairies in dream-land were roaming in sleep. Eight, nine, and the little French clock had struck ten, Ere the father had thought of his children again: He seems now to hear Annie's half suppress'd sighs, And to see the big tears stand in Willie's blue eyes. "I was harsh with my darlings," he mentally said, "And should not have sent them so early to bed; But then I was troubled; my feelings found vent?; For bank-stock to-day has gone down ten per cent. But of course they've forgotten their troubles ere this, And that I denied them the thrice-ask’d-for kiss: But, just to make sure, I'll steal up to their door-- To my darlings I never spoke harshly before." So saying, he softly ascended the stairs, And arrived at the door to hear both of their prayers; His Annie's "Bless papa" drew forth the big tears, And Willie's grave promise fell sweet on his ears. "Strange-- Strange -- I'd forgotten," said he, with a sigh, "How I long'd when a child to have Christmas draw nigh." I'll atone for my harshness," he inwardly said, "By answering their prayers ere I sleep in my bed." Then he turn'd to the stairs and softly went down, Threw off velvet slippers and silk dressing-gown, Donn'd hat, coat, and boots, and was out in the street-- A millionaire facing the cold, driving sleet! Not stopp'd he until he had brought every thing, From the box full of candy to the tiny gold ring; Indeed, he kept adding so much to his store, That the various presents outnumber'd a score. Then homeward he turn'd, when his holiday load, With Aunt Mary's help, in the nursery was stow'd. Miss Dolly was seated beneath a pine tree, By the side of a table spread out for her tea; A work-box, well fill'd, in the center was laid, And on it the ring for which Annie had pray'd; A soldier in uniform stood by a sled "With bright shining runners, and all painted red." There were balls, dogs, and horses; books pleasing to see; And birds of all colors were perch'd in the tree; While Santa Claus, laughing, stood up in the top, As if getting ready more presents to drop. Now as the fond father the picture survey'd, He thought for his trouble he'd amply been paid; And he said to himself, as he brush'd off a tear, "I'm happier to-night than I've been for a year; I've enjoy'd more true pleasure than ever before; What care I if bank-stock falls ten percent. more! Hereafter I'll make it a rule, I believe, To have Santa Claus visit us each Christmas Eve." So thinking, he gently extinguish'd the light, And, tripping down stairs, retired for the night. THE MORNING As soon as the beams of the bright morning sun Put the darkness to flight, and the stars by one, Four little blue eyes out of sleep open'd wide, And at the same moment the presents espied; Then out of their beds they sprang with a bound, And the very gifts pray'd for were all of them found. They laugh'd and they cried, in their innocent glee, And shouted for papa to come quick, and see What presents old Santa Claus brought in the night, (Just the things that they wanted!) and left before light. "And now," added Annie, in voice soft and low, "You'll believe there's a Santa Claus, papa, I know;" While dear little Willie climb'd up on his knee, Determin'd no secret between them should be. And told, in soft whispers, how Annie had said That their dear blessed mamma, so long ago dead, Used to kneel down and pray, by the side of her chair, And that God up in heaven had answer'd her prayer. "Den we dot up and pay'd dust well as we took, And Dod answer'd our payers; now wasn't he dood?" "I should say that he was, if he sent you all these, And knew just what presents my children would please. (Well, well, let him think so, the dear little elf; 'Twould be cruel to tell him I did it myself.") ____ Blind father! who caus'd your stern heart to relent, And the hasty words spoken so soon to repent? 'Twas the Being who bade you steal softly up stairs, And made you his agent to answer their prayers. Sophia P. Snow

The Mather Homestead Foundation is overseen by the Board of Directors: Chair: Richard L. Chilton, Jr., Stephen Berger, Diane Boston, Meredith Edwards, Jennifer L. Foster, Carol Glassmeyer, Ania Janis, Ronald LaMorte, Maeve McGovern, Ginger Morgan, Penny Rashin, John Sini, Tammy Sload, Lauren Swenson, Tiffany Van Elslander. Other boards include: Advisory Board, Junior Board, Teen Board. MATHER HOMESTEAD TEEN BOARD The Mather Homestead, a historic home and museum in Darien, CT, is rich with history and alive with activities and events which promote public education and enjoyment. The Mather Homestead Teen Board offers high school students with an interest in history and the National Parks an opportunity to both contribute to and learn from the Mather Homestead, including its rich collection of original documents and antiques. Applications due Friday, September 19th for participation in 2025-2026 Teen Board. More info Application Pay Program Fee 2024-25 Teen Board Back row L to R: Claire Maruszeski, Caroline DiBiasio, Todd Cannaliato, Bella Fiordalis, Matthew Riley, Katie Ruhe, Alex Kettell, James DiBiasio, Luke Riley, Ava Mohr, Liv Stricker. Front row L to R: Luke Mihopoulos, Finn Wild, Need Sahgal, Lachlan Blair, Sydney Kettell, Jack Lang. Missing: Quincy Kettell, Consolo Bowman, Holden Mohr, Luke Richards Teen Board 2023-24: Katie Barr, Consuelo Bowman, Todd Cannaliato, Caroline DiBiasio, James DiBiasio, Bella Fiordalis, Daley Keogh, Alex Kettell, Sydney Kettell, Quincy Kettell, Claire Maruszewski, Ali Meyer, Ava Mohr, Marney Rand-Sweeney, Luke Richards, Lukę Riley, Matthew Riley, Katie Ruhe, Sofia Schimmeck, Lucas Singh, Lily Stricker, Sarah Williams, Teen Board 2022-23: Katie Barr, Consuelo Bowman, Todd Cannaliato, Sophye Davey, Caroline DiBiasio, Daley Keogh, Sydney Kettell, Claire Maruszewski, Ali Meyer, Marney Rand-Sweeney, Luke Richards, Matthew Riley, Sofia Schimmeck, Lily Stricker, Sarah Williams

Participants created their holiday wreath, garland or centerpiece using live greenery and other decorative elements. Mather flower arranging guru Maeve McGovern demonstrated greenery techniques and helped participants create their original creations while enjoying a cocktail and time with friends. < Back Holiday Greenery - December 1, 2021 Participants created their holiday wreath, garland or centerpiece using live greenery and other decorative elements. Mather flower arranging guru Maeve McGovern demonstrated greenery techniques and helped participants create their original creations while enjoying a cocktail and time with friends. Previous Next

268 mi S of Salt Lake City, UT < Back Bryce Canyon 268 mi S of Salt Lake City, UT 1928 Established: Size: 35,835 acres Visitors: 2,354,660 in 2022 Summary Bryce Canyon National Park, located in southern Utah, is renowned for its breathtaking landscape of intricate rock formations known as hoodoos, carved by erosion over millions of years. The park's main amphitheater, Bryce Amphitheater, showcases a mesmerizing array of colorful spires, arches, and cliffs, illuminated by the ever-changing light of dawn and dusk. Visitors can explore the park's network of trails, which wind through pine forests and along the canyon rim, offering panoramic views of the otherworldly scenery below. Beyond its geological wonders, Bryce Canyon is also a haven for wildlife, with opportunities to spot mule deer, mountain lions, and a variety of bird species. Whether marveling at the surreal rock formations, stargazing under the vast desert sky, or hiking among ancient bristlecone pines, Bryce Canyon National Park offers a truly unforgettable experience amidst the wonders of the American Southwest. Wildlife Bryce Canyon National Park is home to a diverse array of wildlife that thrives in its unique high desert ecosystem. Among the park's inhabitants are mule deer, often seen grazing in meadows or wandering along the canyon rim, while elusive mountain lions roam the more remote areas. Birdwatchers can spot a variety of species, including California condors, peregrine falcons, and Steller's jays, soaring above the hoodoos or nesting in the park's ponderosa pine forests. Smaller creatures such as golden-mantled ground squirrels and chipmunks scurry among the rocks, while reptiles like the plateau lizard bask in the sun. As visitors explore Bryce Canyon's trails and overlooks, they are treated to glimpses of the park's rich and diverse wildlife, adding to the allure of this spectacular natural wonder. Sounds of the Park Things to Do Visitors to Bryce Canyon National Park can enjoy hiking, biking, horseback riding, wildlife viewing, stargazing, and more. In the winter months, activities like snowshoeing and cross-country skiing are available as well. When to Visit Bryce Canyon National Park has a dry continental climate with warm summers and cold, snowy winters. Precipitation is relatively rare year-round. The park is typically busiest during the summer months (June-August). For mild temperatures and lower crowd levels, visit during the late spring (May) or fall (September-October). Ties to Stephen Mather Bryce Canyon National Park has a Stephen Mather plaque just outside the park's main visitor center. Bryce Canyon was designated as a national park in 1928, during Mather's directorship of the National Park Service. Despite this, Stephen Mather initially wanted Bryce Canyon to be a state park given its small size. Fun Fact Though hoodoos can be found on every continent, Bryce Canyon National Park has the largest density of hoodoos on earth. Previous Next

Our fifth annual Fall Harvest Festival will welcome families for hay rides, petting zoo, crafts, apple bobbing, pumpkin decorating and more! SEVENTH FALL HARVEST FESTIVAL October 25, 2025 It was a beautiful day for our seventh annual Fall Harvest Festival, which featured pony and hay rides, crafts, apple bobbing, live music featuring Parkway Ramblers and more, Plus a visit from the Noroton Fire truck! Thank you to BMW of Darien, the King School, the Goddard School, Kumon, Rolleri Sheppard Accountants and Darlene Meier of Houlihan Lawrence for your support of this event! Photos by Conner Day SIXTH FALL HARVEST FESTIVAL October 26, 2024 It was a beautiful day for our sixth annual Fall Harvest Festival which featured pony and hay rides, crafts, apple bobbing, live music featuring Parkway Ramblers and more, Plus a visit from the Noroton Fire truck and GEORGE WASHINGTON! Thank you to BMW of Darien, the King School, Rolleri Sheppard Accountants and Darlene Meier of Houlihan Lawrence for your support of this event! FALL HARVEST FESTIVAL October 21, 2023 The rain did not keep families from coming out for our annual fall harvest festival featuring petting zoo, face painting, pumpkin patch, crafts, fire truck rides (replacing hay rides due to rain) and ... this year .... Revolutionary War reenactors! Pictures by Alicia Andriopoulos, Pixsoul Photography. Thank you to our Sponsors below!! FALL HARVEST FESTIVAL October 22, 2022 It was a beautiful day for our fourth Fall Harvest Festival featuring petting zoo, crafts, live music, face painting and, for the first time, hay rides! Pictures by Katharine Calderwood. FALL HARVEST FESTIVAL November 2, 2019 Our third annual Fall Harvest Festival! Thank you to our volunteer committee! FALL HARVEST FESTIVAL November 3, 2018 Our second annual Fall Harvest Festival. FALL HARVEST FESTIVAL November 4 , 2017 Our first annual Fall Harvest Festival celebrated the brand new Mather Homestead Foundation, created to celebrate the history of the Mather Homestead and to bring history to life! Other Family Fun Events

The Mather Homestead Foundation is overseen by the Board of Directors: Chair: Richard L. Chilton, Jr., Stephen Berger, Diane Boston, Meredith Edwards, Jennifer L. Foster, Carol Glassmeyer, Ania Janis, Ronald LaMorte, Maeve McGovern, Ginger Morgan, Penny Rashin, John Sini, Tammy Sload, Lauren Swenson, Tiffany Van Elslander. Other boards include: Advisory Board, Junior Board, Teen Board. MISSION MISSION The Mather Homestead Foundation is dedicated to the preservation of the Mather Homestead, established in 1778 and home to seven generations of Mather descendants, as a treasured place for historical education and enjoyment. The Foundation will raise awareness of the Homestead’s unique history, dating back to the Revolutionary War, and Stephen Tyng Mather’s legacy as an important conservationist and the founder of our modern National Parks System. The Mather Homestead Foundation is dedicated to the preservation of the Mather Homestead, established in 1778 and home to seven generations of Mather descendants, as a treasured place for historical education and enjoyment. The Foundation will raise awareness of the Homestead’s unique history, dating back to the Revolutionary War, and Stephen Tyng Mather’s legacy as an important conservationist and the founder of our modern National Parks System. MATHER HOMESTEAD FOUNDATION MISSION STATEMENT The Mather Homestead Foundation is dedicated to the preservation of the Mather Homestead, established in 1778 and home to seven generations of Mather descendants, as a treasured place for historical education and enjoyment. The Foundation will raise awareness of the Homestead’s unique history, dating back to the Revolutionary War, and Stephen Tyng Mather’s legacy as an important conservationist and the founder of our modern National Parks System.

Thank you to our 2024 Annual Fund donors. The Mather Homestead relies on a generous community of donors to fund the ongoing preservation of the Mather Homestead for the purposes of historical education. Thank you to our 2024 Donors! Your gifts provide enable us to preserve and share the rich history of our beloved Homestead. Thank you! Donate

Preservation is job #1 to ensure that generations to come will be able to enjoy this remarkable Registered National Historic Landmark. Preservation projects include restoring buildings as well as transitioning the buildings and collection from "home" to "museum" and taking the necessary measures to protect and preserve as stewards of this collection. PRESERVATION Preservation is job #1 to ensure that generations to come will be able to enjoy this remarkable Registered National Historic Landmark. Preservation projects include restoring buildings as well as transitioning the buildings and collection from "home" to "museum" and taking the necessary measures to protect and preserve as stewards of this collection. 1778 House Restoration In 2022, the Mather Homestead Foundation commissioned a "Condition Assessment" of the historic house and other buildings on the property. The work was completed by Architectural Preservation Studios with the support of a grant from the Connecticut State Preservation Office. The resulting 152 page document concluded that while the ~250 year old house was well maintained by the Mather-McPherson family, there is still much work to be done to keep in the house in shape for generations to come with projects totaling $400-500,000. In 2023, the Foundation hired Scholar's Painting and Restoration to begin the first phase of the restoration project, which will be completed in 2024. MORE Collection The Mather Homestead Collection consists of antiques, artwork, artifacts and more which were enjoyed by the Mather Homestead for generations. The Foundation recently hired a consultant to conduct a "collections assessment" report. The report includes many recommendations which we will be implementing to preserve our collection for generations to come. COLLECTION Archives & Donn's Blog The Mather Homestead Foundation is uncovering and preserving stories of the past. The Collection includes six generations of papers which were carefully stored by Bertha Mather in the 1778 attic. These documents are now sorted and cataloged in our "archiving room" thanks to Docent Donn Smith. He has been pouring through these documents and capturing their stories in his "blog". A favorite is the story of Stephen Mather blowing up an unsightly sawmill with TNT on his daughter, Bertha's birthday! DONN'S BLOG Playhouse Restoration The Playhouse which was enjoyed by generations of Mathers was in disrepair and unsuitable for children. The Mather Homestead Foundation completed the renovation of the playhouse in 2023. The playhouse can now be a place of learning and play for future generations of children. Many thanks to the Junior Board for leading this project, to Creative Building (Dan Lamontagne) for contributing your time and resources to complete the project, the many donors who donated, and finally Jenny Gjervold who decorated the playhouse for play! MORE

Bertha Mather McPherson (1906-1993) was the only child of Stephen and Jane Mather. One of the first female architects in Connecticut and a charter member of the Darien Historical Society, she owned the Homestead from her father's death in 1930 until her death in 1993. BERTHA MATHER MCPHERSON (1906-1993) Bertha, the only child of Stephen Tyng Mather and Jane Thacker Floy, was born in Chicago, IL on August 10, 1906 but spent summers at her family homestead in Darien, Connecticut. She graduated in 1928 from Vassar College and went on to the Cambridge School of Landscape and Domestic Architecture, a program operated by Smith College, earning a master's degree in 1933. Bertha became one of the first female architects in Connecticut and designed the house across the street (Brookside Road) for a relative. It was recognized in House Beautiful with an honorable mention. The house is currently owned by a Mather descendant. Bertha became a champion for preservation. She was a charter member of the Darien Historical Society. In that role, she helped to move the Bates-Scofield house to its current location and identified historic homes in Darien, publicizing them through the local Darien News Review. Recognizing the important role of her father as first Director of the National Park Service, and the ~200 year history of the Mather Homestead, she successfully advocated for the Mather Homestead to become a National Historic Landmark in 1964. Also inspired by her father's conservation efforts, Bertha was long associated with the Student Conservation Association, a nonprofit educational organization that places student volunteers with national parks, forests and wildlife refuges. Bertha inherited the Mather Homestead from her father when he passed in 1930. She married Edward Reynolds McPherson in 1932 and raised their children, Anne McPherson Tracy, Stephen Mather McPherson and Jane McPherson Nickerson in the Mather Homestead where she lived until her death in 1993. Edward McPherson lived in the home until his death in 2002. Bertha lovingly cared for the home and gardens from 1930 to 1993, keeping its historical character and adding many 18th century antiques and artifacts which still rest in the home. Today, it stands as she left it - a ~250 year home filled with stories of a six generation family that made its mark on American history. Anne, Jane and Stephen McPherson, children of Bertha Mather McPherson House Beautiful, 1936 Young Bertha Mather at the Mather Homestead

We invite you and friends to join us for a tour and tea at the Mather Homestead! Groups are invited to visit the Homestead from 10 to 11:30 am on a weekday. Tea (or coffee), scones, and muffins followed by a tour of the homestead. By appointment. TOUR AND TEA We invite you and friends to join us for a tour and tea at the Mather Homestead! Groups are invited to visit the Homestead from 10 to 11:30 am on a weekday. Tea (or coffee if you prefer), scones and muffins followed by a tour of the homestead. By appointment. $20 per person. Please email us to arrange a date.

The Mather Homestead Foundation is overseen by the Board of Directors: Chair: Richard L. Chilton, Jr., Stephen Berger, Diane Boston, Meredith Edwards, Jennifer L. Foster, Carol Glassmeyer, Ania Janis, Ronald LaMorte, Maeve McGovern, Ginger Morgan, Penny Rashin, John Sini, Tammy Sload, Lauren Swenson, Tiffany Van Elslander. Other boards include: Advisory Board, Junior Board, Teen Board. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SEARCH The Mather Homestead Foundation seeks a new Executive Director to lead the dynamic organization into its next chapter. Message from the Board of Directors It is with tremendous appreciation - and yes some sadness - that we share this message from Executive Director Heather Raker: With heartfelt gratitude, I share that I will be stepping down as Executive Director of the Mather Homestead Foundation this fall. It has been a true privilege to work alongside the Foundation’s dedicated Board to help build a vibrant museum and dynamic educational programs that engage visitors of all ages. This role has been deeply enriching both personally and professionally, and I’m profoundly grateful to all who have supported the Foundation and inspired me along the way. I’ve made this difficult decision to step down as Executive Director in order to spend more time with my family, but I remain passionately committed to the Mather Homestead’s mission and look forward to supporting its continued success in every way I can. Thank you to everyone who has championed our efforts to bring history to life for our community and beyond! Heather has served the Mather Homestead Foundation since 2017, first as a founding Board member, and then as Executive Director in 2020. Her leadership has been marked by her relentless energy, her awesome creativity, and her passion for sharing the Mather story with one and all. Mather is a young organization, and Heather’s impact has helped to put us on the map by creating compelling programming that brought so many to our beautiful campus. Heather produced and executed events that were well loved by visitors of all ages, with especially fun educational content for our young visitors. We will miss her spirit and enthusiasm which was contagious, but we will greatly value her continuing support of the Mather Homestead. Please join us in extending our heartfelt gratitude to Heather for her wonderful contributions to the Mather Homestead. We wish her nothing but continued success and much happiness. This fall we will thank Heather with an appropriate celebration at the Homestead – stay tuned for details! As we prepare to find our next Executive Director, we ask all of you to spread the word to those in your network who may be interested in this unique role. We seek a leader who brings a deep passion for history and education as well as strong executive skills. Please read the full position description here . Sincerely, The Mather Board of Directors Job Description Leadership Anna Denoyer (2017-2018) Founding Director Anna Denoyer established the foundation and opened the newly created museum to visitors for tours of the historic home. A move to Ohio prompted a quick departure! Lauren Swenson (2018-2020) Lauren Swenson grew the museum, most notably leading the building of the new Elizabeth W. Chilton Education Center and establishing new trademark events such as the Fall Harvest Festival. Heather Raker (2020-2025) With the addition of the new Education Center, founding board member Heather Raker embraced the role of Executive Director and transitioned the museum from a quiet place of history to a vibrant place of learning and engagement.