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Northern Europe, 20th century. Walnut, pine, mirrored glass; 31" h. x 13 ¼" w. < Back Looking Glass Second Floor - SE Bedroom Other Decorative Arts Northern Europe, 20th century. Walnut, pine, mirrored glass; 31" h. x 13 ¼" w. Rectangular with a scalloped and pierced walnut-veneered crest rail, gilded appliqués at the center, a repeated motif at the veneered base. Ogee molding and parcel gilt inner edge appear to be 18th century, however the backboards exhibit little or no age, and modern wire nails appear to be the original fasteners. Previous Next

England, 1875-1925 Mahogany; 35” h. x 25” w. x 21” d. < Back Open Armchair Second Floor - SW Bedroom Furniture and Hard Furnishings England, 1875-1925 Mahogany; 35” h. x 25” w. x 21” d. Upholstered in red, with a straight crest; arms attach to S-shaped supports joining seat frame near the center of the side rails; box stretchers, and Marlborough legs. Condition is good, as possible to examine; upholstery was not removed to examine the frame. Previous Next

Fifth Annual Fall Harvest Festival! < Back Harvest Festival - October 21, 2023 Fifth Annual Fall Harvest Festival! Previous Next

The Mather Homestead was built in 1778 and has been impeccably preserved over three centuries. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1966. THE 1778 HOMESTEAD The Mather Homestead was built by Deacon Joseph Mather, a deacon in Middlesex Parish, in 1778 during the Revolutionary War, on land inherited by his mother, Hannah Bell. Deacon Joseph Mather lived in the house with his wife, Sarah. They raised eleven children in the Homestead. The family owned over 100 acres which is what it took to support a family of this size at that time. Their sustenance came from the family farm, from the wood to heat the house, to the fields that provided vegetables, flax and wheat and farm animals providing milk, eggs and meat. The earliest photo of the homestead, circa 1800s Stephen and Jane Mather Deacon Joseph passed the house to his wife, Sarah, in 1840. She died three years later and passed the house to Rana (1784-1880) and Phebe (1798-1886), their two daughters who never married. At Rana's death the house was passed to Ann Elizabeth Lockwood who sold it one year later to her first cousin, Joseph Wakeman Mather for $1,000. He built a barn on the property but lived most of the time in Brooklyn before moving to San Francisco to develop his business and raise his family. His son, Stephen Tyng Mather , inherited the house including 22 acres which stretched over the Norwalk town line in 1906. Stephen Mather used the home during vacations while he spent time out West, making his mark on our country by founding and as first Director of the National Park Service. The house again passed to Stephen Mather's only daughter, Bertha Floy Mather McPherson, who inherited the house in 1930 when he died. She was one of the first female architects in Connecticut and a charter member of the Darien Historical Society. She designed the house across the street (Brookside Road) for a relative. Bertha McPherson raised her three children, Stephen, Jane and Anne, in the home. They continue to reside close to Darien. The home is considered one of the finest examples of 18th century architecture, a wood frame structure with two stories plus a basement and attic. The home's chimney, originally providing warmth and a means to cook food, is at the center of the home. The original structure included a kitchen with the largest of the fireplaces, plus a dining room and parlor, both with fireplaces. Over time, a modern kitchen was added. The upstairs included two rooms in the front and a large unfinished space in the rear which was converted into bedrooms and a bathroom during the 19th century. Stephen Mather made changes to the house after he inherited it in 1906; he gave the house a more Colonial Revival appearance. In 1927, based on designs by architect Thomas Harlan Ellett, he added a porch on the side and a two story addition to the rear, and added the portico over the main entrance. The interior of the main block retained its original character through these changes, but the old kitchen space was converted into a living room. He also added a sunken garden, a caretaker's cottage (replaced later by a guest house) and a carriage barn. Today, the property consists of seven acres with the original residence, a detached garage, a guest house and a barn. The original furnishings, family heirlooms, masonry, woodwork and more have been preserved. The home became a National Historic Landmark in 1964 and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1966. In 2017, the Mather Homestead deemed a "Protected Town Landmark" and donated by the McPherson family to The Mather Homestead Foundation will preserve the property and operate a museum. The house's main fireplace which served as the kitchen A hinge on the house dating back to the 18th century THE MATHER HOMESTEAD THROUGH THE YEARS Bertha Mather McPherson's Album chronicling house changes 1778 to 1969 Owners of the Mather Homestead ... Six Generations of Mathers THE MATHER HOMESTEAD TODAY Mather Homestead Current Keeping Room Mather Homestead Current Dining Room Mather Homestead Current West Bedroom Mather Homestead Current Keeping Room 1/5 THE MATHER HOMESTEAD COLLECTION The Mather Homestead includes many pieces which are original to the home (late 18th century), pieces acquired over the centuries, and many pieces collected by Bertha Mather McPherson during the 20th century which are from the Revolutionary War period. View the collection

England or Northern Europe, 1760-1800. Walnut veneer, pine, mirrored glass; 23 ½" h. x 12" w. < Back Looking Glass Second Floor - SE Bedroom Other Decorative Arts England or Northern Europe, 1760-1800. Walnut veneer, pine, mirrored glass; 23 ½" h. x 12" w. Rectangular with a scalloped and scrolled, veneered crest; ogee-molded cross-banding surrounds the glass. Condition is good with restorations to the crest and backboard. Previous Next

England, 1875-1925. Mahogany; 36 ¾" h. x 24" w. x 26" d. < Back Open Armchair Second Floor - SE Bedroom Furniture and Hard Furnishings England, 1875-1925. Mahogany; 36 ¾" h. x 24" w. x 26" d. Upholstered in pale green; the back with slight bow; short upholstered arms, the swept arm supports join seat above Marlborough legs; H-stretchers. Note: Upholstery was not removed to examine the frame. Previous Next

Robin Hoffman presented a lecture: American Vistas - from the Hudson River School to the National Parks < Back ArtScapes Lecture - Jan. 18, 2023 Robin Hoffman presented a lecture: American Vistas - from the Hudson River School to the National Parks Previous Next

80 mi NW of Flagstaff, AZ < Back Grand Canyon 80 mi NW of Flagstaff, AZ 1919 Established: Size: 1,217,262 acres Visitors: 4,733,705 in 2023 Summary Grand Canyon National Park, located in the southwestern United States, is a natural wonder of immense scale and beauty. Carved by the Colorado River over millions of years, the canyon's vast expanse stretches for miles, showcasing layers of rock that reveal Earth's geological history. Visitors come from all over the world to marvel at the canyon's breathtaking vistas, deep gorges, and colorful cliffs. Hiking trails wind their way along the rim and into the canyon, offering adventurers unforgettable experiences and breathtaking views. The park's diverse ecosystems support a wide variety of plant and animal life, from desert plants to elusive wildlife like bighorn sheep and California condors. Whether exploring its depths, admiring its vistas, or learning about its natural history, Grand Canyon National Park offers a truly awe-inspiring experience for all who visit. Wildlife Elk Grand Canyon rattlesnake Bighorn sheep Red-tailed hawk Grand Canyon National Park is not only renowned for its stunning geological formations but also for its diverse wildlife. Within its rugged landscape, visitors may encounter a variety of animals, including mule deer, mountain lions, and bighorn sheep. Birdwatchers are treated to sightings of majestic California condors soaring above the canyon's cliffs. The park's riparian areas along the Colorado River provide habitats for numerous species of birds, amphibians, and small mammals. Exploring the park's trails offers opportunities to observe wildlife in their natural habitats, adding an extra layer of fascination to the Grand Canyon experience. Sounds of the Park Things to Do Visitors at Grand Canyon National Park can hike, hike, ride mules, take a helicopter tour, or go rafting in the Colorado River. Note that the colder North Rim is only open to the public during the summer, while the warmer South Rim is open year round. Biking Scenic drives Rafting When to Visit Grand Canyon National Park has a desert climate with hot, dry summers and cool to cold, moderately snowy winters. Due to the park's altitude, summers are not nearly as hot as elsewhere in Arizona, although the park can get crowded during this time. For the best balance between mild weather and manageable crowds, visit in either the spring (March through May) or fall (September through November). Ties to Stephen Mather Grand Canyon National Park was established in February 1919, during Stephen Mather's tenure as director of the National Park Service. Furthermore, visitors can view the park from the south rim's Mather Point overlook. Fun Fact Grand Canyon National Park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1979. Previous Next

... as told by Gordon Hastings

Wool-on-Linen, 16 ¾” h. x 16” w. (sight size). < Back American Schoolgirl Needlework 2 Second Floor - SW Bedroom Other Decorative Arts Wool-on-Linen, 16 ¾” h. x 16” w. (sight size). Crewelwork featuring red and green flowers, strawberries, and thistles against a linen ground. Embroidered in brown, UC: Worked by Rachel Thomas/ 1772. Embroidered in brown, LC: Presented to E Brooke/ 1790. Other than light discoloration of linen ground, condition and color is good. Previous Next

Caryn performed three shows for Mather guests on March 6 in order to adhere to covid-19 restrictions and social distancing guidelines. She mesmerized young kids, middle and high school students and adults of all ages. Thank you Caryn! About Caryn: Caryn plays her four, five and six string electric violins, using looping to create short, on-the-spot recordings of her violin, voice, and percussion instruments. As she plays the violin, the recorded snippets play back in a continue loop adding fascinating layers of sound over deceptively simple melodies. The result is a live show that is spectacular and like no other - catchy, mesmerizing, and very entertaining! < Back Caryn Lin, Electric Violinist - March 6, 2021 Caryn performed three shows for Mather guests on March 6 in order to adhere to covid-19 restrictions and social distancing guidelines. She mesmerized young kids, middle and high school students and adults of all ages. Thank you Caryn! About Caryn: Caryn plays her four, five and six string electric violins, using looping to create short, on-the-spot recordings of her violin, voice, and percussion instruments. As she plays the violin, the recorded snippets play back in a continue loop adding fascinating layers of sound over deceptively simple melodies. The result is a live show that is spectacular and like no other - catchy, mesmerizing, and very entertaining! Previous Next

Dan performs tirelessly around New York's Hudson Valley and beyond, taking the stage at the 2018 Pleasantville Music Festival, the Paramount Hudson Valley (opening for Grammy winner Marc Cohn twice), the Towne Crier (opening for Patty Larkin), Garica's at The Capitol Theater, and more. < Back David Higgins Band - October 8, 2021 Dan performs tirelessly around New York's Hudson Valley and beyond, taking the stage at the 2018 Pleasantville Music Festival, the Paramount Hudson Valley (opening for Grammy winner Marc Cohn twice), the Towne Crier (opening for Patty Larkin), Garica's at The Capitol Theater, and more. Previous Next