The
Cassidy House Restoration
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Norwich,
CT |
Introduction |
| Intro,
Clippings,
Dining
room,
Doors 1,
Exterior,
Ext
Doors,
Front
Doors
, History,
Interior,
Painting 1,
Painting 2,
Peek
In,
Pocket
Doors ,
Porch,
Roof,
Stained
Glass,
Staircase |
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In 1890,
Dr.
Patrick Cassidy,
an Irish immigrant
in his youth, and later the first Surgeon General of Connecticut, and one of America's first
surgeons, built his 25 room dream home to house his family and medical practice. My
goal is to restore the home to its original beauty.
Gloria |
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Nearly destroyed by fire in 1905, and neglect in later years, his Eastlake style mansion
still stands as a
remarkable tribute to 19th century craftsmanship. At
first glance, the house doesn't look all that big, but
consider the house to the left is 3-stories high and you
will have an idea of the Cassidy House's size. |
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Three of the 6 fireplaces
are nearly 11 feet tall.
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From an 1890 Norwich newspaper article:
"Rich and rare
woods have been placed by skilled workmen, also terra cottas,
tilings, mantels, large mirrors, thoroughly appointed library,
dining rooms, parlors, reception halls, billiard hall, music room
and countless closets, nooks and corners form an elegant whole that
is not excelled by any other house in the city, and reflects much
credit on our local workers."
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Several sets of carved pocket doors
line the foyer.
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Tearing the house
down would have been a tragedy, but that's what almost happened. With
a 6-foot diameter hole in the roof and a last-ditch-effort system of 30 kiddy wading
pools, garden hoses, and sump pumps to catch the rainwater, The Cassidy
House was 6 months away from the wrecking ball when I bought it 4 years
ago.
It has never been remodeled and most
of the original features are intact. Over the years portions of the house have fallen into disrepair,
but the spectacular imported European fireplaces and woodwork, hand
crafted tile, and the remaining stained glass windows are still in good
condition.
As the head of one
of the local historical societies put it: "This house is a
treasure. It transcends us." It's our job to save it for
future generations to appreciate.
Gloria
The Cassidy House & The NewLondonCountyGuide.com
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Other Victorian
Houses |
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