The Cassidy House Restoration

Norwich, CT

Introduction
Intro,   Construction 1888-1890,   Dining room,   Doors 1,   Exterior,   Ext  Doors,   Fire 1905, Front Doors ,   History,   Interior,    Painting 1,   Painting 2,   Peek In,    Pocket Doors ,  Porch,   Roof,  Stained Glass,  Staircase  

 

 

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
   

 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.


Before 1905

Two towers graced the Washington Street view.  The tower on the left, behind the tree, provided a dramatic view of Norwich harbor.

97 Years Later in 2002
At first glance, the house doesn't look all that big. However, consider that the house just down the hill on the left is 3-stories high and you will have an idea of the Cassidy House's size.

After the 1905 fire

The fire started in the housekeeper's 3rd floor bedroom.  No one was present at the time and the exact cause was never determined. 

The slate roof kept firefighters from reaching the fire with their hoses. The resulting flames destroyed the two towers, the 4th floor attic and the 3rd floor.  When we opened up some of the the walls we found charred wood as far down as the first floor.  

 

101 Years Later, on the way Back for the 2nd Time
Maple Grove side view 2006

Most of the first two floors now have exterior paint. Progress is slow.  We expected to finish in 5 years. Now we are in our 9th year and still going.   Ah, well it is after all a labor of love.

 
   

The Interior Woodwork retains much of its original glory

  

Three of the 6 fireplaces are nearly
11 feet tall. 

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." 

 

Several sets of carved pocket doors 
line the foyer. 
 

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 in 1999.

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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