|
Cheney Homestead
 Timothy Cheney, farmer, miller and one of
America's famous clock makers, built the Cheney Homestead about 1785. A
brook to the south of the home afforded water for the grist mill which
he operated with his son George.
On October 25, 1798, George Cheney brought his
bride, Electa Woodbridge Cheney, to the Homestead to "keep house". To
the couple were born eight sons and one daughter. With the exception of
George Wells who had died, and Seth and John who became well-known
artists, the brothers joined in establishing the Mt. Nebo Silk
Company. The firm later incorporated as Cheney Brothers and became world
famous as a leader in the silk industry.
In the Homestead, the downstairs living room was originally a pine-paneled keeping room with a massive fireplace and
Dutch oven. The entrance door is extra wide so "hogsheads could be
rolled into the buttery at the rear." A unique feature of this room is
the built-in wall clock. When a door from the southeast room was cut
into the stairway, it was necessary to remove the clockworks. A picture
of Lake Pepin by Seth Cheney replaces the face. The tall clock in this
room is an example of Timothy's work and is labeled.
To the east is a study which was originally an 8 1/2 x 12 1/2 ft. bedroom in which the children of George and Electa were
born. Seth Cheney, who traveled and studied extensively abroad, came
home one summer and enlarged this room for his mother, doing all the
work himself.
An addition to the original house to the west
provided a dormitory for the boys, now furnished as a dining room. Here
are to be seen a set of Chippendale-style chairs which are attributed to Eliphalet Chapin of
East Windsor.
As the Homestead is set into a hillside, the
"second floor" is also on ground level with the "front" door of the
paneled parlor facing east. An early 19th century chaise
lounge with Chippendale back, a cage-top tilt table and a secretary with
candle slides are features to look for. To the south of the stairs is
one of the guest bedrooms and to the west of the parlor is a second
bedroom. Originally a bedroom, the last room to be added
to the home has been furnished as a nursery with a
spindle crib and a late 19th century doll house, all used by
Cheney families.
Much of the fine 18th Century
furniture was acquired in Philadelphia by John Cheney, the
brother who was a famous engraver. Numerous drawings by Seth as well as etchings and
engravings are to be seen throughout the home.
The Cheney Homestead at 106 Hartford Road, Manchester, Connecticut
(Tel. 860-647-9983), is owned and operated by the Historical Society.
Open by appointment and for special events throughout the year.
|
