Colonial Times, Houses, and Gardens

It is that time of year again, when we welcome the South Windsor third graders to explore what colonial times were like during their spring field trips. Learning about candle making, and quill & ink writing, are just a couple of the fun and creative hands-on activities that they get to experience.

Thank You
to all of the dedicated volunteers who make the field trips so educational and memorable!

This Musing showcases one of the surviving homes from the colonial era, 1464 Main Street, the Jacob and Abigail Strong House.

The Strong House

Known as the Jacob Strong House, this 17th century house sits 30 yards off Main Street at the corner with Strong Road and faces south. It is two and one-half stories, wood construction with center brick chimney.

The house was built in the 1690s, presumably 1698; known as an ell, a two-story addition was built at right angles on one end of the house in 1723; and a lean-to addition built in 1760.

Jacob had a brother, John, known as "John of Windsor". Together they inherited the land grant from their grandfather; 34 rods wide by 3 miles back. In 1704 brothers Jacob & John split the grant with each getting 17 rods by 3 miles.

The house was passed through the generations, and for over 125 years a member of the Strong family was associated with it, until it was foreclosed on in 1827.  It stayed close to the family however, as it was purchased by George Rockwell, and the Rockwells and Strongs were both relatives and longtime neighbors. A brief 40 years later it, would be sold to the next family who would be associated with it for 100+ years, the Bancrofts.

The Bancroft House

In 1866-67, the house again fell into the hands of relatives and neighbors, when it was purchased by George Whitehead Bancroft. Between 1870-1891, George and his wife Mary had 10 children bringing the lively ruckus of a large family back to the home.

Over the years, the house was constantly in peril.  It was slated to be dismantled by both George and his son Paul, but both owners found that the brick-lined walls were surprisingly sturdy, and the foundation and construction of the house were still solid and sound, so each offered the house a reprieve.

First, George had tenants living in it, and then Paul used it as housing for tobacco laborers. Sometime after 1900, when Paul inherited the house, he made the decision to restore it and make it the family home again. The house would stay in the Bancroft family until Ben Bancroft sold it to Ed and Linda Sunderland.

The Sunderland House

The year was 1973, and the house had again fallen into disrepair.  This time more perfect owners could not have been divinely sent.  "Antique houses, particularly those built before 1800, are the couple's consuming passion..." (Morris, pg. 16).

The Sunderlands have not only restored the house but the grounds as well. "What started out in 1973 as a simple colonial herb garden, like Abigail (Strong) would have planted for 'meat or medicine' in the 18th century, grew into a garden with brick paths, an arbor, and seating today."

The gardens were chosen to be a part of this year's Pathways and Blooms garden tour, giving the public the rare opportunity to step back in time, imagine life in an 18th century garden, and walk in the footsteps of the original owners, Jacob and Abigail Strong almost 325 years later.

Sunday, June 12th

2022 “Pathways and Blooms” Garden Tour & Plant Sale

Details & Ticket Books available on our website

Sunday, August 28th

South Windsor Tour: Hidden in Plain Sight
Details available soon on our website

Sources used in researching this Musing from Main:

- Bachand, Lynda Laux, Of mortise, tenon and Yankee hands, Journal Inquirer, Thursday, September 24, 1987.

- Morris, Gitta, At Home With: The Sunderlands, Decorating Remodeling, March, 1988.

- National Society Of The Colonial Dames Of America In The State Of Connecticut & Trowbridge, A. B. C. ". E. P. T. (1916)

- Pathways and Blooms, 2022 South Windsor Garden Tour Pamphlet