The Stone-Otis House
The Stone-Otis House, ca. 1830, was built by Sarah and Dennis Stone. This house represents one of the finest old homes in what was the newly formed town of Orange. Built on the east side of the Town Green, this modified Greek Revival stands as a tribute to the fine workmanship of the time.
The home was sold to Phoebe and Charles Otis in 1887 and was held in the family until 1965 when it was sold to the Town of Orange.
The Historical Society has restored the home with four rooms on the first floor: a keeping room, a parlor, a bedroom and a general store. The original general store, run by Dennis Stone, was the second of its kind in the town. The second floor has been restored to include a bed chamber, a nursery, a children's room and a display of 19th century clothing. The third floor is "Grandma's Attic" displaying a collection of items that would be seen in an attic as the families grew and saved their belongings and treasured memories.
A dooryard garden, with native plants and herbs is a colorful addition to the home with an espaliered pear tree growing against the blacksmith shop. Tours are by appointment by calling 203 795-3106.
The home was sold to Phoebe and Charles Otis in 1887 and was held in the family until 1965 when it was sold to the Town of Orange.
The Historical Society has restored the home with four rooms on the first floor: a keeping room, a parlor, a bedroom and a general store. The original general store, run by Dennis Stone, was the second of its kind in the town. The second floor has been restored to include a bed chamber, a nursery, a children's room and a display of 19th century clothing. The third floor is "Grandma's Attic" displaying a collection of items that would be seen in an attic as the families grew and saved their belongings and treasured memories.
A dooryard garden, with native plants and herbs is a colorful addition to the home with an espaliered pear tree growing against the blacksmith shop. Tours are by appointment by calling 203 795-3106.
Sarah and Dennis Stone
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Dennis B. Stone, born in 1805, was a prominent citizen of the Town of Orange. In addition to owning the 2nd general store in the town, Mr. Stone served as a Selectman, a constable, a grand juror as well as the tax collector for both the town and the school system. Pictured is his wife who was born in 1807 and died February, 1870. Two of their three children, Collin and Ellen died in 1859 of diphtheria. In 1871, Dennis and his son, LeGrand moved to Twelve Mile Creek in Kansas to homestead.
Although Dennis had planned to return to his home in Orange, he died in Kansas in 1877. He and his nephews, Clark and Fred Stone often exchanged letters and in one of them, Dennis referred to his longing to "go clamming." In another he asked for cuttings of his grapevine that grew in the back yard of his home in Orange. The vine still remains, in good shape at the Stone-Otis House
Although Dennis had planned to return to his home in Orange, he died in Kansas in 1877. He and his nephews, Clark and Fred Stone often exchanged letters and in one of them, Dennis referred to his longing to "go clamming." In another he asked for cuttings of his grapevine that grew in the back yard of his home in Orange. The vine still remains, in good shape at the Stone-Otis House
Charles and Phebe Otis
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Charles H. Otis, born 1854, was an accomplished tool and die maker. He was successful in his trade having many patents to his name including an automobile alarm, shoe button fastener, and a machine for making fishing line. He was often sought by local firms for his innovative ideas as well as being chosen to create displays for exhibits at the Centennial in 1876, in Philadelphia. Pictured is his wife Phebe. Their sons, Charles and Samuel both followed their father's occupation and daughter Bessie became a teacher at the Orange School .
James Otis, his ancestral uncle is known for his fire and brimstone attacks during the Revolutionary War. Having once been a Tory and then a staunch Patriot, James is credited with making the statement, "No taxation without representation and the creation of the 4th amendment dealing with illegal search and seizure of ones home.
James was not the only staunch patriot as his sister Mercy had an equal hand in writing and speaking against the British rule. Using a pseudonym, she wrote a pamphlet opposing the ratification of the US Constitution advocating the inclusion of the Bill of Rights. Her diary has surfaced in Nevada but at this time, the OHS has not been able to connect with its owner.
James Otis, his ancestral uncle is known for his fire and brimstone attacks during the Revolutionary War. Having once been a Tory and then a staunch Patriot, James is credited with making the statement, "No taxation without representation and the creation of the 4th amendment dealing with illegal search and seizure of ones home.
James was not the only staunch patriot as his sister Mercy had an equal hand in writing and speaking against the British rule. Using a pseudonym, she wrote a pamphlet opposing the ratification of the US Constitution advocating the inclusion of the Bill of Rights. Her diary has surfaced in Nevada but at this time, the OHS has not been able to connect with its owner.
Visiting the House...
By 1830, the name Keeping Room was no longer used to identify a room for cooking and eating.
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With wood-burning stoves already in use in New Haven, the Stone's preferred to stay with the tradition of a wood-burning fireplace with attached beehive oven behind the door to the left.
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As a store owner, Mr. Stone stocked the many items needed by the town in a portion of his home. Access to the house and store were separate. This can be seen in the photograph of the home above.
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The chamber on the 2nd floor. Pictures of Mr. & Mrs. Otis hang on the wall.
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One of the rooms for the children.
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This room is smaller than the other but both rooms had fireplaces, now replaced by a furnace flue.
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The Herb Garden
Terri Miles photo
The herb garden, planted with a variety of culinary, medicinal and household herbs is maintained by the staff of the Stone-Otis House. Jellies, teas and special seasoning blends are packaged for sale from this 19th century selection of herbs. In addition, a booklet about the garden, compiled by the herbalists, is available in the gift shop. This herb garden has received the Award of Excellence from the Federated Garden Clubs of Connecticut.
