Spirit*s of Higganum Historic House Tour!

On Saturday, October 5, 2013 the Haddam Historical Society will host “The Spirit(s) of Higganum, a historic house tour of six architecturally and historically significant  homes in the spirited and delightful village of Higganum from 10 am to 4 pm.  In addition the historic Higganum Cemetery will be a highlighted stop on the tour and the tour headquarters at the Higganum Congregational Church will also be open for tours. Featured houses are located along Saybrook Road and Maple Avenue.

The main block of the Ezra Kelsey House, which was built in 1815, was occupied by the Kelsey Family for four generations until the current owner purchased it in 1964. Ezra Kelsey was a blacksmith who had a shop at Higganum Landing where he supplied the shipbuilding industry.  The rear ell of the house may be considerably older and is thought to have been moved to its present location from the river’s edge.  Many local residents may remember attending Miss Kelsey’s kindergarten in the house from the 1940s to early 1960s. Few major changes have been made to the interior of the house, and recent renovations highlight some of the dwelling’s more unusual features including the Wedgewood plaques set into the fireplace surround.  You can feel and see the spirit of former residents in the height markings of many Kelsey Family members just inside the front door, with some dates going back at least 100 years.

Tickets cost $25 in advance and $30 the day of the tour. The tour headquarters and check in is at the Higganum Congregational Church at 23 Parsonage Road, Higganum. Participants will pick up their programs and directions. A gourmet boxed lunch for $12 will be provided by the Cooking Company of Haddam and will be available by reservation. The lunches must be pre-ordered. Call 860-345-2400 for selections and ticket reservations.

Proceeds from the tour will go to the maintenance and upkeep of the Thankful Arnold House Museum and help support our educational programs and exhibits.