New Haven Register Article - LH and state to preserve barn.pdf

LH to preserve a piece of Connecticut history

Posted on Jul 09, 2009

Built in 1864 and set on 23 acres, Lauralton Hall and its accompanying barn are architectural gems with a very interesting history. The original owner of the property was Charles Hobby Pond, the 36th Governor of Connecticut. Before his elections in 1850 and 1852 as Lieutenant Governor, Pond was an attorney and seafarer. In fact, the original name of the home was “Island View,” named for its view of Charles Island. Pond became governor in 1853 when the sitting governor resigned to accept an international appointment.

The stunning mansion and corresponding barn were constructed as the estate of Governor Pond. The estate was later purchased by Henry Augustus Taylor, a New York financier and one of Milford’s most generous philanthropists. The property was then named Lauralton Hall for his daughter, Laura. Henry Taylor was a very well respected patron of architecture who donated the funds to construct the Milford Public Taylor Memorial Library building as well as the Mary Taylor Methodist-Episcopal Church in Milford. In 1905, the Sisters of Mercy bought the Pond-Taylor estate to establish the Academy of Our Lady of Mercy, a K-12 school for young women. Now in its 104th academic year, the Academy boasts more than 8,000 alumnae. The mansion has been used over the years alternately as classrooms, the school’s library and administrative offices.

As for the beloved barn, although it no longer houses dairy cows and horses as in the past, it is one of the finest examples of the Victorian Gothic period. The barn has fallen into a state of disrepair and the school intends to fully restore this unique structure and preserve its past as well as part of Connecticut’s history. Not only is this considered a treasured architectural gem by students, parents, alumnae and staff, it is also a treasure of the city of Milford and the state of Connecticut.  

The Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation recently awarded Lauralton Hall a highly competitive $5,000 barn grant to assist the school in kicking off the renovation process. Saving the barn has generated tremendous enthusiasm in the Lauralton community and beyond. Alumnae and friends of Lauralton even created a petition site on the internet garnering support for saving the barn. Hundreds of supporters have already signed the petition and have commented on the site in favor of this restoration. In addition, the school has the strong support of many city officials, state representatives and local organizations including the Milford Preservation Trust.

Congresswoman Rosa L. DeLauro, ’60 states, “I know from personal experience how special the grounds are at Lauralton Hall because I attended as a young woman. Lauralton Hall serves many in the community and this structure (the barn) will only enhance the environment in which students can learn and grow.”  Mrs. Harvey J. Pond, direct descendant of Charles Pond, former Milford resident and the mother of two Lauralton graduates, remarks that restoring the barn should be a “top priority in the ongoing effort to maintain Connecticut’s link with its historic past.” She continues, “a great part of Milford’s current charm is derived from its historic roots and it would be regrettable not to preserve a wonderful example of nineteenth century architecture for future generations.”

The school’s vision for the fully restored barn is to use the space as a music center for the school.

Use the link to the right to read the New Haven Register's coverage of the grant award presentation by the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation.