Royce Homestead
MediumOil on canvas
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x width): 10 x 8in. (25.4 x 20.3cm)
ClassificationsPainting
Credit LineGift of Miss Helen E. Royce
DescriptionPainting of the doorway of the Royce homestead at the head of Main Street in Wallingford, Connecticut.
Object number1953.73.1
Markings"Newton" on back.NotesSubject history according to museum records: "Originally located at the head of Main Street. Built in 1672 on one of the original grants in 1670 made to Nehemiah Royce or Rice, who was a shoemaker. He married (1) Hannah Morgan and (2) Esther ---. He died in November 7, 1706, aged 72 years, leaving 6 children. The house then went to his son Nehemiah Jr., who was born May 18, 1682-3, married Keziah Hall February 9, 1700. His son, Captain James Rice inherited the farm. James was born June 30, 1711, married Miriam ---, and died January 20, 1796, aged 85. It then became the property of his son James Jr. born December 18, 1748, married Mary Tyler, and died Feb 17, 1827, aged 79. The house then descended to Joel James' son, who was born 1786, married Lucretia Yale, and died Dec 21, 1828, leaving the estate to this son Captain Joel Royce, who died c. 1895. The house was moved in 1924 by Miss Lucy Atwater Royce, a lineal descendent of the builder. There are 5 fireplaces, one in the kitchen. The lean-to is part of the house, not a later addition. The door latches bear the letter "R" and were probably made by Nathaniel Royce, the village blacksmith, for his brother Nehemiah, the original owner. The enormous elm with a girth of 20 feet and a spread of 110 feet was blown down in 1896. It is said that the tree was a look out in the French and Indian Wars, and it is said that at one time the Washington rested under its shade. In 1910 the house was owned by Miss Helen E. Royce of Hartford, the donor, and was used as a museum. Presently it is owned by the Choate School."On View
Not on view
1880
about 1840
Robert R. Wiseman