Mercy Pratt Hart House (Part 2 of 2) (64 Old Boston Post Road, Old Saybrook ())

Barn Record Old Saybrook

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Building Name (Common)

Mercy Pratt Hart House (Part 2 of 2)

Building Name (Historic)

Penny Wise Farm

Address

64 Old Boston Post Road, Old Saybrook

Typology

Other Shed

Overview

Designations

n/a

Historic Significance

n/a

Field Notes

i. Barns over 75 years old. I’ve been told by many different people (town historians) the three out buildings were built at that same time as the house (1838). The post and beam timbers in all three out buildings (barn, black smith shop and chicken/goat house) are similar to those used in the house. In addition, the barn has a glass window containing a cast metal frame containing a patent date of 1886 along with other markings which may have been installed at a later date. In any event the window may date the barn to 1886. Also, I have old photos taken ~1880-1900 of the barn and property. ii. The property isn’t listed on the State Registry of Historic places. However, it contains a rich history and can be traced back to the founding fathers of Connecticut’s State Capital (Hartford). More information upon request. iii. Outstanding example of type or era. The barn and black smith shop are all in original condition and have not been modified or updated since they were constructed. As a result, they need a foundation under them to prevent them from continuing to sink into the ground and rot. vi. Demonstration of Public benefit The property is located in down town Old Saybrook. The house and 3 out buildings sit on 2 acres and is what’s left of the large farm the Harts once own. We are only the third family to own the property since 1838. The Harts (1838-1977) and the Burtons (1977-2007) before us. The Burtons farmed the land for the past 30 years selling and donating the fresh produce to local residents. The farm is called Pennywise Farm and the name dates back to the early 1800s when the Harts would let some of the less fortunate local residents who didn’t own enough of their own land to grow vegetables to farm a section of the Harts property. That particular area in Old Saybrook is now where the old town green is located (next to the Congregational Church) which also happens to be at the end Pennywise Lane. I usually have a very large garden each year. The garden will contain ~ 250 tomato plant, 120 pepper plants 30 squash plants. Like the Burtons, I sell some of the fresh produce to the local residents, but most it I donate to the local community soup kitchen. The last garden I had, I donated 100’s of pounds of both tomatoes and peppers to support the local soup kitchen. In addition, I have the kindergarten school teacher come and collect all the black walnuts she needs for her classes. 2011 Barns Grant pre-application

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