Your guide to the heart of Litchfield County:
Discover local stories, hidden gems, and must-know events.

Full-Throttle to Fabulous Hair

By Clementina Verge

When heinous crimes are committed against hair—either by neglect, at-home coloring attempts, or mishaps at other salons—Scotty’s Angels wield their talents to save the day. Equipped with a great sense of humor, dedication to healthy tresses, and outstanding products, the stylists at Byrde + the b stand poised to deliver iconic looks. No unfathomable amounts of hairspray required. 

“They are smart, confident, and execute revenge against faded hair and unflattering cuts,” Scott Bond, owner of the Washington Depot full-service luxury salon, shop, and art gallery, lightheartedly describes the trio he lovingly nicknamed. “Fabulous hair is pivotal to their mission.”

Meet Lucy Callaway—the blonde senior stylist—and Angela Zweifel—the super-talented redhead and newest team member who harness the power of color, extensions, flattering haircuts, and luxurious blowouts. Jesse Edholm—the brunette salon coordinator—has seamlessly organized and orchestrated appointments for more than two years.

“She’s the conductor of hair happiness and beauty,” Bond remarks. “We are a collaborative team. Everyone here shares the same knowledge, the same formulas, and the same work ethic. We want clients to be assured that whoever they book their appointments with, they will be working with highly-trained stylists who are committed to delivering the best services. We are all allies of health and beauty.”

Hair suffers injustice in many ways, including unflattering or harsh coloring and inadequate products that lack necessary ingredients to promote a healthy scalp and silky hair. 

The remedy awaits at Byrde + the b whose shampoos feature no synthetic additives, silicones, petrochemicals, phthalates, or artificial fragrances. Instead, an appointment with any of the stylists ensures that what touches your body is infused with natural goodness—such as organic neroli essential oil. 

Beyond the Byrde + the b line, all products are sustainable and biodegradable, including one of the favorites—Davines—an Italian, “super green” line. The salon, in fact, has achieved carbon-neutral status; except for food waste, everything used is recycled, from hair clippings to q-tips and unused color.

To prepare for the cold months ahead, color should shift to richer tones, enhancing blondes, brunettes, and reds that have faded over the summer.   

“It is important to liven up the hair and balance out the pale skin surfacing during the winter months,” Bond explains. “We always want to keep up with trends but also stay on the pretty side of natural and chic.” 

Equally important are the Aura hyaluronic acid smoothing treatments that speed drying, eliminate frizz, and hydrate, leaving hair in a state that feels as natural as the day you were born. 

“People have a tendency to be wary of change, or nervous about an appointment with someone new,” Edholm notes. “We want to assure them that this is a space for people to come regardless of who is available in one’s hour of need. We fulfill the same quality of service to the same high standards.”

To commit a perfect crime, call for facial acupuncture and other beauty treatments delivered by the highly-trained aesthetics team. —byrdeandtheb.com 

Lasting Holiday Traditions

By Nancy McMillan

Childhood holiday traditions can live on or fade away. For Erik Landegren, owner and founder of Bridgewater Chocolate, one determined his future. 

As a young boy in Sweden, he remembers that “every family had a red-and-white box of Aladdin chocolates on their Christmas table. After a few days, the same five pieces were left in the box.”

The image of those unwanted sweets stayed with him. Decades later, when Bridgewater Chocolate assembled their assortment box of handmade confections, Landegren wanted “every piece to be loved, eaten, and the box finished.”

His professional life did not begin in chocolate. Chosen as one of three apprentices at The Opera Cellar in Stockholm, he learned how to prepare everything but chocolate. He stayed on with Opera Cellar, a group of restaurants that caters the Nobel Prize gala dinner and royal parties. He then moved to New York as an executive sous chef to open Aquavit, a Nordic restaurant.

Once settled in the States, he joined the ranks of chocoholics, a word new to him. While appreciating the ingenuity and ubiquity of the choices available, from Snickers to Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, he was a bit disappointed in the chocolate itself.

“I wanted to make a recognizable American confection using European criteria and thought that could be a smashing product. My goal was to create the highest standard chocolate that I could.” 

In the early ‘90s, while working as a private chef in Westchester County, he heard about an opening for a chef at the Bridgewater Village Store under the new owner, Peter May.

It was here that Landegren created a chocolate turtle and continued to experiment. “Humidity and temperature affect chocolate. Each day it could turn out different, but I liked the challenge.” 

He developed his skill as a chocolatier through classes and seminars. He learned what made the European difference in taste. In the U.S., there is no legislation defining chocolate, while in Europe all chocolate must retain cocoa butter to earn its name. U.S. manufacturers extract cocoa butter to extend their products’ shelf life, which means “it doesn’t melt in trucks during transport nor melt in your mouth,” Landegren explains.

His confections became immediately popular; Bridgewater Chocolate was established in 1995. A quarter century later, the company employs 450 employees, occupies a 10,000-square-foot facility in Brookfield, and owns stores in Brookfield and West Hartford. The holiday season is their busiest, bringing in 60 percent of annual revenue.

Holiday novelties include: Santas, snowmen, a variety of peppermints, Christmas trees, and Hanukkah symbols. 15,000 novelties are prepared for the season. The assortment box stays the same, but the packaging is altered; the traditional blue box is replaced with a red one, still tied up with the gold bow.

Erik attributes the company’s success to the fact that “we developed our recipes based on customer responses.” From the beginning, ties to the community were important. The company has supported hundreds of causes through donations of their one-pound assortment box to “anyone with a good cause” and for years sponsored weekly Scout visits to their facility.

“Nothing could have been done without the incredible support of our customers,” says Landgren. 

And the idea for that signature blue hinged box? Also influenced by the Aladdin box, which flipped open. Some traditions leave an indelible imprint.—bridgewaterchocolate.com

This year, many of us are seeing the holidays with fresh eyes—a chance to get back to the traditions that bind, bless, and bliss us out. Gift giving is central to this season of showing our love, and what better way to do it than shopping locally—simultaneously thanking the vendors and craftsmen in our neighborhoods for all they do to enrich Litchfield County’s way of life. SPONSORED POST.

By Brandee Gilmore / Photos by Tony Vengrove

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS

C.P. Farmhouse offers high-quality Amish-made furniture, and curates an array of farmhouse home décor to amplify the beauty of any home. This family-owned and operated treasure also offers locally made items like soaps, lotions, candles, and pottery. Simplify your holiday shopping with a clever and beautiful dough bowl candle—once the candle flames out, it leaves behind a decorative bowl… the perfect two-in-one gift! $34-59.

C.P. FARMHOUSE 23 West Street, Litchfield
860-361-9355 cpfarmhouse.com @cpfarmhouse

PACKAGES TIED UP WITH RIBBON

You’ve got the gifts, but not another minute to spend wrapping them. D.K. Schulman Design will save you the stress, boldly and beautifully dolling up your gifts with their exclusive wrapping papers. (They’re also poised to save you on last-minute gifts, with a shop full of ‘things we don’t need but want’.) Gift wrapping prices on request.

D.K. SCHULMAN DESIGN 15 East Shore Road, New Preston
860-868-4300 dkschulmandesign.com @dkschulmandesign

A SENTIMENTAL FEELING

If you need a gift that imparts whimsy, authenticity, or vintage charm, Washington Curated will have it. Their collection features the work of local makers and artisans, women entrepreneurs, along with antique and up-cycled homewares and gifts. They carry everything from stocking stuffers to pillows, throws, unique and funny gifts, eatables, and vintage homewares. $5-150.

WASHINGTON CURATED 13 River Road, Washington Depot
860-619-0800 washingtoncurated.com @washingtoncurated

THE FUN I’VE MISSED

Raise a glass! It has been a long time since we were able to gather for the holidays! The JoannaJohn Collection will help you steal the show with our one-of-a-kind, imaginative and alluring wardrobe ensembles and a showcase of vintage jewels. Here you will find extraordinary gifts that are memorable for all the loved ones on your list. Come alive this holiday season and visit us in Woodbury, we know you will appreciate the difference!

THE JOANNAJOHN COLLECTION 073 Main Street South, Woodbury
203-266-4800 thejoannajohncollection.com @thejoannajohncollection

BETTER NOT POUT

This is the time to give, and give generously. Go big with a Clear + Brilliant® laser skin treatment, or Botox® Cosmetic treatment from LaFrance Medical Aesthetics. You can gift either treatment (or both) confidently—LaFrance was voted the Readers’ Choice Award for Best Botox® in Litchfield County, and Hollywood celebrities like Jennifer Aniston and Drew Barrymore have trusted their famous faces to Clear + Brilliant® laser treatments. Mention this ad and receive a complimentary Alastin Holiday Glam Bag with a $500 gift card purchase (Value $144).

LAFRANCE MEDICAL AESTHETICS 10 Titus Road, Washington Depot & 72 Pine Street, Bristol
860-845-8296 lafrancemed.com @lafrancemed

DO YOU SEE WHAT I SEE?

Your frames define you, and Friedrich’s Optik takes its 200-year-old tradition of creating distinctive eyewear seriously. A generous gift of handcrafted, natural buffalo horn eyeglasses, can’t and won’t be overlooked by your recipient. Clients are integral to the process, first selecting the horn and the frame shape from a range of styles and colors. Before their eyes, the lenses are cut and the frames are handcrafted. Eyewear is personal, and at Friedrich’s Optik, so is the process. Starting at $1250.

FRIEDRICH’S OPTIK 2 Green Hill Road, Washington Depot
860-619-0724 friedrichsoptik.com @friedrichsoptik

BROWS THAT WOW

New this holiday season, Pilar BLLaC, a local brand aimed at making eyebrows an everyday part of makeup routines, launched a line of brow-defining products. Their custom-designed Brow Taming Brush works with the brand’s Brow Taming Spray, followed by their Better Brow Powder, available in four shades (Auburn, Grey, Medium/Dark, and Blonde/Light) applied with their exclusive Better Brow Powder Brush. The kit’s easy to use and great for anyone on your list who wants gorgeous brows every day!

PILAR BLLAC BEAUTY STUDIO 8.5 Titus Road, Washington Depot
860-619-0488 pilarbllac.com @pilarbllac

MERRY AND BRIGHT

In the capable hands of Byrde + the b stylists, barbers, aestheticians, and nail techs, your lucky recipient will settle into a cocoon of happiness, beauty, and relaxation. Choose from makeovers, makeunders, anti-aging facials, brows, facial acupuncture, hot shaves, relaxing pedicures, manicures—all things beauty—give Jessie a call to set up the gift of the year. $55-500.

BYRDE + THE B 10 Titus Road, Washington Depot
860-619-0422 byrdeandtheb.com @byrdeandtheb

CUP OF CHEER

In addition to their regular spirits and branded merchandise, Litchfield Distillery’s special limited release for this holiday season is a Sherry Cask Finished Bourbon. They’ve rested their Connecticut grown, 4-year bourbon whiskey for an additional two years in sherry barrels procured from a bodega in Jerez, Spain. It’s full of robust vanilla flavor, with subtle prune and stone fruit notes on the nose and palette. That satisfying sip follows with a long, smooth finish. The bottle comes ready for gifting, set in a unique wood box with two rocks glasses. $89.99. Open seven days a week.

LITCHFIELD DISTILLERY 569 Bantam Road, Litchfield
860-361-6503 litchfielddistillery.com @litchfielddistillery

ON THE REV LIMITER

Today’s high-end sports cars are so good, so capable, there’s simply no way to explore their limits on the street. Owners of such cars often can’t resist the opportunity to drive them as they’re meant to be driven. The Lime Rock Drivers Club offers a ticket-free opportunity to drive without speed limits. To maximize the experience, members receive four hours of on-track, in-car, and right seat professional coach guidance. Track days start at $750, and include full hospitality for two.

LIME ROCK DRIVERS CLUB 497 Lime Rock Road, Lakeville
860-435-5000 ext.104 limerockclub.com @limerockclub

ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS

A holiday basket is absolute perfection when it’s stocked with specialty items from Blueprint CT Kitchen. Grab one of their ready-made baskets overflowing with taste and style, or take the time to carefully create your own. Choose from sumptuous gourmet offerings, fine chocolates & confections, teas, cocktail/mocktail mixes, handmade textiles, items by local artisans, and kitchen gadgets galore. Spread the peace and joy from Blueprint CT Kitchen! From $125. Free delivery within Litchfield County. Shipping available; leave extra time.

BLUEPRINT CT KITCHEN 43 West Street, Litchfield
860-361-6789 shopblueprintct.com @shopblueprintct

NICE AND ROSY

Does your darling want to refresh his/her cosmetic collection? The Lulu Face Company will help them wade through their makeup bag to decide what is working, and what to toss. They’ll make suggestions on how to utilize the ‘keepers,’ and make recommendations for rounding out the collection. They can also create a ‘custom palette’ with your recipient! $125 per session (session fee waived with $250 purchase). Receive 15% off all purchases.

THE LULU FACE COMPANY 7 North Street, Litchfield
860-205-2539 lulufaceco.com @lulufaceco

HAPPY SPALIDAYS

The Spa at Litchfield Hills serves up a world-class spa experience without the trouble of traveling far from home. This season, they’re offering a limited edition package—the perfect holiday treat for the spa lover in your life. The ‘Spaliday in the Hills’ features a 50-minute Cause+Medic CBD Massage, OSEA Organic Spa Facial, Spa Pedicure, and Spa Manicure. $395. Shop gift cards online, by phone, or in-store. Curbside pickup and shipping available.

THE SPA AT LITCHFIELD HILLS 407A Bantam Road, Litchfield
860-567-8575 litchfield-spa.com @thespaatlitchfieldhills

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, we asked our followers to share what they are most grateful for here in Litchfield  County. Not surprisingly, our natural landscape, numerous great restaurants, and beautiful communities topped the list. We at Litchfield Magazine are very grateful for you, our followers, our subscribers, our advertisers, our co-workers, and this beautiful part of the world we live in. It is a privilege to share the best of Litchfield County with you every other month. We wish you all a happy Thanksgiving! Here in no particular order is the list, made by you!

1. All of the non-profits working hard to help those in need, especially during the holidays

2. All my Thanksgiving catering orders

3. Natural beauty. Events. Stories. People.

4. 1754 House in Woodbury restaurant

5. Farm fresh food and the farmers markets

6. The Po Cafe in Washington

7. Community Table restaurant

8. Green space and appreciation for the arts

9. Endless hiking trails and beautiful friends

10. Our land trusts who keep Litchfield County rural

11. The most amazing scenic views

12. So much gorgeous nature, the peace and quiet, being able to see the stars properly

13. Woodridge lake sunsets

14. The hiking!

15. Fabulous people and generous communities

16. Five Janes boutique

17. Bantam Bread. Nuff said

18. Everything

19. Steep Rock!

20. Small business shops and the sense of community

21. Arethusa al tavolo restaurant

22. White Memorial Boardwalk Loop

23. So many scenic views. Litchfield is just so beautiful to drive around!

24. Abundance of outdoor activities 

25. Open space

26. The best restaurants nearby

27. Topsmead! Such a beautiful gem that is so well cared for!

28. The amazing small businesses

29. The endless walking trails and streams

30. Nature!

31. Sunshine Car Repair, Meraki, Community Table

32. The people that live here—relaxed and genuinely nice

33. Well of course the beautiful swimming pools that can be found throughout Litchfield County

34. The impressive art gallery scene

35. Amazing schools both public and private

36. All of the great boutiques and cute villages

37. Living in a community full of world class creatives

Ron Norsworthy is a noted multidisciplinary artist, designer, and chandler who lives and works with his partner and collaborator, David Anthone, in Roxbury.

One thing that drew David and me to live in Litchfield County full time five years ago—besides the oft-lauded landscape—is the rich community of artists, designers, and craftspeople, and the unique shops and galleries that help share their work. As an artist and designer whose work combines practices from multiple disciplines, including the decorative arts and architecture, I’m always on the lookout for interesting things with stories to tell. These objects not only delight aesthetically, they reveal something of those who’ve created them. Their histories comprised of struggles and successes are often conveyed in the work through materials, composition, and ornament. I find this silent exchange between maker and viewer, endlessly enriching to my practice.

In no particular order, here are some objects and places that I’m obsessed with this season. D.K. Schulman always has an eclectic collection of custom-designed wrapping papers that also double duty as drawer liners, and fall/winter shop owner Dana Schulman has selected some brilliant tartans. I’m personally fond of these richly-hued patterns because they remind me, simultaneously, not only of my surname’s Scottish origin but also plaid’s African roots. D.K. Schulman also provides gift-wrapping services that will level up your gifting game. Two other New Preston faves can be found on either side of D.K. Schulman—Privet House and Plain Goods. Suzanne Cassano and Richard Lambertson’s Privet House has everything you need for a well-dressed table. Suzanne’s curated a collection of beautiful terra cotta pottery by fellow Midwesterner and ceramicist, Ervin Dixon. The glazes and finishes are sublime. Be prepared though, it will be challenging to leave with only one piece. Of the several that David and I own, each one is a masterful study in contrasting cultural and period influences: a little Baroque, a little Asian, and a few vaguely tribal marks all come together to make for fascinating works of functional art. Fashion-wise, season after season Michael DePerno and Andrew Fry’s Plain Goods continues to deliver impeccably made classics with a distinctly sophisticated edge. A rabbit fur velour hat in a deep olive tone is a recent addition to my wardrobe and is already an instant favorite. I’m also mad for their unisex heavyweight cashmere turtlenecks.

Just in time for holiday gift-giving, Gray Antiques, whose founder Carol Vargo is a Lakeville resident, is introducing one-of-a-kind antique vessels with hand-poured, beautifully scented soy candles that will delight the discerning collector d’objets in your life. One of my faves is a woodland garden scented candle in an engraved glass vintage flask with a wicker holder from one of the renowned spas in Vichy France. In Sharon, Theo Columbe’s Standard Space art gallery offers thoughtfully curated exhibitions of compelling art and photography. If you love contemporary art, especially that by emerging and/or regional artists, this gallery does not disappoint. Every visit there leaves me inspired in nuanced ways. 

A Touch of Bavaria Nestled in Cornwall

By Joseph Montebello

Photographs by Dylan Chandler
Styled by Matthew Gleason

One doesn’t get to visit a castle in Connecticut very often (maybe never) much less live in one. But that’s exactly what Susi Stone and Russell Barton do. A real life castle. It is located at the end of a narrow, mile-long driveway on a 275-acre property that is surrounded by rolling fields, dense woods, waterfalls, and ponds. It also includes a swimming pool, horse stables, and a helipad. Over the years it has often been referred to as Hidden Valley Estate.

The castle was designed by architect Edward C. Dean, in a style fashioned after the Hollywood design called Provincial Revivalism or Fairy Tale. Construction began in 1921 and was completed in 1924. It was built as a country retreat for New York socialite Charlotte Bronson Hunnewell Martin and her husband Dr. Walton Martin. Since Mrs. Martin’s death in 1961, the castle has had several owners and been through various renovations and much neglect. When Stone and Barton bought the property two years ago it seemed an insurmountable task to recreate its splendor. But that’s exactly what they have done.

“We lived in the pool house for the first six months,” explains Stone. “The castle had not been lived in for four years. There was no heat or hot water, ceilings were falling, doors wouldn’t close, none of the faucets worked, and everything was covered in black mold. We couldn’t live in it and no one would come to work until we got rid of it. But Russ saw beyond all that and we just dug in and made the necessary repairs. It was not easy.”

Barton is a developer and entrepreneur who is always on the lookout for interesting properties to buy, including the Litchfield Jail, which he repurposed. Since he and Stone met 12 years ago, he has completed countless projects and they have lived in six different houses. This time, Stone claims, she is not moving again. 

“Russ buys buildings because he sees the potential value,” says Stone. “He doesn’t fall in love with ‘the wood,’ as I do. I am a nester and love to live in my house.”

In a normal time, Stone and Barton spend the winter in Florida, where Stone can ride her horses. Due to COVID, however, they spent last winter in the castle and celebrated their second Christmas there. Stone loves the holiday and begins planning the day after Thanksgiving.

“I grew up in Germany and there was a castle nearby, so this is a throwback to my childhood,” says Stone. “Christmas was very homespun. We looked forward to singing carols, opening our advent calendars, leaving our shoes on the doorstep to be filled by Saint Nicholas with nuts, candies, and gifts. We would get up at the crack of dawn. 

“Christmas markets are big things in Germany and my mother bought tons of handmade ornaments, which I have inherited. The holidays are very family oriented, a lot of music and a lot of food. Last year both my children got married so we had new families join the celebration.”

Stone loves to cook and that is a big part of her holiday planning, assisted by Barton. She also teaches cooking classes and makes wedding cakes for the Mayflower. On her blog she offers recipes and reflections about living in the castle. This year Stone and Barton will celebrate the holidays in style at the castle and then head off to Florida, knowing that in the spring the castle awaits their arrival.

By Nancy McMillan

The Bethlehem Food Bank, along with its parent organization Caring for Bethlehem (CFB), is built on a tradition of volunteerism that is a town-wide point of pride. In this fall season, the 35 volunteers who keep this mini-grocery store purring year-long are hard at work preparing for the upcoming holiday.

“Holidays can be tough,” says Rick Wood, Financial Secretary and Funding Chair of CFB. “Summer jobs are done, fuel bills come due, and there are the holiday expectations.” Demand for groceries at the food bank increases 75 percent during November and December.

“We reach people who don’t come during the rest of the year,” says Vera Rosa, CFB President. “There’s no judgement here; we are community members helping others in our community.”

Wood and Rosa consider themselves the “conductors” of the organization, coordinating thousands of volunteer hours to meet local needs.

Both came by their desire to serve naturally. Rosa’s parents, firm believers in helping church and community, came to Bethlehem in 1950 to help build the Abbey of Regina Laudis. As a child, Wood delivered food with his mother to families in their New Hampshire factory town that had gone bust. After retiring, Wood, who serves as handbell choir director for Chime-in! Music with a Mission, found that he wanted to expand his community service. Caring for Bethlehem was born in 2017.

Based at the First Congregational Church in the center of Bethlehem, CFB encompasses a food bank, a fuel bank, an assistance fund, a comfort closet for personal care items, a scholarship fund, and coordinates with the Prince of Peace Clothing Bank at the Church of the Nativity. Besides providing both Thanksgiving and Christmas meals, CFB sponsors a gift-giving campaign for children.

The holiday effort begins in October, when forms are collected for meal and gift requests. Working with Region 14 school counselors, families who could benefit from assistance are discretely identified. True to their mission of building community, CFB involves townspeople and local groups outside their volunteer corps.

Last year, 300 gift tags were hung on the first Giving Tree at the local True Value hardware store. All the tags were snapped up by people in town; children’s gifts were delivered along with the holiday meals. The Giving Tree at True Value continues this year. The community participates in other ways: the local car club that gathers outside Nick’s Country Kitchen donates gifts, money, and food items; the local police contribute gifts; and volunteers shop on Christmas Eve to satisfy last-minute gift wishes.

Logistically, it is organized for simplicity. Parents and grandparents begin at the First Congregational Church for meal pick-up, cross the street to “shop” at Toyland at Christ Church, and visit the clothing bank around the corner. The loop demonstrates the safety net Caring for Bethlehem seeks to create.

After last year’s holiday season, Rosa says, “a lady pulled into my yard, got out of her car, and gave me a hug. ‘I would never have been able to give my granddaughter toys if it weren’t for the food bank,’” the woman told me. Adds Rosa, “We help kids have a Christmas.”—cfbethlehem.org

Owning multiple homes requires constant travel planning, maintenance, anticipating weather-related complications, and more. Rather than take on all those concerns yourself, a local Home Watch professional can be engaged to outsource critical tasks. 

Mitigate Damage. Hiring a professional company to visit your home on a regular basis limits your exposure to undiscovered issues, and if they happen, allows you to make timely and informed decisions. These check-ins diminish the risk of common occurrences like winter leaks, HVAC failures, mold, pest infestations, and other costly complications.

Save Time. Managing projects for one home is tough, with multiple, there is never enough time. Complete those necessary tasks without having to be there in person. Keep the number of keys floating around to a minimum and use a single company that grants access, supervises as needed, and locks up so that any deliveries, repairs, or renovations stay on schedule. Home Watch services ensure tasks are completed as planned, by multiple vendors, in a secure fashion.

Enjoy Total Peace of Mind. Being able to spend time in each of your homes, and away from them, should feel blissful, not burdensome. Having a trusted and insured company available 24/7 that always looks out for your best interests, allows you to travel stress-free knowing you are protecting your assets.

For more information or to speak directly to a Home Watch professional, contact Brad Herget, founder of Home Watch of CT, at brad@homewatchofct.com 

Stellar Artists’ Colony Began in Roxbury

By Joseph Montebello

Over the years Litchfield County has attracted many artists, actors, and writers. In particular, the town of Roxbury has had the lion’s share. Most recently, Candace Bushnell, Nan and Gay Talese, Frank McCourt, and Deborah Harry have lived there. But the tradition really goes back to the ‘40s and ‘50s when Arthur Miller with wives Marilyn Monroe and Inge Morath, William and Rose Styron, Richard Widmark, Carol and Walter Matthau, and Alexander Calder took up residence.

Calder was the first to arrive. After living in Paris for many years, he came to America in the summer of 1933 to find a home with a possible studio conversion. He tried Westport, Sandy Hook, and then drove to Roxbury. There he found an 18th century colonial, a burned out barn, and 18 acres of land for $3500. Calder painted the main house flat black and converted the icehouse into a studio for himself. Coincidentally as Calder was establishing himself in his new surroundings, Chick Austin, who rose to fame as the director of the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, began exhibiting Calder’s work and in1935 bought his first piece for $75. It is still on display.

Calder thrived on making things by hand and small wire sculptures were his first great invention. But he was a contemplative and solitary artist. Throughout his career, which spanned six decades, he worked eight hours a day, never played music, and never had an assistant. By 1936 he was making a number of pieces for the open air, where they reacted to the wind. His work became larger and more expansive. 

Susan Braeuer Dam, Director of Research and Publications at the Calder Foundation, explained during a recent lecture at the Litchfield Historical Society that landscape has had a unifying power for artists. 

“For Calder, it was the unfolding vistas of Roxbury, where he unleashed his mobiles into the open air, engaging the caprices of nature. The dimensions of Calder’s sculptures responded to the scale of his new environment both in size and sensibility, resulting in objects unruly, untamable, and downright revolutionary.”

As Calder and his wife Louisa settled in Roxbury, others soon followed and there was much socializing. Poet Louis Untermeyer was a resident and playwright Arthur Miller became a neighbor when he built his studio there in 1947. Eight years later he married Marilyn Monroe. By that time Pulitzer Prize-winning novelist William Styron and his wife Rose had discovered the appeal of Northwest Connecticut and became neighbors as well. 

“Louis Untermeyer was the first to invite us to dinner,” recalls Rose Styron. “On two occasions he invited Arthur and Marilyn as well, but neither time did they show up—Marilyn always had some problem so we never met her. But when Arthur married Inge Morath we did see more of each other and the Calders were usually there.”

Styron recalls the first time she met Sandy Calder at a crowded dinner table. “Sandy pulled up a stool and sat between myself and another guest. Halfway through dinner he put his head on my shoulder and fell asleep. I didn’t dare move, so I had this white furry head on my shoulder all through dinner. He was charming and funny and he always had pieces of wire with him so he could make things during dinner. He always brought Inge a tool he had made. I envied her kitchen, which was filled with all the tools he had made for her. She also had jewelry that he had designed for her.”

Added to this social mix were actors Richard Widmark and his wife, and Walter and Carol Matthau. Styron described their times together as spirited, intelligent, and fun—especially if Calder was in attendance. 

Through it all Calder continued to create whimsical and inventive art that has never been duplicated by anyone else. It has been 45 years since his death, but the Calder Foundation, founded by his grandson Alexander S.C. Rower and the Calder family have been diligent about preserving Calder’s artistic legacy and furthering public knowledge and appreciation for the arts.