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Artisans come to historic hotel

Artisans come to historic hotel
Margaret Jo Melis spinning wool at the Merwinsville Hotel last weekend. 
Photo by Lans Christensen

KENT — The historic Merwinsville Hotel in Gaylordsville held the first of its annual Arts and Crafts show April 28-30, with a return engagement the following weekend,May 5-7.

Over 60 artists and crafts makers exhibited their works, including painting, jewelry, glasswork, ceramic, weaving, and photography.

The exhibits filled the ground floor rooms of the hote, and several of the artists were on hand for demonstrations.

Linda McMillan, of The Happy Dog Studio was creating herhandmade and hand-painted little birds. Susan Rundall , of New Milford, showed off cotton weavings of all kinds, and Margaret Melis sat at her spinning wheel turning Skiff Mountain sheep’s wool into skeins of yarn.

The Merwinsville Hotel  plays a significant role in  local history. Located on Brown’s Forge Road in the South Kent/ Gaylordsville area, the hotel was a trackside station and rest stop for railroad travelers from Bridgeport to Pittsfield.

Built by Sylvanus Merwin, it opened in 1842, and was an integral part of the railroad line for years to come. That relationship declined and was ended in 1916.  The hotel became a private residence, and later just a workshop.

The building suffered a fire in 1970 and was closed. Owner Edward Dolan agreed to  give it to a non-profit corporation, which embarked on  a gradual restoration.  Visitors can now explore and enjoy the ground floor, great center stairway, and several second floor rooms.  Plans are in place to restore the third floor ballroom .

The hotel is open for Sunday tours much of the summer months and many special exhibit/events  are scheduled for the year as well. Extensive information about history and current activity is available at their website: www.Merwinsvillehotel.org

Lans Christensen

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