By Sarah Opdahl

If you have not been to the Hubbell House and the Parsonage, behind New Fairfield’s Senior Center, you are in for a treat in the future. The two homes have a storied past in the town and now serve as time capsules filled with historical treasures. Sadly, the Parsonage’s furnace died last fall, and the brutal winter then took out the furnace at Hubbell House, which has led to the need for extremely pricey replacements. Enter: Preserve New Fairfield.

The nonprofit, Preserve New Fairfield, was created two decades ago in response to what would have meant the demolition of the two homes. The Parsonage, which served as the Congregational Church’s pastor’s home for over fifty years, and Gideon Hubbell House are both remarkably impressive historic homes built in the Greek Revival style in the early- to mid-1800s. The dates are estimated as it is understood that property records were lost in a fire in the town clerk’s home in 1867. With the help of Preserve New Fairfield’s members and a hefty grant, the homes were moved to their current locations and provide a unique glimpse into our past. Co-founder and Vice President Faline Schneiderman shared that the houses are, “two lovely vernacular houses that really represent our bygone history as a mainly farming community. The Parsonage…has changed over time as various owners acquired it and made it their own. The Hubbell House…too has been modified and added onto.” She went on, “It is great for the community that they are not threatened with demolition, like so many of our remaining old homes in private hands.”

Schneiderman relayed the news that when the Parsonage’s furnace failed, “we hired a professional—at great expense—who determined that the heat exchanger had failed. Given the unit’s age, they told us it was not worth repairing, so we are looking at a replacement for about $10,000.” Adding to the trouble, the Hubbell House furnace also failed in the wintertime. Preserve New Fairfield had another company visit who “gave us an estimate of about $8500 per house for replacement” but managed the group’s expectations by saying “we anticipate prices going up the longer we wait.” The furnaces play a critical role in maintaining the “amazing collection of items donated by local families including furniture, documents, farming tools, paintings, and antique textiles. While many don’t have a lot of monetary value, they are priceless cultural artifacts. The extreme cold can leave fabrics and paper brittle – so we are eager to maintain the temps,” Schneiderman stressed.

Happily, Schneiderman explained, in addition to kicking off fundraising efforts, Preserve New Fairfield also has a generous anonymous benefactor who offered to match donations.  She said, “We are hoping to raise a total of about $19,000 to $20,000 strictly for furnace replacement.” Stewarding the homes is not cheap, and they look forward to helping fundraise for the furnaces and general maintenance through the publication of a book and at their annual Strawberry Festival on June 7th (mark your calendars).  “We will also participate in the celebration of America 250 with other community groups including the New Fairfield HIstorical Society and Friends of the Library.  As our country turns 250, PNF is turning 20 so we have a lot to celebrate!,” Schneiderman commented.

There are periodic open house dates for the two homes, plus other events, and Schneiderman encourages “folks to come on by and learn about our town, Candlewood Lake, and the stories of Ball Pond.” She suggested visiting Preserve New Fairfield’s website at https://www.preservenewfairfield.org to watch for events and learn about membership in the group. You can also make a donation toward the furnaces through a link on the website.

Schneiderman warmly said, “We are so grateful for ongoing support by our town’s businesses, schools, community groups, and residents. If you are not yet a member, please consider joining us.  Your membership helps to preserve our history.  And please, stop by when we are open!”