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Where The Colonial Revival Movement Was Born
Writer/Photographer/Artist Wallace Nutting Story and Photos by David Kendall
Decked out for the summer national holidays, the Webb house
Those in a position to choose, that is to say people with money, considered the formal and sophisticated schools of architecture and the decorative arts, such as the Georgian (Colonial), Federal or Greek Revival, vastly superior. Wallace Nutting was able to capitalize on this burgeoning trend. Nutting's philosophy was not unlike that of tool-collector/historian Henry Chapman Mercer in Doylestown, Penn. He considered the trappings of the Colonial era, and its way of life, our major American heritage. He set out to prove his point by making his vision of Colonial history, designs and lifestyle not only his life's mission, but also his livelihood. The complex that includes the Webb house today is known as the Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum. It is comprised of three Colonial-era houses, three Eighteenth Century privies, and a barn. The Museum interprets, as accurately as possible, the lives of Connecticut merchant Joseph Webb, Revolutionary War diplomat Silas Deane and successful leather worker Isaac Stevens and their families here on the bank of the Connecticut River just south of Hartford. The period of interpretation spans the years from 1769 to 1925. It is implemented by the Colonial Dames, who continue to hold these important properties in stewardship. The Webb house is central of the three, bracketed by the Stevens house to the north and the Deane house to the south. Obviously, this area was not always a museum. In fact, by the advent of Wallace Nutting, Wethersfield simply was a somewhat over-looked suburban neighborhood. US Representative E. Hart Fenn owned the Deane house, which he maintained as an elegant summer home. Five area residents had hoped to make the Webb house into a library and historic memorial because of its association with General George Washington and French military leader, Compte de Rochambeau. (More of this in a moment.) Unfortunately their plans couldn't be brought to fruition, so... enter Mr Nutting and his pet project. Nutting purchased the Webb house for $1 and set about making it a shrine of Americana. Originally a Congregational minister, Nutting had retired at the age of 44 to do what he really liked, photograph bucolic rural scenes. Gradually, his interest expanded to creating homey views of the Colonial past. And, as has been noted more than once by historical authorities, he was a dyed-in-the-wool promoter. Ultimately, he owned five houses, none of which he employed as residences. Instead, like the Webb house, he used his network of properties as historical stage settings. Adept in the black-and-white photography format of the day, he pictured his models (usually local, socially-prominent women) in period costumes, busy about the activities of the simple, homespun era. Perhaps one million of these photos were hand-tinted in Nutting's own workshop and studio, then sold as decorative items; today they are prized by collectors of Americana. Unfortunately, Nutting was not always totally true to the evidence before his eyes. The Webb house is one such example of his tendency to reinterpret history with his own spin. Because Washington and his French associate were thought to have conferred in the Webb house's southeast parlor, Nutting decided to commemorate these meetings in that room. Parenthetically, it should be noted that the Father of Our Country did enjoy the Webb family's hospitality for approximately a week. And it certainly was the week during which he and Rochambeau planned the campaign that resulted in Cornwallis' surrender at Yorktown, Va. However, Rochambeau did not stay at the Webb house. In any case, Nutting designated that southeastern room as the "Yorktown Parlor" and set about making it into a shrine to the conference that probably was held there. Unsatisfied with the non-elegance of the existing 1820s fireplace mantel and surround, he removed it and replaced it with an ornate number from a house in nearby Rhode Island. Then he commissioned a series of murals depicting the meetings, the campaign and its aftermath. The new (and incorrect) mantel and surround can be seen in those murals today. It also should be understood at this time that, not only was Wallace Nutting a passionate writer, lecturer and photographer, he also created an impressive collection of Colonial antiques and artifacts. These were displayed in all five of his houses. Ultimately one collection of Nutting's artifacts was sold, while another can be seen today at Hartford's Wadsworth Athenaeum. Unfortunately, while initial interest was high, public enthusiasm quickly turned to events happening in Europe -- notably the First World War. When visitation rates dropped drastically, in 1919 Nutting concluded arrangements to sell the Webb house to the Colonial Dames. Price? Reportedly $9,000, an impressive return on his investment. The Colonial Dames had new plans for the Webb house. First, they intended to use it as their headquarters. Then, they intended to interpret Connecticut River Valley history accurately. In 1925 and 26, the Nutting fireplace mantel and surround were removed from the southeast parlor and shipped off to a New York antique dealer who sold the unit to H.P. DuPont for the architect's exhibit at his Winterthur Museum in Delaware; the previous 1820s elements were recreated, based on a photograph. Next, rejected much as though they had been scenes from the Disney Magic Kingdom, the murals were concealed beneath a more historically appropriate wallpaper. And there they stayed, though the Colonial Dames obviously were aware of their presence. Immediately after buying the property in 1919, the Dames created an example of that wonderful 1920s rejection of alcohol consumption -- a tearoom in the Webb house's northeast parlor. Called "Hospitality Hall" -- the nickname originally given to the house itself when it was occupied by Joseph and Abigail Webb Ï the tearoom only lasted about five years and was discontinued. Prior to that, however, Annie Burr Jennings of Fairfield hired landscape architect Amy Cogswell to design a garden to complement the tearoom (see Historic Homes & Properties, June 1999). Today, visitors may enjoy a visit to the Museum, and a tour of the three houses expertly led by an authoritative and professional paid guide. One may enjoy the murals again, revealed from their wallpaper concealment in 1996. And, though the Colonial Dames no longer serve refreshments in "Hospitality Hall," a representation of the tearoom has been recreated. While authentic Wallace Nutting prints are actively sought at antique markets and auctions, the Webb-Deane-Stevens Museum's gift shop has an impressive collection of memorabilia from the various eras interpreted there. For more information or directions, tours and admission, 860/529-0612.
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WETHERSFIELD, CONN. -- Wallace Nutting's involvement with the historic Webb House and its neighbors in this Connecticut River town really begs the pun..."was Wallace Nutting really nutty?" Certainly, when the National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in the State of Connecticut bought what is now the organization's headquarters from him in 1919, his neighbors must have thought so.