The Simpson Taber House originally stood at 216 North Main Street in Wallingford Connecticut from the early 1800's until the mid 1980's.
The original structure was actually built in the late 1600's, and had been expanded upon over the centuries.
The house underwent major renovations in 1860 by Samuel Simpson. Samuel Simpson was born in Wallingford, April 7, 1814. In January, 1835, he engaged in the manufacturing industry of britannia, nickel, silver, and electro silver-plated ware. He was the president of the Simpson, Hall & Miller Company, and of the Simpson Nickel Silver Company. He was the founder of the International Silver company, and was also the president of the National and Savings Banks.
He was notable for his generous donations to the community, including the town of Wallingford's library.
When Samuel Simpson first purchased the home in the 1860's, the former sturdy little structure had already metamorphosed into a larger Greek Revival home.
Samuel purchased the 215 North Main St property, and decided to commission the notable New Haven architect Henry Austin to expand the house into what the home looks like to this very day. Mr Simpson clearly wanted a home that not only befitted his social standing in the community, but to house his growing family and the servants that cared for them.
The house stood large and in a prominent position in town. According to historical records, Mr Simpson employed footman, a cook, livery, and maids to care for the family. The hard working rooms that serve the home are at the back of the house. There is a scullery, pantries, a Summer Kitchen and a Winter Kitchen. An expansive herb and vegetable garden stood outside, off the kitchens.
The staff had their own bedrooms upstairs at the back of the house, as well as a sitting room, and their own staircase. The family shared the same floor of the house, however resided at the front portion of the house.
Mr Simpson died in 1894, leaving behind his wife Martha, and one surviving child, Elizabeth Simpson Hull, and grand daughter, Georgianna Hull Tibbits.
His wife and daughter Elizabeth continued to live in the home, whilst his granddaughter, Georgianna, married Mr Charles Tibbits, and soon built a grand Victorian mansion across the street of their very own. It was there that Georgianna raised her daughter, Margaret, who would eventually inherit Samuel Simpson's beloved home.
The home remained within the Simpson family for decades. Samuel Simpson's great grand daughter Margaret eventually gained custody of the home in the early 1920's.
Margaret attended Vassar College and eventually married Mr Robert Hershal Taber. Together they raised their children in the Simpson-Taber home. Margaret also ran a book store in the home for the students of Choate Rosemary Hall.
In the 1920's, the house was managed by Miss Mariska (Mary) Jonas. She was the cook for the family from the 1920's until her death in the 1980's.
When Margaret, the last surviving member of the Simpson dynasty, moved into convalescence care in the mid 1980's, she sold the house to the Wallingford Public Library for their use. Margaret was very much involved in the town library over the years, had a great love of books. She wished the the home find a new use and serve the residents of the town of Wallingford.
The house stood empty for many years, unused, until the city decided that the best use for the property was to tear down the grand old mansion for the future expansion of the town library.
This triggered the citizens of Wallingford to come up with another solution. They felt that it was never Margaret's wish to have the home razed. After much debate and fuss, it was finally agreed upon that the house was to be sold to a local contractor, who then moved the house to it's current location in the rolling hills of East Wallingford.
To this day, all of the original detail abounds as it did so many years ago. Still standing are the three hard working kitchen rooms which are the very heartbeat of the house. There is a formal living room and dining room, and the original fireplace and oak paneling still line the walls and ceiling where Mr Simpson once sat, entertaining gentleman in front of the fire.
The antique clawfoot tubs, granite sinks, and soapstone scullery sink are still in place as they were 170 years ago.
The large Irish grandfather clock that once stood in the dining room has been donated to the Wallingford Public Library, where you can also find many of the artifacts of the Simpson Taber family.
The home now sits on 3 acres in East Wallingford, surrounded by dozens of acres of protected land owned by the Town of Wallingford. It is a private home.
The Simpson Taber Home was also used as the primary location for Argentine-born director A.D. Calvo's 2012 film, The Midnight Game.