National Register Listing

Boothe Homestead

a.k.a. Boothe Memorial Park

Main St., Stratford, CT
Boothe Memorial Park is a complex consisting of a 19th-century farmhouse and associated outbuildings together with a series of structures erected from 1914 until 1949 by two eccentric brothers, David, and Stephen Boothe. The brothers operated a family business selling farm equipment. They also sold insurance and, in addition, realized profits from numerous investments in nearby Bridgeport. Good examples of the Greek Revival style on the grounds include the Boothe Homestead and the Putney Chapel. The Shingle Style is well represented by the 1910 summer cottage. The majority of the buildings on the grounds are late, retardative examples of the Queen Anne style as interpreted by the two brothers. These are characterized by the application of late 19th-century details in an idiosyncratic manner typical of folk architecture. The Technocratic Cathedral of 1933 is the culmination of the brothers' work. Its unusual construction method, using redwood beams, and unusual character of its design are both highly original and possess considerable aesthetic merit. The complex is clearly intended to center on this structure, and the grounds are laid out to create a striking visual impression. (Criterion A) The Boothe Memorial Park is the result of a unique amalgam of early 20th-century movements as interpreted by a pair of eccentric, reclusive brothers in the context of an outdoor museum. The Boothe brothers' fascination with local history and genealogy began as early as 1914 with the remodeling of the family home and the creation of a historical exhibit in a converted haybarn. During the era of the Depression, the two brothers built a large kitchen and dining facility to dispense their largesse, followed shortly by an outdoor basilica for nondenominational services. The Technocratic Cathedral was begun during a brief national obsession with technocracy, although the relation of the Boothes to the movement is unknown. A series of whimsical structures built on the grounds attest to the humor and imagination of the Boothe brothers.
Local significance of the district:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1985.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

architecture
Connecticut was one of the original 13 colonies and played a significant role in the American Revolution. Many important battles and skirmishes were fought in Connecticut, including the Battle of Ridgefield and the Battle of Groton Heights.
Connecticut random facts
Fairfield County, located in the southwestern corner of Connecticut, has a rich history that spans thousands of years. The region was originally inhabited by the indigenous Paugussett tribe, who lived off the land and engaged in trade with neighboring tribes. European settlers first arrived in the late 1630s, when men from Hartford purchased land from the Paugussett people, establishing the town of Stratford.

In the 18th century, Fairfield County played a significant role in the American Revolutionary War. The region saw several important battles, including the famous Battle of Ridgefield, where American forces fought against British troops. Fairfield County also served as a strategic location for supplying and supporting the Continental Army, as it provided access to both Long Island Sound and the Hudson River.

During the 19th and early 20th centuries, Fairfield County experienced rapid industrialization and urbanization. Towns like Norwalk and Bridgeport became major manufacturing centers, producing goods such as textiles, machinery, and firearms. The growth of these industries brought an influx of immigrants to the area, particularly from Ireland and Italy, who played a vital role in its economic development.

Today, Fairfield County is known for its affluent communities, thriving business sectors, and cultural attractions. The county is home to renowned educational institutions, including Yale University in New Haven, and a variety of museums, theaters, and art galleries. With its picturesque coastline, charming towns, and proximity to New York City, Fairfield County continues to attract residents and visitors alike, preserving its rich history while embracing the opportunities of the present.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Fairfield County, Connecticut.

  • 1639 - Fairfield County is settled by English colonists from the Massachusetts Bay Colony.
  • 1660 - The town of Fairfield is officially incorporated.
  • 1665 - The town of Norwalk is settled and officially incorporated.
  • 1685 - The town of Stamford is settled and officially incorporated.
  • 1724 - The town of Danbury is settled and officially incorporated.
  • 1739 - The dividing line between Fairfield County and New Haven County is established.
  • 1784 - The town of Ridgefield is settled and officially incorporated.
  • 1851 - The town of Bridgeport is settled and officially incorporated.
  • 1871 - The town of Greenwich is settled and officially incorporated.
  • 1974 - The town of Newtown is settled and officially incorporated.
  • 2000 - Fairfield County becomes the most populous county in Connecticut.