The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
Hotchkiss-Fyler House dressed up for the holidays
Annual tours begin Saturday, continue through December
TORRINGTON — The Hotchkiss-Fyler House Museum, 192 Main St., Torrington, is once again decorated for the Christmas season. During the Christmas season, the house takes on a special ambiance as trees, lights, and various Christmas decorations sparkle against the richly embellished interior of this historic home. During the Christmas season, guided tours of the first floor will be available to visitors.
Tours will be available beginning on Saturday, and ending Dec. 30. Hours are Thursdays through Sundays, 12-4 p.m., with the last tour is at 3:30 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults; free to children 12 and under and Torrington Historical Society members.
The house museum will be closed Dec. 25.
At Christmas, the house takes on a particularly festive look. This year, the woodwork and richly embellished interior will be accented with touches of white, poinsettias, wreaths and several Christmas trees. The rooms on the first floor will be decorated with an array of Christmas trees and greenery. One of the many trees will feature antique ornaments from a private collection while others will be decorated with vintage ornaments and antique toys from the society’s collection will also be on view.
In addition, the dining room table will be set for Christmas dinner with the fine china, crystal, silverware, and linens that belonged to Gertrude Fyler Hotchkiss.
One of Connecticut’s best house museums, the Hotchkiss-Fyler House is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. A tour of this house provides visitors with a rare opportunity to view an historic home as it was when last occupied.
Built in 1900, the Hotchkiss-Fyler House Museum was home to the Hotchkiss and Fyler families for more than half a century until 1956 when it was bequeathed to the Torrington Historical Society by Gertrude Fyler Hotchkiss. The interior features impressive woodwork, painted and stenciled walls, original furnishings and collections of fine and decorative arts.
The Torrington Historical Society always welcomes new members. Join now and your tour is free! For more information, call 860-482-8260 or visit www.torringtonhistoricalsociety.org.