The Register Citizen (Torrington, CT)
Right at home
Historical society’s care of feline is a tradition
TORRINGTON — The Torrington Historical Society cares for its many connections to the city’s past, both archival, in terms of books and documents, and, it turns out, living things.
Eddie, the museum cat, turned up on the museum’s back steps about five years ago, Executive Director Mark McEachern said Friday. Eddie was malnourished and clearly without a home, and the staff decided to take him in.
These days, he appears to be thriving and is the object of affection for the members of the society.
Eddie continues a history of caring for animals in the house, McEachern said —the Hotchkiss family had dogs and cats, who are represented in photos circa 1890 and 1930.
Gertrude Hotchkiss, featured in the photos, set up annual donations to the Connecticut Human Society and Torrington Animal Control Facility in her will, which continue to this day.
She also bequeathed the home and grounds to the Torrington Historical Society upon her death in 1956.
“The people who lived in the house loved their pets — dogs and cats — and even went so far as to make some generous provisions in their estate,” said McEachern. “We think that Mrs. Hotchkiss certainly would have been pleased that we took in this stray cat... it seemed like a fitting thing to do.”
Eddie has proven to be a friendly, low-maintenance cat, McEachern said — a delight to visi- tors, some of whom come just to see him, and to the staff.
He also inspired the “Pet Pals” exhibition at the historical society, which featured photos of Torrington residents, past and present, and their animal companions.
McEachern said he comes by the historical society every day to feed and take care of Eddie, who lives in the heated Carriage House and spends some time outdoors in the warmer months. It’s a pleasure, he said.
“He gives me joy. He’s become my furry friend,” said McEachern.