67th house tour to benefit Junior Republic set for July

The homes — including Georgian, Greek Revival, Colonial, VictorianItalianate and the prevailing Litchfield Colonial revival style — have been selected to capture more than 300 years of village life and architectural interest.

LITCHFIELD — A historic open house tour is being planned by the Litchfield Aid of the Connecticut Junior Republic.

The Aid’s 67th Open House Day will be a 1-mile walking tour within the borough of Litchfield, a National Historic Landmark District.

The rain or shine benefit will begin with a preview tour and party on July 12, followed by a tour from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on July 13.

The tour will benefit the Connecticut Junior Republic, a Litchfield-based nonprofit that helps children, youth and families in 13 locations across Connecticut.

The 2019 event will feature nine notable homes, the majority of which are located on Litchfield’s North and South streets.

The tour will feature houses that date from a relocated 1685 saltbox to a stunning 1954 Marcel Breuer mid-century modern home.

The homes — including Georgian, Greek Revival, Colonial, Victorian-Italianate and the prevailing Litchfield Colonial revival style — have been selected to capture more than 300 years of village life and architectural interest in the center of northwestern Connecticut.

Established in 1911 by a small group of Litchfield women, the Litchfield Aid of CJR has supported the programs and facilities of the Connecticut Junior Republic for more than 100 years, and has nearly 100 members.

The Aid conducted an annual Litchfield house tour for 66 years, between the summers of 1934 and 2013. During 2014 and 2017, the Aid conducted other successful local events.

Since its inception, the Litchfield Aid’s activities have netted in excess of $2.5 million to support CJR programs and services.

In 1959, the entire borough of Litchfield was designated a Historic District by a special act of the Connecticut General Assembly.

Later, the Litchfield Historic District and several buildings received even more prestigious designations as National Historic Landmarks, the highest recognition for culturally and historically significant sites in the U.S.

Founded in 1904, the Connecticut Junior Republic provides residential and community-based care, treatment, education and family support for vulnerable at-risk, special needs and troubled young people so they may become productive and fulfilled members of their homes, schools and communities.

Today, the organization’s combined programs serve approximately 2,000 boys and girls annually.

A private charitable organization, the Connecticut Junior Republic is accredited by the Council on Accreditation and the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

CJR is supported by gifts from individuals, businesses, foundations and organizations, and through service contracts funded by the Judicial Branch Court Support Services Division, the state Department of Children and Families, the state Department of Social Services and Connecticut’s public schools.

For information on CJR’s programs, contact Hedy Barton at 860-567-9423, ext. 252, or hbarton@cjryouth.org.