W.P.A. Federal Writers Project, Bloomfield, State of Connecticut

In 1935, the Federal Writers’ Project was created as part of the United States Work Progress Administration (WPA) to provide employment.  One of these projects in Connecticut was the Architectural Survey, Census of Old Buildings. According to a description provided by the Connecticut State Library, nearly 5,000 buildings were documented and often illustrated with photographs.  Included in this collection is the home (built by/for) my 5th great-grandparents Samuel Eggleston (1747-1837) and Dorcas (Loomis) Eggleston (1752-1834). How cool is it to see the house, which still stands and to know that several generations of the Spencer and Eggleston families lived in the house!

According to a very well informed cousin, this 1886 map of Bloomfield, Connecticut (below) highlights how proximity can be the path to marriage. The Fowler family moved from Suffield, Connecticut to Bloomfield sometime after 1880. In 1889, Minnie M. Fowler married Samuel Spencer from across the road (they are my great-grandparents), and in 1890 George T. Fowler married Eugenia Thrall, from just up the road (my cousins great-grandparents)!

1884 – Driving Chart of Hartford and Vicinity (LOC)

Architectural Survey Information

Title: Bloomfield historic building 023

Date [built](Source): 1780 (marker)

OriginalOwner: Samuel Eggleston

Present Owner[1935-37]: F. L. Putnam; Julia and Frank Spencer

Julia and Frank Spencer were the son and daughter of John W. and Anna Spencer (my 2 great grandparents), their other daughter, Alma Spencer, was married to Frank L. Putnam. (I wonder who is sitting in the shadows on the porch?)

Location:Faces south on Park Avenue, corner of School Street.

Description[Material]: Wood

Roof: Peak(rather flat)

Chimney Type/No.of: Brick / end / 3, 1 in ell

Height: Two stories and half (small)

Ell:  21/2 story rear ell with brick central chimney.

Fenestration:9 window front; paired; 6/1 sash.

Overhang:None

Foundation: Brick

Condition -Physical: Good

Authenticity:Remodeled

Exterior:Side porch. Rear additions. Clapboarded walls.

Interior: One fireplace. Original front stairs.

Comments and corrections appreciated. Copyright © 2022. All Rights Reserved by David R. French

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