On July 28,1929 a major article appeared in the Hartford Courant describing Miss Lane’s plan to move Central Academy from its location near the Anson Hungerford house to a location across the street from her home. She had plans to convert the building to a “club house” or “playhouse”. There had been concern among the local population regarding the move. A long history had been part of this schoolhouse, although it had not been used as a school for the past few years. The previous owner of the Anson Hungerford house had found that having a school next door spoiled his enjoyment of the outdoors. He had allowed its use as a Seventh-day Adventist church, and William McConway was reported to have hoped to have it used as a Catholic church. Among previous students at the Academy who later became millionaires according to the Hartford Courant were said to have been Dennis Perkins and Austin Norris Bull. Miss Lane had made up her mind to have the building moved. A cement basement had been prepared. The conversion to a playhouse was apparent only on the inside. Inside was a fireplace, glass shelves, electricity, couches, a radio for dancing, a pool table, and an area downstairs for ping pong. According to a July 2, 1935 article in the Torrington Register she had “graciously offered the inspection of her academy-club house to the public”. It remains today in its new location as a private residence and antique shop.
Miss Lane’s cousin, Dr. Dennett, a well-known New York child specialist, and his family came to summer in the Anson Hungerford house. Apparently the “Creamery” was located at the rear entrance to her property. It was noted that the building had “blossomed into attractiveness”. Miss Lane attributed this to her summer resident, Miss Hope Harvey, the home furnishing editor of The Woman’s Home Companion. Miss Lane’s family spent much time with her in Harwinton in the summers. She was known for her 4th of July fireworks displays to which townspeople were invited. She attended the Congregational Church. Miss Lane was reported to have had a custom of hosting a group rendering Christmas carols in her home. Her mother Mrs. Eustace Lane had traditionally been a guest at these occasions. A wedding for her niece was noted to have been held at her home.
On May 25, 1931, George Illiam deeded to Miss Lane the home which became the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church Rectory. As happened with her other properties, this house was remodeled.
September 13, 1928
Another woman of note to have lived in Harwinton during Miss Lane’s time was author Lois Lensky. Very little was reported as to their connection. However, an article in the Torrington Register on May 19, 1933 noted that they had both attended a performance of the women’s chorus of the Torrington Music Club at the home of Mrs. Paul Peckham.
An article in the Torrington Register on December 1, 1937, noted that Miss Lane was “one of 5 residents of Connecticut named to the committee which is organizing the 7th international management congress to be held in Washington D.C. next September.” In April 1938 she was listed as a Director of the Hungerford Library Board of Directors.
Of interest is a quote from the Torrington Register on June 25, 1937, on why she lives in Connecticut: “I like Connecticut for many reasons. First is the unspoiled beauty of the Litchfield Hills where I make my home, far from the noise and distractions of the city. Then the fact that notwithstanding its proximity to New York, the real New England has been preserved not only in the lovely old houses but in the spirit of the people. And lastly there is a very practical reason why I like to live in Connecticut. The taxes are reasonable, and the public moneys are used for the benefit of the citizens. Conspicuous among the many examples of wise spending are the fine roads kept clear all winter, and the charming landscaping by the roadsides even in the rural villages.”
Gertrude Battles Lane died at her Park Avenue home in New York on September 25, 1941, at age 66. Miss Lane rests in Laurel Hill Cemetery in Saco, Maine, her birthplace. The New York Times obituary honored Gertrude Battles Lane as being known as “the dean of magazine editors in this country,”
Source: The Woman’s Home Companion (January 1903)
References:
Articles from the Torrington Register
New York Times- Obituary September 1941
July 28, 1929 Hartford Courant
Wikipedia
This and That of Early Harwinton by Raymond Bentley
