Solomon Goffe House (c.1711)

Meriden, the Indians’ pleasant valley, situated between Hartford the river town, and New Haven the seaport, is halfway between these two early towns. The oldest house in Meriden is the 1711 Solomon Goffe House, built on an old Indian trail. This old trail later became the Old Colony Road, one of the oldest roads in Connecticut, now called North Colony Road, our number is 677. This old house is an English Gambrel roofed house, with all its history and charm of a time long gone. Walk through the gateway, past the picket fence, of wide boards with a small space-in-between only large enough so a chicken can not pass through. Climb the few steps to the paneled front door, press your thumb on the latch, enter, and you are in a different century, when our 18th century people greet you, in appropriate dress. You will smell wonderful aromas coming from the kitchen fireplace, while apple pie is baking to a golden brown, or perhaps pumpkin pudding is cooking in the oven. The ladies of the house will have their spinning wheels whirling, and the gentlemen busy talking about Colonial times, which they do best. The young men are busy filling the wood-box with wood to keep the fireplace supplied and fetching water, all tasks of the time. In the chambers upstairs, you will find a spinning and weaving room, with many different kinds of fiber, waiting for the spinners fingers to gather up for the spinning wheel. The checker board is always waiting, with its corncob checkers, for anyone who would like to play a game. The door yard herb garden, and the occasional visitor, Norman the miniature goat awaits you. The old house features original paneling, floor boards, fireplaces and inside trim. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, we are a living museum. Open on the first Sunday of the month, April through November, with a different program every month. We invite you to come and visit, and be a part of the 18th century way of life. All are welcome.

Tour time: 1.5-2 hours