Jedediah Wilcox mansion, Meriden, CT - historical information

The historical information listed below includes documentation concerning the crazy, now-demolished mansion— and also varied social gatherings held at the property over the Wilcox- and Parker-ownership years. One resident is regularly looking for new staff, and another has trouble holding onto her jewelry...

ADC staff
artdesigncafé - design | Design Meriden | 27 November 2020 | Updated 31 January 2021
LINK: Wilcox mansion - design elements in collections, at auction, and in exhibitions
Jedediah Wilcox mansion Meriden


Photo of former Jedediah Wilcox mansion, Broad Street, Meriden, Connecticut, USA (undated).



Which design elements of the Wilcox mansion survived, and where are they today?

For long-term history, valuations and authentications, it is very strongly recommended that certain key stakeholders are aware of any private ownership over time— and that all historical and current photos, records of purchase and transfer are kept with the design. It is projected that interest in the design items will increase over the next decades.

Read more


If you know of items not listed below, please contact artdesigncafe.com. We fully respect the ownership of items in private hands, and if desired, would state the item is in a "private collection" and maintain confidentiality.

We would ask that photos become available for researchers, and if you could be contacted in the event a researcher or curator wishes.

Additionally, as a general research comment, there are a number of archival research leads in the 1971 article about the mansion, then to be demolished. These include possible surviving business records, tax filings, legal correspondence and associated documentation, city safety and demolition files, and the state court of appeals. Some documentation may have survived, and some with privacy issues with possible approvals required for release of information.

Lastly, it is important to remind that news reports usually show leads towards possible confirmation, and are not necessarily containers of facts in themselves.

— R. J. Preece, owner / editor, artdesigncafe.com.



For first floor plans of the mansion, see The rear sitting room installation / Renaissance Revival Room web presentation and scroll down - American Wing Period Rooms, Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. (American Wing curatorial files.)



Jedediah Wilcox mansion - historical information regarding the property (by year)


Material status: = online
= link to more info
= completely offline


1860s

Various newspapers, magazines and other sources

(c. 1868-). Various newspapers, magazines and other sources - search engines. (Updated 15 June 2020.)

1868 - map

Beers, F. W. (1868). Marking on map: "J. Wilcox" residence, Broad Street. On Plan of the city of Meriden, New Haven Co., Conn. from actual surveys map. Beers, Ellis & Soule: New York. (Viewed 12 October 2020. E01642).

1869 - spotlighted news mention - mansion being built

(6 May 1869). Matters about home [with mention of Wilcox mansion being built]. Meriden Daily Republican, p. 2, col. 6. (Viewed 23 December 2020. D01510).

"... The mansion that is being built for Alderman Jedediah Wilcox, in Prattsville, it is said will surpass in point of architectural beauty, when finished, any private residence in this city or State. Mr. Wilcox is deserving of great praise for the taste and energy he has displayed in forwarding everything that tends to beautify and improve our city." (Excerpt from above.)



1869 - other articles

See the articles


1869 - news mention

(3 June 1869). Another ticket ["Our municipal election next Monday... Three tickets are now in the field. The nominees of the third ticket are: For Mayor— Jedediah Wilcox..."] Meriden Daily Republican, p. , col. 1. (Viewed 23 December 2020. F01986).

1869 - article mention - J. Wilcox loses mayoral race

(8 June 1969). The election; Russell S. Gladwin elected mayor [with mention of Jedediah Wilcox]. Meriden Daily Republican, p. 2, col. 2. (Viewed 20 January 2020. F01980).

"... The vote for mayor... Jedediah Wilcox [2nd place]... Mr. Wilcox received his defeat with the [most] good humor, and it was characteristic of a man who felt that he had got to win some time, though the time must be the future and not the present... " (Excerpt from above.)


1869 - news mention

(5 October 1869). Matters about home; The storm and flood [with mention of Jedediah Wilcox]. Meriden Daily Republican, p. 2, col. 4. (Viewed 23 December 2020. D01511).

"... The gulf near the new and beautiful mansion just erected by Jedediah Wilcox, and which has lately been filled up at a cost to the city of $1,000 [or 4,000?], was entirely swept away for about twenty feet in depth by thirty in width. Mr. Wilcox’s magnificent stone wall in the rear of his house has been demolished for a hundred yards, and the grounds are badly ploughed up..." (Excerpt from above.)


1870s

1870 - article mention - J. Wilcox offers carriages for President Grant’s visit

(4 July 1870). President Grant in Meriden ["Jedediah Wilcox had previously placed his handsome equipage at the disposal of the President..."] Meriden Daily Republican, p. 2, col. 3. (Viewed 17 December 2020. F01994).

1871 - spotlighted article - event

(23 February 1871). The Wilcox reception ["at the splendid new mansion of J. Wilcox, Esq. ... As is well know, Mr. Wilcox’s mansion is one of the finest in the state... "] Meriden Daily Republican, p. 2, col. 3. (Viewed 17 December 2020. D01514).

1871 - spotlighted news brief - J. Wilcox building summer house

(15 July 1871). [Untitled news brief mentioning J. Wilcox of West Meriden]. The Statesman (Yonkers, New York), p. 4, col. 6. (Viewed 23 December 2020. D01582).

"The fine summer house which is now being built by O’Brien Brothers, on Main street, is for Mr. J. Wilcox, West Meriden, Conn. Thus our Yonkers artists and mechanics are doing the work for the ’foreigners’. We [would] like to see the fame of our worthy artisans spread far and wide." (Excerpt from above in full.)


1874 - spotlighted news brief - mansion up for auction

(8 August 1874). A splendid mansion for sale ["The magnificent mansion of J. Wilcox, Esq., will be sold at auction at 1 o’clock on the 9th of September next..."] Meriden Daily Republican, p. 2, col. 5. (Viewed 23 December 2020. D01517).

1874 - spotlighted article - mansion auctioned

(9 September 1874). Sale of the J. Wilcox residence. The Meriden Daily Republican, p. 2, col. 4. (Viewed 28 November 2020. F01945). [1]

"The sale of the magnificent up-town residence of Mr. Jedediah Wilcox... took place this afternoon... The principal bidders were the brothers Wilcox and Mr. Wm. L. Bradley of Boston... it was sold to Mr. William L. Bradley... barn and coach house and in the brick block on the corner of Main and Broad streets... sold to O. H. Platt... The entire cost to Mr. Bradley of the building and furniture was $44,100, including the mortgage... " (Excerpt from above.)


1874 - news brief - mansion auctioned

(11 September 1874). News of the state; Sale of a fine residence. Hartford Daily Courant, p 1. (Viewed 23 December 2020. F01964).

  • Offline - see worldcat.org or contact area library.

"The fine residence of Mr. Jedediah Wilcox in Meriden, said to have cost $150,000 was sold at auction Wednesday for much less than its value ... " (Excerpt from above.)


1874 - spotlighted article - mansion bought by Charles Parker

(12 September 1874). The J. Wilcox property. Meriden Daily Republican, p. 2, col. 4. (Viewed 28 November 2020. F01943). [1]

"This beautiful mansion, which was sold to Wm. L. Bradley last Wednesday, is about to change hands, Hon. Chas. Parker being the prospective owner. It was stated on the streets this morning that Mr. Parker had purchased the property, and the circulation of the story created quite a stir..." (Excerpt from above.)


1874 - spotlighted advertisement - mansion to be auctioned

(8 August 1874). Advertisement: "An elegant mansion, and other desirable real and personal property for sale! At public auction..." [with no illustrations]. (Viewed 23 December 2020. D01513).

"... 9th day of September, 1874... Splendid Residence and Grounds; lately owned by J. Wilcox, Esq, in Meriden, Conn. The house is centrally located in the city, stands upon high ground, is built of Milwauk[e]e brick with brown stone trimmings, is large and spacious, of beautiful architecture, and furnished with every modern convenience and improvement. The lot upon which it stands contains about Five Acres of Land, tastefully laid out and in the best order, and ornamented with trees, shrubs, statuary, &c. This is one of the most elegant and desireable residences in the state of Connecticut, and cost five years ago, about $150,000... [also] a large quantity of rich and desireable Furniture, Lambriquins, Mirrors, Gas Fixtures, Lace Curtains, &c.... Also the lot of Land with Stables, Coachman’s House, &c... " (Excerpt from above.)



1874 - others advertisements

See the ads


1874 - advertisement

(15 August 1874). Advertisement: "An elegant mansion, and other desirable real and personal property for sale! At public auction..." [with no illustrations]. Meriden Daily Republican, p. 3, col. 2. (Viewed 3 December 2020. D01518).

1874 - advertisement

(31 August 1874). Advertisement: "An elegant mansion, and other desirable real and personal property for sale! At public auction..." Meriden Daily Republican, p. 2, col. 6. (Viewed 3 December 2020. D01521).

1874 - advertisement

(2 September 1874). Advertisement: "An elegant mansion, and other desirable real and personal property for sale! At public auction..." Meriden Daily Republican, p. 2. (Viewed 2 December 2020. F0195 ). [1]

1874 - advertisement

(5 September 1874). Advertisement: An elegant mansion, and other desirable real and personal property for sale! At public auction. Meriden Daily Republican, presumably p. 3, col. 1. (Viewed 2 December 2020. F01949).

1874 - advertisement

(8 September 1874). Advertisement: An elegant mansion, and other desirable real and personal property for sale! At public auction. Meriden Daily Republican, presumably p. 3, col. 1. (Viewed 2 December 2020. F01948).




In 1874, Charles Parker purchased the mansion from the buyer immediately after the auction. To learn more about Parker’s varied business activity, see the Charles Parker Company design catalogues and historical information resource page.

From here on, the Wilcox mansion is often referred to as the Parker mansion regarding its ownership and occupants.




Through the Parker years, a number of people lived in the mansion and are referred to below in historical documentation related to the property. For a partial genealogy related to Charles Parker and descendents, refer to: (c. 1998-2000). The Parker story, pp. 62-3. The Parker Story Joint Venture Group. This book is rare, but in the Meriden Public Library.




From here, for historical documentation related to Jedediah Wilcox’s business activity and life after the auction of the mansion, see the J. Wilcox & Co. goods in exhibitions and historical information.



1875 - bird’s eye view map

O. H. Bailey & Co. (1875). City of Meriden, Conn 1875 [birds eye view]: Wilcox / Parker mansion shown on map on Broad Street. Boston. [1 print; lithograph, 55 x 67 cm]. (Viewed 28 November 2020. A00048; A01099)


1875 articles

See the articles


1875 - news mention - event

(8 April 1875). Matters about home [with mention of event at Parker mansion]. Meriden Daily Republican, p. 2, col. 2. (Viewed 23 December 2020. D01598).

"There will be a reception this evening at Hon. Charles Parker’s in honor of Bishop Andrews, who is presiding at the Conference." (Excerpt in full from above.)


1875 - article mention - event

(9 April 1875). The conference; The Bishop’s reception last evening [with mention of "house of Hon. Charles Parker"]. Meriden Daily Republican, p. 2, col. 4. (Viewed 16 December 2020. D01592).

"The sumptuous house of Hon. Charles Parker was thronged by the preachers of the conference last evening... " (Excerpt from above.)




1876 - news mention - illuminations

(4 November 1876). Notes and incidents [with mention: "When all the illuminations were so grand, it seems hard to single out any for special mention... Hon. Charles Parker’s mansion... was the most illuminated place in town..."]. Meriden Daily Republican, p. 4, col. 2. (Viewed 12 December 2020. D01553).



A 1911 article listed below states that the Charles Parker residence was one of the original telephone subscribers in 1878.


1880s

1880 - news brief - Mrs. Parker’s funeral

(10 March 1880). Mrs. Parker’s funeral ["... will be at the house, 816 Broad Street, to-morrow... "]. Meriden Daily Republican, p. 3, col. 3. (Viewed 14 December 2020. D01583).

1881 - illustration

Porter, Wils (lithographer). (1881). Meriden, Conn. 1881 / From Summit Heights. [print (lithograph)]. B. S. Farrow (Publisher). [Including illustration of "Residence of Charles Parker", top right.] (Object no. 1973.0498.004. Viewed 28 November 2020. A02584-85).

1881 - classified advertisement

(30 September 1881). Classified advertisement: "Business notices... Wanted— A girl, must be a good washer and ironer. Apply between 10 and 11 a. m., at 816 Broad street". Meriden Daily Republican, p. 2, col. 4. (Viewed 12 December 2020. D01568).

1883 - news mention - decorations

(1 September 1883). Firemen’s parade! Great day for the Fire Department; the city crowded with visitors [with mention of Parker mansion]. Meriden Daily Republican, p. 2, cols. 2-5. (Viewed 17 December 2020. D01600).

"The Decorations... Hon. Charles Parker’s residence made a handsome display. Over the entrance was an eagle with flags in his talons, while the verandah was draped with flags of all nations and large and small American colors..." (Excerpt from above.)



1889 articles

See the articles


1889 - news mention - fire near mansion

(22 May 1889). The fire last night; A barn on Pratt Street partly destroyed— no insurance (with mention: "The alarm of fire... was for a blaze at the barn [on] Pratt street, in the rear of Cha[rles] Parker’s mansion..."). Meriden Daily Journal, p. 8, col. 3. (Viewed 12 December 2020. D01555).

1889 - article - event

(24 May 1889). Ex-mayor Parker’s cane; the presentation at his home last evening. Meriden Daily Journal, p. 4, col. 3. (Viewed 17 December 2020. D01599).

"... The venerable ex-mayor [Charles Parker] received his visitors seated in a large arm chair in his beautiful parlors, and was assisted by ex-Mayors Horace C. Wilcox and I. C. Lewis... Mrs. Horace Wilcox... Ex-Mayor Doolittle’s Address... ’When we became a city we looked to you to take the lead and we then and have ever since believed there was no one to take such unless it was our friend, Mr. Parker... ". (Excerpt from above.)


1889 - news mention - social event

(24 May 1889). News and views ["Let us have more of those pleasant gatherings that occurred at Hon. Charles Parker’s residence, last night. They do lots of good"]. Meriden Daily Republican, p. 1, col. 9. (Viewed 23 December 2020. D01595).

1889 - news mention - social event

(24 May 1889). Meriden’s first mayor; a pleasant evening with Hon. Charles Parker. Meriden Daily Republican, p. 1, cols. 6-7. (Viewed 23 December 2020. D01595).

"... presented [Charles Parker] with the elegant gold-headed cane... He was assisted in receiving the visitors by ex-Mayors Horace C. Wilcox and I. C. Lewis... The visitors strolled through the parlors, admiring the works of art, which were so richly exhibited, and the old vets were particularly pleased with a set of etchings of army scenes... " (Excerpt from above.)


1890s

1890 articles

See the articles


1890 - news brief - event

(27 April 1890). A fine private concert; it will take place at the Parker Mansion on Broad Street [May 9, "to be given by Emily Winant, the foremost American contralto... cards of admission will be one dollar each."] Meriden Daily Journal, p. 2, col. 5. (Viewed 13 December 2020. D01557).

1890 - news mention - event

(28 April 1890). The Sunday Journal; Some of the many things that appeared in yesterday’s edition [with mention: "Grand invitation concert at the Charles Parker mansion May 9"]. Meriden Daily Journal, p. 4, col. 2. (Viewed 12 December 2020. D01552).

1890 - news brief - event

(30 April 1890). Not a dress affair; The musicale to be given at the Parker mansion May 8 [with mention: "by no means obligatory for full dress to be worn..."]. Meriden Daily Journal, p. 2, col. 6. (Viewed 13 December 2020. D01559).



1890 - classified advertisement

(17 November 1890). Classified advertisement: "WANTED— A first-class laundress at 816 Broad Street". Meriden Daily Journal, p. 8, col. 6. (Viewed 13 December 2020. D01565).


1891 articles

See the articles


1891 - news brief - event

(3 April 1891). At the Parker Mansion; Brilliant society event of the younger set. Meriden Daily Journal, p. 1, col. 1. (Viewed 12 December 2020. D01556).

"Reception given by the grandsons of Meriden’s honored ex-mayor... given by Louis C. and William F. Parker... entertaining by Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Lyon... " (Excerpt from above.)


1891 - news brief - event

(7 October 1891). Party at Charles Parker’s. Meriden Daily Journal, p. 3, col. 5. (Viewed 13 December 2020. D01590).

"About seventy-five invitations have been sent out for a party... tomorrow evening, by Louis Parker [Charles Parker’s grandson] ..." (Excerpt from above.)




1892 - classified advertisement - lost silver-mounted pocket book

(8 December 1892). Classified advertisement: "Lost— A black seal pocket book containing money, silver mounted. Please return to 816 Broad street and receive reward." Morning Record, p. 2, col. 4. (Viewed 14 December 2020. D01577).

  • Offline - possibly at Meriden Public Library.

1894 - spotlighted article - musical event

(13 April 1894). With Mr. and Mrs. Lyon; Brilliant society event Thursday evening. Meriden Daily Republican, p. 4, col. 3. (Viewed 12 December 2020. D01581).

"The musicale given by Mr. and Mrs. W. H. Lyon Thursday evening at the residence of Hon. Charles Parker, 816 Broad street was one of the most elaborate and enjoyable social events that ever occurred in this city... [with performance list; and description of decorations in various rooms, with extensive guest list including Mr. and Mrs. E. B. Manning; Mr. and Mrs. G. H. Wilcox; Mrs. Cephas Rogers; Mr. & Mrs. N. L. Bradley; Mr. & Mrs. W. A. Kelsey]... " (Excerpt from above.)


1894 - article - musical event

(13 April 1894). Ideal society affair; Guests of Mr. and Mrs. William H. Lyon delighted [with descriptions of decorations in a number of rooms. Guests present include Mr. and Mrs. Nathaniel L. Bradley; Mr. and Mrs. William A. Kelsey; Mr. and Mrs. George H. Wilcox; R. Bowman and Edward B. Manning; C. F. Monroe]. Meriden Daily Journal, p. 1, col. 5. (Viewed 14 December 2020. D01578).

"Miss Clary and Ericcson Bushnell of New York, noted singers of rare excellence, gave a number of selections and were rapturously applauded... at the elegant residence of Hon. Charles Parker, 816 Broad street... will take rank as the most successful society event of the season of ’93 and ’94..." (Excerpt from above.)


1894 - article mention - new lights

(26 July 1894). Locating new lights; tour of the city made by the lamp committee [mention: "... not been positively settled the location of the new lamps has been practically decided upon as follows: On Broad street, opposite the Charles Parker residence..."]. Meriden Daily Journal, p. 1, col. 3. (Viewed 16 December 2020. D01589).

1894 - classified advertisement

(8 October 1894). Classified advertisement: "Help Wanted— Female; Wanted— First-class cook and an assistant at kitchen work, 816 Broad st." Meriden Daily Journal, p. 8, col. 7. (Viewed 13 December 2020. D01567).


1895 articles

See the articles


1895 - article mention

(25 February 1895). Oldest manufacturer [Charles Parker]; he is also the senior farmer of the town and mayor of the city— sketch of a busy life [with illustration / portrait of Charles Parker] [with mentions about the Charles Parker Company, Parker Bros., Meriden Curtain Fixture Co., Parker Clock Co., vises, and his Broad Street mansion and Jedediah Wilcox; additional mention that his company was a stockholder in C. F. Monroe Co., presumably the Meriden Bronze Co., and Wilcox Silver Plate Co.]. Meriden Daily Journal, p. 7, cols. 4-5. (Viewed 23 December 2020. D01504).

1895 - news mention - event

(7 October 1895). Brevities ["... The regular meeting of the Ruth Hart chapter, D. A. R. will be held at the residence of William H. Lyon 816 Broad street, Tuesday... "] Meriden Daily Republican, p. 5, col. 3. (Viewed 14 December 2020. D01580).

1895 - news brief - event

(9 October 1895). Ruth Hart chapter; No special business transacted at their meeting. The Morning Record (Meriden, CT), p. 1, col. 6. (Viewed 6 December 2020. D01573).

"Ruth Hart chapter, D. A. R. met with Mrs. William Lyon [Charles Parker’s daughter, Annie], 816 Broad Street yesterday afternoon... Following the business session a musical and literary program was rendered..." (Excerpt from above.)




1897 articles

See the articles


1897 - news brief - funeral for Charles Eddy Parker

(13 May 1897). Impressive services; funeral of Charles Eddy Parker this afternoon. Meriden Daily Journal, p. 1, col. 4. (Viewed 15 December 2020. D01586).

"... The Parker residence on Broad street was thronged this afternoon with friends who came to pay a final tribute to the memory of Charles Eddy Parker, son of Hon. Charles Parker, whose death occurred Monday night... " (Excerpt from above.)


1897 - news brief - social

(17 August 1897). City personals ["The Misses Stewart of New York, Mrs. W. S. Parker of Bridgeport and Mr. Holly of Bridgeport, all of whom are visiting at the Parker residence on Broad street, are spending the day in Hartford, accompanied by Mr. D. W. Parker".] Meriden Daily Republican, p. 3, col. 6. (Viewed 16 December 2020. D01588).



1898 - news mention - new pipes

(4 May 1898). [Untitled news mention, mentioning the Charles Parker mansion.] Morning Record (Meriden, CT), p. 8, col. 4. (Viewed 23 December 2020. D01597).

"The 18 and 20 inch surface water pipes are ready to be laid on North Broad street. Eighteen inch pipes are to be placed from in front of Charles Parker’s residence to Myrtle street and 20 inch from there to Arch street." (Excerpt from above.)


1900s

1901 - map

Sanborn-Perris Map Co. (1901). Illustration showing overhead view shape of Parker mansion. Insurance maps of Meriden, New Haven, Connecticut, (map 38). (Viewed 21 December 2020. D01614).

1902 - spotlighted article - death of Charles Parker

(6 February 1902). Death of Hon. Chas. Parker end came at 1:15 Friday [at his home; with portrait photo and biographical information, "honorary bearers... Cephas Rogers, Walter Hubbard... business associates and personal friends..."]. Meriden Weekly Republican, p. 4, cols. 5-6. (17 December 2020. D01601).

1902 - spotlighted article - Mrs. Lyon passes away

(30 December 1902). Mrs. W. H. Lyon dead; she passed away in her home [at 816 Broad Street] this morning. [She was the youngest child of Charles Parker.] Meriden Daily Journal, p. 2, col. 4. (Viewed 13 December 2020. D01607).

1905 - classified advertisement - Elsie loses her gold beads

(21 January 1905). Classified advertisement: "Lost and found... Lost— String small gold beads. Finder will be suitably rewarded by returning to resident of E. P. Lyon [Charles Parker’s granddaughter], 816 Broad street". Meriden Daily Journal, p. 9, col. 5. (Viewed 13 December 2020. D01566).

1905 - classified advertisement - Elsie loses her gold beads

(26 January 1905). Classified advertisement: "Lost and found; Lost— String small gold beads. Finder will be suitably rewarded by returning to residence of E. P. Lyon, 816 Broad street". Meriden Morning Record, p. 7, col. 1. (Viewed 14 December 2020. D01576).


1910s

1911 - article mention - telephone subscriber, 1878

(31 January 1911). Oldest in the world telephone switchboard established in Meriden (mention: " [on] January 31, 1878 ... Below is given a list of the original [telephone] subscribers... Chas. Parker, residence... "). Meriden Daily Journal, pp. 1, col. . (Viewed 17 December 2020. D01593).

1915 - news mention

(25 May 1915). Tait property looked upon as white elephant until buyer was found. Meriden Morning Record, p. 1, col. 5. (Viewed 13 December 2020. D01558).

"... The Dr. Tait residence ranked for many years with other residences like the I. C. Lewis mansion, the Horace Wilcox mansion, and the Charles Parker mansion as a pretentious type of the stone residences of half a century ago... " (Excerpt from above.)


1918 - aero view map

(1918). Aero view of Meriden, Connecticut [with illustration of Wilcox/Parker mansion on Broad Street.] Hughes & Bailey: Boston. (Viewed 28 November 2020. A01020-21).

1918 - spotlighted classified advertisement - Dexter is looking for help

(24 September 1918). Classified advertisement: "Help Wanted— Female; Domestic... Wanted— Experienced Waitress and chambermaid. Apply to D. W. Parker, 816 Broad street." Meriden Morning Record, p. 11, col. 4. (Viewed 13 December 2020. D01563).

1918 - classified advertisement - Dexter is looking for help

(20 December 1918). Classified advertisement: "Help wanted— Female... Wanted— Experienced laundress able to assist as waitress. Apply to D. W. Parker, 816 Broad street"]. Meriden Daily Journal, p. 11, col. 7. (Viewed 13 December 2020. D01562).

1919 - classified advertisement - Elsie loses her diamond bracelet

(10 November 1919). Classified advertisement: "Lost and found; Lost— Diamond and platinum chain bracelet. Will finder please return to Miss Elsie P. Lyon, 816 Broad street and receive reward". p. 11, col. 8. (Viewed 14 December 2020. D01575).

  • Offline - possibly at Meriden Public Library.


1920s

1920 articles

See the articles


1920 - news brief - event

(23 April 1920). Miss Elsie Lyon gives luncheon for her cousin. Meriden Morning Record, p. 1, col. 6. (Viewed 14 December 2020. D01579).

1920 - news brief - Dexter goes to West Point

(9 June 1920). Meriden man to rejoin class[,] West Point (with mention: "Dexter W. Parker [son of Charles Parker] of 816 Broad street, president of the Charles Parker company...", and portrait photo). Meriden Daily Journal, p. 1, col. 6. (Viewed 6 December 2020. D01572).

1920 - news mention- value

(13 October 1920). Assessors discover many houses worth $10,000 here; Broad Street is credited with finest residences— highest taxed place is Parker Mansion at $45,600... Meriden Daily Journal, p. 1, col. 6. (Viewed 12 December 2020. D01554).



1921 - advertisement - contractor mention of The Charles Parker Residence

H. Wales Lines Company, Meriden, CT. (9 September 1921). Advertisement: "... General Contractors and Builders of Meriden’s New Y. M. C. A. ... the Lines Company has built nearly all of the principal structures in Meriden, among them... The Charles Parker Residence ...]. Meriden Daily Journal, p. 10, cols. 5-8. (Viewed 15 December 2020. D01585).


1960s

1967 articles

See the articles


1967 - article

(21 April 1967). Metropolitan Museum plans to acquire part of mansion. The Morning Record, pp. 1, 10. (Viewed 20 December 2020. D01570). [1]

"The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York has shown a keen interest in purchasing the furnishings, mantles and columns in three rooms... at 816 Broad St. .. It is proposed to remove floors, walls and ceilings, as well as staircases, of the first floor, and furnishings of the drawing rooms, foyers and music room. The museum is also interested in several paintings... Heating costs high..." (Excerpt from above.)


1967 - article

(26 April 1967). Council to delay move on mansion. The Morning Record, pp. 1, 15. (Viewed 20 December 2020. D01587). [1]

"... Mayor William T. Shea yesterday expressed the feeling that the proposal was so important to the city that it should not be hurried through... " (Excerpt from above.)


1967 - article

(24 August 1967). Arts Association members polled on Parker mansion. The Morning Record, p. 20. (Viewed 28 November 2020. F01941). [1]

"The Meriden Arts and Crafts Association is polling its members to discover if they are generally in favor of the acquisition of the Charles Parker Mansion on Broad Street for a museum..." (Excerpt from above.)


1967 - article

(28 October 1967). City gets $64,000 grant for museum. The Morning Record, p. 20, cols. 1-2. (Viewed 28 November 2020. F10944). [1]

"The State Historical Commission at its meeting Wednesday granted the city $64,000 towards acquisition of the Jedediah Wilcox Mansion as a historical museum.

The grant was conditional on the city’s coming up with matching funds for purchase of the property..." (Excerpt from above.)


1967 - article

(23 November 1967). City seeking federal grant for buying Wilcox mansion. The Morning Record, pp. 1, 10. (Viewed 20 December 2020. D01569). [1]

1967 - article

(12 December 1967). Save-Mansion group goes to Washington Wednesday. The Morning Record, p. 1. (Viewed 28 November 2020. F01942). [1]

"Through the cooperation of U. S. Rep. John Monagan, D-5 arrangements have been made for a group from Meriden to meet with Federal officials in Washington to discuss possible aid for purchasing the Jedediah Wilcox Mansion, it was announced yesterday by Mayor William T. Shea... " (Excerpt from above.)




1968 articles

See the articles


1968 - article

(17 February 1968). Arts And Crafts withdraws; seeks to buy building for cultural center. The Morning Record, pp. 1, 4. (Viewed 28 November 2020. F01946). [1]

"Stuart Grandy, agent for the Arts and Crafts Association of Meriden... said the association’s search for a building of its own does not mean it is withdrawing its support for the purchase of the Jedediah Wilcox Mansion as a museum... high cost of purchasing the building and the lack of public support... The Mobil Oil Company has an option to purchase the property... to construct a Treadway Motor Inn, restaurant and service station... " (Excerpt from above.)


1968 - article

(26 April 1968). Fate of mansion nearing decision. The Morning Record, pp. 1, 15. (Viewed 2 December 2020. F01958). [1]

"The fate of the Jedediah Wilcox Mansion is expected to be decided Monday night... Miss [Josephine] Fiala is currently weighing an offer by the Metropolitan Museum of [Art in] New York to buy three rooms of furniture at the mansion..." (Excerpt from above.)


1968 - article

(3 October 1968). Workmen stripping mansion For museum. The Morning Record, p. 12. (Viewed 3 December 2020. D01526). [1]

"Workmen were busily removing furnishings in the Jedediah Wilcox Mansion at 816 Broad Street for transportation to New York City where they will become part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

The museum has purchased the furnishings, mantles and columns in three rooms of the mansion... Also for some time now, some of the furnishings not especially requested by the Metropolitan have been placed in antique auctions for disposal... " (Excerpt from above.)




1969 articles

See the articles


1969 - article

(28 March 1969). Arguments are reheated over rezoning mansion. The Morning Record, pp. 1, 24. (Viewed 28 November 2020. F01947). [1]

  • Online - Google News.
  • For better copy, see worldcat.org for possible locations, or contact area public library.

1969 - article

(1 October 1969). Court denies appeal in mansion rezoning. The Morning Record, pp. 1, 29. (Viewed 17 December 2020. D01564). [1]

"An appeal by eight Meriden residents contesting the April zone change of the Jedediah Wilcox mansion was dismissed Monday... the mansion property [was rezoned] from R-3 (residential) to C-3 (highway commercial) as requested by the Mobil Oil Co. ... " (Excerpt from above.)


1969 - article

(20 November 1969). Prowler caught breaking into Beechwood Lodge. The Morning Record, p. 23. (Viewed 2 December 2020. F01959). [1]


1970s

1971 - spotlighted article - demolition permit

(28 May 1971). Wilcox mansion coming down, firm gets demolition permit. The Morning Record, p. 16. (Viewed 4 December 2020. D01542). [1]

  • Offline - Newspaper archive, Meriden Public Library.

"A Broad Street building long in disrepair, object of sentiment and controversy and of litigation still pending, is coming down.

Building Inspector James J. Bartis Thursday issued a demolition permit to Fava’s Building Wreckers, Middletown, which will tear down the structure... The property... is owned by Miss Josephine Fiala[,] the structure for a while [was used] as [a] convalescent home called Beechwood Lodge...

Bartis said ’your building is considered dangerous and therefore you must board up each and every window and door on or before May 10, 1971. You must also clean up the premises and keep it clean and presentable... This is the final order’... Attorney Richard C. Parmalee, who represents Miss Fiala... ’This building is under option to be sold to the Mobil Oil Corporation, but litigation is holding up the sale. I have asked Miss Fiala to obtain costs for the demolition of this building..."

[The Wilcox mansion] was later bought and occupied by Charles Parker, whose family occupied it for many years. Then it was acquired by Miss Fiala, who runs a convalescent home in Middletown known as Sanibel Inc." (Excerpt from above.)


1971 - spotlighted article

(29 May 1971). The end of a landmark [microfiche version may or may not have an accompanying photo of mansion of some kind; with mentions of Jedediah Wilcox, the mansion, Charles Parker and Charles Parker Co.]. The Morning Record, p. 6. (Viewed 1 February 2021. R00981). [1]

  • Offline - see worldcat.org or contact area library.

"The 101-year-old Jedediah Wilcox mansion... is finally falling victim to the house wrecker... The demolition puts an end to protracted, but unsuccessful efforts to preserve the building as a monument to the flowering of the Victorian era in New England. Jedediah Wilcox, a local woolen manufacturer... built the building... A few years later Wilcox went bankrupt, and Charles Parker, founder of the Charles Parker Co. ... bought the house which was occupied by successive generations of the Parker family for many years. Subsequently, the house was used for a convalescent home, until that operation became unprofitable...

Under the circumstances— a decaying building, with no possibility of restoring it to its former glory— there remained no choice but to remove it in the interest of public safety... On the fortunate side is the fact that the furnishings and decor of some of the more impressive rooms were removed several years ago to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City where they have been restored, thus preserving a segment of the gracious living of the past, particularly as it was lived in Meriden." (Excerpt from above.)


1971 - article

(2 November 1971). Zone change upheld in Treadway case. The Morning Record, pp. 1, 12. (Viewed 5 December 2020. D01551). [1]

"... A permit for the demolition of the Wilcox property was granted last May after the building had deteriorated to such an extent it was deemed a hazard by the fire marshal.

The property... was abandoned as such in the mid-sixties and several attempts were made the keep the building intact..." (Excerpt from above.)


1980s

1985 - feature article

Vogel, Carol. (26 May 1985). Home design; stepping into the Met’s new parlor [with photos]. New York Times. (Viewed 3 December 2020. D01522).

"... This parlor is a particularly fine example of the revival styles that burgeoned during the Victorian era. It was taken from a grand 40-room Franco-Italian-style mansion in Meriden, Conn. ... Luckily, it had been occupied by only three owners before being converted into a retirement home. Many of the original furnishings and architectural details, though shabby, were intact and have now been restored... " (Excerpt from above.)


1988 - book, photo and caption

Vumbaco, Brenda J. (1988). Meriden – Connecticut crossroads: An illustrated history [including photo of Parker mansion and caption], p. 59. [Produced in cooperation with the Meriden Economic Development Corporation.] Northridge, CA: Windsor Publications. (Viewed 28 November 2020).


2010s

2010 - book, photo and caption

Franco, Jan Leach. (2010). Meriden [includes photo and caption of Jedediah Wilcox mansion], p. 43. Arcadia Publishing: Charleston, SC.

2014 - presentation

Cofrancesco, Brian. (11 March 2014). Jedediah Wilcox and his mansion: History, mystery and legacy. Presentation at Meriden Public Library, Meriden, CT. (Viewed 27 November 2020).

2015 - article

Callahan, Molly. (10 September 2015). Throwback Thursday: Remembering the [Wilcox] mansion behind the beeches in Meriden [with photo of mansion]. Record-Journal (Meriden, CT). (Viewed 2 December 2020. F01957).

  • See worldcat.org for possible locations, or contact area public library.

2016 - article

Butkus, Paul. (2016). The famed Wilcox mansion in Meriden and its demise [with reference to 2014 presentation by Brian Cofrancesco listed above]. (Viewed 27 November 2020).

2017 - article

Lipiner, Bryan. (29 May 2017). Meriden resident purchases mirror from famous Wilcox home represented in The Met [with photos of mirror, and exterior]. Record-Journal (Meriden, CT). (Viewed 28 November 2020. F01940).


Footnote:
[1] These sources were identified by designer Paul Butkus concerning his 2016 article listed above. At that time, there was no article in-text search capability for the Meriden newspapers.


DESIGN MERIDEN:
On the Wilcox-Parker mansion - 1: Wilcox mansion, design elements in collections, at auction, and in exhibitions | 2: Wilcox-Parker mansion - historical information