For decades I have held a personal concern for how frequently Ernest Thompson Seton has been left out of American and world history. More on that another time. For today, following is an article distributed by “Google Alert–Ernest Thompson Seton” regarding a former Seton residence in Connecticut. See the full article with photographs. dlw
Concern for Pending Demolition of “Little Peequo,” the Seton Family House on Lake Ave By: greenwichfreepress | July 31, 2024. Submitted by Alessa R. Cox, Greenwich
For years, Greenwich has shown its pride in the many influential people that have positively impacted its land. One such surname is amongst the very pinnacle of Greenwich prominence: Seton.
Ernest Thompson Seton was a renowned naturalist, writer, artist, and, most notably known as the co-founder of the Boy Scouts of America.
A Tragic Event
There is a tragic event that will be occurring in the next few weeks, the destruction and demolition of “Little Peequo,” the Seton family house at 608 Lake Avenue.
Little Peequo was the main residence for the Seton family in 1920s. This house is adorned with Ernest Thompson Seton’s characteristics, from the painted bear above the front door to the large locust trees that are part of the structure of the house, and the beautiful hand-hewn mahogany beams that show off the ceiling height of the staircase. Seton personalized all aspects of his home with his creative talent. There is a large hand-painted poem on the exterior back wall of the house and the building dates drawn into the stucco on the outside of the home and cottage with the emblem of Seton, a circle with two horns.
The inside of the cottage and house also has many other decorations, such as plaster bar relief animals, like a fox in a closet in the cottage. These whimsical designs show how Ernest Thompson Seton incorporated nature within every aspect of his life.
After their divorce, Grace Gallatin Seton continued to live in the house with their daughter, Anya and her daughter’s new husband, Hamilton “Chan” Chase. It was on this very property in one of the small bedrooms overlooking the dense forest that Anya wrote a few of her nationally bestselling novels. During her life, she wrote over ten historical fiction novels, such as Katherine and The Winthrop Woman, that continue to be enjoyed over 60 years after their publication.
Unique Architecture
This house and the architectural features are unique and priceless. The Town of Greenwich and its residents have a responsibility to preserve its history for future generations to understand our roots and learn from our ancestors. The notice for demolition* has been in the paper of record, Greenwich Time, and a sign for demolition is visible from the road.
As a concerned citizen, I urge the Greenwich Historical Society, Greenwich Preservation Trust, Seton Scout Reservation, Boy Scouts of America, and any other willing organization to help preserve this history before it is destroyed forever.
Act Quickly
Time is limited, so I implore you to quickly act. At the very least, we should be photographing and archiving items from this property, but in my opinion, it is a significant place worth saving from the wrecking ball.
Alessa R. Cox
Greenwich, Connecticut
*According to the building dept at Greenwich Town Hall, the 45 day waiting period for demolition began on July 15, 2024.
The 45th day is Aug 28. That means the first day the properties are eligible to be demolished would be August 29.
Because the home was built before 1940, a written letter of objection submitted to the Building Division of DPW will trigger an additional 45 day stay of demolition.
Further information concerning this pending application may be obtained by contacting the DPW-Division of Buildings 203-622-7754