The 200-year-old Abel Bradley House on Sturges Highway on the Westport-Fairfield line may be saved after all.
131 Sturges Highway: national historic listing closer and sale negotiations have begun with developers. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Dave Matlow for WestportNow.com
Neighbors fighting to save the historic house announced that they have received support from the state that could lead to accelerated listing of the property on the National Register of Historic Places, giving it some protection.
They also said that they have entered into negotiations with the developers of the property for possible purchase. The house had been scheduled for demolition March 3, the group said.
Eleanor Dickey, a Fairfield resident and neighbor who has led the fight to save the house, said Connecticut’s State Historic Preservation Office voted to accept the building for study for the national listing.
Although the step does not in itself provide protection for the house, it gives official sanction to the preservation effort by offering independent certification of the Bradley House’s historic and architectural value, she said.
Side view: shows the bell-shaped gambrel roof, the most distinctive and historically significant architectural feature of the structure. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Emily Laux for WestportNow.com
It is the first step towards a listing that could eventually provide some protection, Dickey said.
The state’s move was unusual because of its rapidity—National Register nomination is typically a 90-day process.
But it was accomplished in only a few weeks because of the urgency of the threat to the building and the level of public concern that had been aroused not only in state but elsewhere as well, Dickey said.
“I have found wonderful support for the cause,” she said. “We have great neighbors.”
Dickey, a professor of ancient Greek at Columbia University who grew up in a house across from the Bradley House, said the Coalition for Preservation of the Bradley House had entered into negotiations with developers Mark Iuraduri and Mike Horvath aimed at selling the group the property.
Although details of the negotiations were not revealed, the group said it was optimistic about the outcome. 
Eleanor Dickey: leading fight to save Bradley house. File photo
“We have the ability to make them a reasonable offer that will cover all their costs so far and give them a profit,” said Dickey, president of the group. “But they may want more than we can offer, and therefore our fund-raising campaign is by no means over.”
She urged those interested in helping save the property to contribute. The group has already collected about $12,000 in donations, she said.
Tax-deductible contributions should be made out to the Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation and mailed to the Bradley House Preservation Fund, Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation, 940 Whitney Ave., Hamden, CT, 06517.
If the house is not saved, contributions will be returned to the donors, Dickey said.
Historic sign: the house’s age is no secret. Emily Laux for WestportNow.com
Meanwhile, the Fairfield Conservation Commission voted unanimously Thursday night to recommend that Westport apply the Fairfield setbacks of 95 feet to any replacement building on the Bradley House site.
The 2.58-acre lot is bisected by a tributary of Sasco Creek, which runs primarily through Fairfield but crosses Sturges Highway just north of Wellington Drive, runs through two properties in Westport, and then re-crosses into Fairfield at Fleming Lane.
In Fairfield, the stream is protected by 95-foot setbacks because of the particular pollution problems of Sasco Creek, Dickey said. Two Fairfield neighbors had appealed to their Conservation Commission to try to get similar protection for the few hundred feet of the stream that run through Westport.
Although Fairfield’s recommendation is not binding on the Westport Conservation Commission, which will consider the issue Feb. 16, the two towns have an agreement to cooperate on the Sasco Creek pollution problems, Dickey said.
Holiday spirit: the front door of the Bradley House is still decorated for Christmas. (CLICK TO ENLARGE) Emily Laux for WestportNow.com
If accepted, Fairfield’s recommendations would have a significant impact on the size of anything that could be built on the Bradley House lot, she said.
Most of the site is already designated wetlands, and the proposed change in setbacks would reduce the remaining buildable area by more than half, according to Dickey.
Another boost of support for the neighbors came from the Fairfield Historical Society which voted official endorsement of the preservation effort.
In doing so, it joined the Westport Historical Society and the Fairfield and Westport Historic District Commissions, which are already on record as supporting preservation of the house.
The Connecticut Trust for Historic Preservation, which provided the neighbors’ coalition with a tax-free restricted fund for contributions, also endorses the effort, as does the Fairfield County Preservation Trust.
Straddles town line: Abel Bradley house is at 131 Sturges Highway on the Westport-Fairfield town line. MapTeam for WestportNow.com
The trust arranged for pro bono legal representation through the firm of Robinson and Cole as well as for the assistance of a real estate broker.
“Every single relevant organization in the area is now fully supporting us,” said Scott Williams, coalition first vice president.
“And now that the State of Connecticut is involved as well, we hope the developers will understand the importance of this building and will be willing to sell it to us at a reasonable price.”
Abel Bradley, a bootmaker, was a veteran of both the American Revolution and the War of 1812. He was also a member of the distinguished Bradley clan, which settled much of Westport and Fairfield.
Architecturally distinctive and perhaps unique in Westport, the Abel Bradley house is described in the Westport Historic District Commission records as “one of the most authentic and complete early houses in Westport.
“Additionally, it is the only known gambrel with the graceful bellcast roof shape.” Many original features remain, such as wide-plank floors, mantels, plaster, and center chimney, according to the commission.
The house was inhabited for 50 years by Ruby Brotherton, and was sold last November to its new owners for $600,000 by Carol Adelman of Westport.
According to the Westport Historical Society, Abel Bradley purchased four acres in Osbornes Long Lot from John Hyde in 1800 and constructed the house.
More information on the preservation effort can found on a Web site of the Fairfield County Preservation Trust.
Thank you Eleanor Dickey and other neighbors for fighting to save this house. Keep up the good work. I wish there were more like you who feel it is more worthwhile to save the history of Westport rather than tear it down!
John Mingay, S.H.S. ‘66
Many thanks should also be bestowed on Diane Farrell for conducting an outstanding meeting between the two parties. Her ability to arbitrate and have the parties focus on the real issues, in my mind,led the buyer and seller to the bargaining table. Lets hope we can save this historic trophy property.
The problem with the historical preservationists’ approach is two-fold:
First, they are reacting to a situation (demolition) that they have little chance of preventing. They would probably have better success if they were proactive and approached owners before homes are sold to developers.
Second, they are calling every old/antique house “historical”. You have to figure that the Abel Bradley home doesn’t qualify as historic if his name is not even mentioned in the comprehensive history of Westport by Woody Klein.
Be selective in the battles that you choose and then execute your plan effectively.
I applaud Ms. Eleanor Dickey for the outstanding work she has done to help keep this historic home standing. GREAT JOB!
Saving this house is a waste of precious land. It looks like a dump.
One day we will all learn: just because it’s old, doesn’t mean it’s good. Or worth saving.
I completely agree with you Kelly. Let the owner exercise their rights of ownership.
I’m so tired of the anti-teardown whining. It’s refreshing to hear from someone who appreciates private property rights.
The sad thing is, they are winning. Our rights in Westport are eroding every week, with the right to put up a security or privacy fence the next one to go.
Kelly,
Is that your feelings just about buildings or do you apply them to other “old” things like say…“people”? I hope someday somebody doesnt feel that way about you!
John Mingay, S.H.S. ‘66
If you’re troubled by older houses and seek perfect, sterile order, why live in an historic town like Westport in the first place? A nice, scorched-earth subdivision of 10000sf houses on half-acre lots, all perfect and uniform, would be a better option. This is what people did in the 1950s, albeit on a much less grand scale.
John, the answer to your question is “no”. I like old people.
Puzzled, I don’t think anyone here is troubled by old houses, or seeks perfection or sterile order. I happen to detest the design (or lack thereof) of many of the larger new houses. But I defend the property owners’ right to build them. I wish I were the arbiter of style and architecture, but I am not. Nor should be the Town.
I didn’t say old is bad, or new is good. I made the point that just because something is old, that its lack of newness doesn’t automatically make it good. You seem to agree, at least with respect to 1950 tract houses. Don’t say that too loudly around here, or you’ll get the anti-teardown folks all worked up.
Certainly a 200 year old home is historical in the US, so there shouldn’t be much debate about that. It’s a good idea to preserve some or all when possible because once they are gone, they’re gone forever. I am so glad Italy and Greece and other countries have made such good examples of themselves and preserved as much as they have. Yes property owners have rights, but it does impact on everyone one the street (or more) when these builders squeeze a 10,000 sf house on a half acre lot. It significantly changes the character of the area, and for many in this town it is that character that brought them here. Business owners on the Post Road may want to have huge neon signs but our town has regulations to protect the attractiveness of the town. It’s not a free for all. It wouldn’t surprise me if the same people who are urging that homeowners should have freedom would not be thrilled to have a home next to theirs filled with broken down cars, and would be happy to have rules to prevent that.
I applaud those people who have worked to take this step, and our children’s children will no doubt feel the same way.
Tracy, you and I are going to have to agree to disagree on the use of the term “historical”.
How have old, privately-owned houses been preserved in Greece or Italy? The presevationists have got to examine strategies that have been successful elsewhere.
While a bona fide (if undefinable) definition of “historical” needs to be met, it is in the fair interest of a community to preserve historic buildings.
Extending the anti-preservation logic would have, for instance, resulted in the destruction of Grand Central Terminal, one of the finest buildings in the country, for the sake of Pan Am.
For the younger folks who ask “What’s Pan Am,” you have just answered the question as to why to take the longer view in supporting preservation efforts.
Kelly,
Just because something is old doesnt automatically make it bad either!
Oh, b.t.w., I actually dont agree with the 1950’s tract houses either and I didnt make the comment.
John Mingay
This is directed to Kelly Bomer, Ed Jones, Stan K. and John J. Franlin. Regarding this beautiful HISTORIC house, I think it is a shame that you all feel that it is the property owners right to do whatever he choses with whatever he buys. I guess in my 45 years I would like to think that most people have a purpose to save and protect our countrys historical integrety. That is why I got involved with this cause. In purchasing a 1740 home here in Fairfield, I have learned a great deal about the historical history of my own home as well as the founding of Fairfield and Westport. Maybe to those of you who feel it is not that important to save every old house, that is your right, but to me, once we have allowed people to buy our history and demolish it, then it is gone forever. You can continue to feel the way you do, and I will continue to do what I do in the hopes of preserving our country’s past. I applaude Eleanor Dickey and all those who have worked so hard to save this little piece of history. I did a lot of the research and history of Abel Bradley and his wife Sibbel and just because he was not mentioned in a Who’s Who in a Westport History Book does not make him non- important. Does the fact that he fought in the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812 make him a non-important person in our history? He may not have been a big person but he IS a part of our history and we owe it to our future generations to save his little house.
This is directed to Kelly Bomer, Ed Jones,Stan K and John J Franklin. In reading your comments on saving the Abel Bradley house, I have to admit I was a little amazed and felt very compelled to write. You all state that it is the right of a property owner to do whatever he wants to property that he has purchased. That I agree with, unless it is and effects the destruction of our countrys history. Many of you think that this little house is not worth preserving since Abel Bradley was not mentioned in a Who’s Who in a Westport History Book but I beg to differ. This is a Historic home and just because he was just a little bootmaker and not a General in the Revolutionary War does not make him any less important. Maybe many of you don’t know that Abel Bradley fought in the Revolutionary War and the War of 1812 and is buried in the Greenfield Hill Cemetery in Fairfield. I know because I did the genealogy of Abel Bradley and Sibbel Wheeler. Maybe you did not know that they were married at Trinity Church in Southport on February 17, 1799. Maybe you did not know that Sibbel Wheelers grandfather was Ephraim Wheeler who was born March 25, 1716 in Fairfield who married Martha Bulkeley who was born in 1721. I do because I cared to learn. If we continue to allow the destruction of all these period homes in Connecticut to be demolished and replaced with new ones, where will our New England charm be reflected? Once these homes are gone, they are gone for good. I applaude Eleanor Dickey and all those who have worked so hard to preserve this little part of history.You can continue to believe what you do and I will continue to do what I do in the hopes of saving these little bits of history for our future generations. When you say preservationists, it comes out in a very negitive way. I would like to think that if it weren’t for those like Eleanor Dickey we would all be asking ourselves, “Where is an old home in town”. Think about it.
Greetings from Centerville, OH to the people of Fairfield, CT. You are among the very luckiest of citizens to have the opportunity to help save our historical structures and be intrusted of their care. Last year my husband and I became involved in saving an early 19th century country church. This church had 3 living members who were too elderly to care and protect it from those who wished to transform the land on which the church stood, into something of modern “importance”. We made the decision to “fight” for this important structure which has stood as a symbol for our “religious opportunity” that our forefathers fought for. This little country church had a battle fought on the grounds in front of it during the war of 1812. It weathered this battle and survived the next 100+ years only to be faced with being torn down by someone who was just greedy and who had no forethought to what wonderful use and symbol it stood for. This church is currently being utilized by the communities of 3 Ohio counties to have Boy Scout meetings, Historical Society functions, Town meetings, scheduled weddings, and other community functions. My husband and I felt strongly that we wanted our children and grandchildren to be able to see this church as a symbol of our love of country and community and that we helped save it for them and future generations. As mentioned before in one of the above comments, “when it is gone, it is gone forever.” Many countries in Europe have the philosophy to save and maintain! That is very important! We have lost many of our treasured buildings, and new ones put in their place. Then, in many instances, the new ones are not good enough. Except for the pictures, noone knows what the old ones looked like. At one time even Wilbur Wright’s house was once on the endangered list in Dayton, OH. Who would have believed that would have happened? OK, enough. Do you get my encouagement that I would love for you to save this precious building? I know your community very well, my daughter and family live there. It is beautiful and it is wonderful to see the New England as of yesteryear in the village. It gives the area the charm, and identity that your New England stands for. I enjoy so much to visit your area and my husband and I are so proud to see this wonderful area where our children live. I feel we are only keepers of this wonderful land and then we pass it on to the next generation. You know, I think Mr. Able Bradley would be very proud of these Fairfield County citizens for wanting to help keep our heritage and give it a place in the community. Be kind to this treasured house and be kind to those who are trying to save it, because their endeavor in this mission will be appreciated for many generations.
Greetings from Centerville, OH to the people of Fairfield, CT. You are among the very luckiest of citizens to have the opportunity to help save our historical structures and be intrusted of their care. Last year my husband and I became involved in saving an early 19th century country church. This church had 3 living members who were too elderly to care and protect it from those who wished to transform the land on which the church stood, into something of modern “importance”. We made the decision to “fight” for this important structure which has stood as a symbol for our “religious opportunity” that our forefathers fought for. This little country church had a battle fought on the grounds in front of it during the war of 1812. It weathered this battle and survived the next 100+ years only to be faced with being torn down by someone who was just greedy and who had no forethought to what wonderful use and symbol it stood for. This church is currently being utilized by the communities of 3 Ohio counties to have Boy Scout meetings, Historical Society functions, Town meetings, scheduled weddings, and other community functions. My husband and I felt strongly that we wanted our children and grandchildren to be able to see this church as a symbol of our love of country and community and that we helped save it for them and future generations. As mentioned before in one of the above comments, “when it is gone, it is gone forever.” Many countries in Europe have the philosophy to save and maintain! That is very important! We have lost many of our treasured buildings, and new ones put in their place. Then, in many instances, the new ones are not good enough. Except for the pictures, noone knows what the old ones looked like. At one time even Wilbur Wright’s house was once on the endangered list in Dayton, OH. Who would have believed that would have happened? OK, enough. Do you get my encouagement that I would love for you to save this precious building? I know your community very well, my daughter and family live there. It is beautiful and it is wonderful to see the New England as of yesteryear in the village. It gives the area the charm, and identity that your New England stands for. I enjoy so much to visit your area and my husband and I are so proud to see this wonderful area where our children live. I feel we are only keepers of this wonderful land and then we pass it on to the next generation. You know, I think Mr. Able Bradley would be very proud of these Fairfield County citizens for wanting to help keep our heritage and give it a place in the community. Be kind to this treasured house and be kind to those who are trying to save it, because their endeavor in this mission will be appreciated for many generations.
The most practical alternative is to just move the house to a differnt location.