The Elijah Lewis House, the Underground Railroad, and a Moved Chimney
A Vote, a Recusal, and a Conflict of Interest—All Before 6 PM
Two Properties, Two Centuries of History
At its April 15 meeting, the Farmington Historic District Commission voted to include two additional properties in the town’s historic district: the Elijah Lewis House at One Mountain Spring Road and the Mary Barney Carey House at 729 Farmington Avenue.
The hearing was held as a hybrid public session in Town Hall Chambers and opened with a roll call. Chair Jay Bambara appointed alternate Henry Pertel to fill in for regular member James Calciano.
Assistant Town Planner Garrett Daigle presented the official study report, outlining the legal and procedural context for expanding the district—initiated by the Farmington Historical Society, which owns both homes. The process, now nearing its final phase, began with a study committee report, approved by the State Historic Preservation Office in March 2025.
The Elijah Lewis House: Hidden Stories, Relocated Stone by Stone
The Elijah Lewis House is a 1790 Federal-style home originally built for Captain Judah Woodruff. It was later owned by Elijah Lewis, whose family has been linked to Underground Railroad activity. Citing Julia Brandegee’s Farmington Book, Daigle noted a story where Lewis reportedly escorted a fugitive slave along Deercliff Road to Simsbury under cover of night.
The house was moved to its current location in 1978 to make way for a car dealership expansion. The original stone chimney was dismantled and rebuilt by Ralph DiPietro. Since 2016, the property has been owned by the Farmington Historical Society.
The Mary Barney Carey House: A Tudor with Ties to Industry and Architecture
Built in 1926, the Carey House was commissioned by Mary Barney Carey and her husband Hiram Bissell Carey, then president of the Collins Company. Designed by Heath Colt-Willsley and built by R.G. Bent, the home represents early 20th-century efforts to create a “curated Farmington” for the town’s elite. The house sits across from the Hill-Stead Museum and was acquired by the Historical Society in January 2025.
Recusals and Quorum Math
Just as the commission was preparing to vote, Commissioner Liz Gemski raised a concern:
“Should those members be voting on an application put forth by themselves?”
As it turned out, several members—Chair Jay Bambara and Commissioner Joanne Lawson among them—were affiliated with the Farmington Historical Society. Both agreed to recuse themselves.
In a procedural shuffle, Gemski was appointed to vote in Lawson’s place. With Henry Pertel already filling in for Calciano, and Cliff Max and Michelle Phelan as remaining full members, the commission maintained quorum and moved forward.
Unanimous Approval—and a Look Ahead
The motion to adopt the Farmington Historic District Study Report and include the two properties passed unanimously, with four votes in favor.
Daigle clarified that once a property is within the district, any visible exterior changes require Historic District Commission review and a Certificate of Appropriateness. Paint color and landscaping are exempt. The process includes public notice, a sign posted on the property, and notice to all property owners within 200 feet.
Gemski asked whether the Historical Society intends to reconstruct the long-stored Phineas Lewis House on the newly acquired property. Daigle confirmed that the proposal would require a new application and separate commission approval.
Vinyl Windows and Other Business
Commissioners briefly discussed prior concerns about vinyl replacement windows at a Church Street property. Bambara concluded:
“Unless the applicant comes back asking for vinyl windows again, there’s no formal action needed.”
Motion to Approve Minutes
The minutes from the March 25 meeting were approved as amended. With no further business, the meeting adjourned.
The Farmington Mercury is proudly sponsored by Farmington Storage — where your 1790s heirlooms are treated better than your 2020s family members. Located at 155 Scott Swamp Road, Farmington, CT. Give them a ring at 860.777.4001. We can’t guarantee time travel, but it sure smells like cedar in there.
—Jack Beckett ☕
Senior Writer, The Farmington Mercury
Usually sipping black coffee, writing slowly, and wondering why everyone else is in such a rush.
For more in-depth coverage:
📬 Subscribe to The Farmington Mercury
📚 Read our Editorials
🏡 Historic Commission Coverage
👮 Law Enforcement Updates
🎓 Farmington High
💼 Jobs in Town
🗨️ Contact Us
🐦 Message us on X/Twix
Stay informed with depth, not noise. #LastToFirst
Subscribe here to our weekly newsletter.
