After D B Wesson's death in 1906, several attempts to give it to various organizations, the family gave the home to the Connecticut Valley Historical Society. It came with the stipulation that they raise one hundred thousand dollars for a maintenance fund. Attempts were made by the CVHM to raise this amount, but they failed. In January 1915 a group of young men considered forming "The Colony Club". A preliminary meeting was held. Its purpose was to discuss whether the group would take an option on the Wesson property. On May 12, 1915 the club formally acquired the property, and the officers signed a mortage for $51,000.00.
This information is from a booklet I own. It was printed in 1963, by,
The Connecticutt Valley Historical Museum. Sunday morning Feb 20 1966 after a dinner party for the MacDuffie School for Girls, on his way to work ,Alfred Albano discovered the fire. He radioed the fire department at 2:15 stated flames were coming out of every window he could see.
Alarms were turned in at 2:15, 2:18, 2:19, 2:26 and 2:34AM.
The building was a total loss and torn down.
I do have several door knobs, hinges and one of the wrought iron driveway cages, which weighs over 200 lbs.