THANKFUL ARNOLD HOUSE (Map)14 HAYDEN HILL RD
HADDAM
CT 06438
(Historical Societies, Historic Preservation)
HTTP://HADDAMHISTORY.ORG/INDEX.HTMThe Thankful Arnold House is a historic colonial home located at 14 Hayden Hill Road in Haddam, Connecticut. It was built in 1752 by Thankful Arnold, one of the early settlers of Haddam. The large, stately house is an excellent example of Georgian colonial architecture, with its symmetrical facade, central chimney, multi-paned windows, and clapboard siding.
The house sits on a 10-acre parcel of land that originally encompassed over 100 acres when the home was first constructed. The property features mature trees, stone walls, and rolling fields that give it a peaceful, rural feel despite its proximity to downtown Haddam. There are also a few barns and outbuildings remaining from the 18th and 19th centuries when the property operated as a farm.
The main part of the house is a classic saltbox shape, two stories high in the front and one story in the back. It has two large chimneys on each end. The front door is centered and flanked by columns, with a transom window above. On the first floor there are four rooms - a central hallway, parlor, keeping room, and kitchen. The second floor contains four bedrooms. The kitchen has an enormous walk-in fireplace that was used for cooking.
Much of the interior retains original 18th century details such as wide plank wood floors, moldings, fireplace mantels, built-in cabinetry, and hardware. The keeping room features hand-hewn exposed ceiling beams. Some of the windows still have the small, wavy panes of glass that were commonly used during that era. The house has undergone some modern updates over the years such as electricity, plumbing, and bathrooms while maintaining its historic charm and integrity.
The Arnold family were among the earliest settlers of Haddam in the 1660s. Thankful Arnold was born in 1725, the son of John Arnold. He built the house in 1752 as a wedding gift for his new wife, Jerusha Brainerd. Thankful was a successful farmer and entrepreneur who owned a grain mill, lime kiln, and mercantile shop. The couple had 8 children and lived in the house their entire lives.
Ownership of the property stayed in the Arnold family for over 150 years until it was sold in the early 20th century. In the 1920s it operated as a boarding house before being turned back into a single family home. Throughout the mid 1900s the house fell into disrepair as it changed hands numerous times.
In the 1990s, the Thankful Arnold House was purchased by a couple who restored it meticulously back to its original colonial splendor. They researched the home's entire history to make sure every detail was accurate and in keeping with its 18th century architectural style. The restoration project took over 5 years to complete.
Today the home is occasionally open for public tours and special events. It provides a remarkable glimpse into colonial life in Connecticut during the 1700s. The rural setting along with the architecture, interior design, furnishings and decor make visiting the Thankful Arnold House a truly immersive historical experience. The owners are dedicated to preserving its legacy for future generations.
This iconic home remains a stunning example of early American architecture and craftsmanship. Thankful Arnold could scarcely imagine over 250 years later, his beautiful home would remain largely unchanged from when he first built it as a newlywed in 1752. The Thankful Arnold House continues to be a treasured centerpiece of Haddam's long, rich history.