Lindencroft

P.T. Barnum constructed his second home in 1860. It was located at 1171 Fairfield Avenue and was called Lindencroft after the many Linden trees located on the property. In 1888 Edmund Chase Bassick purchased Lindencroft and renamed it "The Miner's Rest" in recognition of Bassick's mining adventures throughout the world. Eventually, Bassick returned the name of lindencroft to their home.

Lindencroft was set far back of Fairfield Avenue. Along the street line there was a high cast iron fencesupported by heavy granite posts topped by granite balls. Tall iron gates led the way to a circular driveway paved with large pebbles set into the surface. In the center of the circle there was a large statue of Poseidon set in the middle of a fountain. A wide victorian porch stretched the full width of the fron of the house. In front of the steps going down from this porch were two very large slabs, with a granite stepping stone next to the driveway. This was to aid people getting in or out of carriages. At the sides of the stone slabs were two life-size cast iron lions

The inside of Lindencroft had twelve to fourteen foot high ceilings, heavy woodwork, parquet floors and large rooms. The home was ideal for entertaining. Tom Thumb is said to have been introduced to Lavinia Stratton at Lindencroft.

To the right of the front was the library. At one end was a heavily carved fireplace with bookshelves on either side. The upper part of the side walls were covered with japanese grass paper down to the chair rail. Below this laid up like a brick wall, were many marble slabs about four by ten inches. This marble was said to have come from different places aound the world. During the demolition of Lindencroft in the 1920's this marble was in fact, found to be simple stained glass. It appears that P.T. Barnum had lived up to his reputation as a consumate showman.

In the upstairs and downstairs halls and in the major rooms there were a number of beautiful crystal chandeliers. The house was lighted by gas and the chandeliers gave out a soft yellow glow. The house had a battery powered burglar alarm which often short circuited and sounded for unknown reasons.

In the back of the house was a large stable and carriage. William Donnelly, the family coachman, and his wife lived in the carriage house. The stable was quite large and had stalls for eight horses.

Below is currently all that is left of the Lindencroft memory, this rock is found on the corner of State Street and Yale

Photo courtesy of Janet Chin and Savonya Hill Photo II/III

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