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Late last year, the Simsbury Historical Society submitted a written objection to a Bloomfield developer’s demolition application with the Town of Simsbury Building Department. The single family home slated for demolition, situated on ten acres of land at 40 Holcomb Street, was built in 1771 according to town records.

In a letter dated December 16, 2024, Jane McAlpine, executive director of the historical society, requested a delay in demolition to allow time for the non-profit organization to research the history of the structure and its earliest inhabitants. Her letter and others from abutting property owners initiated a stay postponing demolition through February 24, 2025. 

After speaking with McAlpine, the new owner/developer agreed to allow historical society researchers to photograph and document the structure’s interior for archival purposes. An ensuing site visit revealed little evidence of the house’s early construction date with the exception of exposed hand hewn beams visible in the attic and basement. Research took a surprising turn, however, when the historical society’s inspection of an 1869 map of Simsbury showed a single structure owned by Judson Phelps, born 1784, at the present day 40 Holcomb Street location.

Judson Phelps was a grandson of David Phelps, born about 1734. David served as a captain in the Revolutionary War under the command of Colonel Jonathan Pettibone in the First Company, Eighteenth Regiment of the Connecticut Militia. He was the older brother of Elisha and Noah Phelps– past owners of the Simsbury Historical Society’s very own Phelps Tavern– coincidentally built circa 1771. 

Town of Simsbury property and probate records from the late 1700s and early 1800s show several property transfers between David Phelps and his sons, Ozias and David, Jr., then later between Ozias Phelps and his own sons, Ozias, Jr. and Judson. Property descriptions include references to the “Great Pond Drain” and neighboring parcels, leading researchers to believe that the property in question was originally owned by David Phelps and passed down generationally to his grandson, Judson. 

When asked about her written objection to the demolition application, McAlpine stated that one of the Simsbury Historical Society’s guiding principles is to preserve Simsbury’s rich history for future generations. As a result of the historical society’s findings and networking with area preservationists, a buyer with a background in historic house restoration took interest in the structure and negotiated an agreement with the developer to dismantle and purchase the frame. 

Dismantling involves careful disassembly of the structure’s hand hewn timber frame. Architectural drawings are made, and beams are numbered and removed. At a later date, the frame will be reconstructed elsewhere in Connecticut, preserving its inherent colonial history and saving its highly desirable old growth timbers, primarily oak.

While the Simsbury Historical Society’s Phelps Tavern is recognized by the National Register of Historic Places, State Register of Historic Places, and Simsbury Center Historic District, the house at 40 Holcomb Street was not officially recognized as a historic structure. Organizations such as Preservation Connecticut provide guidance to homeowners and municipalities wishing to protect and preserve historic structures. 

“All things considered, we’re very pleased with the outcome,” states McAlpine. “The story of the house will continue now into a second chapter, thanks to the buyer and cooperation of all parties involved.”

Professional dismantling of the house began in early March 2025.