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Designed
by architect Charles Wellington Walker, and built in the late
1920's, this "ten chimney" mansion, rich in history,
will be open from September 30th through October 28th for
public viewing.
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 A
Bit of History
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Dudley Mixer Morris commissioned renowned architect, Charles
Wellington Walker to design the mansion. No holds were barred
and only the finest materials were used in every detail of
the residence. Brick construction, a slate roof, marble balusters,
a flagstone courtyard, white columned portico, a rose garden,
a six-car garage, and the famous ten chimneys were just some
of the exterior details.
Twenty-two
rooms, with 11 bedrooms, eight full and two half-baths were
part of the plan along with a sweeping staircase and 54-foot-long
reception hall with graceful French doors. Craftsmanship of
a bygone era incorporated mahogany and walnut floors, custom
cabinetry, plaster ceilings, intricate niches, and marble
fireplaces for every chimney.
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| Building
was completed in 1929, but Morris never moved in. He
died after losing his fortune in the stock market crash.
His wife, Edna, and daughter Peggy occupied the house
in 1930. It was the beginning of The Great Depression,
and upkeep was a challenge. Edna and Peggy lived in
the five-room servant’s quarters over the garage,
and closed off the five master bedrooms. The house was
only opened for fund-raising through fashion shows and
other revenue-producing events.
In
1941, Mrs. Morris moved back to her family home on Marina
Park, now part of the University of Bridgeport. Later
that year, The United States Coast Guard used it as
a school and for housing. Joseph Caserta, a builder,
bought the property in 1945, and continued to lease
it to the Coast Guard. The large white anchor at the
entrance to the drive is the legacy of those years. |
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Caserta
remained in The Chimneys until 1980, when he sold it
to J. Thompson Ruger, who along with Alex Sturm were
founders of the Sturm Ruger and Co., a manufacturer
of small arms. During this eight-year Ruger era, the
rose garden was relocated to the rear of the home, and
a 47-foot swimming pool took its place. A reflecting
pool was added to the back of the house along with a
tennis court.
Now
that The Chimneys is being transformed into a fabulous
showhouse, it has reached its zenith and will again,
be open to the public.
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