Merwinsville Hotel's Annual Art Show Is A Newer Part Of The Building's History

On the one hand, walking into the Merwinsville Hotel in Gaylordsville, Conn. is like stepping into the 19th century, with its parlor furnished with period antiques and the upstairs rooms staged as hotel rooms from the 1840s. On the other hand, on Friday, Oct. 11, the interior was filled with the work of contemporary local artists in preparation for the Merwinsville Hotel’s 32nd annual arts and fine crafts show (last weekend and Oct. 19-20). The building, now on the National Historic Registry, has a fascinating history; located on railroad tracks that took passengers from Bridgeport to Pittsfield, it was a meal stop, and housed the ticket office and waiting rooms as well as hotel rooms. With the advent of the railroad dining car, the meal stop became obsolete and eventually the hotel went out of business. Over the years the building changed hands numerous times. In the early '70s, the community formed a nonprofit association to restore the building, accomplished completely on a volunteer basis. Now, it holds events like this arts and crafts show. The gala preview party featured hors d’oeuvres provided by Bonni Manning Catering, Inc. and lively, old-timey music by The Red Hots. Located down some long and winding roads just outside of New Milford, the Merwinsville Hotel is worth the drive. What could be more rewarding than some living history combined with contemporary art… and a community that puts its heart and soul into its past and future?