There is no official documentation on the build date of this “Connecticut saltbox” house now called The 1810 House. But to be sure, it has had many incarnations since it was built and first occupied by the Olmstead family around 1810.

An early postcard of the 1810 House when it was the town’s Y.M.C.A.

The earliest recorded deed for the property dates to 1822, listing James Benedict as the grantor to Daniel Olmstead. No named owners appear on historical maps until 1903, when the property is identified as belonging to the YMCA. Over the years, the property changed hands many times, with notable owners including James Bradner, William “Pie” Welling—a local pie seller—and the Hoyt family. In the 1870s, it became the home of the Warwick YMCA, which constructed a large gymnasium known as “The Shed” behind the house for sporting events and village dances. One of the front rooms also served as the town’s second library. The Warwick Historical Society held its first meeting in this house in 1906. In 1931, it became the headquarters of the American Legion. In 1953, it was purchased by Mr. and Mrs. Madison and Elizabeth Lewis, who restored and converted it into a combined residence and museum. The Warwick Valley Museum officially opened in 1954.

Plaque on the front of the 1810 House.

In 1954, the 1810 House was purchased by Mrs. Madison and Elizabeth Lewis from the American Legion to preserve and restore it. The condition of the house was very poor at that time and required complete renovation. By then, “The Shed” gymnasium was beyond restoration and was demolished. Since carting away the debris would have been costly, it was decided to simply cover the rubble with dirt and create a garden. This is why, to this day, the garden in the back has uneven terrain.

The building had an enclosed stairway leading to the second floor. The Lewises had been given an old stairway by Harry Demerest and Dr. and Mrs. M.R. Bradner. They installed it, turning the stairway around to lead up from the front door.

Upon entering the house, the room on the left was restored, including the construction of a new chimney with a wood-burning fireplace. The mantel, given by Mr. Roy Vail, came from the old, dismantled Wawayanda House (Hotel) on Colonial Avenue, where Frank Forester, the author, had stayed during his visit to Warwick from England in 1840. Roy Vail lent his collection of Frank Forester memorabilia, which he had acquired over the years. The room is still called the Frank Forester Room.

The room to the right of the door was also completely redone, with a new chimney and a Franklin stove that had come from the old Paddock house on Main Street. A kas from Albany stored old photographs and various items donated by people from Warwick.

They built the kitchen off the dining room, and Miss Aileen Demerest moved in and was in residence for several years.

Read about The Warwick 1810 House in the 50th Anniversary Book from 1957 HERE

Another early post card of the 1810 House when it was the town’s Y.M.C.A. On the right, you can see the roof of the gymnasium in the back known as “the shed”.

In October of 1976 Mrs. Elizabeth Lewis Van Leer, President of the Society, offered to donate the 1810 House along with money for maintenance. This would make the 1810 house the fourth structure that the Society owned. An incredible achievement at the time for such a small society

Mr. Robert Richmond lived in a portion of the house and acted as Curator for a time. The contents of the Frank Forester room loaned by the Vails were purchased and then donated to the Society.

In 2006, major exterior work was done on the building under the direction of Society Curator Michael Bertolini, which included application of the original paint color as determined by scraping through many layers to the first one, and restoration of period design shutters to the facade.

In 2016, the 1810 House was leased to interior design company, Bertolini & Co. until 2020 when it was returned to the Society.

Drone picture of the 1810 House and Herb Wheel Garden in back.

The 1810 House circa 1955.

Plaque on the door of the front room in the 1810 House.

The Frank Forester Room of 1810 House circa 1960.

The Frank Forester Room as a work room for Bertolini & Co. circa 2017.

The parlor of 1810 House as a period approaite room circa 1960.

The parlor of 1810 House as a showroom for Bertolini & Co.

The Frank Forester Room has been restored and displays memorabilia dedicated and once owned by mid-19th century sporting author Henry William Herbert. He loved to visit and hunt in Warwick and his prolific writings include “Warwick Woodlands.”

These days, the “Connecticut saltbox” house is home to the Warwick Historical Society’s administrative offices, The 1810 Store, The 1810 Gallery and other display rooms.