The Legendary Tale of Stephen Hopkins Smith
Popular folklore surrounding the construction of Hearthside states that in the early 1800’s, Stephen Hopkins Smith, a fellow in his 20’s, began to court a young lady from a “prominent Providence family”. Smith was a member of a noted Lincoln family that made its living in the local agricultural industry. Although he was a Quaker and lived the simple life, he circulated in the social circles, which is how he met the woman he set his heart on marrying. She was a little cautious about their future together though and told him that while he was an attractive man, she was looking for a gentleman suitor “of substantial wealth who could provide a lifestyle she was used to”. The Smith family was far from wealthy. But one day, in answer to his prayers, Smith won a lottery, netting him a jackpot of $40,000----an equivalent of $8.6 million by today’s standards.
Smith kept his winnings a secret, and schemed to build a breathtaking home to sweep “Miss Prominent” off her feet. Construction on Hearthside got underway in 1810 and was completed in 1814. Meanwhile the courtship continued. When the house was done, Smith took a horse and buggy and went to Providence and asked the girl to come with him for a ride. As they approached the bend of Great Road, the girl clapped her hands and said, “What a beautiful house, but who would ever want to live way out in the wilderness.” Smith was heartbroken. He drove her back to Providence and never called on her again. In fact, he never married. This story has been told through the years and even made it into the publication, Ripley’s Believe It or Not. It was referred to as the “Heartbreak House”, due to its rejection by the woman it was built for.
I, a women of Providence came to fall in love with this house. I dreamed of being that women who excepted his love and moved on to be the Mrs of this beautiful home. Being an adventurer of dreams, I became a docent and caretaker of this 200 year old historic mansion, who's ownership fell in the hands of the town of Lincoln.
An organization was formed strictly of dedicated volunteers, called "The Friends Of Hearthside" care and preserve this home.
This weekend, a few of these hard working volunteers had the pleasure and honor of enjoying some quality time with a sleepover in the house. What a true Victorian Experience!
Saturday evening we came together and enjoy a night cap of Champagne and good conversation.
Gentleman David enjoyed his pipe by the fire place, as Mr Talbot always did as the one of the owners in 1904. His photo is on the fireplace mantle.
While he was relaxing, Lady Margaret sit at her desk and wrote a letter to her beloved.
After poring myself a wonderful cup of Apricot tea, I retied to the Ladies Polar to enjoy being entertained by Sister Marline at the piano.
All accomplished young women had to learn to play the piano or some instrument of comfort.
lock up for the night. David and I made sore the house was locked and all was well in Hearthside.!
I can say for all , we had a most enjoyable time which we did not want to come to an end!
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