Gurdon Chapman House
circa 1860, Italianate
269 Broadway Norwich, CT
Please note, this is a private residence and is not open to the public
Gurdon Chapman was a prosperous grain dealer who served as mayor of Norwich and was active in local government and business affairs. After the Chapmans died, the house was occupied by their niece Ada Pollard Richards (#16) and her family until the 1940s.
This well-preserved house is the more modest wood-frame counterpart to the elaborate Bill House, which stands across the street (#19). The tall first-floor windows are indicators of the high ceilings inside and reflect the Victorian-period desire to bring more fresh air and natural light (considered healthy) into houses. Overhanging roof cornices, intersecting gables, and elaborate trim were meant to catch the eye by creating striking silhouettes and casting shadows.