151 Lambtown Rd, Ledyard, CT 06339

In the heart of old Quakertown in Ledyard is an 18th century antique treasure of history. William Crouch, Sr. was a farmer who bought a large tract of land in what was then North Groton from the Avery family and built a Cape Cod house with a central stone chimney and fireplaces in the main room and above and below - William and his wife Content Watrous, the daughter of the more fanatical Rogerene Quaker, Timothy Watrous had ten children and their son Zachariah would go on to live in the additional home built in the same style across from the farm on the tract of land with his wife, Delight (Watrous). That is the home now at 151 Lambtown Road - once known as the "extension." Zacharia managed the farm and produced door hinges. The family also ran an apple orchard on site. At the time the land was 90 acres and the family became quite notable. Eight of the children were girls. The only boy, William served In the 26th CT Regiment I the Civil War. Youngest sister, Emeline took advantage of her father's large acquisition of a piano and attend Music Vale Seminary in Salem, CT and eldest sister, Delight, married Enoch Whipple, a young man deaf from birth who was taught by his father, Jonathan Whipple how to read lips and even some early ASL.

. In fact, it is believed some of the very first classes of the Mystic Oral School were conducted in this very home. Of particular note is Julia Crouch who grew up in the home and became the first American woman published by a national publisher in New York with Houghton, Mifflin and Company - when she was just in her early 20's and published twice in 1871 and 1873. The Book was about country girls making it in the big city and titled "Three Successful Girls," and in a way is autobiographical of her and her sisters accomplishments. She went on to lecture until her death at age 43. The Whipples, Watrouses and Crouches profound impact on the community is still prevalent with many descendants of the extended family living in the region and the family cemetery down the road. Their initials are even engraved near to one of hearths in this home - their history of coming of age and making a mark on this world can be felt today. The home remained in Quaker family hands well into the 20th century and several family images can be seen of this remarkable time. it is also mentioned in the book mystic river anthology and this link also tells a great deal: https://quakertownonline.net/Three_Successful_Girls.htm HIGHEST AND BEST SUNDAY 9/1/24 by 3pm