Historical Society's Harvest To Holly tour set for this weekend

WARWICK - The Historical Society of the Town of Warwick is giving Harvest to Holly attendees a special treat this year, a rare and memorable public tour of Wyndhurst, the private home of the Madison Horton Lewis and Elizabeth Sanford Lewis family. This spectacular Colonial Revival home, situated on extensive grounds at 27 Maple Ave., has been dressed in grand holiday fashion, with glittering exterior lighting and the dining room set for an elegant 1930s dinner party complete with authentic china, crystal and lace linens from the family’s own collection. As an added attraction, evening gowns from Paris couturiers Mainbocher and Chez Ninon from the Lewis collection will also be displayed throughout the home. Interior designer Marina Alario, owner of The Red Shutters in Warwick, spearheaded Wyndhurst’s holiday decor, working with noted decorator and Ketchum House curator, Michael Bertolini and team of volunteers including Christine Porto, Helen Laskow, Marie Kosen and Jane Glazman. Wyndhurst, meaning “windswept hill,” has a romantic, storied past as a summer home for its original owner, Jacob Aims Chamberlain who settled permanently in Warwick in 1893 until his death in 1907. The mansion was purchased from Chamberlain’s widow as a summer home by Edward B. Lewis, owner of the J.M. Horton Ice Cream Co., later acquired by the Borden Company. The storybook history of Wyndhurst begins with the friendship of two long-time family friends, Lewis’ son, Madison Horton Lewis and Elizabeth Sandford. Their friendship turned into a romance after both were sent to the Warwick countryside for health reasons. Madison had been injured while serving in WWI and was sent to Wyndhurst to recover. Elizabeth had contracted typhoid fever at Smith College and returned to the Sanford farm to recuperate. Their relationship blossomed as they traveled on horseback through the Warwick countryside, and they eventually married in Warwick. After their wedding, the Lewis’ divided their time between Wyndhurst in Warwick and Manhattan, where Mr. Lewis became a president for a Borden division. The home was given to them as a gift from Mr. Lewis’ father for their use as a summer residence for their enjoyment with their three daughters, Mary Hope, Joan and Elizabeth “Lilibet” and their families. Today, the daughters, their husbands and their clan of 15 children own, maintain, and visit Wyndhurst year-round keeping alive the spirit of this 117 year-old home. The scene of numerous parties and family gatherings, Wyndhurst became the perfect setting for the weddings of the three Lewis daughters as well as their two granddaughters. Holidays were joyful occasions in the home where family members recall a magnificent Christmas tree gracing the foyer, plenty of carol singing, and the gathering of relatives and friends from throughout the area and Manhattan. The Warwick Historical Society has played a key role in the life of Wyndhurst, as Mr. and Mrs. Lewis served as presidents of the Society and hosted many meetings there. After the death of Mr. Lewis, Mrs. Lewis remarried Lester van Leer and continued to stay on as president of the Historical Society for 20 years, becoming an ardent community supporter and well known hostess of elegant soirees at Wyndhurst. This year, Wyndhurst opens its doors to the public thanks to the efforts of the Society and local volunteers who have lent their decorating talents and time to the Harvest to Holly Tour, Saturday, Nov. 18 and Sunday, Nov. 19. Joining Wyndhurst on the holiday tour this year are: Baird’s Tavern, decorated by Barbara Sullivan and Sarah McHugh; the 1810 House at Lewis Park, decorated by Silvio Galterio and Emily Austin; the 1810 Herbed Wheel Garden, maintained by the Orange and Dutchess Garden Club; the Ketchum House, decorated by Bertolini and Bill Bartsch; and Lewis Park, decorated by Shelly Sherfey. The Old School Baptist Meeting House, decorated by Mark and Sandy Kurtz, and Maureen Charde, offers the added feature of entertainment coordinated by Jan Brunkhorst. For more information call 845-986-3236 or visit www.warwickhistoricalsociety.org.