The Native American Rock House (Ice Age–Present)

Welcome back, Monroe history lovers. This week’s historical spotlight takes us to the Cutler’s Farms district of town, specifically to the area of Wolfe Park. Directly across the street from the park’s pool, at the southeast corner of Cutler’s Farm and Cross Hill Roads, stands a fine example of a Federal era colonial house. The house dates to 1828 and has been associated with several of Monroe’s early surnames, such as Hawley, Beardsley, Lamphear and Hurd. Our first supporting image shows the house in an earlier white with black shutters paint scheme. I’m sure you’ll recognize it. A large portion of the farmland once associated with this house is part of Wolfe Park today, and our spotlight is on a Native American dwelling located within the park. Are you ready to learn some new Monroe history? Of course, you are. Let’s go!

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Perry L. Hurd, a Monroe native, was the proprietor of a well-established and successful retail store located on Main Street in Bridgeport. Our second supporting image shows an advertisement dating to 1897. Perry’s business acumen and merchandising success in one of Connecticut’s largest cities provided him the opportunity to pursue varied business interests. In 1893, Hurd purchased the aforementioned house and property and officially established HURD’S STOCK FARM. Aside from the fine house, which stood on 50 acres of meadowland, there was a large and spacious barn located on Cross Hill Road, reported at the time to be the largest barn in the town of Monroe. You can see its size compared to the dwelling house in our third supporting aerial image from 1934. Another 125 acres of pastureland were located to the north and west. With the land improved, Hurd’s new farm would easily support 50 head of cattle.

According to an article published in the Newtown Bee, other attractions about the pastureland were a fine trout stream running through its center (Eastern Branch of the Pequonnock River) and the rock house, a former Native American dwelling place. The rock house is a portion of a ledge and is peculiar in its formation, overhanging as it does, some 20 feet in width and 50 feet in length. It is about 8 feet in height and would make a comfortable shelter in the summer. Tradition states that it was used by Native Americans long before Europeans arrived. Our fourth supporting image is a recent photo of the dwelling. Skeptical? Well, why not go for a pleasant hike along the trails in Wolfe Park and have a look for yourself? Our fifth supporting image is a map of the park that will guide you right to it. Look for the red bullseye, which is very appropriate for a cattle farm, don’t you think?

I hope you enjoyed this week’s historical spotlight on HURD’S STOCK FARM and the Native American rock house located on its former farmland. Please share this post with your family and friends, and thank you for your continued support and interest in Monroe’s farming and Native American history. Until next time. If you happen to be enjoying an activity in Wolfe Park, close your eyes and imagine for just a moment that 133 years ago you’d be surrounded by 50 head of cattle. Watch your step now! And, if you are so inspired to make the hike out to the Native American rock house, why not share your experience in the comments? We always love to hear from our readers.

Regards,

Kevin Daly
Historian, Monroe Historical Society
www.monroecthistory.org
Our Past is Always Present