Of historical interest in Eastern Connecticut residents is the picturesque home in Windham Center of Mr. and Mrs Albert Hitz.

It was constructed between 1730-35 by Mr. Wood of Norwich a wedding present to his daughter, Anne Wood, who became the bride of Jedediah Elderkin in 1735.

The 13-room home included massive fireplaces in each room, the main fireplace large enough to walk into. It also included bee hive ovens.

All of these fireplaces have been maintained although in som instances have been paneled over.

The home for several years the residence of the Hitzes, still features early paneling, original wide board flooring, staircase and some stenciling which was placed around doorways for decorative purposes.

It is for Anne Wood Elderkin that the Willimantic Chapter of the Daughter of the American Revolution is named and periodic meetings are held in this attractive homestead.

Mrs. Hitz is a direct descendant of Anne Wood thus the home has been occupied continuously by a member of the family. At one time Rear Admiral Andrew Swift lived there as a boy and is remembered as having graduated from the naval academy in Annapolis in the same class as Admiral Dewey.

Visiting the Hitz home presently is Mrs. Chester Cole of New York, mother of Mrs. Hitz and a former resident of Willimantic.

While she never had made her home in the above dwelling, her mother spent her childhood there.

Since the original building was erected adjacent to the Windham Center Greet on Route 14 several ells have been added.