Stepping across the front door threshold of the Elderkin House is like time travel back to the days of the Revolutionary War.

Jedediah Elderkin had an important role in the Revolutionary War and had many responsibilities. Among these was being a member of the Committee of Safety which was lead by Governor Jonathan Trumbull at the War Office in Lebanon, CT, that was referred to as the Pentagon of the Revolutionary War. More than 1,000 meeting were held there concerning war strategy and provisions for the troops. Leaders of the war who attended meetings there included General George Washington, Ben Franklin, Thomas Jefferson, John Adams, Marquis de Lafayette, and Comte de Rochambeau.

Jedediah knew these men.

Jedediah and Anne Elderkin's son Vine had 7 children. In 1778 he sent his daughter Mary to live there with her grandparents. She was with the Elderkin's from 1778 -1782; she was 7 to 11 years old. When she was older, she wrote a letter about her time there and the visitors she saw. She starts by saying "The best of society was at the house"

She wrote that George Washington came to visit when he was in Connecticut to review the French duc de Lauzun Legion of Horses wintering in Lebanon. This Horse unit was in Lebanon from November 1780-June 1781. It is documented that Washington was in Lebanon to review these troops March 4-5, 1781 and then traveled to review Rochambeau's troop in Rhode Island. The route at that time would take him through Windham Center to Route 14.

We can assume it was then he stopped to visit the Elderkin house on March 5, 1781.

She wrote that Rochambeau came to visit when he was in Connecticut to review his Legion of Horses in Lebanon. It is documented that this Rochambeau visit was in December 1780. She wrote Lafayette came to visit. It is documented Lafayette visited the War Office in Lebanon in 1780.

She wrote that she remembered de Lauzun well; he was wintering in Lebanon and he visited several days at her grandfather's home. She wrote she also remembered Rochambeau well as she saw him several days.

As you enter the Elderkin Home and step across that threshold, remember that George Washington, Rochambeau, Layette and Lauzun; and Jedediah and Anne have also stepped across that threshold.

When you enter the room with the huge fireplace, remember too, that our Chapter namesake, Anne Wood Elderkin, has been there, cooking for her family.

Lynn Hinckley, Vice Regent

Anne Wood Elderkin Chapter