Hargitt House Museum reopens
Dozens attend the reopening of the late 1800s home that once housed Norwalk pioneers. Photo | Raul Samaniego
NORWALK – Under a sunny sky last Saturday with the temperature hovering close to three digits, the Norwalk Hargitt House welcomed back visitors after nine months of a much-needed refurbishment and paint makeover.
With visitors seeking shelter from the sun under the large tree on the south lawn, Interim
Recreation Supervisor Pati Escano welcomed them to the festivities showcasing the nearly 130-year-old residence of Darius D. Johnson and Charles and Cora Hargitt.
Guests were treated to keyboard music by La Mirada resident Mercedes Valdez. She has been playing the piano since age four and has performed at New York’s Carnegie Hall.
Additionally, guided tours were offered to view the inside of the Victorian-style house as well as the grounds.
Refreshments, fresh fruit and bakery items were also provided for the visitors.
The nearly all redwood constructed house needed some detailed work including the strengthening and repairing of the outside staircase and a new gazebo, which enhances the back yard area. Fresh paint was also added for each structure on the entire property.
According to Escano, “a piece of wood was found with some of the original paint on it. From that sample, it was able to be duplicated.”
The hue of aqua is what greets visitors today who come to get a glimpse of the grandeur of the house as it was at the turn of the 20th century.
Complimenting the grounds are an assortment of late 1800s and early 1900s farm tools and machinery.
Near the modern visitor restroom facilities, is the original “outhouse,” which gives guests a glimpse into the challenges of a “midnight calling.”
The upstairs of the living quarters has three surprisingly spacious bedrooms showcased by a “modern” bathroom, which includes a metal/porcelain bathtub and a Depression-era pull-chain toilet.
The Hargitt House Museum will be open to visitors each first and third Saturday of the month from 1 to 4 p.m.