Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum
History & Timeline
1863
Approximately 30 acres of land purchased by LeGrand Lockwood
Click the image for a slideshow of historic images of the Lockwood-Mathews Mansion
1864
Construction of Elm Park Estate begins; architect: Detlef Lienau
1868
The Lockwood Family moves into Mansion
1869
Black Friday: property mortgaged, garden staff relinquished
1871
Mansion and outbuildings completed
1872
Death of LeGrand Lockwood (February 24, New York City)
Auction of painting collection (April)
1873
Property put up for sale
Auction of furniture (April)
1874
Foreclosure by Lake Shore and Michigan Railroad (December)
1876
Property purchased by Charles D. Mathews (April)
Mathews Family moves into Mansion (July)
1879
Death of Charles D. Mathews (May 23, Norwalk)
1909
Death of Lillie Mathews Martin (June 24, Norwalk)
1934
Death of Charles T. Mathews (January 11, New York City)
1938
Death of Florence Mathews (August 16, Norwalk)
1939
Mathews Estate leased to City of Norwalk as a public park
1941
Property purchased by City of Norwalk for $170,000
Used as emergency war-time offices
Storage of heavy equipment
1944
Hastily called auction of Mansion furnishings by City of Norwalk (October)
1950
Building closed to public
1954
Estate barn demolished
1955
State of Connecticut purchases 8 acres of Estate for construction of I-95
1958
Police Court Building built on Estate; replacing what had remained of formal rock gardens, bowling green and ice house
1961
City of Norwalk announces plans to demolish Mansion
Common Interest Group (CIG) formed
1962
Estate blacksmith's shop demolished; greenhouse destroyed
1963
Supreme Court of Errors upholds decision to prohibit demolition (Baker v. City of Norwalk, December)
1964
Junior League of Stamford/Norwalk enters 30-year lease of Mansion
1966
Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum of Norwalk, Inc. formed
Fundraising & Restoration begins
1967
Mansion permanently opened to the public
1971
Designated National Historic Landmark
1981
City of Norwalk grants 75-year lease to Mansion Corporation
