THe Harden's estate
Frank and Elizabeth Harden called this place "home" from 1941-1965.
We call it a little slice of heaven.
Frank and Elizabeth Harden lived their week in New York City. Frank was an industrialist and a truly iconic mogul of his time. He owned the Acheson Harden Company who made fine Irish linens and most notably, handkerchiefs. He met Elizabeth who became his secretary and then the love of his life. She was 29 years younger than Frank. They were married here on their private estate on June 15, 1943.
It was in NYC that Frank would run his business which operated the world's largest handkerchief factory in Passaic, NJ. A family business that Frank first learned about at his grandfather's factory in Belfast, Ireland when he was a boy. Frank lost his mother when he was just one year of age after complications in the birth of his brother. His father, James Harden, shipped the two young boys off to Northern Ireland to grow up with their grandparents in the the town of Armaugh on an estate known as "Harrybrooke" in Clare County.
Growing up, Frank was pushed to learn the "old Irish work ethic" and started by sweeping floors in the factory. He was quoted to say, "You don't need a college education. Have a strong work ethic and some common sense and you'll do just fine in this world." This certainly held true for Mr. Harden. When he had the means to build an estate away from the big city, Frank searched all over New England and upstate New York until he found this spot. Mr. Harden chose to build along the banks of the Still River because he said that the view from the back patio reminded him of where he grew up in Northeastern Ireland. The house was built by H&H Taylor and Sons here in New Milford.
While the Hardens never really hosted large extravagant parties, many friends and family would visit for a weekend with them. Some from the city and some from around the world. The only notable celebrity couple that we are told of (and this is unconfirmed but worth sharing) was a visit from Roxbury resident, and playwright Arthur Miller and his lovely wife, THE Marilyn Monroe. We can imagine the "power couple" stopping by for a dip in the Hardens' beautiful pool. While unconfirmed (we have no photos, only stories shared) our romantic minds wander that Elizabeth and Marilyn would share a drink by the pool and chat about ... well ... what people talk about in the late 1950's.
The house is open for tours which come with these stories of the Hardens as passed down from generations. Frank and Elizabeth had no children of their own and decided to leave the park to the people of the town of New Milford and to be run by a board of managers. This great gift is arguably the greatest gift ever given to the people of this town. The park receives no town, state or federal funding. The home of Frank and Elizabeth Harden remains open to the public due to kind donations, events to raise dollars and over 10,000 hours of volunteer work each year.
We call it a little slice of heaven.
Frank and Elizabeth Harden lived their week in New York City. Frank was an industrialist and a truly iconic mogul of his time. He owned the Acheson Harden Company who made fine Irish linens and most notably, handkerchiefs. He met Elizabeth who became his secretary and then the love of his life. She was 29 years younger than Frank. They were married here on their private estate on June 15, 1943.
It was in NYC that Frank would run his business which operated the world's largest handkerchief factory in Passaic, NJ. A family business that Frank first learned about at his grandfather's factory in Belfast, Ireland when he was a boy. Frank lost his mother when he was just one year of age after complications in the birth of his brother. His father, James Harden, shipped the two young boys off to Northern Ireland to grow up with their grandparents in the the town of Armaugh on an estate known as "Harrybrooke" in Clare County.
Growing up, Frank was pushed to learn the "old Irish work ethic" and started by sweeping floors in the factory. He was quoted to say, "You don't need a college education. Have a strong work ethic and some common sense and you'll do just fine in this world." This certainly held true for Mr. Harden. When he had the means to build an estate away from the big city, Frank searched all over New England and upstate New York until he found this spot. Mr. Harden chose to build along the banks of the Still River because he said that the view from the back patio reminded him of where he grew up in Northeastern Ireland. The house was built by H&H Taylor and Sons here in New Milford.
While the Hardens never really hosted large extravagant parties, many friends and family would visit for a weekend with them. Some from the city and some from around the world. The only notable celebrity couple that we are told of (and this is unconfirmed but worth sharing) was a visit from Roxbury resident, and playwright Arthur Miller and his lovely wife, THE Marilyn Monroe. We can imagine the "power couple" stopping by for a dip in the Hardens' beautiful pool. While unconfirmed (we have no photos, only stories shared) our romantic minds wander that Elizabeth and Marilyn would share a drink by the pool and chat about ... well ... what people talk about in the late 1950's.
The house is open for tours which come with these stories of the Hardens as passed down from generations. Frank and Elizabeth had no children of their own and decided to leave the park to the people of the town of New Milford and to be run by a board of managers. This great gift is arguably the greatest gift ever given to the people of this town. The park receives no town, state or federal funding. The home of Frank and Elizabeth Harden remains open to the public due to kind donations, events to raise dollars and over 10,000 hours of volunteer work each year.
THE Board of managers
Bill Deak - PresidentPresident of the board and past President of the New Milford Lions Club, Bill Deak had the torch of the park passed on from Jimmy Williams and Jack Buczek about 14 years back. A local business owner of Deak Electric, Bill spends his time in the park regularly and still organizes the Haunted Trail, his ground breaking scarefest.
Ralph WilliamsRalph is a hometown guy known for giving back. Be it the New Milford Rotary, installing windows for non-profit restoration or simply helping a neighbor, this CPA is a great addition to the board. Ralph is a great Dad and can drive just about anything but he prefers it fast.
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Tammy ReardonTammy brings her extended municipal experience and grant writing expertise with a fresh look at new events and park growth. Never backing away from a challenge, Tammy dove into her board position quickly and with intent.
Kevin LindquistLocal business owner and family man, Kevin is the first to jump in to get his hands dirty when digging a hole or filling one in at Harrybrooke. His crew has donated time with masonry and so much more around the park. Kevin prides himself of thinking outside the box, a trait well received on this board.
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The staff
Billy buckbee
Billy is the Executive Director of the park. Event Planning to pavilion booking to museum tours and even grant writing, these are all on Billy's plate. If you're here you'll likely see the beard on the grounds someplace.
Billy is also the state rep for New Milford, and he does look a bit like Santa, doesn't he? Hmmmm.
Billy is also the state rep for New Milford, and he does look a bit like Santa, doesn't he? Hmmmm.
Arielle barker
The park's office manager and Asst. Event Coordinator, Arielle has strong family ties here in New Milford. When not working, she can be found spending as much time as possible with her family, especially her kids.
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craig reardon
Craig is the newest member of the team stepping in to care for the grounds and keep the park safe, clean and frankly, beautiful. He is also a master carpenter so expect to see great things from him ... we do.
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