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One
of the early settlers of New England, Eli Sanford, purchased a tract of land from a
sagamore Mohawk Indian chief.
 Chief Chickens Warrup. The deed of sale was
signed: Chickens X Sagamore. Master Sanford built the inn as a salt box design in 1742. It
is rumored that a ghost from the revolutionary war haunts the building and legend has it
that he built secret rooms as a repository for contraband. In fact, in 1777, Governor
Tryon's troops marched right past the inn, on their way from Westport, to burn supplies in
Danbury. For a short time a boot and shoemaking trade was carried on in part of the inn.
An early contract tells of a young apprentice "who would learn the art or trade of
boot and shoemaking, and at the expiration of his indenture, be presented with a full and
complete suit of apparel, proper for holidays and occasions of worship.
This
inn was purchased 1806. Quote "to all people to whom these presents shall come
greeting: Know ye that I, Eli Sanford for the consideration of eight hundred and twenty
dollars do give,
grant, sell and confirm unto Bradley Burr said parcel of land with
buildings thereon. "Bradley Burr drove the four-horse stage between Redding and
Norwalk "thrice weekly" with passengers and mail. He became a well known
'Celebrity' stage coach driver, dressed picturesquely in a moss green green great cloak
with a red scarf and white stove pipe hat. When not driving, he was granted a license to sell "all sorts of strong drink," and Bradley would entertain his guests in
front of the main fireplace, in the tavern room.
Even though George Washington did not sleep here (he was too busy sleeping everywhere
else), many historical figures have utilized the inn as a regular dining spot. Mark Twain,
a Redding resident, was one of the more familiar customers, with his own 'round table'. In
1924 the guest rooms were converted to provide more dining space and today the layout is
the same, except a complete and major renovation was carried out in 1990 and 1991. Very
popular for weddings, functions and a la carte dining, please feel free to wander the
grounds and look at the rooms.
Voted as
one of the prettiest and finest of New England's Inns, we respectfully dedicate The
Spinning Wheel Inn, to you, our friends.
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