Born in Stonington, John Breed (1752-1803) later settled in Colchester, where he married Lucy Bulkeley (born 1749) on 13 May 1773. He purchased land on Town Street (now South Main Street), then the main road between between New London and Hartford, and built a tavern in 1777. It had a large ballroom that extended the entire width of the house on the third floor. The Wooster Lodge of Masons met at the tavern between 1789 and 1801. Breed was also a gold and silversmith. After Breed died, his widow continued to operate the tavern until her own death in 1821. It was then purchased to become the residence of Elisha Avery, a wealthy Groton merchant and manufacturer. He died a year after buying the house (208 South Main Street), but it remained in his family for many generations. There is an old English Bank type barn on the property.
I am the current owner of this home. The ballroom with its arched ceiling, is still here. We have kept it in good repair, along with the wide plank flooring. Also, this home originally had a center chimney, which is evident in the basement and attic. It’s likely that Mr Avery made this change when he purchased this home for his person residence. This home is simply magical …warm and cozy, and will likely stay in MY family for many generations to come. 🙂