The Edward Waldo Homestead is a vernacular saltbox house on Waldo Road in Scotland. It was built in 1715 by Edward Waldo, on land along the Shetucket River he had purchased in 1702. The house, which later had two wings added, remained in the Waldo family until 1971. Daniel Waldo, who was born in the house in 1762, served as Chaplain of the House of Representatives from 1856 until his death in 1864. Also born in the house was Samuel Lovett Waldo (1783-1861), portraitist, art critic and a founder member of the National Academy of Design. When its last owner, Ruth Waldo, died in 1975, she bequeathed the house to the Antiquarian & Landmarks Society and the surrounding fields to the Connecticut Forest and Park Association. The house is now a museum operated by the Scotland Historical Society. Each year, the surrounding fields host the Scotland Connecticut Highland Games.
The Waldo House looks great. This was my ancestor’s house. My mother’s maiden name was Waldo. My family would spend time here with “Aunt Ruth” in the ’60’s, staying the guest house or camping on the brook. Would love, someday, to come see it again.
Edward Waldo was my 6th great grandfather. His son John grew up in this house then moved my branch to Western Virginia (now WV) in the 1790’s. Edward’s grandfather’s house (Cornelius) still stands in Ipswich MA.
Edward Waldo was my 7th Great Grandfather. His Grandson, also Edward, and my 5th Great Grandfather, fought in the revolutionary war (Bunker Hill, Ticonderoga, Bennington).
Yet another “me too”… Edward Waldo was my 6th great grandfather. My 4th GGF – Zacheus – was part of the Connecticut force besieging the British first in Boston ( two periods of enlistment) and later in Rhode Island ( three periods of enlistment) to prevent British raids or a major breakout from Newport.
Edward Waldo is my 6th Great Grandfather! I would love to see this homestead one day. How beautiful that it is still standing. I was very surprised and proud to know that I, too, hail from such a strong and brave man.