Bethel Museum Opening and Premiere Film Honoring Stony Hill Inn

Report and Photography by Paula Antolini

See more photos here: picturesbypaula.com

Over 125 people attended the Bethel Historical Society's 2014 Bethel Museum Opening on Saturday, April 26, 2014, which included the Premiere of the film "And the Swans Still Swim…The Story of the Stony Hill Inn." The event took place from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at 40 Main Street, Bethel CT, in the 1842 Second Meeting House, home of the Bethel Historical Society and the Bethel Museum.

It was a gathering like no other, of old friends and acquaintances in Bethel, and others, who came to remember the yesterdays and view this film.

Film maker Marc Moorash of Seraphemera Books, worked for months along with Bethel Historical Society President Pat Rist, and more volunteers, to create an historical account of the history of the Stony Hill Inn through an in-depth interview with owner Gene Rubino, who was also present at the premier.  Numerous documents, photos and videos, all had to be organized into one lovingly created 35 minute package.   Special music was written and performed in the film by talented local artist Lys Guillorn, including one piece entitled "There's a Photograph."

The audience chatted as they anxiously awaited the film's start. The 1842 Second Meeting House was transformed into a mini old-time movie theater complete with fresh popcorn, vintage movie visuals on the screen, reproduced vintage menus, table cards and posters from the long ago era.

The film opened with swans swimming in the Stony Hill Inn pond (of course) and slowly revealed the early beginnings of what was to become a family restaurant and catering business for decades, but it was more than that.  It was a place where memories would be made for years to come, including weddings, other celebrations, and also large gatherings for the Rubino family too.

Many historical facts were revealed in the film.  Rubino stated that in 1944 "I got a letter from my brother saying we bought Hugo's Acres," and that began the journey of what was to eventually become The Stony Hill Inn.  He said he was on furlough from the military service, and his brother picked him up in Stamford CT and drove him out to see the newly purchased property. "We got to Triangle Street and started down the hill, I don't think I saw three buildings," Rubino said, then once they arrived he said, "What the h#@% did you do?"

The Inn was opened in 1945 and eventually they added 12 rooms and charged $7.00 per night. A year later they needed another 10 rooms, Rubino said, plus a service room for snacks, laundry etc.  "There was a back room with a coke machine with crates for bottles to get a nickel back," he said.

In 1964 they concentrated more on the restaurant after his brother got out of the service, Rubino said, and they put in a new kitchen with a dishwasher and his mother and one brother did all the cooking, Gene Rubino handled the bar, and his dad took care of the land, eventually buying more land, a total of 28 acres. The Rubino children ran free on the property that contained ponies, chickens, and blueberry bushes, he said.

In 1965 there was a major renovation of the addition of a cocktail lounge, the Chestnut Room, added to the banquet room, said Rubino.  "When we reopened after being closed for five days there was a line, people could not believe how gorgeous it was," said Rubino.

The film went on to show just how many various celebrations were held at the Inn, many documented in local publications, along with numerous thank you notes written, which were read aloud in different voices in the film. Audience members sat attentively, watched the film, and remembered.

Musician Lys Guillorn brought her 99 year old grandmother, Anna Odice, to the film premier. Odice, born and raised in Bridgeport, had celebrated her 50th wedding anniversary at the Stony Hill Inn in 1985  (and appeared in the film several times too).  Odice remembered those days well.  She said "Everybody had a good time.  My husband and I were dancing, not good, but we were dancing. We stepped on each other's feet.  We did the Waltz.  We tried the Foxtrot. We stepped on each other's feet again but we had a good time." She also remembered, "We had a wedding cake with the couple on the top."  She said she had attended other weddings there too. "It was a buffet. Whatever it was, it was good."

The Stony Hill Inn was recently torn down to make way for a new development that will include a variety of uses including town homes, an assisted living facility, and a 46,000-square-foot retail center. 

Moorash thanked many individuals after the film ended, and Rist and Rubino also said a few words to thank everyone.  Many Rubino family members were also present. Then all the hugs, and smiles, and tears of joy, came.  Needless to say, much applause and rave reviews too.  A labor of love that accomplished what it set out to do, to bring back the memories and hold on to them too.  

Refreshments of wine, soft drinks and hors d'oeuvres were served afterwards, chosen to recreate the food and drink that would have been served at the Stony Hill In, such as banana bread pudding and parfait, made by Ava Dawn Heydt, and other delicacies.

There are many more individuals who contributed to the making of this film, all listed in the film credits.  Other volunteers and Bethel Historical Society members also helped to make this day unforgettable. I believe the film will be made available for viewing online, check with the Bethel Historical Society or Seraphemera Books, and be sure to view it!

A gathering of people who loved a place that once was, and of those who want to never forget those good times.  Only in Bethel can you have such a sweet event, all made possible by this touching project.

*****

For more information:

http://www.bethelhistoricalsociety.com/

http://www.1842secondmeetinghouse.org/Home.html

http://www.seraphemera.org/seraphemera_books/Home.html