Lockwood-Mathews Mansion: High Tech for the Civil War Era

The Lockwood-Mathews Mansion Museum kicks off its 45th season on April 8 with an exhibit featuring Civil War era objects. "Mansion Fragments: Innovations in Architecture, Design, and Technology from the Civil War Era," draws from the museum’s collection and highlights technology from about the time of the Civil War.

The mansion itself serves as an example of construction technology that was innovative in that time. Gas lighting, indoor plumbing with running hot and cold water, a ventilation system and even an early burglar alarm system showcase the dawn of the Industrial Age. 

“The beauty of the exhibit is in the eye of the beholder," said Stacey Danielson, the curator of the exhibit. She said it has a good number of unique and interesting objects. "There's design, architecture and technology that come together.” She said the exhibit shocases many unique and interesting objects, many of which were innovations not available in most American households at the time.

“The technology in the Mansion is really important—things like the faucets and sinks represent the tie to indoor plumbing which was new in this time period,” said Susan Gilgore, deputy director of the museum.

“Indoor plumbing gas lighting and the central heating system are technologies that were not present in households during the Civil War. Even the President Abraham Lincoln did not have some of these technologies in his own house,” she said.

Fans of the television series Wild, Wild, West may recall that show presenting technological innovation as widespread, but the reality was that the average person living at that time rarely had access to it. The Lockwood-Mathews Mansion was unique and pioneering for its time.

In addition to the objects, the Mansion's ties to Civil War history include LeGrand Lockwood himself.

According to Gilgore, Lockwood travelled extensively to Europe at the begining of the war. The Mansion docents say he sold war bonds to aid President Lincoln during the conflict. Norwalk itself played a role in the war as a provisioner of the , worn by union soldiers.

 The objects and architectural elements in this exhibit, according the Gilgore, have never been seen by the public and will be shown for the first time when the museum reopens for the season on April 8.

The museum is also celebrating its season opening with an evening cocktail reception marking the 40th  anniversary that the mansion has been registered as a National Historic Landmark. The reception is from 7-9 p.m. on April 8 and is open to both members and the public at large.

 “To be designated a National Historic Landmark implies exceptional value of the site to the nation,” said Sheldon R. Gerarden, LMMM President and Executive Director. “At this time we celebrate this treasure of excellence with 40 years of outstanding stewardship and enthusiastic visitor experience.”