Stafford Springs in Capitol Region, Connecticut — The American Northeast (New England)

Hyde Park

Woodlawn, the former estate of Julius Converse

— Est. 1911 —

Hyde Park Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, September 30, 2024

1. Hyde Park Marker

Inscription. Hyde Park includes 150 acres nestled in the downtown area on the south side of the Middle River. In 1897, Stafford native Isaac Perkins Hyde, owner of Hyde Manufacturing in Southbridge, Massachusetts, bequeathed funds to the Town of Stafford to purchase land for a public park. Named Hyde Park, the park was to be maintained in perpetuity for the residents of Stafford. In 1911, the trustees of the fund chose the estate of Julius Converse, owner of the Mineral Springs Manufacturing Company, the Springs House and the Mineral Springs to establish Hyde Park.

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Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1911.

Location. 41° 57.161′ N, 72° 18.343′ W. Marker is in Stafford in Capitol Region, Connecticut. It is in Stafford Springs. It can be reached from Hyde Park Road south of Spring Street, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Stafford Springs CT 06076, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally,

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this marker is in the American Northeast

and in New England.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once Tolland County

and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Stafford Soldiers Monument (a few steps from this marker); The Stafford Historical Society Museum (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Attilio R. “Pop” Frassinelli (about 400 feet away); Stafford (approx. 0.2 miles away); Stafford Monument of Honor 20th Century (approx. 0.7 miles away); Stafford Wall of Honor 20th Century (approx. 0.7 miles away); Willington (approx. 4.9 miles away); This Edifice (approx. 5.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Stafford.

Regarding Hyde Park. From the Stafford Historical Society:

Woodlawn Mansion stood above Hyde Park, where the empty Witt School stands now. It was built in 1871-2 by Julius Converse, one of the industrial leaders in town and owner of Mineral Springs Manufacturing
Photographed by Duane and Tracy Marsteller, September 30, 2024

2. Hyde Park Marker
Co. Italianate in style with a mansard roof, the house had three stories, terraced gardens, matching stable and an interior marble staircase. Following Mr. Converse's death in 1892, the home stood empty and several years later the town purchased it, although no maintenance was done to it. The furnishings were plundered and the house fell into disrepair. In 1929, the town decided to sell it to someone who would take the building down. However, an arsonist changed the plans when they set a fire within hours of the building being sold.

Woodlawn Estate image. Click for full size.

Unknown; via explorestaffordct.com (Public Domain)

3. Woodlawn Estate

The mansion (right) was occupied for just 20 of its 57 years in existence.

Credits. This page was last revised on May 19, 2026. It was originally submitted on November 2, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 167 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 2, 2024, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.