Pawcatuck Families and Famed Eastlake Victorian the Subject of Teen's First Book

Lots of people have an interest in the area’s history and unique features like the old houses. Few people, however, take it upon themselves to write a book about local history and even fewer 14-year-olds embark on such a project. But that’s exactly what Connor Beverly, of Pawcatuck, did. 

Connor recently published “On the Corner of William and West Broad” which is a book filled with pictures, letters and history of the six families who have resided at 140 West Broad Street since it was built in 1887.  

The book is about 110 pages and Connor, who says he’s a collector of all things Pawcatuck, said the book got its start as a package of letters and photo negatives he bought off eBay. The package used to be that of Sally Frankenstein, an original resident of the house, and contained letters she had written about life in Pawcatuck as she grew up there. 

“It’s very rare that people come across these things,” he said of the package was still bound in string likely tied by Sally herself when it arrived. 

The book takes a reader on a journey back in time when Pawcatuck’s post office was in Westerly and there was nothing but a big, long field (Moss Farm) between Pawcatuck and Stonington Borough. 

At first, Connor said he wasn’t going to go public with his newfound treasure out of respect for the family’s privacy and because, “people would kill for this stuff.” But, fate intervened. When Connor transferred from St. Michael’s School to Fishers Island High School he was introduced to Grace Timmons, a schoolmate and resident of 140 West Broad. 

“I was dying to come into this house for a long time,” said Connor, who has since turned 15-years-old since the project began. And after befriending Grace and the Timmons family, Connor was welcomed into house he knew so well. 

The book is as much about the house as the families who lived in it. Connor uses the house, which was designed by Charles Eastlake, a famed British architect and furniture designer known for his decorative elements, and its many renovations or restorations as a vehicle to introduce its caretakers and local history. 

Connor says it has always been a dream of his to write a book although he didn’t really imagine he could cross that off the list so soon. “On the Corner of William and West Broad” is self-published and available to order through Connor. People interested in the book can find out more information on the book’s Facebook page.