THE HISTORY OF
COTTAGE FARM
Once known as Blythewood Farm, this notable summer "cottage" set on the shores of Onota Lake in Pittsfield, Massachusetts was once a grand estate that included outbuildings, laundry facilities, servants quarters, a superintendent's residence, two barns, two farmhouses, a dairy house and coach house, wood house, gate house, greenhouse, formal gardens, orchards and even a gardener's residence. The original estate had 12 bedrooms, 7 bathrooms, electric lights and boasted a unique contemporary style. All that remains of it today is the Superintendent's House (now Guest Cottage), Ice House and Wood Shed, as well as the original Farm Barn and the cascading orchards as you enter the property.
FROM SUMMER COTTAGE;
TO COTTAGE FARM
EARLY BEGINNINGS
The history of Cottage Farm of the Berkshires, once known as Blythewood Farm, traces back to the late 19th century to one man; Wirt Dexter Walker. In 1888, Walker, a prominent Chicago lawyer and figure at the time, purchased a substantial tract of land in Berkshire County. This purchase was motivated by Walker’s hope that a residence in the serene and healthful Berkshire environment would improve his health.
THE CONSTRUCTION OF BLYTHEWOOD
To realize his vision, Walker commissioned local architect H. Neill Wilson to design a grand summer cottage. Completed in 1890, Blythewood was envisioned as a luxurious retreat, nestled on 450 acres of picturesque Berkshire landscape. The design embodied the opulence and tranquility sought by many wealthy individuals seeking refuge and respite from the bustling city life.
A TRAGIC TURN
Unfortunately, Walker’s dream was cut short when his failing health rapidly declined. Walker passed away just short of a year after Blythewood’s completion. With no children to inherit his estate, the future of Blythewood hung in the balance. The estate was inherited by Walker’s wife, who was left with a substantial annual inheritance of $15,000 and the sprawling property. Despite the tragic turn of events, Blythewood’s story continued to captivate the public.
OWNERSHIP CHANGES
The estate's ownership became a topic of interest as Walker’s widow prepared to marry Victor Elting, a prominent lawyer. Rumor has it Walker denied his widow the right to ownership if she were to remarry. Speculation regarding her financial future and the fate of Blythewood was widely reported in the local newspapers. Despite the uncertainties, she retained her income and the estate. Following her death, the property was acquired by the Wirt D. Dexter Art Gallery in Chicago. However, in 1905, the trustees of the gallery decided to sell Blythewood to John Alden Spoor, a Chicago tycoon and chairman of the board of the Union Stockyards and Transit Company. Spoor’s acquisition marked a new chapter for the estate.
THE LATER YEARS AND TRANSFORMATION
Under Spoor’s ownership, Blythewood continued to be a notable property. However, in 1924, two years before Spoor’s death, the estate was sold to a group of local investors. The new owners, Ralph O'Connell and Arthur Johnson recognized the estate’s potential beyond its original purpose and sought to repurpose the property into a dairy farm. They owned and operated a successful business for many years while also jointly utilizing the property for their homes and families. (Berkshire Republican, 1944 courtesy of the Berkshire Atheneum).
A NEW ERA; RENAMING AND LEGACY
In the ensuing years, Blythewood underwent many significant changes. Many of the acres were sold off and developed along the shoreline. Prior to its current ownership, the property was known as Blythewood Stables, a cherished local horse farm and riding club. However, in the year 2020 amidst the global pandemic, its new owners purchased the property, renovated it to be a wedding and event venue while aptly naming it Cottage Farm; this name reflects a new era and purpose while paying homage to the properties time-honored past.
Today, Cottage Farm of the Berkshires stands as a testament to the region’s rich history, the resilience of its community and its evolution from a private summer retreat to a cherished local landmark. The estate’s storied past, from its inception by Wirt Dexter Walker to its transformation into Cottage Farm, highlights the enduring allure of the Berkshires and the significant figures who helped shaped its legacy.
John A. Spoor was the first president of the International Live Stock Exposition (1900-1908), and thereafter, its chairman for several years. Photo courtesy Saddle and Sirloin Portrait Foundation.
H. Neill Wilson, local architect built the grand summer cottage that later burned down. (Born 1855- Died 1926) via Wikipedia
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Wirt Dexter Walker, owner of Blythewood Farms Summer Cottage (Born 1860- Died 1899) via Wikipedia
The original Farm Barn #1 that remains on the property today and is used for additional storage facilities. Today it houses solar panels to provide electricity to the property.
The Superintendent's House, Ice House and Wood Shed. Portions that remain on the property today and updated as our Guest Cottage, Ice House and Storage Barn.
Cottage Farm has served as a sanctuary for those seeking to escape the chaos of urban life since its beginning. For more than 120 years, its serene landscape and peaceful surroundings have provided a comforting retreat.
On February 1, 1936, a significant fire broke out at Blythewood Farm, located on West Street. A towering 20,000-gallon water tank, standing 60 feet tall, collapsed into a blazing cottage, which was engulfed in flames. Firefighters arrived to find the cottage fully ablaze, and while they successfully extinguished the fire, it spread to the main residence, causing approximately $10,000 in damages. The collapse of the water tower cut off the estate's water supply, forcing the caretakers to transport water from Onota Lake for the property's 100 cattle and other needs until alternative arrangements could be established.
BACKGROUND OF THE SPOOR ESTATE
Blythewood was owned by Ralph M. O’Connell and A. C. Johnson, who had purchased the property several years earlier from the heirs of John A. Spoor, a former wealthy resident of both New York and Pittsfield. At the time of the fire, the O’Connell family, who lived on East Housatonic Street, occupied the section of the house that was most at risk. The Johnson family, including son Arthur and daughter Ruth, resided in the southern part of the residence and were forced to evacuate as smoke filled their living quarters.
DETAILS OF THE FIRE
The fire originated in a two-story, four-room cottage that had previously served as a laundry facility. It was occupied by caretaker James T. Woodin and his wife, who was visiting their daughter when the fire started. Upon discovering the blaze, Mr. Woodin realized it had already gained significant momentum. After quickly dressing, he alerted the Johnsons, who promptly called the fire department. Fire crews, led by Chief Thomas F. Burke and Assistant Chief Alexander E. Colin, responded with four pieces of apparatus. The strong winds at the time posed a serious challenge, sending embers towards the main house and threatening further damage. Without a nearby hydrant, firefighters had to transport water from a source a mile away, which resulted in complications as hoses froze during the trips.
EFFORTS TO SAVE THE MAIN HOUSE
As the firefighters directed water onto the main residence, they encountered intense heat that caused clouds of steam to rise. The crew quickly ascended to the roof, battling flames and preventing additional outbreaks. Due to the burst pipes from the water tower, their focus remained on safeguarding the main building. Despite the obstacles, including frozen hoses and limited water supply, the fire was brought under control by 5 PM. Firefighters remained on the scene until 7:15 PM to ensure all hazards had been eliminated.
ACQUISITION HISTORY OF THE PROPERTY
Blythewood Farm originally comprised 454 acres and had been purchased in 1927 for $140,000 by a local association led by former Mayor Charles W. Power. In 1929, O’Connell and Johnson acquired the main buildings and over 200 acres of land from this estate.
In the aftermath of the fire, plans were initiated to replace the water tank promptly, though the damaged cottage would not be rebuilt. The financial loss was partially covered by insurance, and the estate moved forward with necessary repairs and improvements.
*This information has been gathered and paraphrased from an article written in the Berkshire Eagle, (February 1st, 1936). Original reporter unknown
THE 1936 GREAT BLAZE OF BLYTHEWOOD