RSW's Diary Comments

"Painted in 1938. One of my most loved canvases, but one I didn't own long. Painted of Griswold's Sugar House and tall maples from my west bedroom window, directly across the street. Bought at Manchester by Mr. and Mrs. P.H. B. Frelinghuysen of Manchester, Palm Beach and Morristown, N. J."

An old photograph found in a scrapbook
of the four maples and Griswold sugar house

As of November 2022, we know that the Frelinghuysens had purchased as many as 30 other Woodward paintings and chalks.

The Griswold House is a historical landmark across the road from Woodward's Southwick Home & Studio. The place is also known as the 'Mary Lyon' house. The famous educator lived there for many years and started her school for girls in the 3rd floor ballroom where she taught up until her death. Her life's work and dream to start a college for young women would be realized two years after her death with the founding of Mount Holyoke College.

Many of the maples along Upper Street have been cut down in the last decade. Most of them were dying and becoming a hazard. Only one of these trees still stands.

Name on the back of the stretcher

RSW signature from the lower right corner

A closer look at the trees, rock-ledge, and pasture