Manchester (1)
Hart Porter Homestead/Outbuilding
465 Porter Street
I’ve no information on this stop along the Underground Railroad. But I can verify that the whole family drove by it with me after a visit to an in-town children’s museum. This is located in the nicest part of Manchester, that’s for sure.
The house from the back. Trust me.
Update! From the newly revamped CT Freedom Trail (as of February 2011) website:
Hart Porter built this home between 1840 and 1845. According to oral tradition, the outbuilding was used as a hiding place for fugitives escaping on the Underground Railroad. There is a full basement in the small building that is accessible only through a trap door. Although Manchester is not generally recognized as being on an Underground Railroad route, there is some evidence of abolitionist activity. The Methodist Church hosted anti-slavery meetings and the pastor often preached abolitionist messages. Frederick Douglass spoke in the church at an anti-slavery convention in 1843. Porter was married in the church by an abolitionist pastor, which could indicate abolitionist sentiments. This home is privately owned and not open to the public.
Aw, c’mon, when did Highland Park become the nicest section of Manchester? It’s just the part that’s desperately trying to be Case Mountain or South Manchester. Know thy former town! :)
In any case: Growing up in town, the extent of our Hart Porter/Underground Railroad education was a coloring sheet we got out of the house in 3rd or 4th grade. I made mine plum purple. It was in a town history packet with George Washington (noted for his extensive Manchester sleeping and eating) and an “Indian princess” to color. So we’re all pretty much expert historians now.
Comment #1 on 06.15.11 at 1:51 pmI am the owner of the Hart Porter Home and would like to hear from you
Comment #2 on 07.07.11 at 1:14 pmMy Grandmother own this home from 1936 to 1977. I have fond memories at 465 Porter Street.I have a painting of it By Dr. Lundberg the house and the barn.Yes the stories are true about hiding slaves.My father had one of the outbuildings move to his home in 1958 and is still there on Tanner Street.
Comment #3 on 07.17.11 at 11:56 am