The Ida Tarbell House in Easton, Connecticut is a charming piece of American history nestled on Valley Road. This simple white farmhouse, nicknamed “Twin Oaks,” became home to one of America’s most influential journalists in 1906. You’ll feel a connection to history when you visit the place where Tarbell crafted her writings after her groundbreaking exposé on Standard Oil Company.
When you visit this historic site, you’ll be standing where a pioneering female investigative journalist lived and worked for nearly four decades until her death in 1944. The house, purchased with proceeds from Tarbell’s famous work, features a first-floor study where she wrote daily. The property became a family gathering place and a peaceful retreat from her demanding career as a “muckraker” who changed American journalism forever.
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Bradley-Hubbell House
The Bradley-Hubbell House stands as a treasure of Easton’s history. Built in 1816, this charming homestead remained with the original family for over 100 years and perfectly represents the subsistence farms that defined Easton during the 19th century.
In 1917, the Hubbell family moved into the house during what’s known as “the reservoir age.” Franklin Hubbell worked for Bridgeport Hydraulic Company and planted the pine trees surrounding the Aspetuck Reservoir. He also grew apple orchards and sold his produce nearby.
The property continues to undergo restoration as funds become available. A major project is underway for the barn on the property. In 2012, a flax garden was established to demonstrate how early residents grew plants for thread, then made the thread and wove it into garments.
When you visit, you’ll also see the charming 1920s Children’s Playhouse. Built for girls to play with dolls, have tea, and read books, it adds to the historical charm of this well-preserved homestead.
Rating: 5.0 (3 reviews)
Location: 535 Black Rock Tpke, Easton, CT 06612
Contact: (203) 261-2090
Website: Visit Website
Historical Significance
The Ida Tarbell House stands as a remarkable testament to one of America’s most influential journalists. This simple farmhouse on Valley Road became a place of incredible productivity and family gathering after Tarbell purchased it in 1906.
Ida Tarbell: Pioneer of Investigative Journalism
Ida Tarbell (1857-1944) revolutionized American journalism with her meticulous research and fearless reporting. Her most famous work, “The History of the Standard Oil Company,” exposed monopolistic practices and helped change business regulations in America. This groundbreaking two-volume investigation was so successful that it provided Tarbell with enough royalties to purchase her Easton home.
When you visit the house, you’ll be walking in the footsteps of a woman who fundamentally changed how journalists approach corporate power. Her work earned her recognition as a leading “muckraker,” a term for journalists who exposed corruption and wrongdoing. The impact of her writing was so significant that the house was declared a National Historic Landmark in 1993.
Role of the House in Tarbell’s Life
Known affectionately as “Twin Oaks,” this farmhouse became Tarbell’s sanctuary from 1906 until her death in 1944. When you explore the property, you’ll see the first-floor study where she wrote most of her later works.
After purchasing the house with proceeds from her Standard Oil exposé, Tarbell transformed it into the central gathering place for her family, especially after her father’s death. Here, she continued her prolific writing career while enjoying the peace of Connecticut countryside.
The house represents an important chapter in journalism history. When walking through its rooms, you’re experiencing the environment where Tarbell upheld her commitment to “afflict the comfortable and comfort the afflicted” – a journalistic principle she embodied throughout her career.
Architectural Features
The Ida Tarbell House showcases classic New England farmhouse design with its simple yet functional features. The historic property, known as “Twin Oaks,” reveals much about both rural Connecticut architecture and the lifestyle of one of America’s most influential journalists.
Overview of Architectural Style
The Tarbell House is a two-story, gable-roofed structure with traditional wood-frame construction and clapboard siding. When you visit, you’ll notice how the house sits comfortably on its stone foundation, embodying the practical, unpretentious style typical of Connecticut farmhouses from this period.
The interior features a first-floor study where Tarbell completed most of her writing after 1906. This room likely holds the most historical significance as it’s where she continued her influential work after her exposé on Standard Oil made her famous.
The property earned its nickname “Twin Oaks” from the surrounding landscape, connecting the home to its natural setting. This simple farmhouse represents both architectural practicality and the quiet retreat Tarbell sought for her writing life.
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