The Bennett, Keeman, Starkey Home (HOM.5)

Photo and text about the home of the Bennett, Keeman and Starkey families

The Bennett, Keeman, Starkey Home on Reach Road

Digital images donated by Diana Marston Wood, Sylvia Wardwell, Pam Simmons and Ed Chapin

This is an early photo of the Starkey home. It is believed that the left section of the building was built by Wyer G. Sargent in 1847 and used as a meeting room, called Rio Hall, for the Sons of Temperance Rio Grande Division No. 63.  It is also said that Andrew Cooper had a blacksmith shop on the first floor and that at least a portion of this house was moved here from Lazy Corner.

This is an early photo of the Starkey home. It is believed that the left section of the building was built by Wyer G. Sargent in 1847 and used as a meeting room, called Rio Hall, for the Sons of Temperance Rio Grande Division No. 63.  It is also said that Andrew Cooper had a blacksmith shop on the first floor and that at least a portion of this house was moved here from Lazy Corner.

This is the house when it was owned by Captain John and Clara “Cad” Bennett. They called it The Ledges.  Later it was owned by Ethel (1911-1996) and Harold Keeman who renamed it Rock Hill and ran it as an inn.

This is the house when it was owned by Captain John and Clara “Cad” Bennett. They called it The Ledges.  Later it was owned by Ethel (1911-1996) and Harold Keeman who renamed it Rock Hill and ran it as an inn.

Rock Hill on Route 172

Rock Hill on Route 172

Rock Hill on Route 172

Rock Hill on Route 172

Rock Hill on Route 172  Ethel and Harold Keeman   Telephone Elgin 7-8882.

Rock Hill on Route 172  Ethel and Harold Keeman   Telephone Elgin 7-8882.

Today this lovely home is owned by Robert and Rada Starkey who have made many improvements while maintaining the historic design.

Today this lovely home is owned by Robert and Rada Starkey who have made many improvements while maintaining the historic design.

A long-distance view of Rock Hill ( second house from the left) before Lydia Gower converted her barn to a residence. In the mid-foreground is the “powder house” on Shore Road where dynamite and other explosives were stored.

A long-distance view of Rock Hill ( second house from the left) before Lydia Gower converted her barn to a residence. In the mid-foreground is the “powder house” on Shore Road where dynamite and other explosives were stored.