In 2008, Scott Herrick donated this portrait of his mother to the Ridgefield Historical Society. For nearly a decade, it was displayed at the historic Lounsbury House. When the Lounsbury House was renovated, the portrait was moved to Town Hall, where it has been displayed on a wall outside the office of First Selectman, Rudy Marconi. It remains there today, but will be coming downstairs this year — for a brief jaunt — to join the Town Hall Gilded Age Exhibit.
About the Subject, Lois Hall
Lois Hall was born in 1892 to a wealthy and well known New York family. As a young woman she had her portrait painted around the time she was “coming out” in New York society. Shortly after WW I, Lois’ father, Bolton Hall, purchased a home on High Ridge from the estate of Helen Minturn Post.
After extensive renovations and additions he gave the house, Grey Shingles (77 High Ridge Avenue), to his daughter, Lois, and her new husband, Gerardus Herrick, as a wedding present. For over 60 years the Herricks and their two children, Scott and Susan, spent their summers in Ridgefield and winters in their New York City apartment.
Lois was a member and officer in the Ridgefield Garden Club and in 1936, she sailed to Paris on the Normandy to be a representative at the international convention of Garden Clubs.
About the Subject’s Husband, Gerardus Herrick
While you’re in Town Hall seeing Lois Herrick, be sure to stop in the Town Clerk’s office to learn a little bit about her husband’s pursuits. Not one to rest on his laurels, Gerardus Herrick was busy inventing the Convertoplane, a flying aircraft which could achieve the speed of an airplane, along with the ability to take off and land in small spaces. A convertoplane wing, also from the collection of the Ridgefield Historical Society, hangs prominently in the Town Clerk’s office. Come take a look!
