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A Gift of Time A 19th Century French Porcelain Mantel Clock once owned by Jessica Stewart Swift has been gifted to the Middlebury Community House. The story states that Emma Battell Stewart once owned the French Porcelain clock and gave it to her daughter Jessica. Wanting to keep the clock in the family Jessica gave it to her grandnephew, Walter Swift and family. In the 1990’s the Swift family had the clock converted to use a modern battery operation due to their concern that the metal was starting to crack the decorative porcelain case. Wisely they saved all the original clock works so it can be converted back if desired. Laurel and her brother Jim Swift, are donating their families clock to the Community House in honor of their brother Bill. This wonderful gift as well as other period items can be viewed at the Middlebury Community House on Main Street in Middlebury by calling for an appointment (388-2071) or by chance. In 1816, Horatio Seymour built a stately post-federal style home for his family. Four important Middlebury families; the Seymour’s, Battell’s, Stewart’s and Swift’s have connections to the house. In 1932 the house was given to the people of Middlebury and vicinity by Mr. Seymour’s great grandchildren Philip B. Stewart and Jessica S. Swift to be used by the community as a gathering place. The Middlebury Community House has an active organization that helps fund renovations to the lovely historic home called Partners for the Middlebury Community House. We invite you to join and assist with supporting this community owned property. Learn more at www.middleburycommunityhouse.org