17/05/2023
Nestled on Platt Street in Milford, Connecticut, stands a remarkable house that has become a living testament to the rich tapestry of history. For over a century, this enduring structure has borne witness to a multitude of extraordinary events, its weathered walls holding the secrets of bygone eras.
With a twist of fate, it is revealed that the Platts, original founders of Milford and early relatives of Hollywood actor Ben Affleck, once called this land their own. From their ancestral roots on this very soil, the legacy of the Platts grew, eventually giving rise to the construction of 27 Platt Street, a home steeped in history and woven into the fabric of a nation.
Since its construction in 1921, this sturdy dwelling has weathered the fury of numerous hurricanes that have battered the Connecticut coast. Like a steadfast guardian, it has stood tall against the roaring winds and lashing waves, a symbol of resilience in the face of nature's wrath.
In the depths of Prohibition, this unassuming house harbored a clandestine secret. As moonshine boats discreetly approached Point Beach, just across the street, it played host to a hidden moonshine warehouse. Behind closed doors, whispered conversations and the clinking of glass resonated within its walls, a testament to the era's illicit activities.
But perhaps the most intriguing tale lies within the depths of the house's history, concealed within the shadows of World War II. In a dramatic turn of events, this unassuming abode found itself entangled in international espionage. A N**i spy, seeking to sow discord, had covertly established a broadcasting station within its walls. From atop the house, an antenna clandestinely transmitted sinister messages into the night, only to be discovered and halted by the swift actions of law enforcement. This ordinary house became an unwitting stage for a momentous struggle in the shadows of war.
Yet, amidst the tales of secrecy and turmoil, there are moments of enchantment that grace this remarkable home. Across the bay, on Pond's Point, Theron T. Pond, the founder of Pond's cold cream, owned the entire peninsula and maintained an airstrip for his private flights to and from New York and other business destinations. The soft murmur of planes and the gentle ripple of waves announced his arrivals and departures, as the house bore witness to a man's ambition and the allure of flight.
And there was another unforgettable incident that unfolded in the vicinity. Up the street at the famous Rosa Poli mansion, Hollywood legends Clark Gable and Carole Lombard embarked on a secret weekend love affair. However, their hidden retreat was at risk of being exposed when reporters and Gable's wife, Texas socialite Maria Franklin Prentiss Lucas Langham (nicknamed "Ria"), grew suspicious. Carole Lombard, needing an escape, fled the Poli mansion, wearing only a sc****ly clad nightgown concealed beneath a luxurious fur coat. She hurriedly sought refuge at 27 Platt Street, desperate to use a phone and call for her driver. Within those walls, she found solace and made the necessary arrangements, awaiting her driver's arrival.
As time marches forward, this house on Platt Street remains a steadfast guardian of history. Its weathered façade tells tales of hurricanes conquered, prohibition's forbidden whispers, wartime espionage thwarted, the elegance of aviation, and even the hidden dramas of Hollywood's elite. It stands as a living embodiment of the people and events that have shaped Milford, Connecticut, leaving an indelible mark on the town's collective memory.
Today, visitors can stroll past this house, its secrets only hinted at by the subtle echoes of the past. It remains a silent observer, its walls infused with the spirit of the extraordinary stories it has housed. Platt Street's resilient dwelling, steeped in history, stands as a testament to the enduring power of the past and a gateway to the untold tales that await discovery.
- Beachfront, Pet Friendly Home