151 Boston Post Rd Madison, CT 06443

Own a piece of history! Never available before and built in 1874 the East River Reading Room, home of the East River Library Company & it's 1,500 or so books. Their articles of incorporation called for "the mental and moral improvement of it's members, by means of books, magazines, periodicals, papers, with exhibitions, readings, recitations, music and lectures". It was the social hub for the people of the East River section of Madison for almost 100 years; where plays were put on, holiday parties given, even the Yale Glee Club as entertainment. Fund raisers include ten-cent dinners. One of the last regulars uses was the Sunshine Society, founded by 3 women to bring sunshine into the lives of people that needed it. The 1,530 sq ft building contains a stage and hall originally for meetings and regular orchestra practice along with a kitchen/prep room in the back as well as an indoor outhouse! Separate front foyer, wood floors, tall cathedral ceiling, more bookshelves than you would ever use & full basement with concrete floor completes the picture. The property is currently residential zoned with several permitted uses with a zoning permit required including customary home occupation & family day care home. By special exception both clubs & non-profit organizations are possible. There will be some deed restrictions to protect this historically significant structure, specifically to portions of the exterior closest to the road. Photos courtesy of the Madison Historical Society.