The Lieutenant River

The Griswold property is bordered to the west by the Lieutenant River, a 4-1/2 mile long waterway that meanders through the village of Old Lyme. The Lieutentant River joins the larger Connecticut River (the longest river in New England) just before it empties into Long Island Sound. A tidal river, the Lieutenant River is in constant flux. The tide brings water northward, filling the small river to capacity and flooding the grassy marshes along its banks. Six hours later, the tide retreats and the brackish mixture of salt and fresh water flows out towards the sea, leaving behind the rich muddy banks.

Historically, the river was used to harvest and transport salt hay, a product of the marsh that was used for livestock bedding and later for fertilizer. It also hosted a variety of wharves used for shipbuilding and other industries. Today, it is mostly natural, with limited numbers of private docks invading its borders.

“Three old rowboats were lying near the homemade wharf. Across the square stern of the smallest was painted its name: ‘The Smallpox.’ Another, painted red, was called ‘The Scarlet Fever,’ and the third was christened ‘Prickly Heat.’”

~ Artist and Author Arthur Heming, Miss Florence
and the Artists of Old Lyme, c. 1938

The river was both a playground and painting subject for the artists. Using Miss Florence’s disheveled fleet of rowboats or a borrowed canoe, the artists would investigate the river and the maze of waterways in the marsh on the far side of the river. Once back on land, the ever-changing light upon the river and the myriad of greens in the marsh grass captured their artistic imaginations.

Learn more about the outside of the Griswold boardinghouse by clicking the choices below:

• Overview
• The Griswold House
• Side Porch
• Gardens
• Lieutenant River
• Chadwick Studio