History

The Joseph Teel House, on the Chelsea Parade Green in Norwich, is a three-story brick Federal-style mansion with a hip roof, built from 1789-90. It was originally built by Joseph Teel to be a tavern and inn: At the Sign of General Washington. The house was noted for its fine assembly room where shows were held, balls were enjoyed, and various clubs held their respective meetings.

After Mr. Teel’s death, the hotel was continued by Mr. Teel’s son-in-law, Cyrus Bramin. It was offered for sale in 1797 and in 1800 was transformed into a boarding school. The school was run by William Woodbridge, after which it became the private home of General William Williams. He donated seven and a half acres to the Norwich Free Academy and his wife, Harriet Peck Williams, founded the Peck Library at the Academy in 1859 (in honor of her father, Capt. Bela Peck of the Continental Army) and the Williams School in New London.

The house next served as the parsonage of the Park Congregational Church and then the Norwich Free Academy headmaster’s house. Today, the house is maintained by Dr. Shari Savoy and is open to rent.