1916
Squirrel Inn
15
Walk through the Greenhouse towards the back left corner where you will walk towards a driveway. Just beyond the Oakwell property line is a private residence known as "Squirrel Inn". Look up the driveway, as this is a private residence, to view the structure that the Bodine family built as a dormitory for the women who attended Eleanor Bodine's Gardening and Horticultural Training Program. The dormitory was in close proximity to the greenhouse complex and, like Acorn Cottage, it is tucked behind the trees which creates a cozy, country aesthetic.
Squirrel Inn, as cheekily named by Training Program students, was built in 1916 by J.A.P. Crisfield Engineer & Gray Brothers. It is a wooden building with a façade that is both stone and wood siding. On the second story is a gabled balcony that is evocative of a Swiss chalet. There are three tall chimneys that seem more Tudor in style with Queen Anne trim.
The attached structure on the right side of the residence was a two-story shed, some of which has since been enclosed.
The only name to be found that was associated with Eleanor Bodine's training program is that of Wilhemna Josopait, who traveled from Wellesley College and spent time on the Bodines property. It is possible that she stayed here.
From the Squirrel Inn, we will tour the rear of the property (east) and turn up the south side of the Oakwell property. As you follow the road, notice the champion red oak and tulip tree mentioned earlier on the tour. Turn west toward along the southern property line where you can see where , over the fence, on the Stoneleigh side of a berm (a steep slope) Victory Gardens.