The Stanley L. Richter property, which includes the Arts Center grounds and the golf course, was once a working farm. Bought in 1937 by Mr. and Mrs. Richter as a country home, the farm included cows, chickens, riding horses and plow horses. Fresh milk and eggs were brought to the town each morning from the farm.
Mr. Richter’s love of dogs led to the building of the Stanrick Kennel where champion Airdales were raised. Both a favorite hunting horse, Squire, and a favorite dog, are buried on the grounds.
Largely through the efforts of Mr. Martens Goos, the property was donated to Danbury in 1968 by the widowed Mrs. Irene Richter as a memorial to her husband. Mr. Goos was also responsible for organizing the steering committee which would establish the Stanley L. Richer Association for the Arts in 1971, a fitting legacy from a couple who were devoted to the arts and to the city of Danbury.
