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Florence Elizabeth Chandler Maybrick: Recluse, Socialite, Murderer?
How did a prominent young American socialite living in England, convicted of killing her husband, James Maybrick in 1889, end up living as a recluse in a small cabin with 20 cats in Gaylordsville? What is the mystery behind the infamous black dress that led to her true identity nearly 28 years later?
Ron Surresha, local author and Curator, Lisa Roush have teamed up to present this fascinating story to the public. 
A few objects owned by Mrs. Maybrick will be on exhibit at the Historical Society. This includes the ’black dress’, the original grave marker from South Kent School and an old American flag. Photographs and details about her life including her murder conviction which was one of the most celebrated in English history will also be on display.
As with the much more infamous Lizzie Borden, many articles and books have been written about the trial and conviction of Florence Elizabeth Chandler Maybrick and to this day, there is still a question as to whether she was guilty or innocent.
In order to more fully flesh out our exhibit, we are seeking Local Sources in Gaylordsville and South Kent of remembrances of Florence Chandler Maybrick a/k/a "Cat Lady of Kent"
The New Milford Historical Society is working with local author and Town Historical Properties Commission Chair Ron J. Suresha to research and locate:
• Local historical sources in or from Gaylordsville and South Kent with personal or family memories of a lady who lived here in the 1920s and 1930s, known initially as the mysterious "Mrs. Florence Chandler" and later as the anonymous, reclusive "Cat Woman of Kent [or Gaylordsville]".
• Photographs of Mrs. Chandler and her house during her Connecticut years (please provide photographer credit).
• Missing Artifacts from Mrs. Chandler’s home, including these items specifically mentioned in newspapers, magazines, and books of the time:
• Scrapbook with clippings about trial
• A small picture of her beloved Father Mayo
• Beautiful white lace nightgown
• Picture of young girl with curls
• Stacks of newspapers
• A number of yellowed clippings
• A photograph album
• Some scrapbooks
• Two rosaries
• A Bible with a paper prescription insert
• Address book
Ron Suresha may be reached through the Historical Society.
