Olmstead Hall Guest Book
1982-Present
Our thanks to Brian Kiddy, Sue Olmsted and others for providing images from the guest book since Roger & Margaret Ruth photo copied the book in 1982. Additional entries for visitors, who may not have signed the guest book, are included below; such visits have been reported directly to us by the individual or one of their family members.
The comments include any additional information written by guests (shown in italics) plus genealogical information to help place them in the family tree [displayed in brackets].
Please report any other visits by family to Olmstead Hall.
| Date | Guest | Hometown | Comments |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28 Feb 1982 | John C. Olmstead | New York, NY | I appreciate your hospitality and the opportunity to visit the house. |
| 12 Mar 1982 | Marie Bishop (OFA #97), daughter of Ruth Elizabeth (Olmsted) Bishop (3662*) | Ames, IA | Such a thrill to be in the home of my ancestors. Mrs. Kiddy is such a generous person. [I am the 11th generation of James Olmsted who came to the colonies on the ship Lyon in 1632. My mother, Ruth Olmsted, was a daughter of John J. Olmsted. |
| 13 Apr 1982 | Richard W. & Barbara Olmsted, MD, Gail (Olmstead) & Granville Snyder, III with Abigail Olmstead Snyder and Giles Snyder, IV |
Denver, CO
Seattle, WA |
Lovely visit and our thanks to Mrs. Kiddy who was so gracious. A perfectly lovely spot — so full of family history. |
| 11 Jul 1982 | Nancy Olmsted Cherry | A very rewarding experience [Mrs. Brent; dau of Jerome Olmsted][James line; 12th generation] |
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| 15 Jul 1982 | Henry L. Olmstead | Tacoma, WA | Visited this beautiful home with my wife Dorothy (Lucas) formerly of Northampton and Ken & Betty Fenn of Northampton. This trip into history is an experience never to be forgotten. We are extremely fortunate that our home in the care of such a gracious family. |
| 27 Aug 1982 | Charles M. Shultz | Evansville, IN | I visited the old homestead on my mother’s side of the family. The first time I visited with my brother Herman in March 1944 [both were stationed in England during WW-II]. This time with my wife Evelyn. Thanks to Mrs. Kiddy we had a very nice visit. [Son of Elizabeth Shellman Olmsted (8470*)] |
| 4 Oct 1982 | Ruth L. Ott, daughter of Miriam (Olmstead) Lipman | Wallingford, CT | What a thrill to finally fulfill the dream of my mother, Miriam Palmater Olmstead and my own father of course! It is a wonderful sense of history and happiness that permeates this wonderful old home. |
| 26 Mar 1983 | Mark Hamilton Hough | Newcastle upon Tyne, England | I am grandson of Martin Olmstead Wallace & am working in England for 4 months. The house is lovely! I must be back. Elsie Kiddy is so kind to us, Mike, Milse & John my friends. [Mark Hamilton Hough, born 1959, Duluth, Minnesota, delivered by Martin Olmstead Wallace, MD (1907-1996)] |
| 5 April 1983 | Mark H. Hough | Cary, Illinois | Back again! Thanks to Mrs. Kiddy for the lovely tea & tarts. Great conversation & don’t miss the old bread stove! I’m impressed & grateful to be a part of this wonderful family! I’m in awe. [Son of Bonnie Wallace & Charles Neff, daughter of Martin Olmstead and Dorothy Gordon, son of Ella Olmstead and Ernest L., daughter of Samuel & Lucy Ann Olmstead] |
| 20 Apr 1983 | Blair E. Olmstead | Livingston, NJ | My father would have cut me off if I hadn’t come but I’m delighted to have the chance. What a wonderful place, and delightful hostess. [Son of Paul S. Olmstead (1897-1993)] |
| 13 May 1983 | Catherine J. Montana Curtis | Fresno, CA | A wonderful home and we appreciate the loving care. |
| 19 Jun 1983 | Jerry & Rita Richardson | Alexandria, VA | We are touring England and Scotland. We attended and wedding in Brighton yesterday of a business partner and are enjoying exceptionally beautiful weather. We are privileged to visit our ancestral home here in Olmsted Green. Thanks to the graciousness of our hostess, Vanda Kiddy! [Grandson of Howard Stocker Olmsted, Sr. (1898-1983)] |
| 24 Jun 1983 | Theodore D. & Betsy Olmsted, Jr. | Glastonbury, CT | Touring Wales, Scotland, England — with of course an obligatory stop at Olmsted Hall. Thanks for your hospitality and good luck in your new home, Brian! |
| 30 Jul 1983 | Bernice Olmstead & Kenneth Nichols Normand H. & Jean D. Olmstead |
Kinnelon, NJ Alexandria, VA |
Wonderful ancestral home! Touring England Scotland, etc. [previous visit was Aug 53 w/sister]; son of Normand and grandson of Rev. H. B. Olmstead, Branford, Connecticut |
| 23 Aug 1983 | Jane Conley and family | Midland, MI | Finally, a dream come true to visit the home of our ancestors! Many thanks to the Kiddys for their hospitality! [My Granddaughter of Alma Olmstead of the 9th generation of] |
| 18 Aug 1983 | Norman and Edith Olmstead | Mexico, NY | An honor for us to be part of the clan. Many thanks to Brian and Anne. |
| 22 Sep 1983 | Olmstead Peet | Port Leyden, NY | It is wonderful to see the home of my ancestors |
| 8 Oct 1983 | Robert & Adele Boydson | San Jose, CA | A delight! The Kiddy’s are wonderful hosts. [Gradson of Leila Olmstead] |
| 24 Jan 1984 | Daniel B. Olmstead | Brielle, NJ | Wonderful experience. Much thanks to the Kiddy’s — they are doing beautiful work restoring the hall. [Son of Richard W. Olmstead (1916-2004)] |
| 17 Mar 1984 | Glenn Olmstead | Pleasanton, CA | Many thanks for your kindness and for making my visit such a warm and friendly experience. |
| 10 May 1984 | Audrey & Ken Miller | Royersford, PA | How exciting to visit the home of our ancestors. I’m presently Vice Pres of the Olmste(a)d Family Association. I plan to share my excitement at our meeting in July in New Brunswick, Canada. Greetings from all the Olmste(a)ds in our name association. |
| 29 May 1984 | Joyce Olmstead Edney & Arthur Edney | Newton, NJ | Well, here we are at last! It’s hard to realize my ancestors lived here so many hundreds of years ago. It’s good to know that such a lovely young couple are living here now |
| 17 Jun 1984 | Stephen W. Olmsted | Duluth, MN | I inquired as to the current owner only to find that it was a relative-by-marriage of the family I would be staying with in England! It’s a small world. Many thanks for the Kiddy hospitality. Stephen W. Olmsted, 4511 Cambridge St., Duluth, Minnesota 55804; son of Ward H., grandson of Everett W. Cousins & uncle have visited here before me; |
| 2 Jul 1984 | Mary Seymore Olmsted | Washington, DC | A fascinating place; so glad I have seen it. Mary (1919-2018), grand of George E. Olmsted, niece of Roland W. Olmsted who visited in 1921, and granddaughter of Henry Treat Olmsted |
| 5 Jul 1984 | Jan & Tom Olmsted Pierce, III | San Antonio, TX | So glad we found it! |
| 15 Jul 1984 | Eric & Lettie Olmstead Eckberg | Ames, IA | It’s great to be here — thanks for making us feel so “at home.” |
| 24 Jul 1984 | Charles E. Beveridge | Washington, DC | It is marvelous finally to see the Hall after publishing FL Olmsted’s description of his visit and his stepson John’s shield. |
| 24 Jul 1984 | Dana F. White | Atlanta, GA | A fitting pilgrimage. |
| 28 Jul 1984 | Catherine (Olmstead) Anthony | Elmira, NY | [Daughter of R. B. Lyle Olmstead, Falls Church, Virginia (son of Andrew Grant Olmstead of Elmira, New York] |
| 14 Aug 1984 | Nancy Olmstead and Gary Whitehead | Vancouver, British Columbia | |
| 26 Aug 84 | Deborah English Pollard | Home at last! After 700 years. [great-grand-daughter of Carrie Olmsted of New York] |
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| 28 Sep 1984 | Lucretia (Olmsted) & Cleveland Rettig | Suffield, CT | It is delightful to visit the old homestead again. Previously visited Sept. 22, 1945 |
| 14 Dec 1984 | Kevin M. Olmstead | Greenville, NY | [Grandson of Donald M. Olmsted, Cornwallville, NY] |
| 22 Dec 1984 | Robert Glen Olmstead | Winnepeg, Manitoba | Thanks for an enjoyable visit. [Son of John WIlliam Allen Olmstead; his sister Sharon visited in October 1986] |
| 15 Mar 1985 | Sally Lockwood Olmsted | Arlington, VA | [Daughter of James F. Olmsted; great-grand-niece of F.L. Olmsted] |
| 5 Apr 1985 | Rebecca Joan Olmstead with David Morris | Jackson, MS | [Daughter of Don & Patricia (Osborn) Olmstead (who later visited in April 1993) who has done considerable genealogy work on the Olmstead family and has learned of this ancient home.] It was a real pleasure to see Becky at her ancestor’s home |
| 11 Apr 1985 | M. Dennison & Betty Olmsted | Mount Morris, NY | [Son of William D. Olmsted; third child of 3, born Dec 9, 1907] |
| 14 May 1985 | Sue & Chuck Gehrke | Ann Arbor, MI | [Granddaughter of Fanny Olmstead of Hartford, Conn. Wife of James Olmsted Gaines, son of Fanny Olmstead. |
| 24 May 1985 | Goodwin Gregory Shepard | Fairhope, AL | [A ninth direct decendant of Richard Olmstead] |
| 4 Jun 1985 | Phyllis J. Lundgred William Jay Fichter |
Westbaden, West Germany Princeton, IN |
Wonderful experience thanks to Mrs. Kiddy. [Children of Thelma Fern (Olmstead) Fichter, a tenth generation descendant of Richard of Norwalk.] |
| 17 Jun 1985 | Robert Allan and Marion (Myatt) Omstead; Irene (Myatt) Geffrey | Wheatley, Ontario | We appreciate Mrs. Kiddy’s hospitality and enjoy the restoration of the grand old family home. |
| 10 Sep 1985 | Elizabeth Shepard Sheldon | [Tenth generation descendant of Richard Olmsted] | |
| 30 Sep 1983 | Joyce (Olmstead) Johnson | Moline, IL | |
| 30 Nov 1985 | Katherine (Anderson) & Edmund Pfeifer | Kenneth Square, PA | Sorry to hear that Mrs. Kiddy died. |
| Jan 1986 | Jim Bolles | Norwalk, CT | Too short a visit! Director, Family Society Tours; Director for the Olmstead Family Tour, May 1986 (900th anniversary); 24 Murray St., Norwalk, CT 06851 |
| Mar 1986 | Elizabeth Olmstead Cushing Kolm | Wayland, MA | A wonderful experience! [Descendant of James] |
| 23 May 1986 | Dorrine (Robertson) MacNab | Willowdale, Ontario | [A descendant of Gideon & Elizabeth Olmstead, who came to Mt. Pleasant area of Ontario in 1796 from the USA] |
| 18 Oct 1986 | Sharon Gwen (Olmstead) & Stephen Douglas Baker | Toronto, Ontario | [Daughter of John William Allan Olmstead; her brother Robert visited in Dec. 1984] |
| 23 Apr 1987 | Lewis S. Olmstead | Ottawa, IL | [Grandson of Lewis M. Olmstead, Shabbona Grove, Illinois] |
| 24 Apr 1987 | Anna (Olmstead) Smith with husband Richard and children Paul, Neil, and Joan Smith | Honeoye Falls, NY | Enjoyed the opportunity to see my ancestral home. Thank you for the wonderful hospitality and interest in restoring the home [Daughter of Melvin George Olmstead] |
| 16 May 187 | Stephen B. Olmstead | Mount Vernon, NY | Thanks so much |
| 1 Jun 1987 | Bob & Marion Omstead | Wheatley, Ontario | It was good to see the Kiddys again and to see how much work they have done on the house. |
| 6 Jun 1987 | Stephen W. Olmsted, with son
Stephen L. Olmsted |
Duluth, MN Saint Paul, MN |
It’s fun to see the changes that have taken place since my last visit in 1984. The owners are most gracious and it’s such a delight to visit here. Hope to return again soon. [Son of Ward Hubbell Olmsted (8087*). On my first journey to England and Europe I stepped back in time with my father into the Olmsted History. |
| 25 Jun 1987 | Thomas Ward and Diane M. (Sittaro) Olmsted | Birmingham, MI | [Grandson of Frederick Law Olmsted (10534*) of Detroit, MI] |
| 6 Jul 1987 | Dr. John S. & Frankie M. Olmsted Mrs. Henry E. Olmsted, Jr. |
Summerfield, NC Iowa City, IA |
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| 9 Jul 1987 | Thomas W. Olmstead | Washington, DC | At last a chance to be where it all started. What a great feeling. Family is originally from Iowa and Illinois before that. |
| 14 Jul 1987 | Dr. David L. Hetrick | Tucson, AZ | A wonderful second visit (see 23 May 1987) [Great-grandson of Sarah Lavilla Olmstead] |
| 14 Aug 1987 | Helen (Olmsted) Post and daughter Katherine M. Voorhees | Batavia, NY | It was wonderful to see the original old home. |
| 23 Aug 1987 | Gene & Sarah (Paul) Olmsted, III | Philadelphia, PA | Of the “Danville Olmsteds” |
| 5 Jun 1988 | Richard R. Olmstead | Great visit to “roots” of long ago Son of Royal Frazier Olmstead; Rebecca S. Olmstead |
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| 8 Jun 1988 | Linda Dunswroth | Tacoma, WA | Beautifull [Daughter of Vera Mabel Olmstead (Morkut)] |
| 24 Jun 1988 | Rosemary (Bradbury) (Olmstead) Chipps | Cape Province, South Africa | Visited on behalf of my sons Silas and Crispin Olmstead |
| Jun 1988 | Jean Elizabeth (Benson) King | Corpus Christie, TX | [Daughter of Janette (Olmsted) Benson] |
| 13 Jul 1988 | Bernice Ruth (Olmsted) Johnson Beverly Ruth (Johnson) Merlan Joyce Elaine Church Tina Olmstead Cheryl Ann (Olmsted) Hammitepch |
Altadena, CA Bridgewater, NJ Conway Springs, KS Newberg, OR Earlton, NY |
Thank you |
| 10 Oct 1988 | Susan Olmsted (Ewell) Alden | Fairport, NY | The hall is in good hands – so glad’s being well looked after! |
| 15 Oct 1988 | Leota (Olmstead) & Howard Chichester | Leicester, NY | So thrilled to be here. Great hospitality |
| 15 Apr 1989 | Abigail Snydor | Seattle, WA | |
| 14 Jun 1989 | Mary Sara Olmsted | Amherst, NY | Thank you so much, the restoration is great. |
| 14 Jul 1989 | Rev. Richard Darrell & Aula Olmstead | Latham, NY | This has been the dream of a lifetime. We are so grateful for this opportunity to “come home” and for the magnificent work the Kiddys have been doing on this grand old house. God bless and grant you peace & health |
| 17 Jul 1989 | Mary A. Gaines | Gregory, MI | [Granddaughter of Fanny Olmstead, died age 97 in 1963 in Toledo, Ohio] |
| 11 Aug 1989 | Frances (Voorhees) Whalen | Batavia, NY | Olmsted Hall is being well looked after. |
| 21 Oct 1989 | Tina Orwig | Niles, OH | Olmstead Hall is beautiful! It has been quite an experience finding my “roots” |
| Oct 1989 | D. Christansen | Boulder City, CO | |
| 7 Nov 1989 | Garth & Norma Olmstead | West Vancouver, British Columbia | Thank you, Brian and Ann, for letting us see the “Olmstead Hall.” It is a great experience |
| 28 Nov 1989 | Shirley Ann (Olmstead) (Shaw) Darling | Huntington Beach, CA | You are so gracious. This is a dream come true. I have often though what the Hall would look like. It is really more than I would expected. We wish you good luck in your future endeavors. |
| 28 Nov 1989 | Louise Olmstead (Shaw) O’Connor | Saint Joseph, MO | Thank you for your hospitality! I feel apart history now! Please come visit me in America. |
| 29 Dec 1989 | Richard Allen Olmstead | Petaluma, CA | Thanks you for a warm welcome |
| 10 Apr 1990 | Arthur John & Margaret Olmsted | Cedar, MI | Thanks for your great hospitality |
| 4 May 1990 | Gordon & Dorothy Olmstead | Nepean, Ontario | Thank you for your kind hospitality and showing us the house |
| 8 May 1990 | Ruth A. (Olmstead) & Robert Predhome | Princeton, NJ | |
| 12 Jul 1990 | … G. Hom … | [signature too faint to read] | I very much appreciate your willingness in letting me have a look. It looks wonderful. |
| 29 Sep 1990 | Richard Seymour & Margaret Olmsted | Manchester, CT | Home at last! |
| 17 Oct 1990 | Dorothy (Gerdes) Churchill Beverly (Churchill) Six… |
Wallingford, CT Hamden, CT |
A visit realized. All credit to my daughter & son-in-law, Beverly & Bernie Saugonali. A beautiful and meaningful experience. [Daughter of Zelma (Olmsted) Gerles (8467*)] So nice Anne and her husband still “admit” the families to “tour” their home. Thank you! It’s been quite nice. [Granddaughter of Zelma (Olmsted) Gerdes] |
| 23 Dec 1990 | Kristen Elizabeth Olmstead | Manchester Center, VT | Thank you for being so kind, and allowing me to follow in my father’s footsteps. The history here is amazing, thank you and god bless. [Her parents visited on 14 July 1989] |
| 31 Mar 1991 | Gulik & Nancy Olmstead | Topsfield, MA | We cannot believe we found it. But once here, the genealogy has come to life. Thank you for your hospitality! |
| 18 May 1991 | Edith A. Scott Anne K. Avelon |
Bellingham, WA | A special treat to visit the origin of this “branch” of our tree. Thank you
Thank you for keeping the history of our family alive. It’s a beautiful home |
| 6 Jul 1991 | Robert Livingston & Gwyneth Loud | Lincoln, MA | After reading Frederick Law Olmsted’s description of the “house” and his journey to it in 1850, I had to come. I’m glad I did! See previous comments for all that can be said. |
| 12 Sep 1991 | Coral Leslie Olmsted | Arapahoe, NE | I finally got here! |
| 20 Sep 1991 | Julia Ernestine Olmsted | La Plata, MD | A lovely visit! |
| 6 Nov 1991 | Mildred (Wright) Lykes
Bonita Lykes |
Avoca, NY Martinsburg, WV |
What a joy to find this home that I have heard so much about
Found it! Lovely! |
| 8 Dec 1991 | Jason C. Mathison | Mukwonago, WI | Loved to have seen the place, I’m glad that I was stationed over here with the US Navy to experience British life for a few years. |
| 6 Jun 1992 | Elmer Wesley McLeod | Richmond, British Columbia | So happy to be here with my wife, Emily, and Ron Emerson who lives in London. How moving to see this wonderful Old Olmstead home. Thank you for your warm welcome! Son of Cordelia Olmstead, daughter of Foster Olmstead of Carberry, Manitoba, Canada |
| 3 Aug 1992 | Marianna (Dodd) Hoover and granddaughter Christy | West Plains, MO | Thanks so much for a lovely visit. We finally found it. |
| 13 Aug 1992 | Dorothy Jane (Griffith) Charlson
Alyssa Jane & Charly Spyksma |
Edmonds, WA
Bow WA |
Can’t believe I actually found the place. It is lovely and quaint and wonderful. [Mother of Dorothy Mary Olmsted] I’m here at age 11 and found where some of my relatives lived! [Grandchildren of Dorothy Jane Charlson] |
| 2 Aug 1992 | Ronald, Elizabeth, and Heather Hutson | Bunker Hill, IL | [Descendants of Walter & Beulah Olmsted] |
| 14 Aug 1992 | Peter Charles and Laura Olmsted | London, UK | It is interesting to trace my family history back to this very place. [Originally from Ontario, Canada, son of Charles E. Olmsted of Hamilton and now North Bay, Ontario] |
| 20 Sep 1992 | Arlene (Truax) Bock
Shirley (Bock) Huss |
Fulton, NY
Newtown, CT |
Thanks you Ann, for your hospitality. Enjoyable second visit. [Daughter of Ruth Elizabeth (Olmsted) Truax and granddaughter of Gilbert Olmsted.] Have heard about the Olmsted Hall for years I feel tremendously privileged to be here. All of us appreciate the wonderful hospitality and generosity of the Kiddys [Arlene Bock’s daughter] |
| 27 Sep 1992 | Lila (Geiger) Olmstead Angela (Olmstead) Vikesland Lettie (Olmstead) Eckberg |
Toddville, IA Saint Charles, IL Rochester, MN |
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| 6 Oct 1992 | George R. & Polly Anderson | Louisville, KY | Delightful visit — appreciate hospitality. [Son of Katherine Anderson and grandson of Emma Putnam Olmsted (4401)] |
| 25 Apr 1993 | Mary Valjean (Olmsted) Bell with son Charles Edward BEll, Jr., daughter Suzann (Bell) Heilman and grandson Benjamin Charles Bell | Lincoln, NE | I’ve looked forward to seeing Olmsted Hall sense I was a child and my father wanted so much to see it and never got too. The Kiddy’s have been such pleasant hosts I’ve enjoyed my wonderful stay. Thanks again Brian and Ann.
[Daughter of Clement Earl and Mary Blanche Olmsted] |
| 25 Apr 1993 | Don Gerald & Patricia Joan Olmstead | Jackson, MS | We thoroughly enjoyed visiting this fine old home, and appreciate very much the continuing efforts of the Kiddys to maintain the home in good condition, while maintaining the old, old character. [Daughter Rebecca Olmstead visited on 5 April 1983] |
| 14 May 1993 | Richard W. & Margaret Olmstead | Brielle, NJ | We are grateful that Olmstead Hall is in such worthy and dedicated hands. May God be with you , Ann and Brian Kiddy! |
| 16 May 1993 | Ray George & Jane (Wallick) Olmstead | Galesburg, IL | Thanks for the great work in refurbishing the Olmstead Hall. Thanks for showing us thru. |
| 27 May 1993 | Jean Christensen | Washington, DC | Thanks for showing us a lovely house. [Granddaughter of Avis Olmstead Christenson] |
| 17 Jun 1993 | Lynn (Herbig) Steg | Hickory, NC | Thank you for your time and allowing us to see Olmstead Hall
[Granddaughter of Marshall Olmstead] |
| 9 Jul 1993 | Charley King | Fairmont, IN | Thank you for your hospitality! |
| Jul 1993 | Emily Lara Olmstead, and her brother Benjamin Edwin Olmstead | Amesbury, MA Tucson, AZ |
[Grandchildren of Earl William Olmstead who visited June 1981] |
| 3 Aug 1993 | Tim & Patricia Driskel and Scott and Timothy, Jr. | Virginia Beach, VA | My son Scott located the hall. What a wonderful experience for all of us, to find this special place and to meet the special people who live here. Thank you! [Son of Shirley Olmsted; grandson of David Olmsted of Cleveland, Ohio] |
| 5 Sep 1993 | Richard W. & Mary B. Olmstead
Peter Olmsted |
Hanover, NH
Cambridge, England |
An experience I have hoped for for many years. Thank you for your gracious tour In Cambridge for a couple years; you’ve done a great job with the restoration. Thanks so much. |
| 11 Nov 1993 | Sam McClure | King of Prussia, PA | Have seen photos for years; interesting to finally get here. |
| 24 Feb 1994 | Rhonda Olmstead and Bruce Henderson | Oceanville, NJ | I cannot describe how it feels to be in this house it is wonderful thank you so much Mr.& Mrs. Kiddy for being so good to the Olmsteads. [Daughter of Clifford & Beverly J. Olmstead of Marshalltown, IA] |
| 21 Mar 1994 | Deke Olmsted Richard W. Olmstead |
Portland, OR | Traveled from Oregon, USA to say hello to our lineage. Came for second time, 7000 miles from Oregon |
| 30 Mar 1994 | Jeffery W. & Phyllis M. Olmstead | Ococe, FL | What a beautiful old homestead |
| 30 Apr 1994 | Jessica Lynn Morley | Pennsylvania | What a gorgeous place!! Thanks you! |
| 31 May 1994 | Bob & Ruth (Matthews) Westerdale | Jacksonville, IL | A long awaited dream come true. Wonderful experience. [Great-granson of Lucy Jane (Olmsted) Overlander (7137*) |
| 15 Jun 1994 | Jim & Grace Olmstead | Carberry, Manitoba | So glad to make it here to see this heritage house. |
| 1994 | Richard Don Olmstead | Grand Rapids, MI | |
| 18 Jun 1995 | Barbara (Olmstead) Sullivan | Saltwater, MA | Traveled many miles. Country side quite lovely. Feeling contented. |
| 19 Jun 1995 | Phil Morton
Char ??? |
Inner Grove Heights, MN | Enjoyed being at the home of my ancestors and appreciate the hospitality of Brian Kiddy and his family. [Son of Frances Lee (Olmsted) Morton (10535*)] Happy to visit Olmstead Hall part of Phil’s roots. It’s very beautiful! |
| 11 Oct 1995 | Susan Cole Francis Novelii Laura Dean Bickall |
San Diego, CA Bethesda, MD Missoula, MT |
It was amazing to traverse the country roads and to see the sign for Olmstead Hall. |
| 9 Nov 1995 | Betty (Olmstead) Heilig | Hilton Head, SC | What a joy, finally, to see Olmstead Hall |
| 4 Jan 1996 | Brooke (Olmsted) Howe with Paul Jonathan Martin |
San Antonio, TX | [Daughter of Jill (Olmsted) Howe and granddaughter of James Warren Olmsted] |
| 22 Feb 1996 | Kristen Park | Ithaca, NY | Wonderful hospitality. I hope you enjoyed the visit as much as we. It is amazing to actually be able to find such roots! I enjoyed the chimneys especially. |
| 24 Jun 1996 | Patricia (Olmstead) Erickson
JoAn (Olmstead) Thompson Carolyn (Olmstead ) Larson Shirley (Olmstead) Nelson |
Centerville, UT
Spanish Fork, UT Kaysville, UT Salt Lake City, UT |
A dream come true to see this lovely spot I’ve read about and dreamed of seeing. Thank you so much. It is a real treat to visit Olmstead Hall. I have dreamed of visiting here. It is a dream come true. This is truly a thrill to see the Olmstead Farm. [Sixth–Great-Granddaughters of Capt Jabez Olmsted] |
| 10 Jul 1996 | Olin Kent & Sharon Olmstead | Winfield, KS | [Great-grandson of Jeddiah Olmstead] |
| 13 Jul 1996 | Joshua Kendall Olmsted | Lansing, MI | Beautiful. Thank you for your generous hospitality. |
| 19 Jul 1996 | Harry Allen & Andrea (Olson) Faulknor | Port Jefferson, NY | Thanks to the Kiddy family for helping preserve the Olmstead family tradition. An outstanding example of an early manor home in England.[Grandson of Nellie Olmstead]cousin of Betty Jean Olmstead Lacklin (see July 7, 1979) whose brothers Billy & Joe were members of the Olmstead family in Glen, NY |
| 21 Aug 1996 | Leota (Olmsted) Chichester with Cindy, Greg & Cory Skeates | Scottsville, NY | [Cousin of Betty Jean (Olmstead) MacLacklin who visited July 7, 1997] |
| 21 Jan 1997 | Susan (Olmsted) Kennedy | Woodstock, GA | At last, I got to see my roots |
| 18 Jun 1997 | Cherie (Olmsted) Kordik | Irving, CA | What a confirmation of family & tradition. Thanks to the Kiddys for their hospitality & loving care of this home. |
| 22 Mar 1998 | Diane (Olmstead) Ryan Ellen Olmstead) Hoppe Carol (Olmstead) Tims |
Long Beach, CA Acworth, GA |
The Kiddy’s love & care of the home shows exciting for the three sisters from America to see their roots. [Daughters of Allen MacConnell Olmstead] |
| 27 May 1998 | David & Susan Olmstead | Bainbridge Island, WA | Enjoyed seeing the “Olmstead Hall.” Beautiful place. |
| 17 Jun 1998 | Whitney S. Olmsted Jonathan Olmsted |
Santa Fe, NM Darien, CT |
Second visit for Jonathan; 1st for Whitney |
| 18 Jul 1998 | Marianna Hoover Stephanie Hoover |
West Plains, MO Knoxville, TN |
Second Visit. Thanks so much. [Previous visit 3 Aug 1992] First Visit |
| 20 Oct 1998 | Jean (Olmstead) & Charles Withington | Saint Cloud, FL | First visit |
| 19 Jan 1999 | Ardiane (Olmsted) & Lammer Galvin Fowler Mary Emily Fowler |
Bethesda, MD | Wonderful to see the ancestral home of the Olmsteads, 45 years after first visiting here. daughter of Ardiane Olmsted Fowler |
| 26 Mar 1999 | Shelley (Disten) & Rich Mattison | Mukwonago, WI | Finally have seen Olmstead Hall; beautiful site; so peaceful. First visit. [Daughter of Mary Elizabeth “Bette” Olmsted] |
| 29 Apr 1999 | Vaunda (Miller) Olmsted | Moses Lake, WA | Can’t believe I finally made it. [Daughter-in-law of Walter Clarence Olmsted] |
| 26 May 1999 | Kevin Michael & Samantha Olmsted with Michelle Louise Olmsted, Chris John Olmsted Cynthia (Olmsted) Mayheu |
Greenville, NY Winston, MA |
Came back to have a view with the children and wife.
[Kevin visited in Dec 1984] |
| 15 Jul 1999 | Roger & Joyce Olmsted | Decatur, GA | We visited Olmstead Hall with Colin and Greta Kiddy. The hall looked beautiful and “picture perfect.” We had a grand visit! [Descendant of Richard Olmsted] |
| 21 Jul 1999 | Andrew Robert Sargaeta | Kent, WA | Son of Coral Olmsted and grandson of Robert Olmsted who were here in July 1980 |
| 21 Aug 1999 | Gilarcia Wallace & John Chrisholm Koblbeam | Duluth, MN | We were thrilled to finally visit Olmstead Hall. It gave me a real sense of my roots. |
| 24 Sep 1999 | Barbara (Olmsted) & Bob Nelson | Pebble Beach, CA | I had heard of Olmsted Hall all my life. A special place for all of us Olmste(a)ds |
| 10 May 2000 | Brendon S. Olmstead Leslie Olmstead |
Loveland, CO | A long awaited experience! Great thanks to the Kiddys for keeping this impressive load. Absolutely beautiful, peaceful! What a gift to see! Thanks to the Kiddy family for the warm welcome |
| 25 Jul 2000 | Susan (Olmstead) Wold Kathryn Jane Olmstead |
Grand Rapids, MI Caribou, ME |
I have been looking forward to this ever since my sister, Kathryn Olmstead, and my father, Ralph P. Olmstead were here in 1979. Such a thrill to bring my sister, Sue Wold, back to the place mother, Dad, and I discovered in 1979. |
| 8 Jul 2002 | Alica & Joe Felix | Waltham, MA | A very fascinating place to see where my ancestors lived. |
| 18 Jul 2002 | Roger Orley Olmsted and Roger Orley Olmsted, II | Decatur, GA | My second visit with Colin Kiddy to Bartlow Church whee Richard Holmsted married Francis Slaney, the daughter of the Vicar Rev Shaney in 1606. Lunch a Three Hills Restaurant. Lovely day and friendly visit and tea with John & Vanda & Colin Kiddy. |
| 4 Sep 2002 | Lucretia (Olmsted) Rettig
with Peter Steuer |
Tallahassee, FL | My first visit in 1949 and often when at Cambridge in the 80s; my husband Clevland S. J. Rettig aned I would drive over. Always enjoy a visit. I enjoyed the visit — very peaceful area. I’m traveling with Lucretia Olmstead Retting from America. God Bless you. |
| 1 Aug 2003 | Susan (Olmstead) Harmon | LaGrange, IA | This visit has fulfilled a dream to actually be in and visit Olmstead Hall. Thank you so much for your hospitality. [Previously visited 25 April 1993] |
| 19 Sep 2003 | Jack & Stella Olmstead
Gordon Olmstead |
Huntsville, Ontario
London, Ontario |
The highlight of our tour of England. Interesting part of England |
| 29 Oct 2003 | Douglas Allyn Olmsted | Alexandria, VA | This is a most interesting visit to the home of my roots after hearing for years about a p;lace called Olmsted Hall, it’s wonderful to see it. I had an idea that my family had branched in so many directions. This is Fascinating. Many thanks to my friend Mariah Gailiea for helping me find this place and Brian Kiddy for his hospitality. [Son of Howard Stocker Olmsted, Jr.] |
| 24 Aug 2004 | Tera Lynn (Rainey) Schmidt with Sky (daughter) and Hunter Schmidt (son) |
Fountain Valley, CA | This one house entry expresses exactly how I feel, as I grew up hearing about Olmsted Hall and am now passing on the tradition to my children. Thank you Brian Kiddy! [Granddaughter of Margaret Olmsted; great niece of Dorothy Olmsted Cate (3694*) (signed guest book in July 1957); great niece of Glenn D. Olmsted (3691*) (signed this book in 1966] |
| 8 Sep 2009 | Audrey (Olmsted) Garnella | Hemet, CA | What a thrill to see your home and family estate. My father farmed 80 acres in Hermond, South Dakota and was born 1919, the year your grandfather came to this area. Thank you for being such a gracious host to my husband, Tom, and our friend, Jeff Sherwood. [Daughter of Orton Olmstead; grand-daughter of Willis Olmstead who was a twin and one of siblings raised in/near Rapid City, South Dakota] |
| 25 Oct 2005 | Burton Lester Olmsted with Roberta (Mrs. Leo) Olmsted | Loveland, CO | Grandfather Richard to America 1632 |
| 16 May 2006 | Alden John Olmsted | La Marda, CA | I came a long way to find what I was not sure was here — and now that I see it, it was all worth it. |
| 12 Jul 2006 | Danny, Sandy & Clinton King | Yorktown, IN | It’s wonderful to see the home and farm is being so well cared for. Thank you for your hospitality |
| 22 Jul 2006 | Dr. Martha Corbett Olmsted
Jessica and Hecher Sequra Emaleah Heimer |
Denver, CO
Santa Fe, NM Cross Plains, WI |
It is a real joy to be here. Thank you for preserving the history. We will share our experiences with the rest of our family. It’s incredible to be in a place that has such historical significance for our family. Thanks so much to the Kiddys for their hospitality. It was nice to get to see Olmsted Hall at such a young age (15). Hopefully I will be able to come again with my brothers. |
| 20 Sep 2006 | Carol (Olmsted) Warren Lyle Nelson Warren |
Waterloo, NY Churchville, NY |
Never thought this trip here from USA would ever happen but at age 85 I made it! Thrilled to be with my mother. |
| 23 Feb 2007 | Carlton Gadner | Waltway, Bamptor, Devon, England | We were lost and then found Helias Bumstead |
| 29 Jun 2007 | Lorne J. & Ruby Olmstead | Pine Lake, Alberta | Glad to see the old home and enjoyed our visit with Brian. |
| 30 Jul 2007 | Roger Orley Olmsted
Gregory Kim Olmsted |
Decatur, GA Honolulu, HI |
My third visit to the farm with Colin Olmstead Kiddy. Met Brian. Today is my 50th birthday and my first visit to the farm. |
| 11 Jan 2008 | Kim Ogaua Carol Olmsted |
Renton, WA Seattle, WA |
Good ol’ English weather! Just like home! Second visit — enjoyed so much |
| 23 Feb 2008 | Richard D. & Paula C. Olmstead Kristen E. (Olmstead) & Joshua Paine with Georgia Paine |
Syracuse, NY London, England |
Amazing to be here! We are so grateful for your wonderful hospitality and the beautaiful way you have maintained this Old Hall. |
| 3 Mar 2009 | Leslie Anne Meyer | Seattle, WA | Wonderful to sit in the kitchen where our ancestors lived. Thanks you for your hospitality! |
| 9 Apr 2009 | Stephen Paschall GIll | Atherton, CA | Fourth generation of visitors from Olmsted in America. Frederick Law Olmsted, FLO Jr, Charlotte Olmsted and her son Stephen Gill and his wife Margaret. Congratulations on a loving restoration. |
| 21 Apr 2009 | Nancy (Olmstead) Snd… Janis Isobel Olmsted |
Newport News, VA Gaturenau, Quebec |
Wonderful to see the homestead. Thank you for your hospitality.
Thank you for letting us see our ancestral home |
| 21 Jun 2009 | Kute Olmsted Kolosky with Nick & Justin | Ballard, CA | I’m feeling a little crooked. I love the fireplace. This place is great |
| 11 Apr 2010 | Jessica Sequera | Birmingham, England | Back again and a beautiful day [First visit was July 2006] |
| 28 Aug 2010 | Mark & Marilyn Curtis | Olympia, WA | Fulfilled a life’s dream to be here. |
| 15 Apr 2010 | Robert Chambliss & Cindy Olmstead | Columbus, OH | A lovely home! Brian & Corine have done a lovely job moving the house to the 21st century! |
| 8 Jun 2011 | Thomas Olmstead | Granger, IA | Two great, great people the Kiddys. Very hospitable for my German friend Matthias Ernst and me. |
| 8 Mar 2012 | Keith & Alexandra Olmstead | Russiaville, IN | Wonderful to visit the homestead of the Olmstead name. Wonderful hospitality. |
| 11 Mar 2012 | Charles E. and Catherine (Fallon) Olmsted III with Castillega Fallon Olmsted |
Greeley, CO | Thank you for caring for the family home. It was so amazing to see the place my ancestors have come from. [Ninth-great-grandson of James] |
| 26 may 2012 | Shirley (Olmsted) & Warren Nadeau | Bainbridge, Island, WA | We are ever appreciative of your hospitality. [Jabez descendant] |
| 10 Sep 2012 | Tom & Cass Olmstead | Tempe, AZ | Loved the homestead. Gorgeous and the hospitality was amazing. Thank you for your care of our family home |
| 11 Jun 2013 | Laura Anne (Olmstead) & Thomas Howard Deloch | Midway, GA | How beautiful to see my family homestead. The Kiddys were very pleasant. Very much appreciated. |
| 10 Aug 2013 | Peter David Olmsted | Leeds, England | Very nice to come back and visit after coming by 20 years ago! Thanks so much for showing us around! |
| 4 Apr 2014 | Joshua Ethan Olmstead | Irvine, CA | Visiting friends in Rayne, had to visit Olmstead Hall. First time in UK |
| 30 May 2014 | Thomas Henry & Deborah Luann Olmstead | Ventura, CA | This visit was the culmination of hopes for many years. Many thanks to Brian and Corine for being amazing hosts. The Olmstead Hall was everything I expected and much, much, more. We hope to visit again. |
| 2 Jun 2014 | Nancy (Olmsted) Crawford Hornley | Truro, MA | Wonderful to be in this place. [Tenth generation descendant from James Olmsted] |
| 15 May 2015 | Paul Michael Olmstead | Portland, ME | We were blessed with meeting Brian Kiddy, the owner of Olmsted Hall. My father, John Travis Olmsted, would have loved to be here, as he first told me of the existence of this residence. |
| 15 May 2015 | Mark Olmsted | Edmunds, Suffolk, England | Three generations of Olmsteads signing at once. We’re so thankful for your kindness and generosity. It’s a joy to trace our roots back this far! |
| 19 Jun 2015 | Barbara (Olmstead) & Frank Molnar with Maxwell and Colin | Wilbur-by-the-Sea, FL | Was visiting with my family in London and had to visit the ancestral home. The Kiddys are so hospitable! Thank you! |
| 22 Jul 2015 | Cathryn Louise (Olmsted) Gogolin | Vadnais Heights, MN | Happy I found this piece of family history! Wonderful people here and wonderful that it’s well preserved |
| 27 Oct 2015 | Nad… Foster | Denville, NJ | How nice to be able to visit this fine old hall associated with many of my ancestors |
| 12 May 2017 | Susan Olmsted Park | Maryville, TN | I can’t believe I’m here! What a once in a lifetime experience! |
| 17 Jun 2017 | Kelly J. (Olmstead) Marker with Anna Marker |
Rapid City, SD | Wonderful to be here! Great piece of Family History
A wonderful home, very old history! |
| 11 Mar 2018 | Lindsey Warren Howe Parham with Bo and Bradley Parham |
Austin, TX | What a treat to visit! The Kiddys are so hospitable! We love seeing this book with so many notes and signatures from our family. |
| 21 May 2019 | Thomas H. Olmstead
Tara Danielle (Olmstead) & Alex Tounville |
Ventura, CA
Warner Robins, GA |
Especially glad to return and bring my daughter and son-in-law. Thanks for making the visit possible, Brian and Corrine.
Thank you kindly you allowing us to visit our beloved ancestral home. I’m the daughter of Thomas Henry Olmstead (above) and having the opportunity to see this place is truly a dream come true. My husband and I hope to be able to visit [again] in the future. |
| 18 Jun 2018 | Judith Melott Newman Delores Jame Rathburn |
Lake Charles, LA DeRidder, LA |
So glad to finally make it here. Mr. Kiddy is wonderfully, friendly. A visit wish come true.
Wonderful History |
| 18 Jun 2018 | Susan E. Olmsted | Cary, NC | Such a wonderful place. You have cared for the old homestead so well. Thank you. [Jabez line] |
Return to the Guest Book 1932-1981
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Place by the Elms © Walt Steesy, 2007-2017
and Olmstead Family Association © 2017-2024
Last Updated 9 March 2024
Please send corrections and additions by Email to Walt
