This Windsor landmark is an old Loomis homestead although at first that may be difficult to discern amidst its present-day commercial use. The Federal-style house was built in 1822 for Col. James Loomis and was one of the many residences that once faced the green. It is constructed of locally handmade bricks with sandstone foundation, window sills, and steps. Col. Loomis owned a general store and was the father of the founders of the Loomis Chaffee School. The house passed from the Loomis family to the Andrus family in 1878. Elliott Andrus was the town blacksmith with a forge and shop behind the house. He specialized in shoeing the race horses that competed at the nearby Sage Park race track. His son adapted to the changes in transportation and operated an automotive garage in the shop.
Connecticut Bank and Trust purchased the building from the Andrus family in 1970 and renovated it extensively to serve as a local branch bank. The original floors and ceilings were removed to make a larger service area, but some of the fireplaces and their mantels remain. Connecticut Bank and Trust became Fleet Bank and presently is the Bank of America. The exterior of this once gracious home still provides evidence of the skills of local craftsmen. Copyright 2015 Windsor Historical Society.