Also known as Joanne and the late Raymond Dowling House

45 Rockwell Avenue

Rockwell Avenue has an interesting history and is a very interesting street. The street was designed by Charles Berger, who in the early 1900’s had a vision to develop open area between Hillside Avenue and Salem Street hill. There was a portion of the Porter farm that was purchased and the plan took solid roots. Mr. Charles Berger, an executive at the Iron Malleable Company and later a VP at Naugatuck Savings Bank was a man of vision and knew that he could develop the land and build many residential homes which were sold to other Naugatuck industrialists. Rockwell Avenue then became known as a superior residential street. The name Rockwell Avenue was actually chosen based on a rock well that is still located at 45 Rockwell Avenue. The well was eventually covered with a heavy granite stone to provide safety and protection for residents.

Charles Berger’s home at 45 Rockwell Avenue was the first home to be built. And it is, to this day, a stately home in the Colonial Revival style that will transport you back to an era when plaster walls and elaborate crown moldings, high ceilings, chandeliers and natural woodwork were the only way to build.

Today, 45 Rockwell Avenue, is known to most Naugatuck residents as the home of Joanne and the late Raymond Dowling. This lovely home was, in December 2005, featured in the Hartford Courant, Homes for the Holidays section, where 3 of their 13 Christmas trees were pictured, all of them decorated in a theme of pink, mauve and gold with ribbons, lights and elegant decorations of cherubs, angels, ballet dancers, purses, slippers and beads reminiscent of the bygone Victorian era. But it doesn’t stop there. The mantle and doorways are all decorated with an elaborate elegance that when seen causes the viewer to say, “Oh my, but I have stepped back in time.” It is. Is. Gorgeous. The White House is not this spectacular.

Built in 1905, it is 119 years young, and has been loved by four families. The Bergers (1905–1963), Dr. Hoovis and his family (1963–1969), David and Elaine Talevi (1969–1971), and the Dowling family (1971–2023). This lovely and spaciously comfortable home features 15 rooms all with high ceilings, dark oak woodwork and unique crown moldings throughout; and, it stands strong as a reminder of beautiful architecture and imagination of use of space.

When you drive between two granite posts down to the circular driveway you see a spacious landscape, and a lovely porch – this porch is the side entrance. Further along the drive is the grand entry of granite stones and stairs leading to a covered portico and open granite patio. To the left of the entry you see a beautiful leaded glass solarium that showcases wonderful white wicker furniture treasures acquired during many Cape Cod summers.

Once you enter the welcoming grand foyer you see before you a beautiful tall fireplace, a baby grand piano and main tiered staircase. The downstairs rooms flow from both sides of the foyer. The formal living room on the right, the den or family room, formal dining room with its grand Waterford chandelier, and the kitchen are all to the left side of the foyer.

You will not experience a Victorian Christmas when you visit this stately and cherished home, but you will leave with a beautiful memory of an elegant era…that…will last a lifetime.