The Great Barrington mansion shown above was originally known as Stonyhurst, likely because of the many rock outcrops found on the property. Charles Wetherbee, a successful businessman who operated hotels in Boston, Chicago, San Francisco, and New York City, built the impressive structure near the intersection of Routes 23 and 71. Wetherbee was a well-known summer resident of Great Barrington who entertained numerous guests at his estate and was active at the nearby Wyantenuck Country Club. Several years after his death in 1933, the expansive estate became a popular inn known as Barrington Hall and Craig Hall.
In 1953, educator John Geddes Moran moved his private, integrated school known as Cornwall Academy from Connecticut to the estate. Nationwide publicity was generated in the early 1950s when Moran promoted Black math teacher Milton Clay to be the school’s assistant headmaster. According to Moran, Clay was one of the first Black educators ever appointed to an executive position at a New England preparatory school. Additional press attention occurred when 1956 Olympic track star William Langley was hired as director of athletics.
Cornwall Academy remained successful until the late 1960s when it suffered a decline in enrollment. Fire destroyed the building in 1971, and suspected arson ruined other outbuildings in 1973. The property today is a handsome residential sub-division. The iconic entranceway wall still remains, as shown in the photograph at the bottom of the page.
