You might remember the story of actress Kate Woods McCurdy, whom I wrote about in a past article. Mrs. McCurdy came to Brentwood after her retirement, having purchased land on the west side of Washington Avenue, where she built what became a famous estate. But there was originally another house on that same property, one that was enlarged and surrounded by beautifully landscaped grounds.

It was owned by Joseph Colson, a pioneer resident of the village. Mr. Colson was a carpenter and builder who had a shop near the railroad tracks and lumber yard. On August 9,1881 Mr. Colson won local fame when he invented and patented a new, modern incubator which, he said in a promotional brochure, had “several new and essential features for perfect incubation”. This incubator was used to hatch eggs in a more timely and productive way. He later built another home on Third Street and Second Avenue, and married Fannie Thompson. They had eight children. Their daughter, Emma Maude Colson. married John J. Courtney, with whom she had two daughters, Fannie and Emma (who later became Mrs. Harry Chew).

-N. Zinno Local History Newsletter September 2008.