The Averett Family of Dixiedale Farm

Contributed by Patricia Wells, Chatham Township Historical Society

In 1911, Elliott and Martha Averett purchased Dunrobin Farm located on the eastern slope of Long Hill overlooking the Passaic River. The estate had previously belonged to George Shepard Page, one of the founders of the Chatham Fish and Game Club. Page’s elegant Victorian home, called Hillside, provided a great view of the small valley.

Elliott Averett and Martha Snead were both born and raised in Virginia but they didn’t meet until each had moved to New York City. Elliott was working for the United Cigar Stores Company and Martha was training as an opera singer. They married in 1908 and moved to New Rochelle. When Elliott advanced in the Cigar Store company, he and Martha decided to purchase a country home where they could raise their children. Although Martha and Elliott loved the property, they found the house too ornate for their tastes, so they replaced it with a fine Jeffersonian inspired Colonial Revival mansion, which was finished in 1917. They renamed the farm Dixiedale in honor of their southern roots.

The couple had five children, Martha, Janie, Betty, Elliott, Jr. and Samuel. Elliott, Sr. rose to vice-president of the cigar company and became wealthy enough that he was able to retire at age 49. He then devoted himself to his farm and the community. Martha was active in the community as well. She was a founding member of the Chatham Woman’s Club. She was renowned for her gardens.

The Averett Family in 1916. (L-R): Elliott, Sr., Martha, Jr., Betty, Martha, Sr. and Janie.

This photo is a copy from an Averett Family photo album, loaned to the Chatham Township Historical Society by Sam Averett

In 1929, the Red Brick Schoolhouse, which is adjacent to Dixiedale, closed. The Averetts purchased the building to preserve it and made it available to the community at no cost to use for meetings and events. In 1956, the family deeded the building back to Chatham Township for use as the Town Hall.

Elliott, Sr. died in 1942 at the age of 65. All the girls had married and moved away. Elliott, Jr. and Sam served in WWII, and Sam also served in the Korean Conflict. Elliott became the Chairman and CEO of the Bank of New York. He also served on the Board of Directors for The Seeing Eye, eventually becoming its president. Sam was the Business Manager for The Seeing Eye for nearly 20 years.

When farming was no longer profitable, the Averetts established the Dixiedale Christmas Tree Farm which closed in 2019.

Martha died in 1973 at age 92. Sam and his wife, Jean, were the last of the family to live at Dixiedale. They passed away within three months of each other in 2012.

Dixiedale mansion was painted white when it was finished in 1917. Today the bricks are unpainted.

This photo is a copy from an Averett Family photo album, loaned to the Chatham Township Historical Society by Sam Averett

The estate has passed out of family hands and condominiums will be built on part of the property. The developer plans to maintain the old mansion house as a common meeting area with condo units on the upper floors.