For five decades, The Silo Cooking School was a premier destination for culinary aficionados and budding chefs, and staff continuously offered programs tailored to all attendee interests. As the star-studded pantheon of chefs like Julia Child, Rachael Ray, Marta Stewart, Giuliano Bugialli, Sarah Leah Chase, Jacques Pépin, Sara Moulton and other superstars of the cooking world conducted demonstrations and classes, people were truly inspired. Not only were corporate groups able to take advantage of team-building activities, but patrons also enjoyed kids’ and teen cooking camps, which served to nurture a whole new generation of talented cooks and chefs! Of course, people were entranced by this charming establishment; over the years glowing reviews from attendees filled the magazines and online outlets, public recognition from television personalities sweetened the deal. I’ve rarely seen such an inspiring venue– if you’re even passingly interested in professional cooking or just learning to make something special at home– you owe it to yourself to experience this one-of-a-kind culinary oasis.
Our storied past includes the creation of two celebrated cookbooks, “Christmas in the Country” and “Seasons in the Country,” with the latter featuring an introduction by the renowned Jacques Pépin. These works capture the essence of our culinary heritage and the timeless charm of The Silo.
Looking ahead, The Silo is set to introduce an array of engaging activities, from hands-on classes and immersive workshops to enlightening demonstrations. Chef Dino will recreate classic recipes while also bringing new, exciting culinary experiences to life. Our commitment to community extends through collaborations with local schools and organizations, fostering connections that celebrate the joy of cooking.As we look towards the future, our commitment to excellence remains steadfast. We are excited to reignite programs such as farm-to-table lunches and plow-to-plate experiences, alongside the beloved tradition of gingerbread decorating. These activities exemplify our dedication to offering unique culinary experiences that celebrate both the land and its bounty.
The Silo Cooking School is not just a place to learn; it’s a place to belong. With its enchanting atmosphere and rich history, nothing compares to the warmth and charm found here. Under Chef Dino’s leadership, we continue to honor our legacy while crafting new memories. Join us and be part of our journey to celebrate the joy of cooking and community.
Ruth and Skitch Henderson’s fateful journey to the Litchfield Hills in 1968 was something neither of them could have ever expected. While out for a countryside drive with a friend, they stumbled upon what appeared to be an unremarkable farm along a secluded road near New Milford – just two silos still standing tall amidst falling-down barns. But this seemingly ordinary place sparked an enthusiasm within the couple that they couldn’t shake. It felt like the land somehow knew they were meant to restore its former glory, bringing cheer and frivolity back to these aged fields. Despite returning to their city life, Ruth remembers the perfect clarity of her initial attraction: “I fell in love with the barnyard the first time I saw it.” Little did Ruth and Skitch know at that moment, but this unexpected meeting with an old pasture would later become their dream fulfilled, lovingly restored into Hunt Hill Farm and The Silo.
Their living quarters was at the 1836 barn in the Buckingham-Bostwick barn and cowhouse; the CD 199 concert grand occupies a corner of the great room there. When they entertained friends in the nearby tobacco barn, meals where prepared in the barbecue shed. An avid collector of antiques and Americana, Skitch’s collections are found throughout the complex. They range from clocks, musical instruments and holograph scores, model airplanes, and toys, to early farm tools and machinery, the latter stored in the field barn on Upland Road. Carousel animals highlight the lofts in the great room of the house and his studio, which also contains his extensive musical archive, and a studio grand Steinway piano, signed by four of the Steinways. The proposed use of the complex as a public museum for the display of Americana under the aegis of the Smithsonian Institution and the transfer of land to a public conservation trust in 2004 helped assure the continued preservation of the integrity of this extraordinary agricultural resource.
Their living quarters was at the 1836 barn in the Buckingham-Bostwick barn and cowhouse; the CD 199 concert grand occupies a corner of the great room there. When they entertained friends in the nearby tobacco barn, meals where prepared in the barbecue shed. An avid collector of antiques and Americana, Skitch’s collections are found throughout the complex. They range from clocks, musical instruments and holograph scores, model airplanes, and toys, to early farm tools and machinery, the latter stored in the field barn on Upland Road. Carousel animals highlight the lofts in the great room of the house and his studio, which also contains his extensive musical archive, and a studio grand Steinway piano, signed by four of the Steinways. The proposed use of the complex as a public museum for the display of Americana under the aegis of the Smithsonian Institution and the transfer of land to a public conservation trust in 2004 helped assure the continued preservation of the integrity of this extraordinary agricultural resource.
Skitch Henderson came to the United States in 1932. He was actively involved in the early years of radio and the development of television. After serving as a pilot in the RAF and the USAAF during World War II, he resumed his career, becoming musical director for NBC Radio and TV from 1952-1966. Perhaps best known as the band leader for the “Tonight Show” with Steve Allen and Johnny Carson, he also was a conductor for the New York and London Philharmonic orchestras and the Tulsa, Oklahoma Symphony. On his 85th birthday in 2003, Skitch celebrated the 50th anniversary of his debut at Carnegie Hall at the Steinway Centenary Concert, and his 20 years there as founder and director of the New York Pops, the culmination of a career as an accomplished pianist, composer, and conductor.
Nobody had a spirit like Ruth. She was passionate, creative, and generous in her approach to life and it showed through her many endeavors. Her career as a fashion model allowed her to express her individuality from an early age, setting the stage for the rest of the incredible things she would achieve throughout her life. After settling in New York City with her husband, Ruth opened several successful restaurants and truly became a figurehead in the world of art and food. The crowning jewel of these successes was The Silo – which she created alongside her friend Louise King – transforming a previously bare land into an iconic destination for fine food lovers around the country. Ruth had such strong faith in community that she threw herself headfirst into being an active participant on commissions and boards in New Milford, touching even more lives than she had already throughout her lifetime. Though it’s been six years since we lost her, we will never forget how much impact Ruth had on all of us who were lucky enough to know her!