Iconic Red House On Grass Island, Guilford Landmark, Vandalized With Graffiti Referencing DHHS

The iconic red house on Grass Island, considered by many to be a Guilford landmark, just over the Madison town line, has been vandalized with graffiti referencing Daniel Hand High School's state championship football team. 

"Someone vandalized the iconic red house on Grass Island," said Mary Kelly, who took photos and sent them to Patch. "After years of residents in that area having also to put up with dog walkers who let their dogs run free and poop wherever they want, this was another huge frustration for people who live in that area, and for anyone who loves that scenic part of our coastline.

"My husband and I took a walk to the little red house on Grass Island this weekend, and were saddened to see that someone had spray painted graffiti on it.  We are not sure who did this or when, but it is unfortunate that it references Hand Football, State Champs and # 35," she said. 

"We wanted to bring this to both community's attention," in Madison and Guilford she said.

She is asking the town of Guilford as to whether it might be able to take the lead on maintaining, or helping to restore the house. As for the graffiti, She said she has no way of knowing whether anyone in Madison was responsible for this. 

"But wouldn't it be great if someone from Madison or Hand High School pitched in to help clean this up?  Those of us who live down here would be happy to help in any effort to restore and maintain the Red House, and keep this area special," she said. 

Madison First Selectman Fillmore McPherson expressed outrage at the incident. 

“This is totally uncalled for and deplorable!  I would hope that the miscreants would volunteer to join any group that is going to clean up the damage," he said. 

Guilford First Selectman Joe Mazza agreed. "This is disgraceful and the offenders should be man enough to come forward to volunteer and join in cleaning up the damage."

Kelly said she just wants the spot restored to its former beauty, and for people in both towns to show a little respect. She has been told by Guilford town officials that they are looking into options for repair and restoration. Town officials have forwarded the photos to the Guilford police. 

"Grass Island is a wonderful spot that is enjoyed by residents of both towns. Sadly, it has become overrun with dog owners who do not obey the leash law and do not clean up after that pets.  The neighbors are happy to have visitors to this lovely spot...we just ask that you respect us, and do not treat it like the town dog park," she said.