The Clubhouse on Becket Hill had been built around 1903 for artist Louis Paul Dessar (1867-1952). Dessar had been successful as a portrait painter in New York. After he moved to Lyme he turned to landscape painting and stocked his land with sheep and oxen to serve as models. The landscapes did not sell as well as the portraits had, and he was forced to sell the farm. Around 1930, Hilya started Becket Hill Table Delicacies, selling homemade candies and jellies. The business was successful in terms of the number of orders, but it was difficult to keep up the flow of cash, as payments from clients lagged behind bills from suppliers. During the war there were further difficulties – with getting supplies and helpers, and also with travel and shipping – and the business gradually declined.   Photos from around 1931, when Hilya was making Becket Hill Delicacies and Frank was going around as a salesman, selling them and “picking up women.” (Linda’s words)   <NEXT>