During historical tours on the Thames River, it’s not unusual for attendees to ask about the unique structure resting on stilts on a small rock island on the Groton shoreline near the mouth of the river. I’m sure many residents and visitors to the area have also wondered about this landmark.

The small rock island, comprising just under six-tenths of an acre, is located on the east side of the river, approximately 400 feet northwest of Eastern Point Beach. Although this parcel of land is listed in Groton land and tax records as Hobbs Island, many [official] state and federal maps have it spelled as Hobs Island without the double “b.”

Research of Groton’s land records and other documents has failed to determine why this parcel of land was named Hobbs Island. The first reference to it being named Hobbs was documented in a quit claim deed dated Dec. 12, 1975.

Interestingly, land records for this property prior to 1975 and going back over one century, referred to it as Billy’s Island. Prior to 1875, the property had been described more generically as “a parcel of land, triangular in shape, lying in and surrounded by the water, located northerly of a westerly projection of Tyler Avenue...”

Although no official information was developed to explain how or why the property became know as Billy’s Island, one possible fanciful and feasible explanation for the name will be discussed later in this article.

In October 1975, the island was purchased by David A. and Leonore L. Hays of New York City. Mr. Hays, at the time, was vice president of the Eugene O’Neill Theater Center in Waterford and director of the National Theater for the Deaf. He had previously been a successful and prolific set designer for many Broadway plays.

He indicated that his primary purpose for purchasing the island was to build a house closer to his work in Waterford, one that would provide him privacy and solitude for studying and writing.

In 1977, after almost two years of going through the process of applying for building permits from the City of Groton, as well as what seemed to be a never ending and exasperating barrage of complaints from property owners in the area, Hays did receive the necessary variances to build his dream house.

The basic design of the house can best be described as a non-conventional, composite-type building encompassing a combination of a medieval Russian church design with accents of Japanese architecture. Hays received help in designing and constructing the house from Norwich architect Richard Sharp and Old Saybrook engineer Rudy Bessier.

The three-floor wooden structure is perched on top of vertical steel beams. Its many large windows provide spectacular views of the New London shoreline and the never-ending boat traffic on the river.

Hays, along with his 17-year-old son, Daniel, and several members of the National Theater of the Deaf worked together to build the house.

Because it was both impractical and too costly to install a septic system on the island or connect to the existing sewer systems on land, Hays received permits and variances to install a chemical-type toilet. He did not receive any objections from state or local authorities to hand-carry containers of water to the island and to remove wastewater in the same fashion.

Initially the house was heated by a small wood stove and a small gas generator to provide enough electricity to power a few lights and a small refrigerator.

In February 2000, David Hays and his son Daniel sold the property and premises to Robert and Jane Grochowski, who at the time were residing in Old Saybrook.

I contacted and spoke with Robert and Jan Grochowski. Both indicated that they had thoroughly enjoyed their years on the island and had initially planned on using the house as their retirement home.

At the time of purchasing the property, Mrs. Grochowski was employed as a teacher in Canterbury and her husband worked as a computer consultant. At first, they lived on the island only during the summer; however, after making many renovations and reconditioning the house from what could be described as a “man’s retreat” into a more customary home, they stayed year-round for three years.

The Grochowskis made many changes and additions to the house, including installing solar panels to charge batteries to provide electricity for appliances and lights. There is also satellite television and cell phone service on the island. The house is now heated by a small propane fireplace rather than wood.

Supplies are brought to the island’s dock by the Grochowskis in a 26-foot boat which, according to Mr. Grochowski, was previously the launch used by the wealthy Woolworth family on their 70-foot yacht. There is now a 250-gallon water tank on the island, which reduces the number of trips needed to replenish it.

Extra propane tanks are stored on the island, and food supplies are maintained in an electric refrigerator. Thus, pretty much, all the comforts of home are available on the island.

The Grochowskis relayed many tantalizing and humorous stories about things that happen on the island, including unexpected visits from some squirrels and a raccoon. They also provided an almost unending list of activities which provide such an inviting reason for living on an island – things like swimming, fishing, reading, writing, watching fireworks and, most important, just plain relaxing.

By the way, the Grochowskis call the island “The Rock.” When I relayed to them that it had also been known as Billy’s Island, they indicated that David Hays had told them a story about a goat being found on the island after a bad storm. Well, could the name “Billy” be short for “Billy Goat?” Who knows?

As for the Grochowskis, they indicated, with some sorrow, that they are placing Hobbs Island on the market. If you have an interest, keep an eye on the local real estate advertisements.

Jim Streeter is the Groton town historian.