History
The Sterling Family
In the 19th century, The Sterlings, one of Stratford’s oldest and wealthiest families, built their family homestead, a grand Victorian mansion, on Main Street. The land was owned by Captain John Sterling, a successful seafarer who plied the profitable trade routes from New York to China, and his wife Catherine Tomlinson Plant. Their son, John W. Sterling, a highly successful lawyer in New York City and co-founder of Shearman & Sterling, built the mansion in 1886 and lived here with his sisters, Catherine and Cordelia.
In 1918, John Sterling died, leaving Yale a large legacy gift of $30 million. To his sister Cordelia, who we celebrate as our founder, he left the mansion and a sizable legacy. Upon her death in 1931, Cordelia donated the gift in her will, of the Sterling mansion, and its park-like grounds to the people of Stratford.
About the House
The stately Sterling House is found within the Stratford Center Historic District, part of the National Registry of Historical Places. It was designed by Bruce Price of New York who also designed Osborne Hall and Welch Hall at Yale University. The homestead’s lawns and gardens were originally planned by Frederick Law Olmsted, who was the landscape architect of New York’s Central Park.
Since its opening, Sterling House has been a House for all ages. The mission Cordelia set forth, and the one we continue today, is to foster the physical, social, emotional, artistic and intellectual growth of our community.
It is here, in this brick red house, with eight acres of rolling lawns and ancient, generously shading trees that Sterling House Community Center was founded in 1932
Erin’s Gym
On the grounds of Sterling Community Center, Erin’s Gym is a 14,000 square foot indoor turf facility for youth programs and athletics. In April 2021, after 10 years of operation, Erin’s Gym has been graciously donated to SHCC by the Erin Babineau Memorial Fund Inc., and the Babineau family. We are thankful, honored, and inspired to continue the family’s remarkable legacy in expanding our programs and deepening our impact for youth in our community.
In Memory of Erin Marie Babineau
Erin’s Gym was built with love and in the memory of Erin Marie Babineau, daughter and sister of the Babineau family. Erin was born in Connecticut on July 12, 1994, and at the young age of 10 was tragically killed on February 22, 2005 in a tour bus accident while the Babineau family was on vacation in Jamaica.
Erin is remembered by her family, father Jeff, mother Donna, sister Rachel, and brother Cory. They continue to honor her memory and cherish the moments of a special child that was taken away far too early. Erin is remembered as the happiest child you would ever meet. She was always smiling and full of life. People would ask, “Is she ever not smiling?” Whether on the pitcher’s mound or finishing her dismount off the balance beam, her infectious smile was always there. She loved to hold hands, sit close, and give kisses upon kisses. She had a great sense of humor and would always make others laugh.
Erin never realized how many people she touched in her life. The Babineau family and those that she touched miss her every day and continues to cherish and remember the years they had with her. Erin’s legacy continues to live on through the facility named after her, “Erin’s Gym”. She will always be remembered as young athletes enter the building and learn about Erin and the gift her family gave to Sterling House. These kids will continue on her path of having fun, smiling and laughing. The facility will forever be called “Erin's Gym” and be strictly used for youth programs.
The Erin Babineau Memorial Fund Inc. continues to impact Stratford’s youth through various projects and donations throughout our town. To make a donation to the Erin Babineau Memorial Fund Inc. please make checks to: EBMF Inc., 180 Pilgrim Lane, Stratford, CT 06614.
