Lenox - Benjamin Moore & Co., the national paint manufacturer, has continued its support of The Mount, Edith Wharton’s estate and gardens, with a donation of $20,000. This grant money is earmarked for research and restoration of the original paint colors used in Wharton’s 800-sq.-ft. bedroom suite at The Mount.
Beginning this month, the new funding will be used to complete high-tech analysis of paint colors in Wharton’s boudoir. Later this year, The Mount will launch a study of colors in her adjacent bedroom and bathroom. Based on results of the work, the rooms will be repainted in historically-accurate colors.
“Benjamin Moore is committed to the preservation of America’s architectural legacy,†noted Eileen McComb, director of corporate communications for Benjamin Moore & Co. “The company began its financial and in-kind support of the restoration of The Mount in 2001. As the restoration work continues, so does Benjamin Moore’s commitment, ensuring historical accuracy of the paint colors selected.â€
“Because of Edith Wharton’s importance in the world of interior design, it is critical that we do everything possible to determine what colors she chose for the house,†explains Stephanie Copeland, president of Edith Wharton Restoration, the non-profit organization responsible for preserving and restoring The Mount. “We’re very grateful for Benjamin Moore & Co.’s continued support in this area.â€
Benjamin Moore provided valuable support in 2001, when it contributed materials, expertise and $25,000 to paint the seven principal rooms featured in The Mount’s centennial exhibition of designer-decorated rooms, which continues through the end of the 2004 season. The colors proved so popular that Benjamin Moore features them, along with The Mount, on its website, www.benjaminmoore.com .
Robert Furhoff, a leading historic paint analyst based in Chicago, will complete the new work. Furhoff first visited The Mount last summer, when he made significant breakthroughs in determining the boudoir’s original colors. To finalize this research, laboratory testing will be used to confirm the original ingredients in the paint mix and from that, to gauge whether the colors faded over time. Furhoff will be returning to The Mount this summer to analyze the paint finishes in the bedroom and the bathroom.
The Mount is focusing efforts on continued restoration of Wharton’s private suite in anticipation of the upcoming 100th anniversary of her first bestselling novel, The House of Mirth. Written in 1905 in her bedroom at The Mount, the book’s critical and popular success gave Wharton the confidence to pursue her writing. The author of over 40 books in 40 years, she was the first woman awarded the Pulitzer Prize for Fiction. In addition, Wharton was an authority on architecture and interior and garden design. The Decoration of Houses, her 1897 book co-authored with Boston architect Ogden Codman, is credited with establishing interior design as a profession in this country.
Benjamin Moore & Co., founded in 1883, is one of the nation’s leading manufacturers and retailers of premium quality architectural, commercial and industrial maintenance coatings. A Berkshire Hathaway company, Benjamin Moore & Co. is headquartered in Montvale, N.J.
The Mount will open for the 2004 season on May 1. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily through Oct. 31. A National Historic Landmark, the secluded Gilded Age estate includes a 42-room mansion, three acres of formal gardens and additional acres of scenic woodlands. For more information, visit www.EdithWharton.org or call (413) 637-1899.
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Dalton Announces New Supplier for Energy Program
DALTON, Mass. – The Town of Dalton has signed a thirty-four month contract with a new supplier, First Point Power.
Beginning with the January 2026 meter reads, the Dalton Community Choice Power Supply Program will have a new rate of $0.13042 per kWh. The Program will also continue to offer an optional 100 percent green product, which is derived from National Wind Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs), at a rate of $0.13142 per kWh.
For Dalton residents and businesses who are enrolled in the Town's Program, the current rate of $0.13849 per kWh will expire with the January 2026 meter reads and the new rate of $0.13042 per kWh will take effect. This represents a decrease of $5 per month on the supply side of the bill given average usage of 600 kWh. Additionally, this new rate is 3 percent lower than Eversource's Residential Basic Service rate of $0.13493 per kWh. Residents can expect to see an
average savings of $3 per month for the month of January 2026. Eversource's Basic Service rates
will change on Feb. 1, 2026.
Dalton launched its electricity program in January 2015 in an effort to develop an energy program that would be stable and affordable. From inception through June 2025, the Program has saved residents and small businesses over $1.7 million in electricity costs as compared to Eversource Basic Service.
It is important to note that no action is required by current participants. This change will be seen on the February 2026 bills. All accounts currently enrolled in the Program will remain with their current product offering and see the new rate and First Point Power printed under the "Supplier Services" section of their monthly bill.
The Dalton Community Choice Power Supply Program has no fees or charges. However, anyone switching from a contract with a third-party supplier may be subject to penalties or early termination fees charged by that supplier. Ratepayers should verify terms before switching.
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