Although the official name is O'Connor Island, it has long been known by the locals as Butternut Island, due to the presence of a grove of Butternut trees during the early part of the 20th century down near the cove. Until 1956 the only structure on the island was a "hunter's shack" with neither water nor electricity. It was purchased by my great aunt and uncle, Dr. and Mrs. Harry F. Pennington of Meriden, CT that year. They converted the existing structure into what is now the two bedrooms and two bathrooms, enlarged the cottage to what is now the living room and kitchen, and built the decks and a boathouse. Plumbing was installed, and the hot water heater, refrigerator, and stove were fueled by propane. Electricity was supplied for lights and small appliances by a generator located in the pump house. The cottage was wired in such a way that, when a light switch was turned on, the generator would start. In 1967, Dr. Pennington passed away, but Mrs. Pennington spent every summer here for the next 25 years. She had telephone service installed after his death for extra security. In the spring 1987, five of the islands (including Butternut) signed up for Hydro (electricity). The generator disappeared, and electric appliances replaced the propane. Two years later the now existing boathouse replaced a much smaller one. The island was passed along to my father and Aunt. Our families spent every summer here as their children were growing up. As we married and had their own families, the island was visited less frequently. In 2014 the decision was made to share this unbelievable destination with others. To that end, some furniture was replaced, and Wi-Fi and satellite TV were installed. We sincerely hope that you, our guests, enjoy the island as much as we do when we are here. Sadly in 2021 my father died and the island was passed down to myself and sister. We have been slowly been making improvements to the cottage each year since his passing.