Historic Home Open Houses - Sunday, April 7, 2013

Open Houses for Historic Homes in Metrowest Boston
Sunday, April 7, 2013

Please Note: Year built date is taken from MLS which is based on public record.

Bellingham

31 Woodland Road, Bellingham, MA
5 room, 3 bedroom Bungalow
Year Built: 1920
List Price: $249,900
OPEN: Apr 7 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM

Dedham

44 Beacon Street, Dedham, MA
5 room, 3 bedroom Bungalow
Year Built: 1920
List Price: $289,900
OPEN: Apr 7 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM

80 Sanderson Avenue, Dedham, MA
6 room, 2 bedroom Cape
Year Built: 1900
List Price: $329,900
OPEN: Apr 7 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM

5 Dominic Court, Dedham, MA
8 room, 3 bedroom Colonial
Year Built: 1895
List Price: $359,900
OPEN: Apr 7 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM

56 Highland Street, Dedham, MA
6 room, 2 bedroom Colonial
Year Built: 1830
List Price: $549,000
OPEN: Apr 7 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM

69 Village Avenue, Dedham, MA
11 room, 5 bedroom Colonial
Year Built: 1820
List Price: $749,000
OPEN: Apr 7 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM

927 High Street Dedham, MA
9 room, 5 bedroom Colonial
Year Built: 1798
List Price: $815,000
OPEN: Apr 7 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM

181 Village Avenue, Dedham, MA
10 room, 4 bedroom Colonial
Year Built: 1770
List Price: $939,500
OPEN: Apr 7 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM

78 Woodleigh Road, Dedham, MA 
11 room, 5 bedroom Colonial
Year Built: 1914
List Price: $889,000
OPEN: Apr 7 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM

48 Cedar Street, Dedham, MA 
7 room, 3 bedroom Bungalow
Year Built: 1917
List Price: $429,000
OPEN: Apr 7 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM

Foxboro

11 Howard Avenue, Foxboro, MA
5 room, 2 bedroom Colonial
Year Built: 1900
List Price: $289,900
OPEN: Apr 7 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM

56 South Street, Foxboro, MA
13 room, 5 bedroom Antique
Year Built: 1915
List Price: $410,000
OPEN: Apr 7 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM

Franklin

60 Ruggles Street, Franklin, MA
6 room, 3 bedroom Colonial Yea
r Built: 1920
List Price: $214,900
OPEN: Apr 7 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM

Grafton

40 North Street, Grafton, MA
8 room, 3 bedroom Cape
Year Built: 1865
List Price: $439,900
OPEN: Apr 7 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM

14 Cross Street, Grafton, MA
8 room, 3 bedroom Colonial
Year Built: 1920
List Price: $449,900
OPEN: Apr 7 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM

Holliston

41 Union Street, Holliston, MA
6 room, 3 bedroom Colonial
Year Built: 1811
List Price: $219,000
OPEN: Apr 7 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM

27 Pearl Street, Holliston, MA
7 room, 3 bedroom Colonial
Year Built: 1920
List Price: $319,900
OPEN: Apr 7 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM

Medfield

13 South Street, Medfield, MA
5 room, 3 bedroom Cape
Year Built: 1795
List Price: $329,900
OPEN: Apr 7 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM

8 Curve Street, Medfield, MA
5 room, 2 bedroom Antique
Year Built: 1840
List Price: $365,000
OPEN: Apr 7 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM

18 Pound Street, Medfield, MA
8 room, 4 bedroom Colonial
Year Built: 1869
List Price: $414,900
OPEN: Apr 7 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM

4 High Street, Medfield, MA
7 room, 3 bedroom Antique
Year Built: 1800
List Price: $611,800
OPEN: Apr 7 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM

Medway

1 North Street, Medway, MA
9 room, 5 bedroom Cape
Year Built: 1830
List Price: $229,900
OPEN: Apr 7 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM

Mendon

12 George Street, Mendon, MA
8 room, 3 bedroom Antique
Year Built: 1791
List Price: $374,900
OPEN: Apr 7 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM

Natick

76 South Main Street, Natick, MA
6 room, 2 bedroom Antique
Year Built: 1880
List Price: $329,900
OPEN: Apr 7 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM

2 Temple Street, Natick, MA
7 room, 4 bedroom Colonial
Year Built: 1875
List Price: $389,000
OPEN: Apr 7 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM

117 Pond Street, Natick, MA
8 room, 4 bedrooms Antique
Year Built: 1886
List Price: $399,000
OPEN: Apr 7 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM

22 Grove Road Natick, MA
6 room, 2 bedroom Colonial
Year Built: 1915
List Price: $335,000
OPEN: Apr 7 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM

Needham

105 High Street, Needham, MA
8 room, 4 bedroom Colonial
Year Built: 1890
List Price: $479,000
OPEN: Apr 7 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM

1297 Great Plain Avenue, Needham, MA
10 room, 4 bedroom Antique
Year Built: 1890
List Price: $859,000
OPEN: Apr 7 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM

Norfolk

63 Union Street, Norfolk, MA
9 room, 2 bedroom Antique
Year Built: 1900
List Price: $280,000
OPEN: Apr 7 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM

Norwood

106 Monroe Street, Norwood, MA
6 room, 3 bedroom Colonial
Year Built: 1890
List Price: $229,900
OPEN: Apr 7 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM

15 Savin Avenue, Norwood, MA
7 room, 3 bedroom Antique
Year Built: 1920
List Price: $299,900
OPEN: Apr 7 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM

Upton

160 Main Street, Upton, MA
7 room, 4 bedroom Colonial
Year Built: 1900
List Price: $278,900
OPEN: Apr 7 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM

29 Milford Street, Upton, MA
8 room, 4 bedroom Victorian
Year Built: 1870
List Price: $299,900
OPEN: Apr 7 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM

Walpole

192 West Street, Walpole, MA
9 room, 4 bedroom Colonial
Year Built: 1900
List Price: $367,000
OPEN: Apr 7 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM

487 Main Street, Walpole, MA
7 room, 3 bedroom Colonial
Year Built: 1900
List Price: $369,900
OPEN: Apr 7 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM

Wellesley

85 & 81 Hillside Road, Wellesley, MA
7 room, 3 bedroom Colonial
Year Built: 1911
List Price: $899,000
OPEN: Apr 7 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM

268 Weston Road, Wellesley, MA
12 room, 4 bedroom Colonial
Year Built: 1881
List Price: $1,150,000
OPEN: Apr 7 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM

11 Chestnut Street, Wellesley, MA
13 room, 5 bedroom Victorian
Year Built: 1894
List Price: $1,759,000
OPEN: Apr 7 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM

37 Garden Road, Wellesley, MA
11 room, 6 bedroom Colonial
Year Built: 1907
List Price: $1,975,000
OPEN: Apr 7 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM

Westwood

43 Mill Street, Westwood, MA
8 room, 4 bedroom Colonial
Year Built: 1907
List Price: $799,000
OPEN: Apr 7 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM

Time Capsule: The Hamant Family on South Street

Around 1890 Francis D. Hamant, a descendant of one of the founders of Medfield, built a house at what is now 118 South Street in Medfield. Until that point his family had lived on the family homestead on Philip Street. Francis lived in the South Street house until his death in 1909 at age 70.

In 1910, sisters Gertrude, Nettie and Mary lived in the home. Gertrude was the oldest at 43, followed by Nettie at 41 years old. Mary was considerable at only 31. Old three sisters were single. Gertrude earned a living by giving music lessons out of the home and Nettie worked as an employee on a dairy farm. Mary did not work and continued without an occupation for the remainder of her life.

By 1920, the sisters had a booming and bustling house. Their 46 year old brother Daniels moved in with his wife, Bessie, and their three children, Caroline, Eleanor and Daniels. Daniels owned a granite memorial memorial business.  They however, were not the only ones added to the household. The 1920 US Federal Census shows an Irish couple, the Cahills living in the home.  Most likely they rented rather than working as servants because John Cahills was employed as a laborer in a straw shop.

The entire family remained intact in the house in 1930 minus the Cahills. The house was owned outright by the Hamants and valued at $10,000. Showing that they were embracing the times the family owned a radio.  Gertrude, now 62 was still working as a music teaching. Nettie, now 61, had given up her farming job and was teaching in a school. Daniels was now listed as a salesman in his own business suggesting  that there was some growth and other employees.

The Hamant Family, 118 South St, Medfield, 1930

The Hamant Family, 118 South St, Medfield, 1930

The home at 118 South Street, Medfield continued to be owned by the Hamant family until 1947 when it was sold to the Ballou family.

Copyright 2013 Marian Pierre-Louis

George Fisher Buys Property on Grafton Common

The George Fisher House, 2 South Street, Grafton, MA
photo by Marian Pierre-Louis, 2012

On August 29, 1884 successful cotton manufacturer George Fisher bought the site of the former J. Wheeler store. He paid $3,150 for the property now known as 2 South Street. He would turn this property into the only High Victorian style residence facing Grafton Common.

Fisher was 40 years old at the time of the purchase. He and his 29 year old wife, the former Ella Farnum, had been living in the Farnumsville section of Grafton.

George, born November 18, 1843, was the son Erastus and Mary Fisher. Erastus had moved with his brother from Connecticut to a establish textile mill in Grafton on the Blackstone River. In 1868 Erastus transferred 1/4 of his business to each of his sons George and Albert and then renamed his business E. Fisher and sons. George was a young 25 years old when he joined the family business. After the death of Erastus, George took over the business.

Soon George Fisher was a prominent man in Grafton. In 1875 he was selected as a town Assessor. In 1877 and 1878 he served as a Selectman.

1884 Deed for 2 South Street, Grafton when purchased by George Fisher

His life was not without tragedy. George and Ella would remain childless after their 1876 marriage. George would not live long to benefit from the rewards of his success. He died at age 56 on February 7, 1900 leaving his wife a 45 year old widow.

Ella Farnum Fisher remained single for the rest of her long life until her death at age 94 in May 26, 1949.  She remained in the beautiful house on Grafton Common at least until 1930. The house at 2 South Street would be sold out of the family for the first time in 1950. It had been in the Fisher family for its first 66 years.

Copyright 2013 Marian Pierre-Louis

Historic Home Open Houses - Sunday, Feb. 10, 2013

Open Houses for Historic Homes in Metrowest Boston
Sunday, February 10, 2013

Please Note: Year built date is taken from MLS which is based on public record. 


Dedham

6 Marion Street Dedham, MA
8 room, 4 bedroom Colonial
Year Built: 1917
List Price: $699,000
OPEN: Feb 10 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM

Foxboro

80 Central Street, Foxboro, MA
8 room, 3 bedroom Colonial
Year Built: 1900
List Price: $269,900
OPEN: Feb 10 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM

Franklin

34 Corbin Street, Franklin, MA
5 room, 3 bedroom Colonial
Year Built: unknown
List Price: $239,000
OPEN: Feb 10 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM

Norwood

39 Austin Street, Norwood, MA
8 room, 4 bedroom Gambrel /Dutch
Year Built: 1914
List Price: $375,000
OPEN: Feb 10 12:00 PM to 1:45 PM

Walpole

585 Common Street, Walpole, MA
8 room, 5 bedroom Colonial
Year Built: 1911
List Price: $389,900
OPEN: Feb 10 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM

Wellesley

28 Crescent Street, Wellesley, MA
9 room, 4 bedroom Farmhouse
Year Built: 1875
List Price: $1,150,000
OPEN: Feb 10 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM

Defining the Details: Barge Board

Have you ever driven along a street and seen beautiful trim along the roof line shaped in the form of  shamrocks, gingerbread or other decorative styles? This decoration is called barge board. You will also see it referred to as decorated verge boards. It is typically attached to the gables of the house.

Barge board on historic homes  is made from wooden planks. Today you may see reproductions made from composite materials.

Board board is most likely to be found on a Tudor, Gothic Revival or Queen Anne style home. In Massachusetts you will likely find barge board on Greek and Gothic Revival style homes in the mid to later 19th century and on Queen Anne style homes in the late 19th century and early 20th century.

Historic Houses in Westwood - By the Numbers

Ever wonder just how many antique homes there are in Westwood, Massachusetts?

Here's a look by the numbers:

Single Family Homes
1900 - 1930: 306
1850-1899: 33
1800 - 1849: 51
1750 - 1799: 22
1700 - 1749: 7
Before 1700: 1

The oldest house in Westwood according to public record was built in 1680.  The house with this honor is 955 High Street. Three other homes come in second, all having been built in 1700. They include 46 Washington Street, 284 Nahatan Street and 5 Wight Lane.

Multi-Family Homes
1900 - 1930: 26
1850-1899: 3
1800 - 1849: 2
1750 - 1799: 3
1700 - 1749: 0
Before 1700: 0

Please note: This information is taken from public record. Public record dates are often at variance with year built dates on record with local or state historical commissions.

Historic Home Open Houses - Sunday, July 29, 2012

Open Houses for Historic Homes in Metrowest Boston
Sunday, July 29, 2012 

Please Note: Year built date is taken from MLS which is based on public record. 

Dedham 563 Washington Street, Dedham, MA
6 room, 3 bedroom Farmhouse
Year Built: 1830
List Price: $329,900
OPEN: 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM

104 Emmett Avenue, Dedham, MA
6 room, 3 bedroom Cape
Year Built: 1850
List Price: $239,900
OPEN: 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM

39 Williams Avenue, Dedham, MA
6 room, 3 bedroom Colonial
Year Built: 1913
List Price: $345,900
OPEN: 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM

88 Abbott Road, Dedham, MA
12 room, 5 bedroom Victorian
Year Built: 1856
List Price: $639,900
OPEN: 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM

188 Walnut Street, Dedham, MA 
11 room, 6 bedroom Victorian
Year Built: 1893
List Price: $899,000
OPEN: 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM

Holliston

56 Woodland Street, Holliston, MA
9 room, 4 bedroom Colonial
Year Built: 1910
List Price: $399,900
OPEN: 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM

Medfield

28 South Street, Medfield, MA
9 room, 4 bedroom Colonial
Year Built: 1850
List Price: $689,900
OPEN: 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM

Natick

38 Connecticut Avenue, Natick, MA
6 room, 2 bedroom Ranch
Year Built: 1917
List Price: $324,900
OPEN: 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM

44 Rockland Street, Natick, MA 
7 room, 3 bedroom Antique
Year Built: 1800
List Price: $399,000
OPEN: 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM

201 Glen Street, Natick, MA 
8 room, 4 bedroom Victorian
Year Built: 1850
List Price: $815,000
OPEN: 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM

59 Farwell Street, Natick, MA
5 room, 2 bedroom Antique
Year Built: 1880
List Price: $299,000
OPEN: 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM

Needham

67 May Street, Needham, MA
12 room, 6 bedroom Colonial
Year Built: 1906
List Price: $949,000
OPEN: 1:00 PM to 2:30 PM

Norfolk

57 North Street, Norfolk, MA
10 room, 3 bedroom Colonial
Year Built: 1900
List Price: $369,900
OPEN: 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM

Sherborn

100 South Main Street, Sherborn, MA
11 room, 5 bedroom Colonial
Year Built: 1690
List Price: $1,399,000
OPEN: 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM

64 Farm Road, Sherborn, MA
9 room, 4 bedroom Colonial
Year Built: 1835
List Price: $969,000
OPEN: 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM

Upton

7 Pleasant Street, Upton, MA
8 room, 4 bedroom Colonial
Year Built: 1735
List Price: $379,900
OPEN: 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM

Walpole

115 Lincoln Road, Walpole, MA
10 room, 5 bedroom Cape
Year Built: 1900
List Price: $779,000
OPEN: 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM

77 Washington Street, Walpole, MA
4 room, 2 bedroom Colonial
Year Built: 1910
List Price: $289,000
OPEN: 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM

Wellesley

102 Great Plain Avenue, Wellesley, MA
15 room, 6 bedroom Victorian
Year Built: 1888
List Price: $1,295,000
OPEN: 1:30 PM to 3:00 PM

20 Brook Street, Wellesley, MA
6 room, 3 bedroom Colonial
Year Built: 1900
List Price: $669,000
OPEN: 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM

Wrentham

414 Hancock Street, Wrentham, MA
7 room, 3 bedroom Cape
Year Built: 1784
List Price: $325,000
OPEN: 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM

1043 West Street, Wrentham, MA
5 room, 2 bedroom Cape
Year Built: 1846
List Price: $254,900
OPEN: 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM