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