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

Featured Historic Home: 66 Harding St, Medfield, MA

66 Harding Street, Medfield, Massachusetts

Welcome to The Jonathan Fiske House. Beautiful Antique Medfield Colonial Blend of old and new - Post and Beam Construction High Ceilings. Amazingly open layout. Kitchen with cathedral ceilings and open to deck and yard. Wood flooring throughout. Study with wall of built in book cases. Large composite deck overlooking fenced yard with beautiful gardens surrounded by privacy fence.Two car garage. Large Lot ensuring privacy. Handicap Accessible. NEW SEPTIC being installed by sellers.

 

66 Harding Street
Medfield, MA 02052
Year Built: 1794
List Price: $449,900
Click Here for more information about this property or contact the listing agent.

Listing Agent:
Marcia Kramarz

RE/Max Realty

(508) 377-7171 Office
(508) 446-5094 Mobile

Historic Houses in Medfield - By the Numbers

Medfield's "Peak House"

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

Here's a look by the numbers:

Single Family Homes
1900 - 1930: 109
1850-1899: 89
1800 - 1849: 43
1750 - 1799: 26
1700 - 1749: 4
Before 1700: 8

Having been settled in 1649 and incorporated as a town in 1651, Medfield has a number of very old homes. It is also home to two house museums: the Peak House on Main Street built circa 1711 and the Dwight-Derby House on Frairy Street built circa 1651.

With the exception of the two house museums there are eight homes still standing known to have been built in the 1600s. The oldest private home in Medfield, according to public record, is 72 Elm Street which was built in 1652. In second place is 7 Philip Street built in 1657. And in place is 86 Philip Street.  The other homes built before 1700 include 589 and 661 Main Street and 70, 230 and 260 North Street.

Multi-Family Homes
1900 - 1930: 20
1850-1899: 27
1800 - 1849: 17
1750 - 1799: 0
1700 - 1749: 4
Before 1700: 0


Medfield has four buildings currently being used as multi-family homes that were built before 1750.  Tied in first place are 215 South Street and 22 High Street which were both built circa 1700. In second place is 11 Pleasant Street built in 1725. And in third place is 353-355 Main Street which was built in 1742.

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 Main Street, Medfield

Medfield, Massachusetts is blessed to have a wealth of beautiful historic homes. There are numerous neighborhoods within the town that shine with the character of graceful historic homes full of character. The homes featured here are only some of the historic homes on Main Street. They reflect those found just east of the center of town out as far as the Peak House. Medfield has one of the loveliest downtown areas to drive or stroll through in all of Metrowest Boston.

Enjoy the tour!

The David Fairbanks House

The Timothy Cheney / Bradford Curtis House

The Daniel Clark Sanders House

The Noah Daniels / Robert Roberts House

The George Metcalf Smith House

The John N. Wills House

The Clark Tavern

The Peak House, open to visitors during the summer,
was built in the early 1700s

Featured Historic Home: 6 Miller Street, Medfield, MA

6 Miller Street, Medfield, Massachusetts

The opportunity you've been waiting for! Large antique colonial on side street in downtown Medfield, spacious updated kitchen with breakfast/prep island, SS appliances, french doors, large windows, and character details. Fireplace in spacious family room! Four bedrooms on the second floor. Three full baths. First floor office or library. Extended and wide enclosed porch. Loft room as a bonus! Level lot with detached garage. Call today for your private showing.

6 Miller Street
Medfield, Massachusetts 02052
Click Here for more information about this property or contact the listing agent.

Listing Agent:
Rose O'Connor
Prudential Page Realty
489 Main Street

Medfield, MA 02052

(508) 359-2331 Office
(508) 740-0983 Mobile
(508) 359-7657 Fax