Learning from Visual Clues Part 2

In Part 1 of Learning from Visual Clues I asked everyone what we could theorize based on what we see in these photos. I concluded with "Remember, every house, no matter what age, has a story to tell!"

And therein lies the trick to this question.

New England can be very challenging to interpret because of all the changes that have occurred through the years. Sometimes old houses can look new. Sometimes clues from the property can speak to the changes that have occurred on the site.

In the example above the house is in fact not old. It's a two year old modular home what was placed on the property. The big clue is the old barn. This property formerly was the site of an old house. The previous house was placed to the left of the new house. After the modular home was installed the old house was taken down but the barn was kept in place.

We can also surmise that a different house was sited here because it's unlikely that a barn such as this would have been built without a house nearby. You can't tell but this property is located on an old thoroughfare hence the reasoning for a house and barn instead of just a barn.

The reason this is significant is that there are often multiple houses located on one site at different times. If you are referring to old maps you need to be open to the possibility that a house designated on an early is not the same house as one on a later map. This was exactly the case for the house I used as my example when I spoke to the Beebe Memorial Library in Wakefield back in October.

Iif you miss the physical clues (which are there if you just take a close look) you can try to find archival clues, even when researching in the 21st century.

Similar to when determining the year built by carefully looking for increases in 19th century tax records, you can do the same with modern records.  Look at this recent data from the local assessor:

Previous Assessments

Year	Code	Building	Yard Items	Land Value	Acres	Special Land	Total
2013	101 - ONE FAMILY	296,400	3,000	155,000	0.56	0.00	454,400
2012	101 - ONE FAMILY	296,400	3,000	158,300	0.56	0.00	457,700
2011	101 - ONE FAMILY	99,200	7,100	164,900	0.56	0.00	271,200
2010	101 - ONE FAMILY	105,900	7,100	163,500	0.56	0.00	276,500
2009	101 - ONE FAMILY	105,900	7,100

Notice how the acreage stayed the same yet the total value jumped from 2011 to 2012? That would indicate a major change to the property. Also note that the "Yard Items" decreased. Perhaps there was another barn or outbuilding on the property that was taken down.

We can learn so much from properties just by looking for the visual clues. Once we have a hunch we can search for supporting documentary evidence. This will help us to accurately interpret what we are seeing.

Walk around you property and look at it with fresh eyes. Perhaps you won't discover new information about the age of your house but maybe you will discover old cart paths, a grown over road or foundations for barns or outbuildings that are no longer there. There are lots of surprises waiting to be discovered!

Learning from Visual Clues

There are so many aspects of discovering your historic house that will help with uncovering the details and clues to its history. While it's important to search for historical documents and to analyze the architecture there is something much simpler you can do.

Spend some time conducting a visual survey of your house and property. Looking at your home and the lot that it sits on can be very revealing.  Sometimes we get so caught up looking at the minute details such as paint, nails or cornices that we forget to step back and see what the big picture is trying to tell us.

Look at these two photos. What important information can we theorize based on what we see in the photos? You can click the photos to enlarge. Leave your suggestions in the comments. Tomorrow I will post the answer.

Remember, every house, no matter what age, has a story to tell!

What to do the photos tell you about this house and property?
(click photos to enlarge)

Have I stumped you? It's probably not what you're expecting. But that's good because you need to expect the unexpected especially when it comes to houses!

Read the answer in Part 2.

Random Thoughts from a Docent

In February of this year I started my journey as a docent at the Fairbanks House in Dedham, Massachusetts. My tenure this year will soon end as the house readies to close at the end of October.

Here are some random thoughts on my observations as a first time docent.

1) There is no better way to get to know an historic house (short of living in it) than by visiting it every week. I suspected this would be the case when I signed up and I was proved right. There is no way you can get to know a house from a one-time visit.  Being a docent allows you to really get to know the nuances of an old house.

2) You will see something new every week. Without fail on every tour that I gave someone asked me a question about something I had never noticed before. There is no better way to try to see everything. It is also interesting to discover and interpret objects and houses through the eyes of visitors. Every visitor has a different bent on what they are interested in seeing.

3) It is difficult to learn and internalize someone else's research. This may be the case because I'm an historical researcher myself. I find it so much easier to talk about my own research than someone else's but that's exactly what you need to do to prepare for giving house tours. The thing that worked best for me was following along on tours given by the curator or other docents.  I could copy their performances quicker from hearing and watching than from reading.

4) It is really fun to work with a group of people who all love the same thing you do. Being a house historian can often be a solitary task. Being a docent for a house museum allows you to get to know the board, the staff and the other docents, not to mention the visitors and the descendants who come for the annual reunion.

5) Your faith in mankind's multi-generational interest in preservation will be restored. I worked at the Fairbanks House with docents from age 17 to 70+. I worked with high school students, college students, grad students, retirees.  They all had a passion for this old timber frame house. They all had a curiosity and drive to know as much about history as possible. Each one of them brought their own special expertise. It was an incredible learning and sharing environment.

6) You become a cheerleader. I know I did. I was so impressed with the energy, determination and professionalism of curator Meaghan Siekman. She is an inspiration and every day with her brought a new adventure. It's exciting to watch what she brings to the world of public history. I know I'll be a big fan for a long time to come.

If you find that you want to get involved with historic houses more than just the research you are doing on your own, I would highly recommend becoming a docent.  Join the team at the Fairbanks House or find another house museum close to your own area. I think you will find it a rich and rewarding experience.

Real Estate, Politics and Historic Houses

When we talk about researching the history of houses the focus is typically on the past.  Yet recording the present is just as important.  As historic house owners or historic house fans we are in a unique position to consciously preserve history as it happens.

How many times have you found an old photo of your house and wondered when it was taken? If you are careful and pay attention to the details in the photo you may be able to narrow down the date by examining the clues.  Wouldn't it be great if all old photos had revealing clues?

You can do your part to help house historians of the future. Here are two types of photos that will make it easier to date photos that are left unidentified.

1) Political signs are a gift to historians

Election season is upon us here in the United States. In my neighborhood I have seen signs sprouting up for State Representatives, Congress and the President. Let's put a positive spin on this otherwise dreaded political season by using the campaign signs to capture history. What better clue to date a photo than one that has a political sign in the yard.  If your yard is devoid of political signs then capture a street scene. Perhaps one of you neighbors is displaying their support for a politician. The politician's name and the campaign slogan can forever be used to determine the year of the photo.

2) Real Estate signs

Similar to campaign signs, real estate signs can be a great help to determine when a photo was taken.  The combination of the real estate agency and the agent should help in future identification of house photos.  While tracking sales electronically in the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) is a relatively new resource, this is a growing database will continue to track information about sales and sales agents.

If your house isn't for sale, take a street scene that shows your house and another on the street that is displaying a sign in front. While deeds don't list information about real estate agents, you could narrow down the date based on when the house sold.

While you're at it, ask a real estate friend to print out the MLS listings of all previous sales of your house (with photos) and include those as a part of your house history documentation. Keep in mind that sales prior to the 1990s might not have photos available.

Don't miss an opportunity to further document the living history of your house while it happens. Go to the effort to photographically record your house while including the most historic clues possible. What a great contribution this will make toward preserving your house!

Free House History Webinars: Mass. Mini Series

I am pleased to announce that the New England House Historian will be offering a series of  webinars presented by Marian Pierre-Louis. All you need to access these webinars is a connection to the internet. The webinars are free but registration is required and space is limited. Everyone with an interest in house histories or Massachusetts research is welcome to attend. 

Massachusetts Mini Series

1. Researching Massachusetts Deeds

The most important place to start your house history research is with the deeds. Without understanding who owned your house it is difficult to effectively research other record types. Join Marian Pierre-Louis, the New England House Historian, to learn how to do deed research in Massachusetts. After this talk you'll be on your way to Massachusetts house history research!

Time/Date: Tuesday, August 7, 2012 at 8:00pm EST

2. Tips from Town Hall

Town Halls across Massachusetts have all sorts of information useful to house history research. You would be surprised at just what you can find. Come discover what kind of records are available and how you can make use of them in your research.

Time/Date: Tuesday, August 14, 2012 at 8:00pm EST

3. Prime Time Probate

Some of the richest information for house history research come from probate records. Probate records include a range of files such as wills, administrations, guardianships and estate inventories among others. This webinar will focus on showing you how to access Massachusetts probate records and examples of the information you will find..

Time/Date: Tuesday, August 21, 2012 at 8:00pm EST

See you at the webinars!

Taking a Stroll at Historic Deerfield

Historic Deerfield in western Massachusetts is one of the most stunningly preserved historic neighborhoods in New England.  The museum of over 40 buildings is also unique because it is spread across a public street and village.  You can pay to enter and take tours of the historic houses or you can simply spend an hour or two strolling along the street.  The old burying ground located nearby completes that sense that you have stepped back in time.  Historic Deerfield is one of the most satisfying historic house experiences you will ever find. Start your journey with this virtual tour and then plan for the day when you can visit in person. (click the photos to enlarge)

Essential Summer Historic House Destinations

Historic Deerfield

This summer, in between the beach and the barbeques, perhaps you'll find some time to do some touring around New England.  You'll want to include historic house destinations on your itinerary.  Here are my top 6 Picks (in no particular order).

1) Strawbery Banke, Portsmouth, NH

Experience four centuries of history in one location in one of the quaintest places in New England. Reserve a full day to visit this 10-acre site. You will get your fill of historic houses as you tour the 42 buildings, many of which are on their original foundations. Strawberry Banke is open daily 10am - 5pm through October 31.

2) The Moffat-Ladd House & Garden, Portsmouth, NH

While you are in Portsmouth to see Strawbery Banke, make sure you save some time to see the Moffat-Ladd House.  This is one of my most favorite house museums.  It must be something about the combination of beautiful architecture, seafaring history and a site overlooking the water that makes it so appealing.  After your visit stroll across the street to eat in some great restaurants on the harbor. Open Monday - Saturday, 11am - 5pm and Sunday, 1pm - 5pm through October 21.

3) Sturbridge Village, Sturbridge, MA

Journey to rural New England in 1830s with more than 40 original buildings in this outdoor museum. I never tire of going to Sturbridge Village because they have done a superb job of making the experience hands-on and interesting. Your kids will have fun too with running around, trying on costumes, carriages rides and a hands-on craft shop. Don't forget to stop for a snack in the General Store to buy some homemade chocolate chip cookies. Open daily 9:30am - 5:00pm.

4) Historic Deerfield, Deerfield, MA

This is another trip that will take you a full day to fully appreciate all the sights. This is perhaps the best preserved 18th century neighborhood in all of New England.  The English arrived in 1669 but Deerfield is better know as the site of the 1704 massacre at the hands of the French and Indians. There are 22 houses still standing that were built in the village before 1776.  In addition to guided or self-guided house tours, take advantage of the other museums and workshops available. Lodging at the Deerfield Inn and a food wagon catered by Deerfield Inn chefs provide services for both stay over and day visitors.  Open daily 9:30am - 4:30pm through December 30.


5) Historic New England, Across New England

Historic New England is the oldest and largest regional heritage organization in the nation. They maintain 36 historic sites across New England. Visit the 1807 Nickels-Sorrwell House in Wicasset, Maine, the 1678 Coffin House in Newbury, Massachusetts or the 1796 Watson Farm in Jamestown, Rhode Island.  The houses are spread across New England so be sure to plan your visits ahead of time. See the website for individual opening times.


6) The Fairbanks House, Dedham, Massachusetts

The Fairbanks House is the oldest timber-frame house in the United States, built circa 1637. What makes it even more significant is that it is the least altered original dwelling and was occupied by a single family for eight generations.  It is perhaps one of the most significant cultural assets in the country. Open 10am - 4pm Tuesday to Saturday through October.  The guided tours start every hour on the hour.

The Doors of Wickford, Rhode Island - Part 2

A continuation of the beautiful doors of Wickford...

If you haven't seen them yet, be sure to see the Wickford doors in Part 1.

The Doors of Wickford, Rhode Island - Part 1

Sometimes a place is so beautiful it's best to let the photos speak for themselves.

Continue on to see the Doors of Wickford, Part 2.

Parking Options at the Norfolk Registry of Deeds

Before I'll take a trip anywhere I want to know my parking options. That comes after years of living around Boston and having to fight for parking spaces. I don't like to be surprised with limited availability nor do I like to pay exorbitant amounts when there are cheaper options nearby.

It used to be that you could drive to the Norfolk County, Massachusetts Registry of Deeds and park all day in the large parking lot behind the registry for free.  That changed a year or two ago. Now you have to pay.

If you are planning on doing research at the Norfolk Registry (I highly recommend it. It's a wonderful place!) then you'll want to check your options before you go.  There are positives and negatives for all these options so you'll have to determine which is the best for you.

Paid Parking Lot

source: maps.bing.com
click to enlarge

If you want ease of parking and you don't mind paying the cash, then the best option for you is the lot behind the registry building. You access this by taking the road, Old River Place, which is just to the east of the registry building.  The cost is $5 for the entire day. [#2 on the map]


Street Parking Meters

If you would like to stay close to the registry building but pay less, you can choose the option of street parking. Here you can feed the meters at a rate of 25 cents per hour. The meter will take up to four hours worth of coins.  There is ample parking on both High Street and perpendicular Court Street.  High Street is the closest to the registry but also the busier street. You will want to have strong parallel parking skills if you choose this option. You'll have a longer walk if you choose Court Street but you'll likely be able to slide directly into a spot without having to parallel park. Personally, this is my option of choice. [#3 on the map]

Free Parking 

There is a free parking option if you are willing to walk a few blocks. [#4 on the map] A municipal parking lot at the corner or High Street and Eastern Avenue offers two hours of free parking. I've never used the lot so I'm not sure what happens if you go over your allotted time. The best part about parking in this lot (which I pass by every week) is that it is located next a wonderful assortment of cafes, coffee houses and ethnic restaurants which are perfect for grabbing lunch or meeting a friend.

If you are determined to pass by the restaurants in order to get down to business you will enjoy the several blocks of wonderful historic buildings lining the streets before your arrive at the registry. The last added benefit besides saving some money is that you will have a refreshing short walk before diving into more stationary tasks.

The only limitation I can really see to the free parking is that it is limited to two hours. That could be inconvenient if you plan to stay for a whole or half day.