Richard Irons, master historical restoration mason in the head of the chimney at the Daniel Lummus House, High Street, Ipswich, Ma.
Monday, June 08, 2009
Ipswich Alexander Knight House team members
Mat Cummings, Cummings Architects and James Whidden Woodright LLC in front of the Whipple House, Ipswich, Ma.
Saturday, June 06, 2009
Ipswich Alexander Knight House Authentic Reproduction Underway.
As the skies cleared late Saturday morning, I headed out to view the hewing of beams that will soon become part of the authentic reproduction of the first period one-room house: the Ipswich Alexander Knight House, circa 1657. To my pleasant surprise, the crew was involving the public in the actual work.
The project is the ingenious brainchild of a group of modern-day first and second period artisans who will lend their expertise, time and materials (estimated at about $45,000 from start to finish), to recreating this replica. The Ipswich Alexander Knight House will stand as a commemorative and lasting tribute to the historical significance of the Town of Ipswich, Massachusetts now celebrating its 375th year.
The group includes: Mat Cummings, Cummings Architects (http://www.cummingsarchitects.com/); James Whidden, Woodright, LLC (http://www.jameswhiddenwoodwright.com/knight.html); Richard Irons, Restoration Mason; Susan S. Nelson, Architectural historian and principal of Goodship Research; Tim Chouinard, Arborist. In addition, marketing and communications consultants including Lisa-Marie Cashman, principal of The Cashman Group (www.linkedin.com/in/thecashmangroup); Martin Sorga, principal of postproduct (http://www.postproduct.net/) Cynda Warren Joyce, principal of CWJ Designs (http://www.cwjdesigns.com/) will not only help recreate the story of the past, but also will bring light to the significance of this project for the local community and nationwide, as part of the donation.
"The Ipswich Alexander Knight House recreation represents what many of the Town's First Period homes looked like during the early 17th century," remarks Mat Cummings. "It is the first authentic and only recreation in the Ipswich's history that will have a permanent home located next to the Whipple House and sited by Sally's Pond on the South Green." Cummings further adds, "According to our knowledge, our one-room home will be the only opportunity for one to see and experience how the common person lived in one of Mass Bay Colonies' settlements."
The group includes: Mat Cummings, Cummings Architects (http://www.cummingsarchitects.com/); James Whidden, Woodright, LLC (http://www.jameswhiddenwoodwright.com/knight.html); Richard Irons, Restoration Mason; Susan S. Nelson, Architectural historian and principal of Goodship Research; Tim Chouinard, Arborist. In addition, marketing and communications consultants including Lisa-Marie Cashman, principal of The Cashman Group (www.linkedin.com/in/thecashmangroup); Martin Sorga, principal of postproduct (http://www.postproduct.net/) Cynda Warren Joyce, principal of CWJ Designs (http://www.cwjdesigns.com/) will not only help recreate the story of the past, but also will bring light to the significance of this project for the local community and nationwide, as part of the donation.
"The Ipswich Alexander Knight House recreation represents what many of the Town's First Period homes looked like during the early 17th century," remarks Mat Cummings. "It is the first authentic and only recreation in the Ipswich's history that will have a permanent home located next to the Whipple House and sited by Sally's Pond on the South Green." Cummings further adds, "According to our knowledge, our one-room home will be the only opportunity for one to see and experience how the common person lived in one of Mass Bay Colonies' settlements."
James Whidden adds, "Many of the First Period homes in Ipswich were only one room. As we entered the Second Period, many add-ons were incorporated into the historic homes--particularly downtown-- and the original one room house became part of a larger home existing with Georgian or Federal style embellishments."
Once completed, Ipswich Knight House will be donated to the Ipswich Historical Society (http://www.ipswichmuseum.org/) and remain as part of its permanent collection. The Society hopes to incorporate the authentic one-room, First Period house into its educational programming including lectures, school tours, and other events. It will become an interactive tool for all to enjoy. All proceeds for such events will go to the Ipswich Historical Society.
"We are thrilled to have such dedicated and talented members of the Ipswich Historical Society and community," notes Fred Hale, President. "The dedication and passion these individuals have brought to the table will undoubtedly boost local and national recognition for Ipswich as the town that has the largest and most authentic number of First and Second Period homes in the country."
With the 375th celebration now moving full-speed ahead, this summer promises to be a great time for residents, families and tourists to view and participate in the progress of the Ipswich Knight House. Live demonstrations will take place and tourists and residents will have a chance to partake in helping to build this home. For more information on demonstration dates and other activities, please contact Lisa-Marie Cashman at 978-233-2885 or email at lisamarie.cashman@gmail.com. Stay tuned for additional blog postings on the progress as well as my "tweetdates" at www.twitter.com/globalprmaven
Saturday, April 25, 2009
Correction to last post
This is a correction to the last post The Art of Selling Houses in Today's Market. The website address should be: www.StagingHomesMa.com.
Friday, April 17, 2009
The Art of Selling Houses in Today's Market
A fairly brisk spring market has arrived on the heels of attractive mortgage interest rates hovering between 4.6-4.99 percent in recent weeks. Along with the usual signs of Spring, open house signs abound with colorful balloons .
I recently covered an open house for a Realtor-friend who was selling her own home and I was successful in bringing the buyers to the table with a good offer. What made this home more appealing than the house on the street parallel to hers? Both homes were in the same neighborhood with all the amenities; both were priced competitively; both had similiar lot size, number of rooms and were the same style homes...so what gave?
The staging. Hands down. The staged home had a flow and continuity that reached out and grabbed the guest saying, "come sit down and read a book in my living room." "Entertain in my open-space concept kitchen and family great room." "Come relax, take your shoes off and lay on my luxuriously designed masterbed...." Believe it or not some people did just that!
It made me step back and think a bit about how many other homes have sold with professional staging? So, I contacted Jeanne Monaco, A.S.P., IASHP, president and owner of Staged to Perfection, LLC (http://www.staginghomesma.com/) to find out her advice on hiring the right person or company to get the job done.
Jeanne has been in the home design business for many years. As an accredited staging professional, she recommends the sellers and their real estate agent ask the following questions when selecting a professional staging consultant:
I recently covered an open house for a Realtor-friend who was selling her own home and I was successful in bringing the buyers to the table with a good offer. What made this home more appealing than the house on the street parallel to hers? Both homes were in the same neighborhood with all the amenities; both were priced competitively; both had similiar lot size, number of rooms and were the same style homes...so what gave?
The staging. Hands down. The staged home had a flow and continuity that reached out and grabbed the guest saying, "come sit down and read a book in my living room." "Entertain in my open-space concept kitchen and family great room." "Come relax, take your shoes off and lay on my luxuriously designed masterbed...." Believe it or not some people did just that!
It made me step back and think a bit about how many other homes have sold with professional staging? So, I contacted Jeanne Monaco, A.S.P., IASHP, president and owner of Staged to Perfection, LLC (http://www.staginghomesma.com/) to find out her advice on hiring the right person or company to get the job done.
Jeanne has been in the home design business for many years. As an accredited staging professional, she recommends the sellers and their real estate agent ask the following questions when selecting a professional staging consultant:
- Is the consultant designated as an ASP (Accredited Staging Professional) and is he/she a member or the IAHSP (International Association of Home Staging Professionals)?
This guarantees the potential client that the stager has invested both time and financial backing to their business
- Has the stager been trained by the founder and creator of StagedHomes.com?
- Does the staging professional meet the highest of standards and code of ethics for the industry?
Anyone can call themselves a stager but there is ONLY one recognized designation in the industry. An ASP has earned the federal trade mark for the industry.
- Does the stager have references? Ask for both realtors and homeowners.
- Does the stager have a full inventory available for props, small furniture etc. to stage your property at resonable rates? Are they readily available?
- Ask to see his/her portfolio and or website.
- Ask the stager for statistics that show you how quickly his/her staged properties went under agreement (The ROI is what is going to count the most).
Jeanne believes hiring an ASP allows you to access several discounts through Staged Homes partners i.e. paint, furniture, artwork, storage, etc. In addition, an ASP gets you extra exposure by listing your property on StagedHomes.com website coupled with your realtor's stash of marketing tools including the MLS, Realtor.com, SEOs and other interenet methods of marketing coupled with traditional outbound marketing.
Below is a sampling of statistics from Staged to Perfection's cache. For more information about Jeanne Monaco and her offerings, log on to http://www.stagedhomesma.com/ For more information about selling your home in the current market, contact me at lisamariecashman@kw.com.
Boxford- 10 days to offers 6 weeks to closing
Ipswich-1 day for multiple offers 10 days for purchase and sale
Danvers- 17 days to purchase and sale
Swampscott- 4 days to first offer (fell through at inspection) closed with a new offer 3 months later
Somerville- 8 days first offer (fell through buyer got cold feet) back up buyer two days later, closing after 4 weeks
Hamilton- 11 days to purchase and sale
Wenham- 60 days to purchase and sale
Middleton- 14 days to first offer...56 days until second offer and purchase and sale
Somerville #2- Closed after 90 days
Peabody- 2 offers after 2 days...under agreement after 3
Haverhill-Offer after 1 day
Friday, March 20, 2009
Rates and the Markets Drop Amid Concerns over AIG fiasco and looming deficit bulge....
It must have been one heck of a finish today on Wall Street and on Capitol Hill. I would like to be downtown or along the K and M Sts, N.W. corridor sharing a pint with some of the folks who are in the thick of it all.
Just a bit of a recap:
This week, the Fed meeting announced that Federal funding rates would remain constant between 0.00 - 0.25 percent -- unchanged since the last Fed meeting while stocks closed down to finish the week in the doldrums. You'd think this would be good news, but with any law of supply and demand, there is an upside and a downside that has caused a chain reaction of multitudinous proportions. The markets had a roller coaster ride once again this week; heavily relying upon confidence-shattering reports from the Hill to corporate America to Kalamazoo and other parts unknown.
Some key factors influencing the market include anger and rage over the AIG compensation packages to executives while further reports in the New York Times and other major national dailies conclude the nation's deficit budget will reach up to $2.3 trillion more between 2010 and 2019. Pretty staggering. But wait, don't dwell on the negative....
Hang on to your hats folks because there is a silver lining in every cloud.
According to Patricia Gabriel (pgabriel@prospectmtg.com), senior loan officer with Prospect Mortgage (http://www.prospectmtg.com/), the unchanged Federal Fund rate means great news for home buyers -- and even sellers get a piece of the action. Here are some key points shared by Patty:
LMC: What happened at the Fed meeting the other day? Can you give some detail?
Patty: "WELL, THE FED DELIVERED A DOUBLE WHAMMY. They said they'd buy an additional $750 billion on Mortgage Backed Securities and do it for the rest of the year. That more than doubles their original commitment. But they didn't leave it there. They also decided to commit to purchasing $300 billion in longer term Treasuries over the next 6 months. This double whammy gave the 10 year treasury the largest 1 day decline in yield in over 50 years. Mortgage Backed Securities dropped significantly in yield as well. This is GREAT NEWS for mortgage rates. "
LMC: We saw a trending downward in January, Patty. But as you have noted in previous discussions, lower rates only lasted for 3 days. What conclusions should we draw from this recent drop in rates to 4.75% for a 30-fixed with a credit score of 740 and higher?
Patty: "Just because they'll be buying through the end of the year doesn't mean rates will continue to drop. We have great rates now. They are better than they've been in decades. Take advantage while they're low. Don't get greedy waiting for them to drop another 1/8%."
LMC: Any other advice for buyers and sellers?
Patty: "Yes. If you are looking to buy or sell, make sure you are timing your future closings. Ask your real estate agent and your closing attorney as well as your lender to make sure they are watching out for this in order to lock-in and take advantage of this rate. This also applies to those looking to refinance. Focus on lenders you know and trust and work with dates that are realistic. "
Just a bit of a recap:
This week, the Fed meeting announced that Federal funding rates would remain constant between 0.00 - 0.25 percent -- unchanged since the last Fed meeting while stocks closed down to finish the week in the doldrums. You'd think this would be good news, but with any law of supply and demand, there is an upside and a downside that has caused a chain reaction of multitudinous proportions. The markets had a roller coaster ride once again this week; heavily relying upon confidence-shattering reports from the Hill to corporate America to Kalamazoo and other parts unknown.
Some key factors influencing the market include anger and rage over the AIG compensation packages to executives while further reports in the New York Times and other major national dailies conclude the nation's deficit budget will reach up to $2.3 trillion more between 2010 and 2019. Pretty staggering. But wait, don't dwell on the negative....
Hang on to your hats folks because there is a silver lining in every cloud.
According to Patricia Gabriel (pgabriel@prospectmtg.com), senior loan officer with Prospect Mortgage (http://www.prospectmtg.com/), the unchanged Federal Fund rate means great news for home buyers -- and even sellers get a piece of the action. Here are some key points shared by Patty:
LMC: What happened at the Fed meeting the other day? Can you give some detail?
Patty: "WELL, THE FED DELIVERED A DOUBLE WHAMMY. They said they'd buy an additional $750 billion on Mortgage Backed Securities and do it for the rest of the year. That more than doubles their original commitment. But they didn't leave it there. They also decided to commit to purchasing $300 billion in longer term Treasuries over the next 6 months. This double whammy gave the 10 year treasury the largest 1 day decline in yield in over 50 years. Mortgage Backed Securities dropped significantly in yield as well. This is GREAT NEWS for mortgage rates. "
LMC: We saw a trending downward in January, Patty. But as you have noted in previous discussions, lower rates only lasted for 3 days. What conclusions should we draw from this recent drop in rates to 4.75% for a 30-fixed with a credit score of 740 and higher?
Patty: "Just because they'll be buying through the end of the year doesn't mean rates will continue to drop. We have great rates now. They are better than they've been in decades. Take advantage while they're low. Don't get greedy waiting for them to drop another 1/8%."
LMC: Any other advice for buyers and sellers?
Patty: "Yes. If you are looking to buy or sell, make sure you are timing your future closings. Ask your real estate agent and your closing attorney as well as your lender to make sure they are watching out for this in order to lock-in and take advantage of this rate. This also applies to those looking to refinance. Focus on lenders you know and trust and work with dates that are realistic. "
Where can I park my Prius?
Back to compactness...parallel parking queen lives!
A compromise....buy a great bluetooth and media system while conserving energy!
Saturday, March 14, 2009
It's a buyer's market alright, but where are they hiding?
The other day I was plodding along filling out an application to become a listing agent for Fannie Mae's REO market. I was asked for total sales volume and units for 2008. So, I pulled up the latest statistics from our market center and was pleasantly surprised to learn upon researching reports that our Keller Williams office did $168,092,064 in total sales volume with 496 units sold in 2008. This places us at the #1 position in our target market from the previous 4th position. I sat back, smiled and breathed a sigh of relief. The sky was not falling today as the media so forcefully implies in daily broadcasts. I can still afford San Pellegrino in a glass bottle and so life moves on.
New England has pretty much bottomed out in the market correction, and yet the North Shore of Massachusetts seems relatively unaffected. MLS market reports show sold statistics somewhere between 2003-2005 values, which is not all that bad. So why are there still a plethora of inventory on the market? Why are the majority of buyers cooling their heels still?
Here are the top 5 reasons:
- Lack of consumer confidence. If you are living in fear that the sky will fall, then write your epitaph now. The best buys are out there NOW. Don't miss out. Invest in America. This will stimulate the economy more than waiting under the proverbial bomb shelter or for handouts that may not apply or may never get to you.
-Myth or urban legend? Shut your televisions off folks...there are plenty of lenders who are lending money. True, the lending qualifications are a bit stiffer...but it's a good thing. No one will be buying something they cannot afford. Rates remain the lowest in nearly three decades. It's time to put more than your big toe in the pond. Go ahead, jump in and get pre-approved...you might like what you find out!
- Can we get further clarity on the stimulus package? I hear this from many colleagues and clients. There were a few last minute changes to the tax credit for purchasing a home. At last glance, first time home buyers will really make out well. If you are a first-time home buyer and you purchase your home between January 1, 2009 and by November 30, 2009, you will receive a tax credit (this is not something you will have to pay back to the IRS like last year's provision). The key here is to understand how the tax credit works. Please check with your local Enrolled Agent (licensed tax specialist). For most people, the tax credit for up to $8,000.00 depending upon purchase price and Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) is a no-brainer. It's all relative though...and it's great to receive something rather than nothing at all.
Janet Foote, EA and owner of AnyThingTaxingYou, LLC (http://www.anythingtaxingyou.com)/ states,"One key consideration to remember is that you must live in your new home and it must remain your main home for a 36 month period beginning on the purchase date.” Foote adds, “With a few exceptions, not doing so can mean you repay the credit, as additional tax due, in the year the home becomes a rental property, business property or is sold, destroyed or condemned.”
-Job security. Gone are the days where you can get 100% financing on a no-doc loan. Indeed these are challenging times. But everyone needs a place to live. Your decision to purchase should take into account the following factors: 1.) get a financial health check up with your financial planner and/or speak to a mortgage representative to determine pre-approval for a loan. 2.) Make sure you have considered where your budget needs to be and error on the side of conservative in terms of price range. There are plenty of deals out there where more is for less than in the previous market.
-The golden egg has left the nest. Remember when you were hearing how people were flipping houses about three years ago and making a killing? Or your parents or someone you knew bought their homes for pennies and ended up millionaires by selling their homes? Well, those days are gone in terms of buying a home and selling 6 months later to turn a profit. The one positive thing about buying now is that you can invest your money in real estate and make it grow...it can only go up from here. The normal rate of return will come into play...on average we are talking about an estimated 7-11 year turnaround for appreciation to reach levels where substantive equity is gained. And once this happens, only draw from equity to enhance the property and add VALUE. No more trips to Ireland on a whim and purchasing expensive luxury SUVs, please.
The buyers are around; they just need the tools, timing and education to make it happen!
For more information on President Obama's Economic Stimulus Package, check out the National Association of Realtors latest news on there website: (www.nar.com) or talk to a Realtor.
New England has pretty much bottomed out in the market correction, and yet the North Shore of Massachusetts seems relatively unaffected. MLS market reports show sold statistics somewhere between 2003-2005 values, which is not all that bad. So why are there still a plethora of inventory on the market? Why are the majority of buyers cooling their heels still?
Here are the top 5 reasons:
- Lack of consumer confidence. If you are living in fear that the sky will fall, then write your epitaph now. The best buys are out there NOW. Don't miss out. Invest in America. This will stimulate the economy more than waiting under the proverbial bomb shelter or for handouts that may not apply or may never get to you.
-Myth or urban legend? Shut your televisions off folks...there are plenty of lenders who are lending money. True, the lending qualifications are a bit stiffer...but it's a good thing. No one will be buying something they cannot afford. Rates remain the lowest in nearly three decades. It's time to put more than your big toe in the pond. Go ahead, jump in and get pre-approved...you might like what you find out!
- Can we get further clarity on the stimulus package? I hear this from many colleagues and clients. There were a few last minute changes to the tax credit for purchasing a home. At last glance, first time home buyers will really make out well. If you are a first-time home buyer and you purchase your home between January 1, 2009 and by November 30, 2009, you will receive a tax credit (this is not something you will have to pay back to the IRS like last year's provision). The key here is to understand how the tax credit works. Please check with your local Enrolled Agent (licensed tax specialist). For most people, the tax credit for up to $8,000.00 depending upon purchase price and Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) is a no-brainer. It's all relative though...and it's great to receive something rather than nothing at all.
Janet Foote, EA and owner of AnyThingTaxingYou, LLC (http://www.anythingtaxingyou.com)/ states,"One key consideration to remember is that you must live in your new home and it must remain your main home for a 36 month period beginning on the purchase date.” Foote adds, “With a few exceptions, not doing so can mean you repay the credit, as additional tax due, in the year the home becomes a rental property, business property or is sold, destroyed or condemned.”
-Job security. Gone are the days where you can get 100% financing on a no-doc loan. Indeed these are challenging times. But everyone needs a place to live. Your decision to purchase should take into account the following factors: 1.) get a financial health check up with your financial planner and/or speak to a mortgage representative to determine pre-approval for a loan. 2.) Make sure you have considered where your budget needs to be and error on the side of conservative in terms of price range. There are plenty of deals out there where more is for less than in the previous market.
-The golden egg has left the nest. Remember when you were hearing how people were flipping houses about three years ago and making a killing? Or your parents or someone you knew bought their homes for pennies and ended up millionaires by selling their homes? Well, those days are gone in terms of buying a home and selling 6 months later to turn a profit. The one positive thing about buying now is that you can invest your money in real estate and make it grow...it can only go up from here. The normal rate of return will come into play...on average we are talking about an estimated 7-11 year turnaround for appreciation to reach levels where substantive equity is gained. And once this happens, only draw from equity to enhance the property and add VALUE. No more trips to Ireland on a whim and purchasing expensive luxury SUVs, please.
The buyers are around; they just need the tools, timing and education to make it happen!
For more information on President Obama's Economic Stimulus Package, check out the National Association of Realtors latest news on there website: (www.nar.com) or talk to a Realtor.
Monday, February 02, 2009
More than the ambiance....
As I search for a new antique homes project for a very savvy buyer client of mine, I got a tip that yet another first period home in Ipswich might be up for grabs. I am setting up an appointment with the owners to preview the home this week hopefully.
I believe that this home is the 30-31st discovered first period home in town. Looking forward to learning more when I speak with the owners.
I believe that this home is the 30-31st discovered first period home in town. Looking forward to learning more when I speak with the owners.
Daniel Lummus House updates
Proud new owners of the last gem on High Street in ipswich, Massachusetss, Kathy and Al Boynton, are chipping away at restoring the Daniel Lummus House, circa 1730 or earlier.
Wednesday, April 23, 2008
Spring on High Street in Ipswich, Massachusetts
It was an unusual sighting on Monday when I happened to be giving a grand tour of the Daniel Lummus House to an interested party. Spring was in the air because neighbors of the slowly deteriorating first-period house started to come out and cross the street to say "hello" to the potential prospective owners, giving a piece or two of nostalgic or historic "town legend" information. All in the hopes of saying something so poignant, that it would send people running to sign on the dotted offer line.
Van Buskirk -- one such resident --revealed that the Victorian portion of the house was actually the old freight station and subsequently the Union Telegraph office, which was located originally "around the corner" on Mineral Street. At some point, according to Buskirk's recollection of the town legend, the structure was moved and attached to the Daniel Lummus House.
Mat Cummings and I considered it but when more of the ceiling was pulled away between the union of the two houses, it did not seem to be able to be corroborated....as the roof structure just above indicated a much older frame.
Van Buskirk -- one such resident --revealed that the Victorian portion of the house was actually the old freight station and subsequently the Union Telegraph office, which was located originally "around the corner" on Mineral Street. At some point, according to Buskirk's recollection of the town legend, the structure was moved and attached to the Daniel Lummus House.
Mat Cummings and I considered it but when more of the ceiling was pulled away between the union of the two houses, it did not seem to be able to be corroborated....as the roof structure just above indicated a much older frame.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Old House Restoration Done the Right Way...
Mat Cummings, well-known for his restoration architectural prowess here in Ipswich and the Cape Ann area is really rocking with some great stuff these days. You may recall he did a structural assessment report for the Daniel Lummus House.
Recently, he and Jim Whidden, a celebrated woodright, scored the Captain Sutton House project on Water Street.
Here is an excerpt from his recent e-newsletter:
The most recent exciting news you may know about is the ca. 1687 Captain Sutton House in Ipswich that we are restoring and expanding with Jim Whidden, a “woodwright” with whom we’ve collaborated on several other projects like Ipswich’s Day-Dodge House and the ca. 1850 Glover’s Knitting Factory (learn more on my website, www.cummingsarchitects.com). Recently, the Salem News did a feature story on Jim’s work at the Sutton House (http://www.cummingsarchitects.com/images/Publications/WickedLocal/WickLoc_060107.pdf), and we thought you’d enjoy learning more about him. You can learn more about Jim at www.jameswhiddenwoodwright.com.Jim and I have also created an educational program called “Old House Restoration: How to Do It the Right Way” which we are presenting throughout the North Shore in 2008. The schedule is posted on both of our websites. We do this free of charge at historical societies, small museums, and community groups as a way to educate old house owners and give them a chance to ask questions. We recently provided this seminar at the Rebecca Nurse Homestead in Danvers in November 2007, and we were a hit!
Anyone who has a passion for antique homes and restoration should log on to the above websites and get informed! Cheers.
Recently, he and Jim Whidden, a celebrated woodright, scored the Captain Sutton House project on Water Street.
Here is an excerpt from his recent e-newsletter:
The most recent exciting news you may know about is the ca. 1687 Captain Sutton House in Ipswich that we are restoring and expanding with Jim Whidden, a “woodwright” with whom we’ve collaborated on several other projects like Ipswich’s Day-Dodge House and the ca. 1850 Glover’s Knitting Factory (learn more on my website, www.cummingsarchitects.com). Recently, the Salem News did a feature story on Jim’s work at the Sutton House (http://www.cummingsarchitects.com/images/Publications/WickedLocal/WickLoc_060107.pdf), and we thought you’d enjoy learning more about him. You can learn more about Jim at www.jameswhiddenwoodwright.com.Jim and I have also created an educational program called “Old House Restoration: How to Do It the Right Way” which we are presenting throughout the North Shore in 2008. The schedule is posted on both of our websites. We do this free of charge at historical societies, small museums, and community groups as a way to educate old house owners and give them a chance to ask questions. We recently provided this seminar at the Rebecca Nurse Homestead in Danvers in November 2007, and we were a hit!
Anyone who has a passion for antique homes and restoration should log on to the above websites and get informed! Cheers.
Blogrush...no wait...no wait a bit more...sorry we can't answer you for over 120 days...you don't qualify...but maybe in a few more months...ARGHHHHH!
Pardon me but I must vetch...after waiting several months to launch regularly scheduled posts on my blog in order to continue following the Daniel Lummus House restoration, I get this lame email from The Blogrush team notifying me that since the Phase I approval and Blogrush's subsequent falling off the face of the earth to conduct Phase II modifications and improvements (the email they sent sounded like a crazed monologue from a CIT dedicated to wearing all black, drinking black coffee, smoking a ton of cigarettes and staying up all night...trust me I've known plenty of start-up IT folk since I used to consult them) I was now regrettably unapproved and uninvited to have their little widget on my blogspot due to infrequency of postings. LAME-O excuse.
Whatever happened to the "strict criteria of quality" which they espoused ad nauseum in their emails apologizing for why Phase II was taking so long to complete? And what happened to my help email during Phase I after I had been APPROVED? Well...it fell in the circular file I suppose.
Like a child spanked and sent to his/her room I pouted for a minute and then felt compelled to spout about today's internet customer service (or lack thereof). Okay I'm done now. Onto better posts! Cheers.
Whatever happened to the "strict criteria of quality" which they espoused ad nauseum in their emails apologizing for why Phase II was taking so long to complete? And what happened to my help email during Phase I after I had been APPROVED? Well...it fell in the circular file I suppose.
Like a child spanked and sent to his/her room I pouted for a minute and then felt compelled to spout about today's internet customer service (or lack thereof). Okay I'm done now. Onto better posts! Cheers.
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Lecture on the Daniel Lummus House featuring Sue Nelson of Goodship Research
Antique enthusiasts, restoration experts listen up.
New Discoveries in Early Eighteenth Century Ipswich Architecture: The Sutton House and the Daniel Lummus House Join us on Wednesday evening February 20, 2008 at 7:30 PM at the Heard House for a slide presentation and lecture by architectural historian Sue Nelson and local architect Mat Cummings on two long-known Ipswich historic houses with newly discovered First Period origins. The Sutton House on Water Street is presently undergoing an intensive restoration while the Daniel Lummus House on High Street awaits a serious restoration-minder buyer. Both houses boast previously unknown First Period framing and decorative elements that push us to rethink their dates and origins. Come share in our excitement as we present these special buildings to you.
No demolition derby buffs need attend. Serious investors and folks who understand preservation work should want to be here.
The Captain Sutton House on Water Street--BTW-- has been taken down piece by piece and eerything numbered including each brick from the foundation to the walk way. Mat Cummings and his restoration crew are about to make history with the before and after on this project.
New Discoveries in Early Eighteenth Century Ipswich Architecture: The Sutton House and the Daniel Lummus House Join us on Wednesday evening February 20, 2008 at 7:30 PM at the Heard House for a slide presentation and lecture by architectural historian Sue Nelson and local architect Mat Cummings on two long-known Ipswich historic houses with newly discovered First Period origins. The Sutton House on Water Street is presently undergoing an intensive restoration while the Daniel Lummus House on High Street awaits a serious restoration-minder buyer. Both houses boast previously unknown First Period framing and decorative elements that push us to rethink their dates and origins. Come share in our excitement as we present these special buildings to you.
No demolition derby buffs need attend. Serious investors and folks who understand preservation work should want to be here.
The Captain Sutton House on Water Street--BTW-- has been taken down piece by piece and eerything numbered including each brick from the foundation to the walk way. Mat Cummings and his restoration crew are about to make history with the before and after on this project.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
I remember!
Excuse my post-natal mind...the wide floor boards in the 39-41 High Street property are chesnut.
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Alive and kicking....
.jpg)
Okay, so it took me almost 8 months to recover my old blogger account and get back into the swing of things. Mea culpa. Mea culpa.
Now, onto the good stuff: 39-41 High Street (yes I still have this property listed...) might well be reclassified as partially first period. Sheet rock was removed from the two front rooms and some amazing finds for antique home afficianados include a Rumford fireplace, additional Georgian paneling in the two front rooms of the original saltbox. What appears to be the original lentil and chanfer beam in the hearth of one of the front rooms is still there pretty much in tact; although it does appear that there is a portion of the chanfer beam that was either removed by someone or by fire according to the charring marks. Matthew Cummings (Cummings Architects) was on hand at one of my showings to give exact and great detail to help buyers envision what this property was like and how it could be restored almost back to it's grandeur. Matthew painted the picture of what potentially was a home of a wealthy merchant. Matthew noted in his description of the chanfer beam that the grooves and beveling were unique to those in the upper class in England. A strikingly similiar first period home in Ipswich is our well-known Whipple House on the South Green in Ipswich.
Also uncovered were the original wide board flooring that was originally hand hewn from the trees (material is not pine but in fact a hardwood...I forget the exact kind at this moment but will post the information in my next posting).
Now we have commissioned Sue Nelson, who sits on the Ipswich Historical Commission's buildings committee, to research and prepare a report on the property to determine: (1) the exact age of the home; (2) who truly owned this home (Daniel Lummus may not be the original owner); and, (3) detail the historical significance of this property.
Check out the new pics on the website: www.39-41high.com
Thursday, December 29, 2005
Staging the Daniel Lummus House
There has been much activity going on at the
Daniel Lummus House in the pas t month, hence, not a lot of postings until progress was underway. Two large dumpsters arrived last month at the property to clean-out years of unwanted debris. The house was not ready to show agents since it was difficult to walk inside the house and on the property.
After the clean-out peeps left, I went to carefully inspect the property. To my surprise I found it was still in a state of disarray. I hired a cleaning woman to come in and finalize the cleaning.
Now the listing is almost over two months old and ready to finally be put on the Multiple Listing Service.
I contacted the Ipswich Historical Society and asked for additional information on Daniel Lummus and the genealogy hoping to find out more information on the house and land itself. Not much else to tell, but according to "Ipswich, in the Massachusetts Bay Colony," a godly reference it seems to most geneological ancestors of Ipswich, the original parcel of land included 9 acres. The parcel of land was originally a grant to one of the King of England's Govenors, Mr. Thomas Dudley, Esq.
"Given and granted to Thomas Dudley Esq. in October, 1635," "one parcell of ground containing about nine acres lyeing between Goodman Cross on the West and a lott intended to Mr. Broadstreet on the East. "..."The house-lot was the largest ever granted by the Town and its size alone would identify it with the Dudley lot."
Over the years the land passed from the Hubbard family and then eventually by way of "administrators to Captain Stacy, William Baker and John Staniford to Jonathan Lummus Sen., June 18, 1712. Lummus bequeathed his lands to his son Jonathan by his will, approved Aug. 17, 1728....He bequeathed his sone Daniel a "small piece of land out of my homestead adjoining to his homestead, to make him a convenient way to his barn, and so to extend from the northerly end of his homestead, until it come out to the cross fence as it now stands..."
The barn, although somewhat dilapitated, still stands to this day on the property and serves as an essential footprint for the new owner to rebuild a structure for specific use stated by the Town's zoning and planning boards. When people ask why it was not torn down, it is important to note that if it had been demolished, the Town would not recognize the footprint and therefore could not be grandfathered as such.
Daniel Lummus House in the pas t month, hence, not a lot of postings until progress was underway. Two large dumpsters arrived last month at the property to clean-out years of unwanted debris. The house was not ready to show agents since it was difficult to walk inside the house and on the property.
After the clean-out peeps left, I went to carefully inspect the property. To my surprise I found it was still in a state of disarray. I hired a cleaning woman to come in and finalize the cleaning.
Now the listing is almost over two months old and ready to finally be put on the Multiple Listing Service.
I contacted the Ipswich Historical Society and asked for additional information on Daniel Lummus and the genealogy hoping to find out more information on the house and land itself. Not much else to tell, but according to "Ipswich, in the Massachusetts Bay Colony," a godly reference it seems to most geneological ancestors of Ipswich, the original parcel of land included 9 acres. The parcel of land was originally a grant to one of the King of England's Govenors, Mr. Thomas Dudley, Esq.
"Given and granted to Thomas Dudley Esq. in October, 1635," "one parcell of ground containing about nine acres lyeing between Goodman Cross on the West and a lott intended to Mr. Broadstreet on the East. "..."The house-lot was the largest ever granted by the Town and its size alone would identify it with the Dudley lot."
Over the years the land passed from the Hubbard family and then eventually by way of "administrators to Captain Stacy, William Baker and John Staniford to Jonathan Lummus Sen., June 18, 1712. Lummus bequeathed his lands to his son Jonathan by his will, approved Aug. 17, 1728....He bequeathed his sone Daniel a "small piece of land out of my homestead adjoining to his homestead, to make him a convenient way to his barn, and so to extend from the northerly end of his homestead, until it come out to the cross fence as it now stands..."
The barn, although somewhat dilapitated, still stands to this day on the property and serves as an essential footprint for the new owner to rebuild a structure for specific use stated by the Town's zoning and planning boards. When people ask why it was not torn down, it is important to note that if it had been demolished, the Town would not recognize the footprint and therefore could not be grandfathered as such.
Monday, November 07, 2005
Cummings Architects Review...
I am pleased to present a Review of the Daniel Lummus House by Matthew Cummings, Cummings Architects in Ipswich. The following will give a prospective antique lover the quality and details of this period home...particularly those who are looking for a prime opportunity to own and hopefully restore a piece of Ipswich's history. As you may recall in my earlier posting, Daniel Lummus came over on the Hannah and settled on High Street which at the time was the location for many tradesmen during the early 1700's. Daniel Lummus was a cabinet maker and to this day there is significant remaining craftmenship in the home that Lummus built. Read the following:
Cummings Architects llc
87 Central St. Ipswich, MA 01938
Phone/fax (978) 356-5026
mat@cummingsarchitects.com
Date: 1 November 2005
Re: Daniel Lummus/1730-50 House
To whom it may concern,
This assessment is approximate only and is not in any way a detailed description of exact physical conditions and/or the historical background of the structure. A site walk was provided by Mathew Cummings with limited time spent and with no physical documentation taken. All information represented in this assessment requires a more thorough site review in order to confirm its contents and should by no means be used as an official, legally binding evaluation of the property.
Date of site visit: 1 October 2004
Name of Structure: Daniel Lummus House
Date Built: 1730-50, second period
Others who attended: Tim Perkins
History: Not included
* Conditions below are described in relationship to other second period homes of similar dates found within Ipswich. As an example, excellent refers to excellent condition for a historic home of a related age and does not refer to today’s building codes or standards.
Conditions of Structure Main Home
NIL
Deteriorated
Adequate
Good
Excellent
Structure
X
Foundation
X
Exterior Details
X
X
Interior Details
X
X
X
Windows
X
X
Chimney working f.p. ?
unknown
Chimney covered f.p.
unknown
Structure: The structure is reasonably intact. The roof is in excellent shape. The attic and second floor seem to be in good shape although the second floor was not visible. The first floor was in good shape and needed little work compared to most homes of its age in Ipswich.
Foundation: The foundation of the original home is in good condition.
Exterior Details: The exterior details have been repaired and/or replaced sporadically. Those areas that have been worked on have been done with reasonable care within the standards of expectations of most Ipswich residences. Not enough time was spent to verify if any original trims are remaining. It is not uncommon to find original rake trim, window trim or bed molding .
Interior Details: The staircase’s details do not seem original to 1730 but it is still historic. The right second floor has original wall paneling around the existing fireplace dating to 1730 +/- and is historically significant. The lower front room has a hidden fireplace behind a partition wall. Its condition is unknown. Original 1730 doors, trim, and hardware can be used as templates for duplication in other areas.
Windows: Not enough time was spent on these, however the original windows do seem to be in place and their openings and some trim remain.
Chimneys: There are two chimneys with fire places. The brick work that is visible looks in reasonable condition. A closer look with a mason must be done to understand the quality of the remaining brick and the condition of the working fireplaces.
Overall: The base of the main home is in good condition compared to other historic homes of the same age. The interior finishes and layout have been compromised but is not beyond repair. The main home has a very good base for restoration without significant costs to any buyer due to the good condition of the structure itself. The interior layout and the interior trim are also restorable with enough existing remnants of details to use as templates.
Conditions of Structure Right Ell
NIL
Deteriorated
Adequate
Good
Excellent
Structure
X
Foundation
X
Exterior Details
X
Interior Details
X
Windows
X
Structure: The structure is in generally good condition compared to others of the same age. The first floor framing may be to close to grade or possibly even sitting upon the earth itself which is common and may compromise the floor structure.
Foundation: This seems to be of the rubble type and possibly deteriorating.
Exterior Details: The exterior details are entirely intact but need care.
Interior Details: Original doors and trim are throughout. Low ceilings and juxtaposition rooms are common for this era and are apparent.
Windows: The windows may be original but further review is required.
Overall: This portion of the home is in overall good condition. It may be used for utility areas such as kitchen, mudroom, garage area at front connected to it, etc. Work may need to occur to some extent at the first floor with excavation and foundation work to resolve any first floor issues.
Conditions of Structure Rear Ell
NIL
Deteriorated
Adequate
Good
Excellent
Structure
X
Foundation
X
Exterior Details
X
Interior Details
X
X
Windows
X
Structure: This structure was not built to be a permanent building. Regardless, the good construction quality provided by its builder(s) has allowed it to last until today. If saved, it requires a thorough review of its structural elements. It is possible that the structure(s) may not be able to be saved.
Foundation: The foundation is sporadic. What does exist does not meet today’s expectations and a new or rebuilt foundation is required.
Exterior Details: The exterior details are sporadic and at times deteriorated. The exterior details for this structure are easy to replace and are generally not costly.
Interior Details: An existing outhouse and bead board was found. Further review may reveal a better story to this structure explaining how the previous owners lived.
Windows: More review is required.
Overall: The footprint of this structure is important to save allowing future work to occur as per zoning. The existing structure may be reused with ingenuity as a shed, outside/ inside space connected to the rear yard with an amazing outcome if well thought out.
Overall thoughts of the entire home and its property:
Cummings Architects has become one of the premier architecture firms sought out for projects exactly of this type. We have worked on many homes on High Street in Ipswich, and have experienced almost all possible conditions for homes of this age. The Daniel Lummus House, overall, is in good condition compared to others requiring restoration. The structure of the main home is in better condition than most prior to restoration and does have some trim and details remaining to use as templates. Two chimneys with fireplaces (verify conditions) still remain. The second floor right front room holds original paneling, possibly built by the original owner, which today is priceless and sought after, and is surely deserving of covenants for preservation. The property is large and misused. Better land use by excavating the immediate earth adjacent to the home will preserve the existing home and provide a wonderful exterior space for family use or any gathering activities. A small garden wall separating this lower exterior space from an upper level yard space would allow for very large open gatherings. The Daniel Lummus House has the possibility to become a jewel piece as a completely restored, significantly historic home. With such a historic home, modern amenities and a large usable property in a desirable community, it could also be a wise long term financial investment.
Mathew D. Cummings AIA
Registered Architect
87 Central Street
Ipswich, Ma
Cummings Architects llc
87 Central St. Ipswich, MA 01938
Phone/fax (978) 356-5026
mat@cummingsarchitects.com
Date: 1 November 2005
Re: Daniel Lummus/1730-50 House
To whom it may concern,
This assessment is approximate only and is not in any way a detailed description of exact physical conditions and/or the historical background of the structure. A site walk was provided by Mathew Cummings with limited time spent and with no physical documentation taken. All information represented in this assessment requires a more thorough site review in order to confirm its contents and should by no means be used as an official, legally binding evaluation of the property.
Date of site visit: 1 October 2004
Name of Structure: Daniel Lummus House
Date Built: 1730-50, second period
Others who attended: Tim Perkins
History: Not included
* Conditions below are described in relationship to other second period homes of similar dates found within Ipswich. As an example, excellent refers to excellent condition for a historic home of a related age and does not refer to today’s building codes or standards.
Conditions of Structure Main Home
NIL
Deteriorated
Adequate
Good
Excellent
Structure
X
Foundation
X
Exterior Details
X
X
Interior Details
X
X
X
Windows
X
X
Chimney working f.p. ?
unknown
Chimney covered f.p.
unknown
Structure: The structure is reasonably intact. The roof is in excellent shape. The attic and second floor seem to be in good shape although the second floor was not visible. The first floor was in good shape and needed little work compared to most homes of its age in Ipswich.
Foundation: The foundation of the original home is in good condition.
Exterior Details: The exterior details have been repaired and/or replaced sporadically. Those areas that have been worked on have been done with reasonable care within the standards of expectations of most Ipswich residences. Not enough time was spent to verify if any original trims are remaining. It is not uncommon to find original rake trim, window trim or bed molding .
Interior Details: The staircase’s details do not seem original to 1730 but it is still historic. The right second floor has original wall paneling around the existing fireplace dating to 1730 +/- and is historically significant. The lower front room has a hidden fireplace behind a partition wall. Its condition is unknown. Original 1730 doors, trim, and hardware can be used as templates for duplication in other areas.
Windows: Not enough time was spent on these, however the original windows do seem to be in place and their openings and some trim remain.
Chimneys: There are two chimneys with fire places. The brick work that is visible looks in reasonable condition. A closer look with a mason must be done to understand the quality of the remaining brick and the condition of the working fireplaces.
Overall: The base of the main home is in good condition compared to other historic homes of the same age. The interior finishes and layout have been compromised but is not beyond repair. The main home has a very good base for restoration without significant costs to any buyer due to the good condition of the structure itself. The interior layout and the interior trim are also restorable with enough existing remnants of details to use as templates.
Conditions of Structure Right Ell
NIL
Deteriorated
Adequate
Good
Excellent
Structure
X
Foundation
X
Exterior Details
X
Interior Details
X
Windows
X
Structure: The structure is in generally good condition compared to others of the same age. The first floor framing may be to close to grade or possibly even sitting upon the earth itself which is common and may compromise the floor structure.
Foundation: This seems to be of the rubble type and possibly deteriorating.
Exterior Details: The exterior details are entirely intact but need care.
Interior Details: Original doors and trim are throughout. Low ceilings and juxtaposition rooms are common for this era and are apparent.
Windows: The windows may be original but further review is required.
Overall: This portion of the home is in overall good condition. It may be used for utility areas such as kitchen, mudroom, garage area at front connected to it, etc. Work may need to occur to some extent at the first floor with excavation and foundation work to resolve any first floor issues.
Conditions of Structure Rear Ell
NIL
Deteriorated
Adequate
Good
Excellent
Structure
X
Foundation
X
Exterior Details
X
Interior Details
X
X
Windows
X
Structure: This structure was not built to be a permanent building. Regardless, the good construction quality provided by its builder(s) has allowed it to last until today. If saved, it requires a thorough review of its structural elements. It is possible that the structure(s) may not be able to be saved.
Foundation: The foundation is sporadic. What does exist does not meet today’s expectations and a new or rebuilt foundation is required.
Exterior Details: The exterior details are sporadic and at times deteriorated. The exterior details for this structure are easy to replace and are generally not costly.
Interior Details: An existing outhouse and bead board was found. Further review may reveal a better story to this structure explaining how the previous owners lived.
Windows: More review is required.
Overall: The footprint of this structure is important to save allowing future work to occur as per zoning. The existing structure may be reused with ingenuity as a shed, outside/ inside space connected to the rear yard with an amazing outcome if well thought out.
Overall thoughts of the entire home and its property:
Cummings Architects has become one of the premier architecture firms sought out for projects exactly of this type. We have worked on many homes on High Street in Ipswich, and have experienced almost all possible conditions for homes of this age. The Daniel Lummus House, overall, is in good condition compared to others requiring restoration. The structure of the main home is in better condition than most prior to restoration and does have some trim and details remaining to use as templates. Two chimneys with fireplaces (verify conditions) still remain. The second floor right front room holds original paneling, possibly built by the original owner, which today is priceless and sought after, and is surely deserving of covenants for preservation. The property is large and misused. Better land use by excavating the immediate earth adjacent to the home will preserve the existing home and provide a wonderful exterior space for family use or any gathering activities. A small garden wall separating this lower exterior space from an upper level yard space would allow for very large open gatherings. The Daniel Lummus House has the possibility to become a jewel piece as a completely restored, significantly historic home. With such a historic home, modern amenities and a large usable property in a desirable community, it could also be a wise long term financial investment.
Mathew D. Cummings AIA
Registered Architect
87 Central Street
Ipswich, Ma
Sunday, October 23, 2005
The Daniel Lummus House circa 1730
Trying to get enough factual information to put together a one-page presentation sheet on this property before marketing it...
The National Register of First and Second Period Historic Ipswich Homes cites the Daniel Lummus House as: "2-story, end-gable house, wood frame with clapboards, central chimney. 5 bay symmetrical facade, parallel, gable-roffed facade on east. NR Pg. 57 & 80
In a time when our country was first establishing its independence, Danniel Lummus and his family came over from England on the "Hannah" in the early 1700's. The reference book Ipswich, in the Massachusetts Bay Colony is peppered with several entries regarding Mr. Lummus although nothing terribly relevant to my search. It appears he was a cabinet maker and as one of the first to colonize in Ipswich held his place of employment on High Street at the current location 39-41 High Street, which was then 41 High Street. There is no mention of a fire in these books which was a bit frustrating...I was hoping to get the skinny on why there is a first period wall on the second floor.
Still waiting to meet with the Historical Society to obtain additional information...
Meanwhile, I have strongly recommended to the owner to contract someone to haul out all the debris and remnants of the previous tenant in the 41 side of the residence...this person lived there for about 50 years...
alright...I just went onto salemdeeds.com and check this out:
A certain parcel of land with the Southeasterly part of a dwelling house thereon situate on the Northeasterly side of High Street in said Ipswich and bounded and described as follows, to wit:- Beginning at the Southerly corner thereof on said High Street by land now or formerly of Chester 3. Patch; thence running Northeasterly by said Patch land 144 feet more or less to a corner; thence running Southeasterly by said Patch land 43 feet more or less to a corner; thence running Northeasterly by said Patch land 57 feet to land now or formerly of the Inhabitants of Ipswich; thence running Northwesterly by said Inhabitants of Ipswich land 77 feet 3 inches more or less to a stone; thence running Southwesterly to the back part of said house and through said house, through the center of the chimney and in a straight line through the front hallway and front door to said High Street; and thence running Southeasterly by said High Street 39 feet 6 inches to said Patch land and the point of beginning.Together with the right to use in common with the owners of the Northwesterly part of said house, and their heirs and assigns, the chimney, the front hall and the cellar; also a right of way particularly defined and set forth in mortgage of Charles V. Hills et ux to Ipswich Cooperative Bank dated July 11, 1929, and recorded with Essex South District Registry of Deeds, Book 2813, Page 47.But this conveyance is made, however, subject to the right of the owners of theNorthwesterly half of said house, and their heirs and assigns, to use the rooms on theSoutheasterly side of the boundary line dividing said house as particularly defined and setforth in said mortgage.Subject to encumbrances of record.For my title, see deed from Margarette R. Hills, a/k/a Margaret R. Hills, to Henry F. Hills and Robert D. Hills, dated December 12, 1951, recorded in Essex South Registry of Deeds, Salem, at Book 3865, Page 498.
Okay...this means there was a family feud somewhere down the line and that there are essentially 2 single family homes in one dwelling. This potentially could be great news for developer/owner to convert back to a single family dwelling OR have an accessory apartment on the premises.
Next, need to research the Margaret Hills deed. More tomorrow...
The National Register of First and Second Period Historic Ipswich Homes cites the Daniel Lummus House as: "2-story, end-gable house, wood frame with clapboards, central chimney. 5 bay symmetrical facade, parallel, gable-roffed facade on east. NR Pg. 57 & 80
In a time when our country was first establishing its independence, Danniel Lummus and his family came over from England on the "Hannah" in the early 1700's. The reference book Ipswich, in the Massachusetts Bay Colony is peppered with several entries regarding Mr. Lummus although nothing terribly relevant to my search. It appears he was a cabinet maker and as one of the first to colonize in Ipswich held his place of employment on High Street at the current location 39-41 High Street, which was then 41 High Street. There is no mention of a fire in these books which was a bit frustrating...I was hoping to get the skinny on why there is a first period wall on the second floor.
Still waiting to meet with the Historical Society to obtain additional information...
Meanwhile, I have strongly recommended to the owner to contract someone to haul out all the debris and remnants of the previous tenant in the 41 side of the residence...this person lived there for about 50 years...
alright...I just went onto salemdeeds.com and check this out:
A certain parcel of land with the Southeasterly part of a dwelling house thereon situate on the Northeasterly side of High Street in said Ipswich and bounded and described as follows, to wit:- Beginning at the Southerly corner thereof on said High Street by land now or formerly of Chester 3. Patch; thence running Northeasterly by said Patch land 144 feet more or less to a corner; thence running Southeasterly by said Patch land 43 feet more or less to a corner; thence running Northeasterly by said Patch land 57 feet to land now or formerly of the Inhabitants of Ipswich; thence running Northwesterly by said Inhabitants of Ipswich land 77 feet 3 inches more or less to a stone; thence running Southwesterly to the back part of said house and through said house, through the center of the chimney and in a straight line through the front hallway and front door to said High Street; and thence running Southeasterly by said High Street 39 feet 6 inches to said Patch land and the point of beginning.Together with the right to use in common with the owners of the Northwesterly part of said house, and their heirs and assigns, the chimney, the front hall and the cellar; also a right of way particularly defined and set forth in mortgage of Charles V. Hills et ux to Ipswich Cooperative Bank dated July 11, 1929, and recorded with Essex South District Registry of Deeds, Book 2813, Page 47.But this conveyance is made, however, subject to the right of the owners of theNorthwesterly half of said house, and their heirs and assigns, to use the rooms on theSoutheasterly side of the boundary line dividing said house as particularly defined and setforth in said mortgage.Subject to encumbrances of record.For my title, see deed from Margarette R. Hills, a/k/a Margaret R. Hills, to Henry F. Hills and Robert D. Hills, dated December 12, 1951, recorded in Essex South Registry of Deeds, Salem, at Book 3865, Page 498.
Okay...this means there was a family feud somewhere down the line and that there are essentially 2 single family homes in one dwelling. This potentially could be great news for developer/owner to convert back to a single family dwelling OR have an accessory apartment on the premises.
Next, need to research the Margaret Hills deed. More tomorrow...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
