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29 MAIN STREET Overview of Historic District and Source of following text. 14. Scripture House 29 Main Street, c. 1840. Contributing building.
The 2 1/2-story, side-gabled house at 29 Main Street is notable for its four-bay facade which contrasts with the more typical five-bay facade. Set above a granite foundation, the clapboarded dwelling is outlined by simple cornerboards and a simple watertable with side eaves which are flush. Rising from the right ridge of the asphalt-shingled roof is a modern Correction by 2002 owner: “’ modern’ surprised about this since it is original fireplace and chimney in attic.” brick chimney. Located in the second bay, the recessed Greek Revival-style entrance contains a wooden door with six molded panels mixing vertical, horizontal and square panels. The door is flanked by partial sidelights and the adjacent surround is decorated by small cornerblocks. The entrance displays a horizontal flushboard embrasure and the outer surround has a convex molding with bullseye cornerblocks and a horizontal panel with raised pyramid centered over the door. Windows contain 6/6 sash set in molded surrounds, fitted with storm windows and flanked by louvered blinds. Extending behind the main block is a single-story ell. To the south of the house is a modern two-story wing, two bays wide with 6/6 windows on the facade and multi-light casements on the south side. There is an exterior brick chimney on the south end and a mid 20th century sunporch behind, topped by a deck. Originally this house included a shed Correction 2002 owner: “this remains” with attached barn. The barn was taken down in 1930 and the shed was remodeled into a kitchen.
A brick walk leads to the front door and a paved driveway extends to the north of the house. Along the street is a wooden picket fence. Correction 2002 owner: “should note granite posts one of only two left on Main Street”
This house site was occupied for many years by a wheelwright shop owned by John Hale. Hale left Hollis in 1830 and in 1839 the property was sold by William Hale, Jr. to Dr. Oliver Scripture for $450. Dr. Scripture apparently converted the former shop into a house. He died in 1860 and in 1863 the house was sold to Dr. Adonijah Howe for $1,200. Dr. Charles Corey purchased the house in 1865 and sold it in 1868 to Joseph Gates, shoemaker, carpenter and undertaker. Gates continued to live here until his death in 1917 at the age of 92. Ownership of the property passed to his daughter, Mrs. Nellie Nichols who sold it to Frank Walters of New York City in 1932. Frederick Pitman purchased the property Correction 2002 owner: “at auction” in 1961. Later owners include Dr. Emory Kaplan Insertion 2002 owner: “and Mary Vallier-Kaplan” who purchased the property in 1977. |