1753 House facts for kids
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The 1753 House is a special building in Williamstown, Massachusetts. It looks exactly like a home a settler would have built in 1753. Volunteers built this house in 1953 to celebrate Williamstown's 200th birthday. It stands in Field Park, right in the middle of a roundabout where two main roads meet.
Long ago, people settling in the Hoosac Valley (where Williamstown is now) had a rule. To own their land, they had to build a house of a certain size. It had to be at least 15 feet wide, 18 feet long, and 7 feet high. They also had to clear 5 acres of land. The 1753 House shows us what these "regulation houses" were like.
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History of Williamstown's First Homes
Williamstown started as a place called West Hoosac in 1750. It's a small town in the northwest part of Massachusetts. The government of the Massachusetts Bay Colony decided to sell land here. They had reasons for this, including politics, money, and military defense.
West Hoosac was important for military reasons. It was a path to other towns like Greenfield and Deerfield to the east. It also connected to towns like Great Barrington in the south.
In 1751, 60 plots of land were put up for sale. Each plot cost six pounds, thirteen shillings, and fourpence. This was a lot of money back then!
What Were "Regulation Houses"?
Buyers didn't fully own their land right away. They had to follow a rule to get the full title. They needed to clear 5 acres of land. They also had to build a house that was at least 15 feet wide, 18 feet long, and 7 feet high. Because of this rule, these buildings were called "regulation houses."
Many soldiers from nearby Fort Massachusetts bought land. One famous buyer was Captain Ephraim Williams, Jr. He was the person who helped start Williams College.
Building the 1753 House
The 1753 House was built using only materials and tools from 1753. The builders also used the same methods from that time. The house was first built in Field Park. Later, in 1996, it was moved to where it stands today.
In 2010, the house closed because its chimney was damaged. But it reopened in November 2012. There was a special ceremony where a fire was lit in the new chimney. The 1753 House was meant to be a short-term display. However, it became very popular. Now it's a well-known landmark in Williamstown.
What the 1753 House Looks Like
The 1753 House is built to the "regulation" size. It's quite small compared to modern homes. Its walls and frame are made from strong oak timbers. These trees came from nearby White Oak woods. The pieces of wood are joined together using a method called mortise and tenon. This is a way of fitting wood pieces without nails.
The roof is covered with split shingles. Inside, you'll find a few items that look like they're from the past. There's a table, a bench, and tools for cooking in the fireplace.
Sleeping Area and Fireplace
Above the dirt floor, about 7 feet up, is a sleeping area. It's covered with pine branches. This spot was closer to the chimney, so it stayed warm. A large stone chimney is the main feature of the house. It's where the fire would have been kept for heat and cooking.
How the 1753 House is Used Today
The 1753 House is a popular spot for both local people and visitors. It's not open every day like it used to be. But it hosts many special events. School groups also come to visit.
The house offers a fun way for students to learn. They can see what life was like for early settlers in their own town. It helps them understand how people lived long ago. You can also reserve the house for your own events. For example, Boy Scouts have camped out there. A high school student even showed how to cook using a fireplace.
