Brocklebank–Nelson–Beecher House facts for kids
The Brocklebank–Nelson–Beecher House is a very old house located in Georgetown, Massachusetts. It was built around the year 1668. This house is a great example of a First Period Colonial home. Today, it is a museum run by the Georgetown Historical Society, a group that helps preserve local history. You can visit the museum to learn about life long ago!
History of the House
In 1661, the land where the house stands was given to Captain Samuel Brocklebank. He was a surveyor who had moved from England in 1638. People believe that Captain Brocklebank built the house soon after he got married in 1668. He built it near a small stream where he used to keep his cattle.
Early Owners and Changes
Captain Brocklebank was a leader in the local militia, which was like a volunteer army. Sadly, he and his entire group were killed in 1676 during a conflict called King Philip's War. This was a big war between Native Americans and English colonists.
The house stayed in the Brocklebank family for many years, until 1754. Then, a man named Dudley Tyler bought it and turned it into a tavern. A tavern was a place where people could eat, drink, and stay the night. Solomon Nelson continued to run it as a tavern after he bought the property in 1767.
Famous Connections
Later, in 1858, the house was bought by Reverend Charles Beecher. He was the brother of two very famous people: Harriet Beecher Stowe, who wrote the book Uncle Tom's Cabin, and Henry Ward Beecher, a well-known speaker.
The house changed hands a few more times over the years. In 1880, M. G. Spofford bought it. Then, in 1931, a furniture maker named Everett Spaulding purchased the house. He was actually a descendant of the original Brocklebank family! Finally, in 1975, Mr. Spaulding sold the house to the Georgetown Historical Society. They turned it into the museum it is today.
What You Can See Today
The Brocklebank–Nelson–Beecher House has been expanded several times since it was first built. It now has a special roof called a gambrel roof, which has two different slopes on each side. It also has five windows across the front and a chimney in the middle. This gives it the look of a home from the early 1700s.
Inside the museum, you can see many interesting items. These include some of Captain Brocklebank's old journals, which are like his diaries. There are also many pieces of furniture and other items that are historically accurate. This means they look just like things people would have used long ago. You can even see a display of a small shoe shop that would have been in the backyard!
