Brocklebank–Nelson–Beecher House facts for kids
The Brocklebank–Nelson–Beecher House is a really old house in Georgetown, Massachusetts. It was built around 1668, which means it's over 350 years old! This special house is now a museum. It's owned by the Georgetown Historical Society, a group that helps protect old buildings and stories. You can visit it to learn about life long ago, but there is a small fee to get in.
Contents
A Look Back: The House's Story
Who Lived Here First?
The land for this house was given to Captain Samuel Brocklebank in 1661. He was a surveyor who came from England in 1638. People believe Captain Brocklebank built the house shortly after he got married in 1668. He built it near a small stream where he used to keep his cattle.
Captain Brocklebank was a leader in the local militia, like a volunteer army. Sadly, he was killed in 1676 during a conflict called King Philip's War. His whole company of soldiers was also lost in a fight with Native Americans.
New Owners Through the Years
The house stayed in the Brocklebank family until 1754. Then, a man named Dudley Tyler bought it. He turned the house into a tavern, which was a place where people could eat, drink, and stay the night.
Solomon Nelson bought the property in 1767 and continued to run it as a tavern. Later, in 1858, the house was bought by Reverend Charles Beecher. He was famous because his sister was Harriet Beecher Stowe, who wrote the book Uncle Tom's Cabin. His brother was also the well-known speaker, Henry Ward Beecher.
After the Beecher family, the house had a few more owners. 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! In 1975, Mr. Spaulding sold the house to the Georgetown Historical Society. This made sure the house would be protected and shared with everyone as a museum.
What the House Looks Like Today
The Brocklebank–Nelson–Beecher House has been changed and added to over many years. It started small but grew bigger over time. Today, it has a special roof shape called a gambrel roof. It also has five windows across the front and a chimney in the middle. This style makes it look like a typical house from the early 1700s.
Inside the museum, you can see many interesting things. There are old items that belonged to Captain Brocklebank, like his journals. These journals are like his diaries, giving us a peek into his life long ago. The museum also has furniture and other items that look just like what people would have used in the past. There's even a small display of an old shoe shop in the backyard! It helps you imagine what life was like for people who lived and worked there centuries ago.
