Castle Tucker facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Castle Tucker |
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Castle Tucker, Wiscasset, Maine.
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| General information | |
| Type | Victorian Mansion |
| Location | Wiscasset, Maine |
| Current tenants | Museum |
| Completed | 1807 |
| Owner | Historic New England |
Castle Tucker is a beautiful old mansion located in Wiscasset, Maine, in the United States. It's like stepping back in time! This historic house is now owned by Historic New England. You can visit it from Wednesday to Sunday, between June 1st and October 15th each year.
Contents
The Story of Castle Tucker
How the Mansion Began
The mansion was built in 1807 by a man named Judge Silas Lee. At that time, Wiscasset was a very busy port town. It was the most active port east of Boston. The house was built in a style called Regency, which was popular back then.
Sadly, Judge Lee passed away in 1814. Also, a law called the Embargo of 1807 made it hard for businesses. Because of these things, his wife had to sell the house.
New Owners and Changes
The house was owned by a few different people over the years. Then, in 1858, Captain Richard H. Tucker, Jr. bought it. His family was well-known in Wiscasset for shipping. Captain Tucker, his young wife Mollie, and their new baby moved into the house in November 1858.
The Tuckers made some updates to the house. They changed the inside to make it more modern for their time. They also added a new front door on the Lee Street side. This new entrance was in the Italianate style. In 1859, Captain Tucker added a large, two-story porch. This porch faced the Sheepscot River, which was the original front of the house.
Life at Castle Tucker
Captain Tucker and Mollie raised five children in this home. Captain Tucker also managed different businesses. He owned wharves (places where ships dock) and an iron foundry (a factory for metal) near the house.
By the 1880s, the family was spending more money than they were earning. To help out, Mollie started taking in summer boarders. These were people who paid to stay in the house during their vacations. Mollie and her youngest daughter, Jane, also baked goods to sell. They painted china and even raised squab (young pigeons) for local restaurants. This helped them earn extra money.
Preserving the Past
After Captain Tucker passed away, Jane moved back into the house full-time with her mother, Mollie. These two women worked hard to keep the house in good condition. They lived there until Mollie's death in 1922 and Jane's death in 1964.
Later, Jane Standen Tucker, who was Jane's niece, moved from California to Wiscasset. She took care of the house and everything inside it. She made very few changes to how the rooms were decorated. Because of their dedication, Castle Tucker looks much like it did in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Today, Historic New England owns Castle Tucker. It is open for visitors from Wednesday to Sunday, between June 1st and October 15th. It's a great place to see how people lived long ago!
Images for kids
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A wide view looking out from Castle Tucker, Wiscasset, Maine, USA.
