Cooper–Frost–Austin House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Cooper–Frost–Austin House
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Part of front facade with enclosed porch
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| Location | 21 Linnaean St Cambridge, Massachusetts |
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| Built | 1681 |
| NRHP reference No. | 72000124 |
| Added to NRHP | September 22, 1972 |
The Cooper–Frost–Austin House is a very old home built in 1681. It is located at 21 Linnaean Street in Cambridge, Massachusetts. This house is the oldest one still standing in Cambridge.
Today, the house is a non-profit museum. It is owned and managed by an organization called Historic New England. The house is not often open for public visits. However, you can sometimes arrange a private tour during the summer.
Contents
History of the Cooper–Frost–Austin House
Building the Oldest Home
The Cooper–Frost–Austin House was built by Samuel Cooper. His father, Deacon John Cooper, had owned the land since 1657. The house was first officially recorded in 1689. Back then, Cambridge was known as "New Towne."
Original Design and Early Additions
When it was first built, the house had a main room and a chimney area. It was two and a half stories tall. It also had a special sloped roof section called a "lean-to." Inside, there were rooms like a "low room," "little room," "kitchin," and "Chamber." There was also a "Garret" (attic) and a "Cellar." All these original parts, including the chimney, are still there today.
Around 1720, Samuel Cooper's son made the house bigger. Later, between 1807 and 1816, Martha Frost Austin and Thomas Austin added more to it. They built an enclosed porch. They also added a new stairway and decorations in the Federal style.
Becoming a Museum
In 1912, the Cooper–Frost–Austin House was bought by Historic New England. This organization works to save and share important historical places. They have cared for the house ever since.
Uncovering the House's Age
How Scientists Dated the Wood
In 2002, scientists from Oxford University studied the wooden beams in the house. They used a method called Dendrochronology. This is a way to date wood by looking at its tree rings.
They found out when the trees used for the house were cut down. Some trees were cut in the winter of 1675–1676. Others were cut in the winter of 1680–1681 and the spring of 1681. This research helped confirm that the house was indeed built in 1681. It's possible some of the oldest wood was stored for a while before construction began.
See also
