Crowninshield–Bentley House facts for kids
The Crowninshield–Bentley House is a very old house in Salem, Massachusetts. It was built around 1727 to 1730. This house is a great example of the Colonial style, also known as Georgian architecture.
Today, the house is located at 126 Essex Street. It is owned by the Peabody Essex Museum. You can visit it for public tours from June to October each year. It's a wonderful way to see what homes were like long ago!
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The House's Journey Through Time
The Crowninshield–Bentley House has an interesting history. It was first built for a sea captain named John Crowninshield. Its original spot was at 106 Essex Street in Salem.
Over the years, the house changed. Some people think it might have started as a smaller "half house." Then, it was made bigger in 1761 and again in 1794. In 1959 and 1960, the entire building was moved to its current location. After the move, it was carefully restored to look its best.
What Does the House Look Like?
The Crowninshield–Bentley House has a classic look. It is a two-story building with a balanced, or "symmetrical," design. The outside walls are covered with wooden siding called clapboard.
You can see three small dormer windows poking out from the roof. These windows add to its charm. The main entrance door is right in the middle of the house. This style was very popular during the Georgian period.
People Who Lived Here
The Crowninshield family lived in this house for a long time. Four generations of the family called it home until 1832. Imagine how many stories those walls could tell!
Later, a famous person named Reverend William Bentley lived there. He was a boarder, meaning he rented a room in the house. Reverend Bentley stayed there from 1791 to 1819. He was an important figure in Salem's history.
A Spooky Connection?
Some people believe this house might have inspired a famous writer. It is thought to be the model for "the old Crowninshield house" in a story. This story is called "The Thing on the Doorstep" by H. P. Lovecraft. He was a well-known writer of horror and fantasy tales.
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