Dr. Moses Mason House facts for kids
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Dr. Moses Mason House
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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 Location in Maine
Location in the United States
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| Location | Broad St., Bethel, Maine |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1813 |
| Architectural style | Federal |
| Part of | Broad Street Historic District (ID77000078) |
| NRHP reference No. | 72000110 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | October 17, 1972 |
| Designated CP | December 28, 1977 |
The Dr. Moses Mason House is a special old house in Bethel, Maine. It's now a historic house museum, which means it's kept just like it was long ago. People can visit and learn about history there. This house is famous because it was the home of Dr. Moses Mason, an important person in Bethel's early days. It's also known for its amazing wall paintings done by a traveling artist named Rufus Porter. The house was built around 1813-1815 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. Today, the Museums of the Bethel Historical Society takes care of it, and you can take tours to see inside.
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What Does the House Look Like?
The Mason House is a two-and-a-half-story building made of wood. It has five windows across the front and is only one room deep. There are two chimneys inside the house. It stands facing the Bethel Green, surrounded by other beautiful old houses from the Federal period.
The house is painted white and sits on a strong granite foundation. A small addition at the back makes the house longer. The main front door is in the middle of the house. It has special narrow windows on the sides and a wide, curved window above it. This entrance is framed by decorative columns and topped with a fancy molding.
The Amazing Wall Murals
Inside the house, some parts have been updated over the years. However, the most special features are still there. These are the beautiful murals, or wall paintings, in the main hallway and on the stairwell. Some of the original wooden details are also preserved.
These murals were probably painted around 1830 by a traveling artist named Rufus Porter. He was known for painting scenes of harbors and woodlands. These types of pictures are very typical of his artwork.
Who Was Dr. Moses Mason?
Dr. Moses Mason, who built this house around 1813, was a very important person in Bethel. Before he became a doctor, he learned from another local doctor. He was Bethel's very first postmaster, which meant he was in charge of the mail.
He also served as a town selectman, helping to run the town. Dr. Mason was a trustee for the Gould Academy, a local school. He even served two terms as a representative in the United States Congress. This means he helped make laws for the whole country!
Visiting the House Today
After Dr. Moses Mason passed away, the house went to Ada Durrell. She was a relative whom the Masons had raised. Her family later gave the house to the Museums of the Bethel Historical Society in 1971.
The society now takes care of the property as a historic house museum. You can take tours of the house regularly during the summer. If you want to visit at other times of the year, you can make an appointment.
See also
