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 home in Bethel, Maine. It's located at the corner of Broad Street and Mason Street. This house was built around 1813 to 1815. It's famous because it was the home of Dr. Moses Mason. He was an important early doctor and the first postmaster in Bethel. The house is also known for beautiful wall paintings called murals. These murals were created by an artist named Rufus Porter.
The Dr. Moses Mason House was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. Today, the Museums of the Bethel Historical Society owns and takes care of it. You can visit this historic house museum for tours. During the summer, it's open regularly. In colder months, you can visit by making an appointment.
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What Does the Mason House Look Like?
The Mason House is a two-and-a-half-story building. It is made of wood and has two chimneys inside. The house faces the Bethel Green. It is one of many beautiful Federal-style homes in the area. The outside of the house is covered in white clapboards. It sits on a strong granite foundation. A small addition extends from the back of the house.
The main front door is in the middle of the house. It has windows on the sides and a large, oval-shaped window above it. This entrance is framed by decorative columns and topped with a fancy border.
Inside the Mason House: Murals and History
Some parts of the house's inside have been updated over time. However, its most special feature is still there. This feature is the amazing murals painted on the walls. You can see them in the main hallway and on the stairwell. These paintings were likely done around 1830. They show scenes of harbors and woodlands. These types of pictures were common for the artist, Rufus Porter. Some of the original wooden details inside the house have also been kept.
Who Was Dr. Moses Mason?
Dr. Moses Mason was a very important person in Bethel. He was born in 1789 and passed away in 1866. He learned about medicine by working with another doctor. After that, he started his own medical practice. Dr. Mason was not just a doctor. He was also Bethel's first postmaster. This meant he was in charge of the mail for the town.
He also served as a town selectman. This is like being a local leader. 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 country.
After Dr. Mason passed away, the house went to Ada Durrell. She was a relative whom the Masons had raised. In 1971, her family gave the house to the Museums of the Bethel Historical Society. The society now keeps the house as a museum. It helps people learn about its history and the people who lived there.
See Also
