Hoxie House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Hoxie House |
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The Hoxie House in 2011
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| General information | |
| Type | House |
| Architectural style | Colonial |
| Location | Sandwich, Massachusetts |
| Address | 16 Water St |
| Coordinates | 41°45′19.22″N 70°29′53.50″W / 41.7553389°N 70.4981944°W |
| Completed | c. 1675 (MACRIS) |
| Renovated | 1959 (restored) |
The Hoxie House is a very old and special home in Sandwich, Massachusetts. It was built around 1675. This house is a type called a saltbox house, which means it has a unique shape, like an old-fashioned salt container. Many people think it's one of the oldest houses in its area! Today, the Hoxie House is a fun museum where you can learn about history.
Contents
History of the Hoxie House
A Home Through the Centuries
The Hoxie House was built a long, long time ago, in the mid-1600s. Around 1675, a minister named John Smith moved in. He was a pastor for the First Church of Sandwich. He also helped make laws and believed in being kind to everyone, including a group called the Quakers.
John Smith's family lived in the house for many years, all the way until 1856. After that, a retired whaling captain named Abraham Hoxie bought the house around the 1850s. His family also lived there for a long time.
Modern Changes and Restoration
For many years, the Hoxie House did not have things we use every day. Modern comforts like electricity, indoor plumbing, and central heating were only added in the early 1950s.
In 1957, the town of Sandwich took over the house. It was in rough shape, so in 1959, the town worked hard to fix it up. They kept most of the original parts of the house. However, the fireplaces and chimneys had to be rebuilt.
The Hoxie House Today
Today, the Hoxie House is a two-and-a-half-story building. It has a special "lean-to" section at the back. There is also a small, one-story part on the west side. In 2008, the house got new cedar shingles to protect it.
In 2011, some people thought about changing the name to "Smith-Hoxie House." This would honor both the Smith family, who first lived there, and the Hoxie family. However, the name was never officially changed. The town of Sandwich now runs the Hoxie House as a museum. Visitors can explore this historic home every year.
Gallery
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An old postcard showing the Hoxie House.
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The front view of the Hoxie House after its restoration in 1959.
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The back view of the Hoxie House after its restoration in 1959.
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A side view of the Hoxie House in 2011.
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See also
- List of the oldest buildings in Massachusetts
