James Blake House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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James Blake House
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 Location in Massachusetts
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| Location | Boston, MA |
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| Built | 1661 |
| NRHP reference No. | 74002350 |
| Added to NRHP | May 1, 1974 |
The James Blake House is a very old and special house in Boston, Massachusetts, United States. It was built way back in 1661, which makes it the oldest house still standing in Boston today! Scientists even checked the wood in the house to confirm its age. This method is called dendrochronology, which means studying tree rings to find out how old wood is.
You can find this historic home at 735 Columbia Road, near Massachusetts Avenue. The Dorchester Historical Society now owns the building. They offer tours on the third Sunday of each month, so people can learn all about its long history.
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History of the Blake House
The James Blake House was built by James Blake, who came to America from England. He built the house in a style popular in Western England during that time. The Blake family lived in the house for many years, until 1825. After that, the Williams family owned it for a while.
Saving the Historic Home
In 1891, the City of Boston bought the house. By 1896, there was a plan to tear it down. But the Dorchester Historical Society stepped in to save it! They bought the house from the city and moved it a short distance from its original spot to where it stands today.
In 1978, the house was officially recognized as a Boston Landmark. This means its inside and outside are protected because of their historical importance. The house and the area around it have been carefully repaired and preserved. For example, the roof was re-shingled, and the grounds were improved.
See also
- List of the oldest buildings in Massachusetts
- National Register of Historic Places listings in southern Boston, Massachusetts
External links
- Dorchester Historical Society: James Blake House
- Boston Landmarks Commission
Images for kids
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Exterior, 1898
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"Ye Olde Blake House," 1920
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Interior
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Edward A. Huebner brick collection
