John Goddard House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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John Goddard House
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 Location in Massachusetts
Location in the United States
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| Location | 235 Goddard Ave., Brookline, Massachusetts |
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| Built | 1767 |
| Architectural style | Georgian |
| MPS | Brookline MRA |
| NRHP reference No. | 85003270 |
| Added to NRHP | October 17, 1985 |
The John Goddard House is a very old and important house located at 235 Goddard Avenue in Brookline, Massachusetts. It was built way back in 1767 by a farmer named John Goddard. This two-story wooden house is special because it's one of the few homes from the 1700s still standing in Brookline.
The house and its owner, John Goddard, played a key role during the American Revolutionary War. This was especially true during the Siege of Boston in 1776. Because of its historical importance, the house was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985. This means it is officially recognized as a place worth preserving.
About the House and Its History
The John Goddard House stands on the north side of Goddard Avenue. It is directly across from the northern edge of Larz Anderson Park in southeastern Brookline. The house is a roughly square building made of wood. It has a hip roof, which slopes inward from all sides, and a chimney in the center. The front of the house has three window sections and a front entrance that sticks out, topped with a small gable roof.
Inside the house, many original features are still there. These include old wall panels, doors, and even the original door handles. This helps us imagine what life was like in the 1700s.
John Goddard's Role in the Revolution
John Goddard built this house in 1767 on land his grandfather, Joseph, had bought earlier. John Goddard was a teamster, meaning he drove wagons and teams of animals. He was also very active in local government and community matters.
Before the American Revolutionary War began in 1775, Goddard served in the Massachusetts Provincial Congress. This was a special group of leaders who met to make decisions for Massachusetts as it moved towards independence from Great Britain.
Goddard's property was one of several secret spots in Massachusetts. Rebellious colonists used these places to store weapons and supplies. These supplies were likely kept in his barn, which is no longer standing today.
During the Siege of Boston, John Goddard became a wagon-master for the Continental Army. This was the army of the American colonists. He helped move supplies during the Fortification of Dorchester Heights. This was a very important nighttime operation where the army secretly moved cannons and built defenses on a hill overlooking Boston. Goddard made sure his wagons were as quiet as possible so the British wouldn't hear them.
After this important event, George Washington, the leader of the Continental Army, offered John Goddard a chance to continue serving in the military. However, Goddard chose to return home and refused the offer.
Images for kids
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Original Goddard barn, located at 235 Goddard Ave. Brookline, Mass. USA. Photo pre-dates 1906 when it was torn down.
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John and Hannah Goddard stained glass window, First Parish Church in Brookline 382 Walnut Street Brookline Mass. USA
