Josiah Day House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Josiah Day House
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Josiah Day House, West Springfield, Massachusetts
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| Location | 70 Park St., West Springfield, Massachusetts |
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| Area | 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
| Built | ca. 1754 |
| NRHP reference No. | 75000265 |
| Added to NRHP | April 16, 1975 |
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The Josiah Day House is a really old and special house in West Springfield, Massachusetts. It was built around 1754. People believe it's the oldest brick house in the United States built in a style called "saltbox." Today, it's a museum where you can learn about history. A local history group owns it. Sometimes, you can even take a tour inside!
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What Does the House Look Like?
The Josiah Day House is a two-and-a-half-story building made of brick. It faces south, towards the town common. The house has a unique roof shape. It slopes down very far in the back, almost to the ground floor. This shape is what gives it the name "saltbox."
Inside the Day House
A large chimney stands in the middle of the house. The front of the house has three windows or doors across. The main door is right in the center. There's also a smaller wooden part added to the back of the house. Inside, the rooms are set up around the central chimney. There are living rooms on each side of the chimney. A big kitchen is located behind it. There are also small rooms in the back corners.
History of the Day House
Josiah Day bought the land where the house now stands in 1746. By 1754, the house was built. It became the home for Josiah and his family. The house stayed in the Day family for many generations. The last Day family member to live there was Lydia Day. She passed away in 1902.
How the House Changed Over Time
After Lydia Day passed away, the remaining Day family members sold the house. The Ramapogue Historical Society bought it in 1903. The main part of the house has stayed mostly the same. However, a new section was added to the back in 1812. This was built for Aaron Day II. He was Josiah's grandson. Aaron II and his family moved in with his parents. They used the new part of the house.
The House as a Museum
When the Ramapogue Historical Society bought the house, they wanted to keep it just as it was. They wanted to preserve its original look. Today, you can visit the house on special town days or holidays. All the items inside the house are from the time period it was built. Some of these items even belonged to the Day family! These include a tall chest of drawers and a writing desk.
National Recognition
The Josiah Day House is very important. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975. This means it's recognized as a significant historical site. It is also the oldest brick building in Hampden County, Massachusetts.
More to Explore
- Saltbox house
- List of historic houses in Massachusetts
- List of the oldest buildings in Massachusetts
- National Register of Historic Places listings in Hampden County, Massachusetts
