Mark F. and Eliza J. Wentworth House facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
|
|
Mark F. and Eliza J. Wentworth House
|
|
 |
|
 Location in Maine
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | 9 Wentworth St., Kittery Foreside, Maine |
|---|---|
| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1866 |
| Architectural style | Italianate, Greek Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 97001643 |
| Added to NRHP | January 7, 1998 |
The Mark F. and Eliza J. Wentworth House is a special old home located at 9 Wentworth Street in Kittery, Maine. It was likely built between 1825 and 1840. Later, around 1866, it got a stylish update with Italianate features. This house is important because it was once home to Mark Fernald Wentworth. He was a respected doctor and a brave soldier who served in the American Civil War. In 1998, the house was added to the National Register of Historic Places, which means it's a historically important building.
Contents
About the Wentworth House
The Wentworth House stands on the west side of Wentworth Street in Kittery Foreside. It's a two-and-a-half-story building made of wood. The house has a roof that slopes down on two sides and an off-center chimney. Its outside walls are covered with clapboard siding, and it sits on a strong brick foundation.
House Design and Style
The corners of the house have flat, column-like decorations called pilasters. The roof's edge has a wide, flat board with fancy brackets in pairs. The front of the house looks balanced, with the main door in the middle. This door has tall, narrow windows on either side. A single-story bay window sticks out from the left side of the house. A two-story section extends from the back of the main house. Inside, many of the original decorations are still there. Even though it was used as apartments and a doctor's office, it still looks great.
Architectural History
The house was probably built between 1825 and 1840. Its original design followed the Greek Revival style. This style often features a central hallway. In the 1860s, the house was updated with Italianate features. This added decorative elements like the brackets and bay window you see today.
Mark F. Wentworth's Life
From the mid-1860s until they passed away, Mark F. and Eliza Wentworth lived in this house. Mark Wentworth was born in Kittery. He trained to be a doctor, but he was also very interested in military matters. He even served in the local militia.
Service in the Civil War
When the American Civil War began, Mark Wentworth first worked at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. In 1862, he helped form the 27th Maine Infantry. This group of soldiers helped protect Washington, DC, the nation's capital. After their service ended, he then helped create the 32nd Maine Infantry. This regiment fought in important battles in Virginia.
Mark Wentworth was injured during the Siege of Petersburg in 1864. He left the military later that year. For his excellent service during the war, he was given a special promotion to brigadier general.
Later Life and Legacy
Besides being a doctor, Mark Wentworth also served several terms in the state legislature. This meant he helped make laws for Maine. He passed away at his Kittery home in 1897. He had already said goodbye to his wife and daughter. The Mark F. and Eliza J. Wentworth House stands as a reminder of his important life and contributions.
