Merwin House (Stockbridge, Massachusetts) facts for kids
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Merwin House, also known as Tranquility, is a special historic house located in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, USA. It is now a museum that helps teach people about the past. The museum is run by an organization called Historic New England. Sometimes, you can visit Merwin House to see what life was like long ago. There is a small fee to enter.
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The Story of Merwin House
Building a Home in the 1800s
The Merwin House was first built around 1825. It was made of brick and designed in a style called Federal architecture. This style was popular in America during the early 1800s. The Dresser family were the first owners of this beautiful home.
New Owners and Big Changes
In 1875, a family named Doane bought the house. William and Elizabeth Doane were from New York City. They wanted Merwin House as a summer getaway. The Doanes made the house much bigger. They added a new section in a style called "shingle-style ell." This means they built an addition with a unique shingle siding. They also updated the inside of the house.
A Gift to the Public
The Doanes had a daughter named Vipont Merwin. She was born in the house in 1878. Vipont Merwin lived there for many years and passed away in 1965. She loved the house very much. After her passing, the house was given to the public. In 1966, Historic New England took over the property. They turned Merwin House into a museum for everyone to enjoy.
What You Can See at Merwin House Today
When you visit Merwin House, you can step back in time. The house looks much like it did in the late 1800s. You will see furniture and decorations from that period. Many items were collected by the Doane family during their travels around the world. It gives visitors a peek into how people lived and what they valued over a hundred years ago.
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