Sayward-Wheeler House facts for kids
The Sayward-Wheeler House is a special old home in York Harbor, Maine. It's like a time capsule! Built around 1718, this house sits overlooking the beautiful York River. It used to be the home of a very important person named Jonathan Sayward.
Jonathan Sayward was a successful businessman and a leader in his community. In the 1760s, he updated the house and filled it with furniture that showed his personal style. He liked things to be classic and traditional.
Contents
The Sayward-Wheeler House: A Glimpse into History
Who Was Jonathan Sayward?
Jonathan Sayward was an active person in his time. In 1745, he took part in a big battle. This was the siege of a French fort called Louisbourg in Nova Scotia. He also served in the government, representing his area in the Massachusetts legislature.
Even though he supported the British King (these people were called Tories), his neighbors still respected him. This was during the time of the American Revolution, when many people wanted America to be independent from Britain.
A House Frozen in Time
After Jonathan Sayward passed away, his family kept the house almost exactly as he left it. There were a few reasons for this. One reason was that the economy was not doing well after 1807. This was because of a trade rule made by President Thomas Jefferson.
Another big reason was that the family truly admired Jonathan Sayward. They wanted to keep his home just as it was to honor him. As early as the 1860s, Sayward's family even started showing the house to visitors. They wanted to share how people lived long ago in colonial times.
Visiting the House Today
In the early 1900s, the house was updated a bit to be a summer home. New wallpaper was added, and some of the wood was painted white. But the original furniture and family paintings stayed right where they were.
Today, the Sayward-Wheeler House is a historic house museum. This means it's a place where you can visit and learn about history. The house is cared for by an organization called Historic New England. They make sure this amazing piece of history is preserved for everyone to enjoy.
