Squire Chase House facts for kids
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Squire Chase House
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U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
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 Location in Maine
Location in the United States
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| Location | Main St., Fryeburg, Maine |
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| Area | 0.5 acres (0.20 ha) |
| Built | 1767 |
| Architectural style | Italianate, Federal |
| Part of | Main Street Historic District (ID91000324) |
| NRHP reference No. | 79000158 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | May 7, 1979 |
| Designated CP | March 22, 1991 |
The Squire Chase House is a very old and special house in Fryeburg, Maine. It stands on Main Street and has a long history. The oldest part of this house was built around 1767. This was a time when Fryeburg was just starting to grow.
This historic house is now part of the Main Street Historic District. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1979. This means it is an important building that helps us understand the past.
Contents
History of the Squire Chase House
The very first part of the house was built in 1767. A man named Nathaniel Merrill built it. He was one of the first people to settle in Fryeburg. The land for Fryeburg was given to Joseph Frye in 1762.
In 1799, the house was sold to James Osgood. He was also from one of the early families in the area. Later, in 1824, Stephen and Mary (Osgood) Chase inherited the property. They did something interesting: they moved the main part of the house across the street! Then, they attached the older part of the house to it.
Changes Over Time
The house has changed its look over the years. When it was first built, it had a style called Federal architecture. This style was popular in the United States after the American Revolution. It often had simple, balanced designs.
In 1854, David R. Hastings bought the house. He updated its look to the popular Italianate style. He added decorative brackets under the roof and a small tower called a cupola. These changes made the house look more grand and fancy.
Even though the outside changed, the inside of the house has a Greek Revival feel. This style was popular in the 1800s and was inspired by ancient Greek buildings.
Recent History
In 1908, Hattie Pike bought the house. She was a descendant of James Osgood, who owned the house much earlier. In 1979, the house was still owned by the Pike family.
What the House Looks Like
The main part of the house is connected to a barn from the 1800s. This connection is made by a long section called an "ell." An ell is a wing of a building that sticks out, often at a right angle.
There is a porch on the south side of the house. It runs along the entire length of that side. Another porch is on the east side of the ell.
The Squire Chase House is on the northwest side of Main Street. It is just south of where Main Street meets Bridgton Road. It is also right across from part of the Fryeburg Academy campus.
