The Farmhouse

According to a report commissioned by the National Park Service in 1999, “The farmhouse evolved in several stages from circa 1757-62 to circa 1880, growing first from east to west, and then to the north, to meet the needs of the Waters family. The earliest (circa 1757-62) portion of the house was a saltbox configuration, with the chimney offset to the west side. A west wing was appended circa 1800, featuring a new kitchen with a pump that supplied well water. A small ell was built on the north side of the house circa 1830 and lengthened with a barn like addition circa 1850. A dormer and porch were added to the west wing in the 1920s. Other significant work included the installation of an interior bathroom by 1920, electrical service in 1930, the removal of the front piazza around 1948, and installation of a central hearing system in 1960.”

Walter’s diary tells us “Electric lights were turned on at the farm on August 1, 1930. The cost was $ 9.00 per month for a five-year period, but later I got it reduced to $ 7.00.” Clearly, Walter was proud of the improvement and his negotiating skills! The house has always been red.