~ ABLE RICE & BETSY HUNT HOUSE ~ Built ca 1815
See additional information below pictures
Picture taken by Ed Booth Oct. 2000
Picture taken by Ed Booth Oct. 2000**Rice-Holyoke Home ca. 1815 **
(Information taken from Marlborough Public Library)*Architectural Description*
This house, in spite of its synthetic siding, is one of the most well preserved of Marlborough's farmhouses of the period just after the War of 1812. Built in about 1815-16, it is a typical vernacular farmhouse of the federal period. It is two-stories, five- by 2-bays, one room deep, with a rear two story wing. An assortment of ells and an attached to-horse barn, all apparently in place by 1871, were added over the years, making this one of Marlborough's few "extended farmhouses". The main part of the building retains its 6-over-9-sash windows and transitional Greek Revival center entries with elaborate fretwork detail in the frieze and pilasters. Full sidelights of etched glass flank the 6-panel door. 6-over-6 sash appear in the rear wing.
The architectural trim that remains is typical of the second decade of the nineteenth century-the roof does not overhang the gable ends, and the eaves are finished with shallow, molded, boxed, cornice, with dentils and small returns. The house plan is somewhat old-fashioned for the time, however, in that it originally had a central chimney.
By the latter part of the nineteenth century, the house had acquired a porch along the south side (demolished).
*Historical Narrative*
This house and the Dr. John Baker House across the street are the two earliest houses on this section of Pleasant Street, which was extended south from Elm shortly after the West Meeting house was built in 1806. It was built for Abel Rice. The son of Jabez Rice, he married Betsey Hunt of Northborough in 1814, and according to Ella Bigelow, he built this house shortly after the 1815 hurricane from timber felled in that great storm. He was a shoemaker, and had a shoe shop here on the property, probably in part of the house.
In 1841, the property, with considerable land stretching to the rear, was purchased by John Holyoke (b. 1810). He married Susan Brigham, daughter of Moses Brigham, in 1838. After her death, he married Mrs. Nancy Maria Darling, and lived here until nearly the end of the century. She survived him, and died here in 1908 at the age of 84. John Holyoke was a butcher, and had a slaughterhouse, apparently in the rear part of the building.
(Shortly after the Holyokes purchased the house, it was utilized by Josiah Howe. According to Edward Alley, writing in Hurd's History of Middlesex County, he started manufacturing shoes in part of the house in 1845. He later moved his shop to Mechanic Street. In ill health, he subsequently went to Cuba, where he died)
After Mrs. Holyoke's death, the property was purchased by Joseph Hodgkins, who owned it until 1929, when it was bought by William Osgood, owner until 1944.
*Bibliography and/or References*
Bigelow, Ella - Historical Reminiscences of Marlborough -1910
Hudson, Charles - History of the Town of Marlborough - 1862
Maps and Atlases: Wood, 1803; Hudson, 1835; Walling 1853, 1857; Beers 1871,1875; Bailey & Hazen 1878; Walker 1889; SanbornsThe house was built in 1815 for Abel Rice (b. 1791), the son of Jabez Rice, from timber that fell during the great storm that year. He married Betsey Hunt from Northborough in 1814. Abel was a shoemaker and had a shop here on the property. An interesting fact that solidifies this is when I was recently remodeling the bathroom I found a tapestry Note: see what remains of the tapestry>>>>>>>
in the wall that was the work of Betsey Hunt done in 1803 the Thirteenth year of her life.
In 1841 the property was purchased by John Holyoke (b.1810). He married Susan Brigham, daughter of Moses Brigham, in 1838. After her death he married Mrs.. Nancy Maria Darling, and lived here till the end of the century. She died here in 1908 at the age of 84. John Holyoke was a butcher and had a slaughterhouse in the rear part of the building here.
During Holyokes stay here Josia Howe used part of the house to manufacturer shoes in 1845. He later moved his shop to Mechanic St..
In 1908, after Mrs.. Holyokes death, Joseph Hodgkins purchased the house and owned it until 1929, at which time it was bought by William Osgood. Mr. Osgood owned it until 1944. At that time Mr.. Kenneth Greenleaf purchased the house and had a Dr.. Office here until this past year when he sold the house to my wife and myself.
If I am correct in my understanding, the house used to be used by Mr.. Osgood as the city tax collectors office.
Edward Booth - Present owner