Fairbanks House

The Fairbanks House in Dedham, Massachusetts, stands as a remarkable testament to early American colonial architecture and history. Built around 1637, it is the oldest surviving timber-frame house in North America, verified by dendrochronology testing. This historic gem was constructed by Puritan settler Jonathan Fairbanks for his wife Grace and their family. Remarkably, the house was occupied by Fairbanks descendants for eight generations until the early 20th century. Today, it operates as a historic house museum, meticulously preserved by the Fairbanks Family in America organization.

The History of the Fairbanks House

The story of the Fairbanks House begins with Jonathan Fairbanks, who emigrated from Heptonstall in the West Riding of Yorkshire, England, to Boston, Massachusetts, in 1633. By 1636-37, he had acquired land in Dedham and began constructing the farmhouse that would become the Fairbanks House. The original structure, completed by at least 1641, consisted of a simple lobby-entry, hall-parlor house with a center chimney bay. Over the centuries, the house underwent several expansions to accommodate the growing family and evolving architectural styles.

The Fairbanks House is not only the oldest dwelling in New England but also the oldest house continuously owned by the builder and his lineal descendants. This remarkable continuity has allowed the house to retain a high percentage of its original features, making it a veritable storehouse of information about early American domestic architecture. The house's preservation is a testament to the dedication of the Fairbanks Family in America organization, which has meticulously studied and interpreted the home and its collections for over 110 years.

Exploring the Architecture

The architecture of the Fairbanks House is a fascinating journey through time. The oldest section, dating back to 1637-1641, features wide oak clapboards on the front, narrower oak on the west gable end, and narrow cedar on the rear. The front door was originally located to the west side of the chimney-bay, while the rear door remains at the west end of the north wall. The house's windows, including a well-preserved four-light window in the east gable end, provide glimpses into 17th-century design.

Over the years, the Fairbanks House was expanded to include a lean-to at the back, a wing on the east side, and later, a west wing around 1654. The east wing, added in the late 18th century, was assembled from two earlier buildings, and a chimney was built for it. The roof rafters were raised and reused in a new gambrel roof. Around 1800, the parlor was expanded to the east, and a small entry was added under a hip roof. The final addition, completed by 1881, was a privy behind the west wing.

Historical Significance

The Fairbanks House holds a unique place in American history. It is the oldest surviving timber-frame structure in North America, and its continuous ownership by the Fairbanks family is unparalleled. The house's construction methods and materials, including clay from the Charles River for the plaster walls, offer valuable insights into early colonial building practices.

Intriguingly, there is evidence that some residents practiced folk magic in the house. Hex marks and various objects were placed in the house to ward off witches and evil spirits. Hex signs were carved into the mantle to protect the house from fire and witches, and shoes were found in the attic and behind the chimney, believed to prevent evil spirits from entering the home.

From Family Home to Museum

In 1879, the house passed to Nancy Fairbanks, the great-great-great-granddaughter of Jonathan and Grace Fairbanks. After her death, the house was sold to local realtor John Crowley in 1895. Crowley planned to tear down the house, but an appeal in the Boston Transcript led to its purchase by Mrs. J. Amory Codman and her daughter Martha in 1897. They allowed Rebecca Fairbanks to remain in the house until 1904 when the newly established Fairbanks Family in America organization took over and turned it into a museum in 1905.

Since then, the Fairbanks House has been a site of family reunions and historical preservation. Notable events include a visit by Vice President Charles W. Fairbanks in 1907 and the planting of a tree by the Boston Bicycle Club in 1916. Despite challenges such as a car accident in 1964 and an arson attempt in 1967, the house has been carefully preserved and protected.

Visiting the Fairbanks House

A visit to the Fairbanks House offers a unique opportunity to step back in time and explore early American history. The house's well-preserved architecture and original features provide a rare glimpse into the lives of the early settlers. Visitors can learn about the construction techniques, family history, and even the folk magic practices that were part of the home's history.

The Fairbanks House is a must-see for history enthusiasts and anyone interested in colonial America. Its status as a National Historic Landmark and its listing on the National Register of Historic Places highlight its significance. Whether you're exploring the original 17th-century structure or the later additions, the Fairbanks House offers a fascinating journey through time and a deeper understanding of America's early days.