The Charles Winship House in Wakefield, Massachusetts, once stood as a magnificent testament to the grandeur of the Colonial Revival architectural style. This historic mansion, located at 13 Mansion Road and 10 Mansion Road, was an emblem of opulence and a significant landmark in the town's history. Built between 1901 and 1906, the house was commissioned by Charles Winship, a prominent figure in the local industry as the proprietor of the Harvard Knitting Mills, which was a major business presence in Wakefield from the 1880s to the 1940s.
The Charles Winship House was renowned for its elaborate design, which was the creation of the Boston-based architectural firm Hartwell & Richardson. The house featured a striking 2+1⁄2-story structure with a flared hip roof crowned by a balustrade. The front of the house was adorned with a grand two-story portico, supported by fluted columns with composite capitals, showcasing the meticulous attention to detail and high-quality craftsmanship of the era. The interior of the house was equally impressive, designed by the firm Irving and Casson – A. H. Davenport Co., who were also responsible for work on the White House renovation in 1902.
In 1922, Charles Newell Winship expanded his estate by purchasing an additional 12 acres of surrounding land, which he developed into Winship Manor, comprising Newell Road, Walter Avenue, and Fox Road. After Charles Winship's death in 1946, his family sold the entire 33-acre estate to the Sisters of Charity of Nazareth in early 1947. The mansion was then converted into a convent, housing over 40 Sisters. This transformation required modifications to several areas of the house to meet more utilitarian standards.
In 1978, the house and 14 remaining acres were sold to a developer who built single-family residences on the land. The mansion itself became a private residence again, albeit confined to just over an acre of land and surrounded by modern houses. The academy built on 19 acres of the house's grounds closed in 2009, leading to further development of the original estate into 47 single-family houses.
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The Charles Winship House faced numerous challenges over the years. In March 2005, a devastating fire tore through the upper floors, causing significant fire, smoke, and water damage. Although the fire damage was repaired, structural issues persisted, including buckling walls due to water damage from firefighting efforts. The house's final resident, Theresa Whitaker, faced bankruptcy and foreclosure in 2008, leading to the property falling into disrepair and vandalism.
By August 2019, local real estate agent James Gattuso purchased the home. However, due to the extensive structural and cosmetic damage, it was deemed financially unfeasible to restore the house. As a result, the historic Charles Winship House was demolished on July 8, 2020, making way for two single-family houses on the 1.14-acre lot.
Though the Charles Winship House no longer stands, its legacy continues to resonate in Wakefield. It was a symbol of the town's rich industrial past and architectural grandeur. The house's listing on the National Register of Historic Places in 1989 recognized its historical and architectural significance. The story of the Charles Winship House is a poignant reminder of the impermanence of even the most grandiose structures and the ever-changing landscape of our communities.
Visitors to Wakefield can still explore the history of the area and imagine the splendor of the Charles Winship House in its prime. The mansion's story is intertwined with the town's development and the lives of those who lived and worked there. It serves as a testament to the architectural and industrial achievements of the early 20th century and the enduring legacy of Charles Winship and the Harvard Knitting Mills.
While the Charles Winship House is no longer a physical landmark, its influence can still be felt throughout Wakefield. The town is home to other historic sites and buildings that offer a glimpse into its past. Visitors can explore the nearby Elizabeth Boit House, another significant residence associated with the Harvard Knitting Mills, and take a stroll through the charming streets of Wakefield, where history and modernity coexist harmoniously.
The story of the Charles Winship House is a chapter in the larger narrative of Wakefield's history, reflecting the town's evolution and the impact of its industrial heritage. As you explore Wakefield, take a moment to reflect on the grandeur of the past and the legacy of those who shaped the community. The Charles Winship House may be gone, but its memory lives on in the hearts and minds of those who cherish Wakefield's rich history.
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