massachusetts-avenue_1508 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

INVENTORY FORM CONTINUATION SHEET Town Property Address LEXINGTON 1508 MASS. AVENUE MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL COMMISSION Area(s) Form No. MASSACHUSETTS ARCHIVES BUILDING 220 MORRISSEY BOULEVARD 145 BOSTON,MASSACHUSETTS 02125 ARCHITECTURAL SIGNIFICANCE: The home of F. Foster Sherburne was given extensive coverage by the Lexington Minute-man in the early 20`x'century, giving unique insight into upper class life of the period. A brief notice on April 4, 1903 notes the recent paint job (dark red with olive trimmings)while the construction of a large addition was even more newsworthy. As noted on May 21, 1904: Quite an addition is being made to the residence of Mr. F.Foster Sherburne, on Mass. Avenue,to accommodate his growing family. The new part is in the form of an ell being built on the southwestern end of the main structure. This place has one of the finest locations on the avenue, set amid handsome grounds and,with its stable,makes an attractive group of buildings. On August 13, 1904 the considerable alterations were described more fully: For several months alterations and improvements have been in progress at the home of Mr. F. Foster Sherburne, located at the corner of Mass. avenue and Winthrop road, under the direction of A.C. Washburn,which will materially increase the size of the house and at the same time adding to its convenience and beauty. This increased room has been provided by an extension on the rear, also the building of a spacious and quite elaborately designed covered piazza on the west side of the house. What was formerly the kitchen has been thrown into the front room on the west side of the building, making it a large and nicely proportioned living room,with a quaintly designed open fire place at the end of the room. A new kitchen and butler's pantry,with all the conveniences and"handy" appliances of the modern household, have been added. Upstairs three new rooms have been finished off and a bath which will be a model of all that is most desirable in the sanitary as well as decorative department of these luxurious lavatories. The house is to be redecorated throughout with new paint and papers. The Bailey Bros. are in charge of the painting. The new piazza adds greatly to the exterior effect and with the addition gives the house an appearance of size that is quite imposing. The piazza has a stone work foundation,with gracefully grouped pillars to uphold the roof,which is ornamented with a handsome balustrade. It is expected to have the premises complete when the family returns from their vacation at Osterville in the early fall. On July 31, 1909,the following appeared: Mr. F. Foster Sherburne's house is fitted with canvas awnings,neatly adjusted on the west side of his residence, on the corner of the avenue and Winthrop road,the roofing of the bay window making the flooring for an open air sleeping apartment. BIBLIOGRAPHY: Lexington Minute-man,April 4, 1903; May 21, 1904; August 13, 1904; July 31, 1909. Supplement prepared by: Lisa Mausolf June 2009