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INVENTORY FORM CONTINUATION SHEET Town Property Address LEXINGTON 19 OAKLAND ST. MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL COMMISSION Area(s) Form No. MASSACHUSETTS ARCHIVES BUILDING 220 MORRISSEY BOULEVARD 0 373 BOSTON,MASSACHUSETTS 02125 HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE: In the spring of 1883,the Lexington Minute-Man noted the impending construction of this house as well as the house next door at 17 Oakland Street: Mr. E. P. Bliss, and Mr. Geo. Jackson, both of Boston and former guests at the Massachusetts House during two summers have bought building lots on the hill back of Lexington station and facing on the new portion of Oakland street. This is a very sightly and attractive part of the town, and no doubt more building projects will soon follow,now that the start has been made(Minute-man, May 11, 1883). In 1888 a stone wall was built around the premises(Minute-man, Oct. 19, 1888). A brief article appearing in the Lexington Minute-man on March 16, 1907, offers an unusual glimpse into the interior of the house and the Willard Brown addition: At Cedarcroft, on Saturday last, a party of the"oldest Lexington boys"were elaborately entertained. To see the Bliss' house is educational and entertaining. The grotto in the basement,with the trickling waters falling into a granite basin,where fishes are sporting, surrounded with exotic plants and blossoms, is a rare sight; and also, in connection,there is a sunny conservatory which adds to the enchanting scene. The living room is filled with rare curios,many from the old world,and its construction is unique and pleasing. The loggia should not be omitted, as from it there is an extended view toward Boston. It is largely encased in glass and well warmed for the winter season, so it is a constant delight. The feast was bountiful and should have to be seen and partaken of to be described. The guests returned to their homes feeling they had been royally entertained,and grateful to the genial host for the favors they had received. According to the Town History,Edward Penniman Bliss(b.1850)was educated at Harvard and came to Lexington in 1882. He served on the school committee from 1886-1901 and was chosen selectman in 1912. He was active in the Historical Society,the Hancock Church and the Old Belfry Club. He died about 1915. Edward and his wife Mary did not have any children. In 1920 Mrs. Bliss was living here with her 88 year old mother Mary McKay and four servants. Mrs. Bliss was still living here in 1926 but was gone by 1932. BIBLIOGRAPHY: Lexington Directories,various dates. Lexington Minute-Man, May 11, 1883; Oct. 19, 1888; March 16, 1907. U.S. Census Records, 1900-1930. Supplement prepared by: Lisa Mausolf June 2009