HomeMy WebLinkAboutmassachusetts-avenue_1508 FORM B - BUILDING In Area no. Form no.
MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL COMMISSION D) IV` 145
Office of the Secretary, State House, Boston
wn Lexington
dress 1508 Mass. Ave.
-esent use residence
711
+esent owner
3.
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ription:
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4. Map. Draw sketch of building locationArchitectVJ (�9'f
in relation to nearest cross streets and e ti by m 6�
other buildings. Indicate north. Exterior wall fabric Clapboard
Outbuildings (describe)
Other features fieldstone foundation; first
/ floor porch from center entrance around
E side of house; porch with
1 a 22 - f}C
re Q✓
Altered r_� �(, j Date 0 rVash6�M
Moved Date
5. Lot size:
Li One acre or less x Over one acre
jApproximate frontage 150'
Approximate distance of building from street
75'
DO NOT WRITE IN THIS SPACE 6. Recorded by E. W. Reinhardt
SGS Quadrant
Organization Lex. Hist. Com.
MHC Photo no.
Date Sept. 13, 1975
(over)
20M-5-73-075074
7. Original owner (if known) (5 gkerbL)61-�
Original use
Subsequent uses (if any) and dates
8. Themes (check as many as applicable)
Aboriginal Conservation Recreation
Agricultural Education Religion
Architectural Exploration/ Science/
The Arts settlement invention
Commerce Industry Social/
Communication
Military humanitarian
Community development Political Transportation
9. Historical significance (include explanation of themes checked above) ,
Descrip. cont:-
Single Doric columns, connecting balustrade with urn shaped balusters; E front,
2 story bay surmounted by cornered roof, modillions at cornice; massing of bay
projects forward beyond eave line; over front entrance full length window, door
opening onto porch roof, defined by two pilasters with small Ionic capitals; two
dormers over center with curved pediment, plaster wreath motif; smaller bay to
right of entrance; two stories high, contained within eave line. NW side with
first floor porch, columns similar to front, railing at 2nd floor level lighter
turned balusters that these at first floor level. Dormer facing NW like two on
front,- with curved pediment & wreath motif. High hip roof, broad plain cornice
board, heavy overhang, modillions. One chimney visible. Detail pictures only-
no over all shot possible due trees. (Possible that windows in major front bay
are curved. cf D-9 Sherburne)
10. Bibliography and/or references (such as local histories, deeds, assessor's records,
early maps, etc.)
3/73
INVENTORY FORM CONTINUATION SHEET Community: Foran No:
MASSACHUSETTS HISTORICAL CCT�i�IISSION
Office of the Secretary, Boston
Property Name:1508 Massachusetts Ave.
Indicate each item on inventory form which is being continued below.
HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE
This house was built for F. Foster Sherburne by David Ainsworth Tuttle.
The architect was perhaps Samuel D. Kelley. It was built in 1891 (see the
Lexington Historical Society archives, Acc. #1204) .
The Sherburne family first settled in Lexington in 1870 and was very
prominent. Reuben Butterfield Sherburne was an officer and agent of the Boston
and Concord Boating Company, the successor to the Middlesex Canal Associates.
Reuben Sherburne's three grandsons, Warren R. , F. Foster, and Reuben B. ,
were very successful businessmen and lived in three substantial Lexington homes,
reflecting period architecture.
F. Foster Sherburne's father-in-law, Benjamin F. Tenney, built the house
at .1536 Massachusetts Avenue (see form) .
In the 1930s and 1940s and 1950s, this was the home of James J. Walsh, a
wool broker.
S. Lawrence Whipple, 1984
Staple to Inventory form at bottom
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