This fragment of linen was discovered in the Large Parlor in between two of the original pine boards or panels, closest to the entryway from the hallway. Was linen used as caulking? Quite possibly.
The featured image represents the only fragment found thus far. It is rare indeed.
Keep checking our Blog!
For the next several months, we will be posting our findings and research as the structural bones and original materials from the 18th century are uncovered.
Phase III restoration of the 1762 Akin House has begun with a detailed examination of each room and the removal of centuries of layers (plaster, lath, 19th/20th C wall boards, wallpaper of different periods) to expose the original features.
“This little house with a big story to tell”
This little house is sharing its history and the culture of its inhabitants in ways we could not have imagined. Let us introduce you to the small parlor, first examined in 2003 with its circa 1960s paneling and boarded fireplace. We are sharing for the first time the wonders of this room as it might have been in the 18th C or early 19th C, the wide pine boards and unusual wall coverings–no insulation, just the fireplace for warmth. We are in touch with historic house experts to help us better understand this house, its early architecture, its decorative finishes, and repairs over 250 plus years. Stay tuned for more images and information as our research and documentation unfold.
The ubiquitous veneer wood paneling so popular in the 1960s & 70s. Found throughout the house. Turns out to be an acceptable preservation tool to protect what’s underneath. 2003.
Left: after all materials removed, the earlier features are visible such as the Greek Revival style fireplace and mantel flanked by two cabinets. Ceiling before it was stabilized and whitewash applied.
Above: view of the exposed walls of paper layers. Fall 2017.
Left image: A layer of early covering suggests an unusual stenciling technique.
Center image: The original pine wall boards (small parlor) revealed in August 2017.
Right image: Close-up view of the wall covering, a pattern repeated throughout this room.
In 2015, DHPT was awarded Dartmouth Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds for Phase III restoration at our 1762 Akin House at 762 Dartmouth Street. We recently hired preservation contractor, Tom Figueiredo, of Marion, to do this important job. Tom has been working non-stop on site since August 7, 2017. We are pleased and fortunate to have Tom as our partner in preservation. His services and expertise was well worth the wait while he was working on another CPA restoration project in Mattapoisett, MA.
To learn more about Tom and his company, visit http://figbuilders.com. Be sure to check out the website blog to learn about the recently completed restoration of the ca. 1827 Mattapoisett Meeting House to get a first-hand look at the quality craftsmanship, care and attention to detail that Tom and his team bring to any historic preservation project.
Henry Barnard Worth (1858-1923), a local historian living in New Bedford, was active in the first quarter of the twentieth century. He was a member and officer of the Old Dartmouth Historical Society [New Bedford Whaling Museum] from its inception, and was the author of more than twenty essays published as Old Dartmouth Sketches. His best-known work, in collaboration with photographer Fred Palmer, documented in text and photos some of the oldest houses in our area.
Why are Worth’s writings important to the history of the Akin family? He wrote extensively about the Akins and their connection to old Dartmouth. He is a “go-to” historian for researchers, even today.
Local historian Bob Maker who is also an archivist with the New Bedford Whaling Museum has interpreted Henry Worth’s sizable research material for contemporary audiences.
The Akins feature prominently along with other early founders in Worth’s comprehensive narrative about Padanaram Village in south Dartmouth.
This film about New Bedford whaling had its premiere at the Olympia Theatre on September 25, 1922. The whaling footage is considered the best ever filmed and among the rarest.
For those of you who are interested in local history and the origins of the 1762 Akin House on the corner of Dartmouth and Rockland Streets, this link is for you.
The proximity of this south Dartmouth property to Padanaram Harbor [formerly known as Akin’s Landing] underscores the entrepreneurial spirit of the Akins of old Dartmouth.
Historic Preservation Restrictions [HPR] are a legal means to provide the highest level of long-term protection to significant historic properties in the form of deed easements.
This image of the 1871 Russell’s Mills Schoolhouse before exterior restoration thanks to Community Preservation Act funds is protected by a HPR.
You are invited to learn more about HPRs and DHPT’s role in HPRs in our community by going here.
Sunday, June 7th was DHPT’s first specifically kids’ focused event!
After arriving at 1pm and decorating “treasure chest” bags for the goodies they were about to find, kids had a chance to try the game of Graces- a popular 19th century children’s pastime.
As the Treasure Hunt began, kids took turns reading clues and following a treasure map around the Akin property to find hidden boxes of prizes. Each prize correlated to the piece of history Bob Barboza would then present in a set of “mini-talks” about the 1762 house at each prize location. Children were taught about some of the key facets of the Akin family history including the house’s age and Mr. Akin’s profession as a shipbuilder.
After finishing the clues, kids were invited on a tour of the Akin house, led by historian Peggi Medeiros.
The last activity of the afternoon consisted of attaching a few charms found during the hunt to bracelets and bookmarks to take home and remember their day.
To read more and see several pictures taken by Seth Thomas of Dartmouth Week, check out the article posted HERE!
THANK YOU to everyone who came out to the event, and our trusty board members and volunteers for the time and effort put into the whole day!!
