[p. 19] corner at one end, as well as the main doorway in the front.
Originally, or perhaps not so early in its history, it had a ‘lean-to’ at the rear, which brought the long, sloping roof within hand reach of the ground.
Its frame was of oak, and after the lean — to was removed the house, of two full stories, showed its ridge-pole somewhat nearer the front of the house and just behind the great chimney.
This, with its ovens and fireplaces, occupied the square space between the three rooms and the winding staircase near the front door.
In 1882 its owner,
Mr. Marshall Symmes, who resided there, built a new house just in its rear and removed the old house to a spot a few feet back from his barn.
In the removal the ancient well beneath the kitchen was uncovered.
This still remains, but covered securely by a flat stone which can be seen in the lawn.
In the removal the house was turned completely around, the front door removed, its place closed up, and the rear half of the house entirely demolished.
Certain peculiarities in the framing of the house rendered this both easy and needful, and also indicated that it had been enlarged perhaps more than once.
In its present condition it is an object of interest, for the old windows, with their panelled shutters, remain intact, while the solid oak timbers of the frame show the sturdy workmanship of those old-time carpenters.
All the smaller joists, and the boards of the attic floor, are removed, while in the second story, reaching into the attic, is a framework and shelving on which great piles of squashes are stored.
The huge chimney is gone, but a more even temperature is assured by the lines of hotwater pipes that warm the old house today.
It now stands adjoining the spot where the Stoneham Branch Railroad was graded in 1851, and that was to have connected with the one at Medford square. In this old house was born that son of Medford who became distinguished in war as a soldier, and in peace no less, as physician and governor of the Commonwealth.
