Fuller, Amos, House

Thé mid-18th century character of the Amos Fuller House is greatly enhanced by its setting which includes a 19th century barn and outbuilding surrounded by 26 acres of woods and open fields. This nomination comprises only a portion of that land. However the total acreage as a green enclave encircled by and protected from Needham's suburban development enhances the character of the house. The house sits back approximately 100 feet on the es the eharnerer of the houso. the east side of Nehoiden Street; the barn is located a similar distance to the south, and the shed to the east. In its present sprawling configuration, the dwelling presents an organic and evolutionary architectural character as the result of alterations and additions through time.

Never- theless, the original compact leanto structure of 1754 remains apparent. block roof and integral additions; asphalt shingles the large rear ell. The original leanto portion stands 2½-stories tall on a mortared fieldstone foundation. Distinctive features. of the. symmetrical 5-bay facade include: a simple enclosed gabled entry porch; narrow cornice and corner boards; original 9/6 windows on the second story and later, wider 6/6 windows on the first story, all with projecting surrounds. The north and south gable ends also retain original 9/6 windows; the rear and ell elevations, later 6/6.

Although the interior was extensively rebuilt in the 19th century, principally as a resült of demolition of the central chimney c.1897, the original 5-room plan of the main portion is still apparent, and much original woodwork remains. Initial restoration work began in the 1830's when the property, then much deteriorated, was sold by the Fuller family. Äll ola portion of the large rear ell most likely'dates from this period. The remains of a chimney foundation with fireplace and beehive oven are visible in the ell basement!

/Architect Unknown Statement of Significance (in one paragraph) The Amos Fuller House retains integrity of location, design, materials, workmanship, setting, feeling and'association. Historical significance is derived from its association with important local figures of the 18th and 19th century; architectural significance from its standing as the best preserved example of its type and period in Needham. The property thus meets criteria A, B, C of the National Register of Historic Places. This house was built "on the road to the meetinghouse" in 1754 by Lt. Amos Fuller, a son of Thomas Fuller, Jr., one of the earliest settlers in the town and a descendant of settlers of the parent town, Dedham.

The house occupies the site of an earlier house built by his father, Thomas Fuller, and material from the earlier house may have been used in the present structüre. Lt. Amos Fuller lived in the house until his death in 1810: He served the town as selectman (1737-1769) and representative to the General Court (1756-1766). In 1830 the house was sold by Reuben Fuller, the son of Amos, to the Reverend Willlam Ritchie, the fourth minister of the parish; it was occupied by him until his death in 1842 and by his widow until 1852. The house had deteriorated during the occupancy of Reuben Fuller, and was extensively rebuilt and restored by the Reverend William Ritchie. The barn which adjoins the house is. of historical interest in its oun right because of Mr.

James M.' McCracken in the 1930's tends to confirm this date, although the barn is not specifically mentioned in town records until 1860. of forty acres, and the Newell family ownership is memorialized in Newell Avenue, which runs from the site of the present house to Great Plain Avenue.