Pierce, Easton, Russell, Bunker, & Gardner Houses, 15, 17, 19, 21 & 23 Orange Street, Nantucket

Source document Quoted word for word from HABS MASS,10-NANT,76U-. Not written, edited or summarised by this site.

Only row houses in Nantucket; part of the Orange and Union Streets Neighborhood Study (MASS-1014). FART I. HISTORICAL INFORMATION A. Physical History: 1. Original and subsequent owners: #15 -- Philip H. Folger Cyrus Peirce Eliza Cary Thomas Cary) Jeanette G. Morton John W. Macy James K. Gibbs Charlotte C. Pearson; her son Rear Admiral Beth M. Ackley; his widow Edith Ackley James G. Hill Julia P. Hill, Exec. Jessie P. Knevals Anna Knevals Swain David W. Swain to date Marjorie Swain David W, Swain) #17 Philip H. Folger James Easton Captain Arvin Baker members of the Baker family, including Edward W., Charles H. and Louise S. Grace Davis Barnes Landon Barnes Margaret Howe William F. Howe) #19 Philip H.

Folger Thomas Russell ORANGE AND UNION STREETS NEIGHBORHOOD STUDY PIERCE, EASTON, RUSSELL, BUNKER, GARDNER HOUSES known as the Orange Street Block HABS No. :4ASS-947 (Page 2) -- Alfred Macy Alfred Macy Ann Mitchell Macy, heir of Macy Rachel tf. Brown Heirs of Rachel W. Brown Norman Merryman Ellen S. Swain and Susan Starbuck Hattie Clark Sawyer Albert A. Fee et ux Phoebe Pancoast to date Mr. George Cameron #21 Philip H. Folger Joshua Bunker John W. Barrett; his daughters, including Eliza Bovey Ann S. Coffin Horace Coffin) William Brouwer George B. Upton Minnie R. Sickles Isabel B. Sutphen Anna C. Baxter Richard M. Everett to date Madeleine W. Everett Richard M. Everett) #23 -- Philip H. Eolger George B. Gardner Edward M. Gardner Phebe Ann Gardner Hannah B, Sharp Mabel S. S.

Hartman - Annie B. Howard Leila Laughlin Carlisle G. Lister Carlisle) to date Leila Laughlin McKnight (Miss) (Abstract: Records Registry Deeds, Nantucket, Mass.) 2. Date of erection: Between and Philip II. Folger, a successful whaling merchant, who owned the house at the corner of Main and Orange Streets nearby, purchased lots on Jesco Hill (now Orange Street), the highest land in the tovna. Most of this land had been the homestead of Latham Bunker. In Philip H. Folger built the long, two-story wooden structure known as "The Block". It is generally agreed by historians that he was helped financially in this project by his affluent father- in-law, Levi Starbuck, who lived in the mansion on Fair Street now known, as "Ships Inn".

Another surmise is that it was built by Philip Folger for ownership by the five men who immediately bought each separate house. Host of these remained in the respective families for many years. (Abstract: Writings of Henry W. Worth and Dr. Will Gardner) ORANGE AND UNION STREETS NEIGHBORHOOD STUDY PIERCB, EASTON, RUSSELL, BUNKER, GARDNER HOUSES known as the Orange Street Block IIABS No. MASS-947" (Page 3) 3. Architect: Unknown. 4. Original plans, construction, etc.: The five front steps and five front doors still remain. On the west side of the buildings was left a passageway called "Bunker's Court", communicating with Fair Street.

While old deeds called the went side of Orange Street "Wesco Hill", the bluff on the east side over-looking Union Street was known as "Quanaty", an Indian name meaning "Long Hill". 5. Notes on alterations and additions: All of the houses in The Block have been modernized. #17 is the least changed as to the interior lay-out. The addition of a second story bay window on the front of #23 changed its appearance from the others. 3. Historical Events Connected with the Structure: It is notable that the owners and occupants of The Block com- prised some of the aristocratic residents of Nantucket. It has always been a popular piece of property occupied by persons of high standing. For instance: #15 The owner in was Cyrus Pierce, principal of the High School in Nantucket.

He came here to conduct a private school in the first house in The Block and later became the first principal of Nantucket's first high school, started in A few years later Peirce left the Island to accept the appointment of principal of the first Normal School in America, opening at Lexington, Mass. A grade school in Nantucket is named in his honor: the Cyrus Pierce School. The house was later owned by Charlotte Pearson and her son Seth M. Ackley, the latter destined to become Rear Admiral Ackley. He was born in Nantucket of seafaring ancestors and lived in that home of hardy and adventurous seamen (his father was a sea-captain, with whom as a boy he had made a voyage to California), and he was well prepared for the Navy.

An examination of his official record shows that not only was his actual sea- duty extensive and varied, but that when given shore-duty, his scientific and professional bent led him to the Coast Survey, the Naval Observatory, torpedo duty, the Naval War College, the. Hydrographic Office, and lighthouse duty. At various times he held the highly important position of Hydrographic Inspector of the U. S. Coast Survey and of Naval Secretary of the Lighthouse Board. Admiral Ackley is buried on Nantucket within sound of the sea he loved, on the Island which was the dearest spot on earth to him. (Abstract: Nantucket, A History by Douglas-Lithgox*;>) #17 In the owner was James Easton, a successful Nantucket jeweler. Silver marked J. Easton, J.

Easton or Easton & Sanford is much sought after and highly treasured in Nantucket today. ORANGE AND UNION STREETS NEIGHBORHOOD STUDY PIERCE, EASTON, RUSSELL, BUNKER, GARDNER HOUSES known as the Orange Street Block HABS No. MASS-947'" (Page 4) A later resident and owner of this house was Captain Arvin Baker whose daughter, Louise S. Baker was for eight years an outstanding woman preacher at the North Congregational Church in Nantucket. Douglas-Lithgow, the historian, states that "during her ministry she attracted the largest con- gregation ever known in the Church". She was not only an able preacher but a distinguished writer and a "prolific Toriter of graceful verse" as well.

Among her writings about Nantucket are Eunice Hussey, and a book of poems By the Sea, A bronze memorial tablet with an inscription about her life and work is on the side wall of the. Congre- gational Church in Nantucket. #19 was at one time owned by Alfred Macy, a prominent attorney and public official. He was also a very successful teacher, being at one time principal of the South Grammar School and for several years from principal of the new Coffin School. In he was appointed Collector of the Port of Nantucket and in elected one of the Governor's Council. He died in having been chosen for a fourth term. (Abstract: History of Nantucket by Godfrey.) #21 was owned mostly by families of wealth. One of them was George B. Upton who was a founder of the Old Corner Book Store in Boston.

#23 was at one time owned by Edward M. Gardner, who was Judge of Probate. C. Sources of Information: 1. Old Views: Photograph in Monograph on Nantucket, Champion Coated Paper Company, April 26, page 20; early view of Orange Street, with Block at left in Nooks and Corners of the New England Coast by Samuel Adam Drake, New York: Harper and Bros., Map of Town of Nantucket, showing shape of houses and house lots; photograph of Block in Ninty-Eive Per Cent Perfect by Everett U. Crosby, Nantucket: Tetaukimmo Press, 2.

Source document Quoted word for word from HABS MASS,10-NANT,76U-. Not written, edited or summarised by this site.

Douglas-Lithgow, Robert A. Najntucket^ a History. New York and London: Putnam's Sons, Godfrey, Edward K. The Island of Nantucket. Boston: Lee and Shepard, Prepared by Marie M. Coffin Nantucket, Massachusetts July ORANGE AND UNION STREETS NEIGHBORHOOD STUDY :' PIERCE, EASTON, RUSSELL, BUNKER, GARDNER HOUSES known as the Orange Street Block KABS No. MASS-947 (Page 5) PART II. ^ARCHITECTURAL INFORMATION A. General Statement: Numbers 15 - 23 Orange Street form a complex of five wood-frame row houses of two-and-a-half stories with full basements, gable roofs paralleling the street with two dormers in the east roof slope of each house, clapboard siding at street elevations with cedar shingles at ends and rear.

Combined wood stoops and carpenter classic doorways, shutters and six-over-six windows provide unity in the street facade. Excellent condition. 3. Description of the Exterior: 1. Overall dimensions: S3' - 0" by - 5" at the maximum projections. 2. Foundations: Brick painted black at street elevation, stone at side and rear walls. 3. Wall construction: Wood frame, horizontal clapboard and shingles, corner and base boards. 4* Porches, stoops and bulkheads: a. Front stoops; stair at each side with balustrade at stairs and across-platform dividing stoop to form separate entrance for each house; square newels and balusters; storage closets or access to full basements below stoops. b. Bulkheads providing access to basements are off rear yards. c.

Porches: Projecting porch and bay at #23 are late nine- teenth century additions, gothic revival ornamentation. 5- Chimneys: Brick chimneys in end and common walls serve fire- places in principal spaces and basement (kitchen), miscellaneous chimneys in ells. 6. Openings: a. Doorways and doors: Carpenter classic doorway trim; common wall faced with pilaster between sidelights and doorways, common entablature and cornice; four-pane overdoor, five-pane side lights; some doorways have two louvered shutters per opening, panel doors. b.

Windows: Windows in street facade are six-over-six, plank frame, louvered shutters; most east windows (at street level) have interior shutters which fold into the reveals, window frames are plank and board; bay window at second floor projects over stoop to form porch at entry miscellaneous bay windows and sash types in appendages to all houses. ORANGE AND UNION STREETS NEIGHBORHOOD STUDY PIERCE, EASTON, RUSSELL, BUNKER, GARDNER HOUSES known as the Orange Street Block HABS No. MASS-947 (Page 6) 7.

Roof: Gable roof parallels street, asphalt shingle covering; boxed cornice, wood gutter, sheet metal downspouts let into iron pipes to drain under sidewalks and opening in curb or to stone splash blocks; two dormers per house let into east slope of roof, six-over-six windows; scuttles in west slope of roof. C. Description of the Interior: 1. Floor plans; Originally rectangular in plan, each row house has appendages to the west or rear as ells and sheds, usually to accommodate dining spaces, kitchens and storage. Kitchens were originally in the basements with access from the exterior and stairs off the hall. Kail extends from front to rear, with stairways to basement, second and garret floors. The parlor and diningrooms, originally separated by two sliding doors and closets are at one side.

Second floor plan reflect the first floor spaces with bedrooms at one side and in ell; front stair halls usually converted to bedroom, sitting room or bath. Garrets are finished out with plaster to provide additional sleeping spaces and bath- rooms. 2. Stairways: Front stairways are L-shaped with winders or landing near second floor, turned newels with German silver disc let into top of lower newel, square balusters, round handrail with volute at lower newel, decorated stringer. Simple service stairways to basement and second floor. 3. Flooring: Wide pine boards, natural or painted, some covered with wood strips. 4. Wall and ceiling finish: Plaster, painted and papered. 5.

Doorways and doors: Parlor and diningroom separated by two sliding paneled doors recessed into wall behind closets; doors are two, four and six panel; simple carpenter classic trim. 6. Decorative trim: Limited to fireplace mantels, paneled doors, interior shutters, beaded edged posts at second floor level and to front stairways. 7. Notable hardware: Typical of period including brass and iron thumb latches, brass knockers, Nantucket wood bar and thumb latch, and crystal and brass doorknobs. 8. Mechanical equipment: Fireplaces in principal spaces are usually in a classical motif, pilasters and entablature with cornice shelf, brick and cement hearths; #17 has gas light chandeliers in parlor and diningroom, gas cook stove in kitchen.

Typical old kitchen fireplaces in basements are of brick construction and have ''dutch" ovens, wood boxes, and ORANGE AND UNION STREETS NEIGHBORHOOD STUDY PIERCE, EASTON, RUSSELL, BUNKER, GARDNER HOUSE! known as the Orange Street Block IIABS No. WASS-947 (Page 7) cooking cranes. Modern oil-fired hot water system are typical in the complex.

Site and Surroundings

The row houses of the Orange Street Block face east, are located at the edge of the brick sidewalk. Yards to the rear (west) are defined by picket, board and rail fences, hedges by adjacent buildings. All houses have access to a common way to the west. Landscaping is informal. Prepared by F. Blair Reeves, A.I.A. Kantucket, Massachusetts August PART III. PROJECT INFORMATION These records were prepared as a part of the Orange and Union Streets Neighborhood Study (MASS-1014) made in the summer of by the Historic American Buildings Survey on Nantucket, Massachusetts. This Is the fifth summer project of a continuing HABS comprehensive survey of the early architecture and urban design of Nantucket financed by a grant from the Nantucket Historical Trust.

The project was under the general supervision of James C. Massey, Chief of the Historic American Buildings Survey. Project Director was Professor F. Blair Reeves, A.I.A., of the University of Florida. Historical information was provided by Marie M. Coffin of Nantucket, Massachusetts Photographs are by Jack E. Boucher of Linwood, New Jersey. The material was edited for deposit in the Library of Congress by Constance Werner Ramirez, August