Early 1850’s fad is a legacy: Stoneham’s octagon houses
Published on January 2nd, 2001
STONEHAM, MA - Stoneham is a desirable community for many reasons, not the least of which is our architectural treasures. Many historic homes have been demolished over the years, but many fine examples remain and have wonderful stories to tell. Stoneham may be unique in the Commonwealth, even in the nation, for its number of octagon houses. A list complied in 1950 documented only 21 still standing in Massachusetts. These eight-sided frame houses are rarely seen individually in such a small rural town and are therefore architectural treasures that enrich our community. An architectural oddity that is still ahead of its time, according to modern writers, the octagon house fad erupted, briefly, in the mid-nineteenth century. Between 1848 and 1855, three of Stoneham's most unique buildings appeared.
Neighborhood children and local residents affectionately refer to them as the "wedding cake, birthday cake, or round houses" and have often dreamed of living in one or peeking inside. How would the furniture be arranged? How difficult would it be to change the wallpaper? If only the walls could really talk.
The octagon house was popularized by Orson Squire Fowler who was experimenting with geometry and argued that a house whose plan was in the spherical shape (in copying nature's round forms) would be cheaper to construct than traditional models, would admit increased sunlight and would facilitate communication between rooms. His concept was an immediate success. Their great appeal was their practicality. The design inspired a mystery novel, excited P.T. Barnum to construct one to approximate the shape of his circus rings and even led to octagonal-shaped windmills, churches, school buildings, barns, carriage houses, seance parlors and even chicken coops. But the zest for the octagon shape was short-lived and had dwindled to zero by the time of Fowler's death. It was an important force only between 1848, when Fowler first published "A Home for All,” and 1857, when he left his own five-story, 60 room octagon at Fishkill, New York, complete with a central furnace, ventilating tubes, speaking tubes, dumbwaiter, hot and cold water and an indoor water-flush toilet.
Stoneham's three are still standing proud. Contrary to popular opinion, they were not built by the same builder. In a letter from Annie Bailey Trowbridge (dated March 31, 1929) to Mrs. Charlena Lamson (Historical Society member), the details of these remarkable houses is described. Her mother and father lived in the house at 72 Pine Street as early as 1860 after purchasing it from her great grandfather Col. Elbridge Gerry. She writes that hers was the first to be built by Enoch Fuller about "1850 or earlier." It stood on 2-1/4 acres. Mr. Fuller was an intimate friend of the late P. T. Barnum and on one occasion when Mr. Fuller was visiting Barnum in Bridgeport, Connecticut, he stayed in a suite of rooms in an octagon tower. He was so pleased with his surroundings that he decided to build a house on a similar plan. According to Trowbridge "I know nothing of Mr. Fuller or why he selected Stoneham for his dwelling. I have a feeling, but it may be incorrect, that he never occupied the house after its completion for it seems to me that way back in my mind, I remember hearing that he did not live to enjoy the place." For a number of years it was in the possession of a Benjamin Goldsmith. He and his wife used it as a lodging house. They were not able to hold the house and through a mortgage sale, it became the property of Col. Elbridge Gerry. Joseph Barrett, a portrait painter and interior decorator did much of the fine painting on the interior of this house. There was a "flying staircase" in the center of the house which wound in a spiral from the lower floor to the upper, so one could stand in the front entry and look up to the roof of the cupola. At one time, every room had its own fireplace. "Regarding the two other houses, Trowbridge continued," they were erected after ours, and each totally different in the arrangement of rooms, and also ours was the only one which had the piazza extending on all sides."
The house at 2 Spring Street was built by Worcester Bros. William Bryant, Jr. and his wife Lucinda A. (Hook) Bryant moved into their new home on Friday, Nov. 25, 1850. This was before the construction of what is now Washington Street and when there were no houses on the north side of the Bryant house nearer than Elm Street. This house is divided by the stairs which rise from a small hall just inside the front door. On the second floor, one passes along a hall and down the back stairs directly opposite those at the front. On the east side of the house stood the new East School, dedicated with wild enthusiasm by young Governor Boutwell in 1851 along with the new North and South Schools. On the west side was the site of the Second Church in Stoneham, which burnt in 1840. Mr. Seth Bryant (who owned the house at the time of the Trowbridge letter) says that "the garden on the west side was a miniature skating pond in winter and furnished skating for the boys of the neighborhood."
The octagon house at 77 Summer Street, was built by Ensign--later Capt. James Hill Gould (Miss Trowbridge's Uncle), who married Hepsibah, daughter of Deacon Jabez Lynde. Due to some flaw in the title, the estate passed to Alonzo Lynde, although Capt. Gould was able to remain in the house as long as he lived. Later it passed to Selwyn Lynde. The house was built between 1848 and 1850. The estate consisted of 16 acres, eight of which were woodland.
The conclusion to this story is obvious. “Why build the same old way?” asked Orson Fowler back in 1850. His writings encouraged a proliferation of eight-sided homes across the country and throughout the world. Aren’t we lucky that his influence is still alive and well in our hometown and lucky that Miss Trowbridge related her memories of the octagon houses? It is clearly imperative that these stories are passed from generation to generation, reinforcing the philosophy of the Historical Society since it was organized in 1922--”Pride in our past; Faith in our future.”
Individuals interested in delving into the history of their own home are invited to attend the annual “Research Your Home Days” planned by the Stoneham Historical Society. Come to the Museum on 36 William Street on Saturday, Feb. 3 and 10 from 1-4 p.m. to use the resources on hand to find some pieces to the historical puzzles of your house. Questions about the Stoneham Historical Society may be directed to Curator Mary K. Marchant at (781) 438-4185. Questions about the Stoneham Historical Commission may be directed to Chair, Steve Rotondi at (781) 279-0033.
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