Today's "Old House" has actually been called that and is the most famous house in Quincy. The Adams Mansion, home of Presidents John and John Quincy Adams and their families, is also known as "Peacefield", a fitting name this time of year.
The oldest portion of the Adams Mansion was built in 1731 by Maj. Leonard Vassall, a wealthy West Indian sugar planter. It was acquired by John and Abigail Adams in 1787 after its loyalist owners had abandoned Massachusetts during the American Revolutionary War. The house at that time consisted of only two low-ceiling rooms on the ground floor, two bedrooms, and an attic. Abigail Adams once wrote "it feels like a wren's nest."
During the subsequent 12 years, with John a resident in Philadelphia first as Vice President and then as President, Abigail Adams attended to the house and farm. She greatly expanded it, adding what is now the right side of the front facade, that you see here, with a fine hallway and large parlor on the ground floor and a large study above. The additions were built in the Georgian style with a gambrel roof creating a nearly full attic story.
The house was given by the Adams Memorial Society to the United States in 1946, and is now open to the public as part of the Adams National Historical Park operated by the National Park Service. I learned that the grounds are open year round and I have a couple more pictures of the grounds to share soon.
22 comments:
Your photos are very good, it's great to see someone so interested in everything around them!
I run a daily photo blog too, but the photos aren't nearly as sophisticated as yours I'm afraid!
Happy Blogging :)
http://jennifer365for2009.blogspot.com
What a modest beauty of a house. And what a tranquil setting. Really satisfying shot.
I apologize to my regular Thursday visitors . . . this week got away from me (must be all that notoriety stuff) and I didn't post my usual "Old House Day" photo yesterday For some reason I thought today was Thursday! Have you ever mixed up your days? The good news is that the weekend is coming sooner than I thought ;-) I hope you all have a wonderful one.
Your photos of the home make me excited for the season opening in April, a beautiful time to visit. I just looked at their official site and noticed that you can get an annual pass for $10 which admits 4 people. What a deal!
Hello Slim,
Outstanding photography! Your posts are taking me down memory lane. I am remembering my school field trip to the Adams Mansion. I lived just several blocks away in the 1950’s/60’s. I am happy to have discovered your blog due to Blogs of Note and will be visiting daily. I also left you a comment at Yacht Not.
Congratulations on your Blog of Note! Wonderful photos and information!
A relative of mine, Deacon John Tudor, lived in Boston during the Adams period and his son served in John's law office as an apprentice. The Diary of Deacon John Tudor is available through the Church of Latter Day Saints geneaology program and is full of daily weather reports and observations of that time period.
Your photos are terrific... thanks for doing this blog.
Great shot of the mansion. I think it is one of your best
Whoah I thought you were either the Cardiff City, speedy left winger Quincy then or the infamous examiner! Looks like I was wrong on both accounts, great photos...the temple of knowledge is really welcoming.
Check out my blog and have a Natter :D- it was only born today!
http://thenatter.blogspot.com/
I found you on blogs of note! Gorgeous blog...I love American history.
I used to live in Boston..5 yrs to be exact.
Nice to see some old spots through your pics
Great post!! As always.
Been enjoying your.
Chris
Dei uma passadinha aqui para conhecer parabéns esta muito bonito de Antonio educacando com o karatê São José dos campos São Paulo Brazil
: )
Hi Slim, Liked your photo and historical account, I was tickled as I am living in the Caribbean, and also enjoy the history...Did you know that Admiral Rodney was the first to import the mango fruit from India! Also liked your Temple of Knowledge photo. Lots of rainbows to you! Ocean Quill
Beautiful. I just love old homes - and when you get to know about the history of them also, it is just such a nice bonus!
This really is an genuine historiacal post.
(Double check your followers when you get the chance. When I was named blog of note I got at least 12 very dodgy sites I had to block)
helllo, this is really nice.. you should check out my blog: http://loveparenthesis.blogspot.com/
Congrats on joining us in blogs of note. superb photos.
Congratulations on being a blog of note!
Thanks for posting these photos they reminds me of my college days.
I miss quincy...
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