Update – we initially wrote Saturday for the tours. The tours are happening on Sunday – thank you, Eileen!
Calling all history buffs! On Sunday, from 11am-3pm, not one but two historic homes will be open for tours – the William Clapp House and the James Blake House!
According to the Dorchester Historical Society, the Clapp house was built in 1806 by Lemuel Clapp’s son William. The family operated a large tannery in Dorchester! The home is a typical two-story, four-over-four Federal-style mansion house with a hip roof. Three sons of William Clapp (Thaddeus, Lemuel, and Frederick) continued to operate the farm and were successful in developing many varieties of pears. The most notable was Clapp’s Favorite, developed in 1849 and marketed by 1860, a variety that remains in wide commercial use. Hence, this is why we have a giant pear statue in the neighborhood!
The house continued to be occupied by the descendants of William Clapp until it was acquired by the Dorchester Historical Society in 1946. the Clapp House is located at 195 Boston Street.
The Blake House is the oldest house in Boston and is located on Columbia Road right near the giant pear! It’s just a quick 400 yards from its original location back in 1661 – which is now a parking lot for National Grid on Mass. Ave. This is the first recorded instance in New England of a historic building being moved to a new location in order to prevent its demolition.
Originally the home of James and Elizabeth Blake who were English immigrants, the property was passed down to their family until it was acquired by the city of Boston in 1895. It was then sold to the Dorchester Historical Society in 1896. You can learn more details of this home by visiting here!
The Blake House is located at 735 Columbia Road
You can learn more about these homes by visiting the Dorchester Historical Society. Consider making a donation to this important neighborhood organization!
Main Image: Blake House
Maureen Dahill is the editor of Caught in Southie and a lifelong resident of South Boston sometimes mistaken for a yuppie. Co-host of Caught Up, storyteller, lover of red wine and binge watching TV series. Mrs. Peter G. Follow her @MaureenCaught.
Thank you for the weekend touring suggestion along w/ the historical reporting & fun facts about the Dot Landmark Historical Sites… Really peaked my interest!
Hi, just wanted to let you know the tours are on Sunday, not Saturday.