Painstaking restoration of historic home unearths centuries-old relics
Approximately 300 dwellings built before 1725 are still standing across Massachusetts, helping to tell the story of the Bay State's early settlers.
In Canton, one of those homes has been under restoration for nearly 50 years and the painstaking project will continue for several years more.
"This project began technically in 1972 when a group of citizens got together to save the little red house," said George Comeau, a member of the Canton Historical Society who is leading the restoration of The Tilden House.
The little red home was formally the country home to Abigale and David Tilden. Today, it's located across Pleasant Street from Canton's Reservoir Pond.
"(Tilden) builds this house in the fall of 1725 and it’s an interval project. It gets built on over time," Comeau said.
Over the centuries, time has taken a toll on the homestead. At one point not too long ago, it was described as "standing sawdust."
In 1999, the Canton Historical Society took on a 25-year lease to transform and preserve the property.
"Preservation is the heart of everything we do. We want to learn from the past in order to move forward," Comeau said.
During their work, Comeau says the building has unveiled several surprises. There was wallpaper from the late 1700s, a hidden stairwell and three different kitchens.
Most recently, they found something under the floorboards.
"These boards came up two weeks ago," Comeau said. "And underneath we found shoes."
Archeologists will be called in to further examine the shoes and kitchenware that was unearthed.
"The lessons are that preservation is important because it’s heritage. It's our history and it tells us where we’ve been and where we’re going," Comeau said.
At an estimated cost of $1.1 million, the restoration of the Tilden House is expected to be completed in time for the home's 300th birthday in 2025.