How about stepping back in time to when travel meant more than just hopping on a plane? I’m talking about the days of stagecoaches and taverns. We are standing in front of The Old Ordinary of Hingham. This place isn’t just old; it’s a time capsule.
The Old Ordinary of Hingham dates back to 1686. Back then, a Massachusetts law said towns needed a place for travelers to get a decent meal. Often, this was just a room in someone’s house. Thomas Andrews built this house for his son.
Initially, The Old Ordinary of Hingham was small. It had two rooms and a shed kitchen. There was also a garret above. In 1702, the Andrews family got a license to sell liquor. But there was a catch. Customers had to leave at a reasonable hour and be able to walk.
Over the years, The Old Ordinary of Hingham changed hands and grew. Around 1754, the Barkers expanded the house toward Lincoln Street. In the early 1800s, Ephraim Andrews added a full second floor. He also modernized the downstairs dining room. Andrews opened an inn and a stagecoach line here.
The Wilders took over in 1817. They kept running the inn and stagecoach. The Old Ordinary of Hingham became a popular stop. Some rooms probably served as taprooms. One thing is certain. Overnight guests were accommodated. There was even a separate building with a kitchen and dance hall.
Deborah Humphrey, one of the owners, was famous for her mulled cider. Daniel Webster loved it. He visited often. After Abiel Wilder died in 1838, the inn slowly closed. But a livery service continued until the Civil War.
In the early 1900s, J. Vaughan Dennett added the Annex. He was an Arts & Crafts furniture designer. Reverend Cornish, who lived here later, used the Annex as his study. The garden is said to be a wedding gift for Cornish and is maintained by the Garden Club of Hingham.
Wilmon Brewer bought The Old Ordinary of Hingham in 1920. He offered it to the Hingham Historical Society. They leased it for two years. This was to make sure they could afford to keep it up. It became the Society’s first property.
The Old Ordinary of Hingham isn’t just a building. It’s a storybook. Each room whispers tales of travelers, families, and changing times. When you walk through its doors, you’re not just seeing history. You’re stepping into it. Take a moment. Breathe deep. Listen closely. The Old Ordinary of Hingham has stories to tell if you just lend an ear.