How about a glimpse into Brookline’s colonial past right here at the Edward Devotion House? This historic house stands as one of Brookline’s oldest colonial structures. The Edward Devotion House is a tangible link to the 18th century.
Built around 1745 the Edward Devotion House represents mid-18th century architecture. It is located at 347 Harvard Street. The town owns this treasure. The Brookline Historical Society manages it.
Edward Devotion settled in Brookline around 1645. Back then Brookline was a farming community called Muddy River. Devotion’s land along Harvard Street had apple orchards. It also had pastureland for sheep and cattle.
Interestingly the Edward Devotion House may contain an older structure. Research suggests that parts of the house frame date back to around 1680. It is believed that the first Edward Devotion or his son John built this older section.
Solomon Hill acquired the Devotion estate later. He probably added the circa 1740 structure. Over the years the Edward Devotion House had various owners. Tavern-keeper William Marshall may have used the apple orchards to supply cider. He supplied it to the famous Punch Bowl Tavern. Financier Israel Thorndike and farmer George Babcock also owned it. They are remembered in the names of nearby streets.
Edward Devotion Jr. bequeathed funds to the town for public schooling. The town did not act on it until 1891. Then the town purchased the Edward Devotion House. They built the first schoolhouse nearby. The Edward Devotion School surrounds the house on three sides today. It was named for him in 1892. This recognized his earlier bequest for a school.
The Edward Devotion House is more than just a building. It is a repository of Brookline’s past. It contains 18th and 19th-century furnishings. It also contains Brookline-related artifacts. Gifts from the Devotion family are some of the most significant objects. Others are associated with early Brookline families like the Goddards.
Since its founding in 1901 the Brookline Historical Society has maintained the Edward Devotion House. The society began meeting here that same year. Besides being a museum the Edward Devotion House serves as the headquarters of the Brookline Historical Society. The society is dedicated to preserving and interpreting Brookline history. The Edward Devotion House offers tours. Contact the curators to arrange a visit. Their phone number is 617-566-5747. You can also email them at brooklinehistory@gmail.com.
Take a moment to appreciate the Edward Devotion House. It is a reminder of Brookline’s humble beginnings. From Muddy River to the thriving suburb it is today the Edward Devotion House stands as a testament to time.