Here stands the oldest surviving house in Boston. This is the James Blake House. It is a testament to time and resilience.
The James Blake House was built in 1661. This makes it over 360 years old. Imagine the stories these walls could tell.
James Blake was an immigrant from England. He built this house in the Western English style. This style represents post medieval architecture. The James Blake House is a rare example of this style in the United States.
Most colonial homes in Dorchester were built differently. They were constructed by housewrights from the south and east of England. These builders favored brick and plaster. James Blake House stands apart with its heavy timber framing. This reflects the building traditions of western England.
The Blake family owned this house for many years. They lived here until 1825. After that the Williams family acquired it. The City of Boston then took ownership in 1891.
The James Blake House faced demolition in 1896. The Dorchester Historical Society stepped in to save it. They moved the house less than 500 feet from its original spot. It was moved from Massachusetts Avenue to its current location.
In 1978 the James Blake House earned recognition as a Boston Landmark. This designation protects both its interior and exterior. The surrounding area has also undergone extensive renovation. The James Blake House was re shingled. The grounds were improved.
James Blake was born in Pitminster England in 1624. He came to Dorchester with his parents in the 1630s. In 1651 James married Elizabeth Clap. She was the daughter of Deacon Edward Clap. She was also the niece of Roger Clap. Through this marriage James became connected to the large Clap family.
The Clap family brought their English West Country practices to the New World. Their agrarian life included dairy farming and growing crops. They also maintained orchards and raised sheep. Tanning was another important business.
The James Blake House became the heart of a comfortable estate. It spanned 91 acres. It included a home farm outbuildings orchard yards and a garden. James Blake was a respected member of the community. He held public office. He served as a constable town selectman and deputy to the General Court. He was also a deacon and ruling elder in the First Church.
In 1700 the James Blake House passed to James’ son John. John later bequeathed it to his two sons John and Josiah in 1718. The estate was divided in 1748. The east and west halves of the house were occupied by separate families for over a century.
Over time the house and land were used for different purposes. These included agriculture a spinning and weaving shop and a tanning business.
Caleb and Eunice Williams purchased the west half of the house in 1825. They acquired the east half in 1829. The Williams family owned the James Blake House until 1892. George and Antonia Quinsler then bought it. In 1895 they sold it to the City of Boston.
The city wanted the land for municipal greenhouses. They also planned to widen Massachusetts Avenue. This would complement Olmsted’s Emerald Necklace. The plan included Columbia Road as a boulevard.
The Dorchester Historical Society saved the James Blake House from demolition. The move and restoration were significant. It happened during a time of rapid urbanization. New streetcar lines parks and landmarks were being built.
The James Blake House is studied by students of architectural history. It is a museum of early American home construction. In 2007 dendrochronology confirmed that the trees used to build the house were felled in the winter of 1660 1661. This gives a construction date of 1661.
Today the James Blake House stands as a symbol. It represents early American architecture and the importance of preservation. Take a moment to appreciate its history. Think about the families who lived here.