“A wedding present.” Those words echo through the halls of the Wheeler-Merriam House. This historic house stands as a testament to love, family, and the enduring spirit of Concord. It is one of Concord’s oldest buildings.
The Wheeler-Merriam House, also known as Elm Brook Farm, sits on Virginia Road. It is a significant piece of history dating back to 1692.
Let’s step back in time. Picture Sergeant Thomas Wheeler, a settler from Bedfordshire, England. He arrived in Concord in 1636. In 1648, he married Sarah Merriam. As a wedding present for his son Timothy and Timothy’s wife Lydia Wheeler, Thomas built this house.
Imagine the joy and excitement as the young couple received their new home. Shortly after its construction, the house was assessed at 18 pounds. This was a significant property value at the time.
The Wheeler-Merriam House remained within the Wheeler family for generations. It first passed to Timothy Jr., born in 1696. Then, it went to his nephew Abner Wheeler, an architect. Abner’s daughter Lucy and her husband Joseph Merriam eventually took ownership. Abner Wheeler is credited with the woodwork finishes in the left parlor. He also did the upstairs chamber. Abner was an important local builder. He led the reconstruction of the town’s meetinghouse in 1791.
After 1865, the Wheeler-Merriam family no longer owned the house. The Algeos became the new owners. They operated the property as a dairy farm and orchard. They named it Pine Hill Farm. Tragedy struck in 1904 when part of the house was destroyed by fire.
In the 1960s, Nick Rodday took over the farm and renamed it Elm Brook Farm. It transformed into a riding school and horse stable. Later, Maureen and Peter Markey bought Elm Brook Farm. They offered hayrides, trail rides, riding lessons, parades, and picnics.
Anna M Phalon took a special interest in the house in 1980. It was bought by her daughter Maureen Markey. Anna hoped to place the house on the National Register of Historic Places. Her extensive research led to the house being certified as a national historic site on November 28, 1982.
The Wheeler-Merriam House is a wood-frame structure. It has a side-gable roof and a central brick chimney. The rear roof extends to the first floor creating a saltbox profile. The front facade is five bays wide. The center bay is slightly skewed to the right.
The interior follows a traditional center-chimney plan. Chambers sit on either side of the chimney. A long third chamber extends behind it. A narrow winding stair rises to the second floor in the entrance vestibule.
The Wheeler-Merriam House stands as a reminder of Concord’s rich history. It connects us to the families who shaped this town. The house embodies the enduring spirit of home and family. It is a true treasure.