The Whipple House
The Whipple House was constructed in 1740 or thereabouts by John Whipple. It has been added to and subtracted from many times since then. Originally believed to have been on a lot owned by Saltonstall and first called the Saltonstall House, research by Franklin Waters proved that it was actually on the Whipple lot and was their first home. (A minority opinion was expressed by M. V. B. PERLEY in Millend in 1901, see below) The original location of the house was near the present railroad depot. In 1898 the house was purchased by the Ipswich Historical Society for $1650. The house has also been known as the "Ancient House", perhaps as a reminder of a landmark in Ipswich, England called the"Ancient House".
The Historical Society repaired and furnished the house in a fashion reminiscent of the original. Over the years it has had be further modified to reflect its original configuration and its modest furnishings.
In 1927 it was moved from its original location to its present location at the intersection of County Street and South Main Street.
In the 1950's it underwent a final reconfiguration with the addition of the gables to the front.
Also of interest is the herb gardens around the Whipple House containing herbs found in the time of our ancestors.
Photos The Whipple House through the years from the 1890s to the present, inside and out. It is shown at both its original location and its present site. The former was near the railroad station and can be seen in the background of one of the early pictures of the station.
Moving the Whipple House In 1927 the move of the house required its passage over ancient Choate Bridge. Harold Bowen documents this move in words and pictures.
Dedication of the Ancient House by Thomas Franklin Waters