Identifier: antiqueviewsofye00star_0 (find matches)
Title: Antique views of ye towne of Boston
Year: 1882 (1880s)
Authors: Stark, James Henry
Subjects: Dwellings Historic buildings
Publisher: Boston : Published by ye Photo-electrotype engraving co. ...
Contributing Library: Boston Public Library
Digitizing Sponsor: Boston Public Library

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ion built by Gov.Shirley in the middle of the last century, its oaken frame and othermaterials, even the brick, which were of three different sizes, were1 nought from England, at a vast expense. Shirley Place, so thegovernor styled it, is a large square, two-story, hip-roofed struct-ure with a stone basement, having a piazza at each end and sur-mounted by an observatory enclosed with a railing. This is themost elaborate and palatial of the old Roxbury mansions, and not-withstanding the vicissitudes it has undergone, it is extremely wellpreserved. One of its peculiarities is its double front, that facingthe harbor on the side farthcrest from the road being undoubtedlythe true one. The upper windows on this side afford a fine viewof the city, the harbor, and the islands. Each front is approachedby a flight of stone steps Hanked by an iron railing of an antiqueand rustic pattern but now rusted by the elements. . Entering thenorthern or proper front you find yourself in a spacious hall of
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ANTIQUE VIEWS OF BOSTON. n ;, grand proportions. To the right a broad staircase leads to a bal-cony extending around to the left, where two doors open into theguest chambers, in which Washington, Franklin, Lafayette. DanielWebster, and many other celebrated men have from time to timebeen accommodated. From this balcony the musicians entertainedthe company at the table in the hall. The carved balusters aroundthe staircase and gallery are of three different patterns, and therail surmounting them is inlaid at the top. The base of the balus-trade and staircase is also adorned with a carved running vine.The ceiling around the main hall is beautifully stuccoed, and itsfloor was originally painted to represent a carpet. To the rightand left of the hall are doors leading into the reception room, par-lors, etc. Upon great occasions the two halls were thrown into oneby opening the folding doors between. Washington paid a visit to Gov. Shirley in March 175(5 and re-lated to him the circumstances

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