This past August my daughter and I took a trip to the upper east coast. I’ve been saving the Jonathan Corwin House 1692 Salem to share with you today.
Jonathan Corwin House 1692 Salem
This home was built in 1675. It was the residence of Judge Jonathan Corwin in 1692. It is the only original dwelling still standing in Salem that has a direct connection to the trials.
In case you missed my Salem 1692 Martha Ingalls Allen Carrier post you may want to start there.
The home is a wonderful example of 17th-century New England architecture. It features a steeply pitched salt- box roof with three tall gables in the front. There is a large central chimney and diamond paned windows.
The home was enlarged by later owners and the facade has been altered over time.
Judge Corwin presided over many of the examinations of those wrongly accused.
The Interiors
Corwin was a very wealthy man and the home befits a man of his status.
The restored interiors are filled with furniture and decor one might see in a wealthy person’s home in the late 17th century.
The large open hearth would have been used as a source of heat as well as cooking.
The punched tin lantern was so pretty.
The home has operated as a museum since 1948. It is a self-guided tour and tickets must be purchased ahead of time.
A Mantua Gown
Upstairs in the master bedroom there is an example of a late 17th century dress that a wealthy woman might have worn at a formal event.
The mantua has a coatlike construction. The sleeves are cut in one piece with the back and front. It is thought that the layout displayed beautiful silk patterns to their best advantage.
This is truly a lovely design that I may tackle in a few years.
Although it’s a bit of a sharp contrast to what the common woman would have worn.
I’ll be back on Wednesday with a truly fun post.
Laura
I love your posts. You could sew anything!
I hope you are having a wonderful autumn.
This was extremely interesting. The big house, the small windows of necessity. The kitchen fireplace , once something that one must have, albeit, not everyone had one as nice, would now be a luxury in the modern kitchen. I read some original correspondence and court records on their website. including the two from the man who suggested baptism rather than killing.
What a remarkable home. I especially loved seeing the kitchen and the Mantua gown is lovely. Loved yours, too!