212 SALEM ST
architectural description
Style: Georgian
Other features: Saltbox - first period architecture added on to ?
historical narrative
Present owner: Graber, Richard & Rachel (1964)
Original owner: Robert Gray? (1699 - 1700)
Themes: Architectural, Community development
Subsequent uses: shoemaker's shop - mid 19th century
Historical significance: Probably built by Robert Gray before the more imposing David Gray House - 252 Salem Street. Gray married daughter of Nicholas Holt, owned much land in vicinity. Robert Gray, mariner, married Hannah Holt and received this land as a gift from his father-in-law.
Present owner has copy of 1765 deed, from James Holt and James Holt III to Timothy Holt, with mention of dwelling-house 1806; Timothy Holt to Samuel Cummings, Cummings sold 1814; 1822; Charles Abbott to Stephen Holt.
Original chimney changed to enlarge house ca. 1765 to 1830. Shoemaker's shop located here. David Gray III 1860's (?) - (present owner has found traces - ie. Tools, old leather)
Tafts owned and Barbara Hart occupied 1930's.
1962 owner - James Jr. and Barbara R. Caldwell.
bibliography/references
Goldsmith, Bessie; "Historic Houses of Andover", 1946
Interview with present owner.
Deed, 1765, April 27.
inventory data
| Place: | |
| Historic District: | Not Applicable |
| Address: | 212 salem st |
| Historic Name: | Gray, Robert House |
| Present Use: | residence |
| Original Use: | residence |
| Date of Construction: | ca. 1700 (owner says 1765 1st definite house date) |
| Source: | assessors' records |
| Style/Form: | Other |
| Architect/Builder: | |
| Foundation: | |
| Wall/Trim: | clapboards |
| Roof: | |
| Outbuildings / Secondary Structures | modern garage barn across street moved 1860's |
| Major Alterations: | improved (1790) and renovated (1960's) added windows but fitting to form of house (1970's) |
| Condition: | |
| Moved: | no |
| Demolished: | |
| Acreage: | less than one acre; lot size: 17,802 sq. ft.; approx. frontage: 252' |
| Setting: | |
| MHC inventory number: | |
| Recorded by: | Stack/Mofford |
| Organization: | Andover Historical Commission |
| Date: | 1975 - 1977 |
other historic buildings
- on salem st
- in Not Applicable
- with architectural style Other
48 Clark Road
