Bicentennial Celebration - Barrett Mansion

New Ipswich Historical Society

Dec 23, 2022

Built in 1799 by Charles Barrett, Jr., this ancient Mansion has always been in the hands of the Barrett heirs.

Charles, Jr., was followed by his son George who died in 1862. He was succeeded by his sons, George R. and Edward A., who both occupied the house at the same time; Edward and his family living in the north side, and George and the mother in the south side. The mother was a lady of the old school, very dignified and gracious, and was always spoken of as "Madam Barrett." But few now living can remember her as she used to be seen sitting in one of the front windows with a beautiful white lace cap on her head. She died in 1887.

Her son, Edward A., and his wife both died in 1883 and their children removed from town. Her son, George R. married Elizabeth Crocker Lawrence, widow of George L. Barr, in 1880 and they lived here in town very little after their marriage.

When New Ipswich observed its Centennial, the dinner tent was in the field directly opposite the Mansion and the entire house was open to the public in the evening.

The house stood empty for many years, and has recently been given, with an endowment, to the New England Society for the Preservation of Antiquities by its owner, Mrs. Winthrop H. Wade of Dedham, Mass.

During the Bi-Centennial celebration this year on August 26 and 27, the Mansion will be open to the public. Besides the beautiful period furniture belonging to the house, there will be exhibited furniture, paintings, and miscellaneous articles made by residents of this town in the years past.

MANCHESTER (N. H.) UNION LEADER - 1950

Opening Gate to the Past

(Photo by Bernice Perry) Miss Caroline Lowe, lifetime resident of New Ipswich shown opening the iron gate at the old Barrett mansion in that town which will be open to the public August 19 through 27 as part of the town's 200th anniversary celebration. Miss Lowe, who is wearing an 1845 dress will be one of the hostesses at the mansion.

MANCHESTER, N. H., SUNDAY, AUGUST 20, 1950

A Group of Hostesses Awaits Their Guests

Period gowns which were fashionable 60 to 100 years ago and belonging to New Ipswich residents, are worn by a group of women on the staircase of the Barrett mansion in that town. Members of the group will act as hostesses at the mansion which with the Historical Society building and the library, will be open to the public August 19 through 27 as a part of New Ipswich's 200th anniversary celebration. Shown above, left to right, are Mrs. Francis F. Kellogg, Mrs. Earle D. Wood, Miss Caroline Lowe; second row, Mrs. Philip Taylor, Mrs. William Durfree, Miss Gratia Eagleson is in the rear. Mrs. Taylor and Miss Lowe are lifetime residents of New Ipswich, the others are members of the summer colony. (Photo by Bernice B. Perry)

HOSTESSES AT BARRETT MANSION for the 200th anniversary celebration at New Ipswich, N. H., will include (left to right, front): Mrs. Francis E. Kellogg, Mrs. Earle D. Wood, Miss Caroline Lowe; (second row) Mrs. Philip Taylor, Miss Gratia Eagleson and Mrs. William Durfee.

THE BOSTON DAILY GLOBE- WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 16, 1950

BELLE OF CIRCA 1843-Standing on the staircase of the old Barrett Mansion, which will be open to the public during the 200th anniversary of New Ipswich, N. H., next week, Mrs. Earle D. Wood, left, shows 1843 dress to Miss Gratia Eagleson, right, and Mrs. William Durfee.

On this day - December 23, 1897

William Jurian Kaula diary

23 Dec 1897

I have started on two portraits which will be full life-sized - one of Miss Lufkin and the other of Miss Burnett. Today is to be celebrated as it is the birthdays of both Miss Lufkin and Cartwright. It was planned last summer that we would have a dinner in Miss Lufkin's studio in the evening. Everything was arranged splendidly and we had a splendid feast. So Miss Shuttleworth is in Rome we asked a Miss Herman to fill out the party. I had starved all the day in order to be in perfect condition to devour all that was put before me.

On this day - December 23, 1908

James Roger diary entry

23rd (Wednesday)

Hard frost 20 degrees wind NE to N. David logging for Shirland at Jowder’s. Got box from Hingham and letters from Hamish. Cards from E. Preston and Miss Palmer. I went to Phelp’s and got my Artic’s. Mr. & Mrs. Peacock called at Grange last night 15 were present, rehearsal of degrees.