Preston-King House
New Ipswich Historical Society
Preston-King House
One of the few cyanotype photos in the collection of the New Ipswich Historical Society.
#30 on registry of New Ipswich Center Village Historic District
John Preston I (1739-1803) built this house in 1764. Preston was a doctor, a profession followed by his son of the same name. As well as being the town's leading physician, he was a member of the first Board of Selectmen and a member of the Convention for framing the State Constitution, also holding many local offices. His office was located in this house overlooking Appleton Common. Following his death, the house passed to his youngest daughter Anna, who married Seth King in 1808. King was a hatter, whose shop had stood near the house since the 1790's. Active in military and civic matters, King later became involved in the manufacture of friction matches and broadcloth, both pioneer industries for the period. The house remained in the King family, passing to their daughter Francis Locke King, until circa 1900. Shortly thereafter, it was purchased by Eugene and Elizabeth Barr Keyser. She was a sister of James C. Barr, Who owned much of the property on Main Street between the Old Country Road and the Turnpike, and Caroline Barr Wade, later owner of the Charles Barrett House (#70) and the Barrett Mansion (#71). All three children, as well as their mother and stepfather George Robert Barrett, were summer visitors. The house remained in the Keyser family until 1969.
Prospect Hill
This photo was captioned “Prospect Hill” showing a view of the village. What is notable is the stone outcropping in the foreground. Also notice the perfect stone wall. Could this be somewhere off from Old County Road in Bank Village?
On this day - June 23, 1908
James Roger diary entry
23rd (Tuesday)
Warm and muggy. Wind east. Rain commenced at 3 pm only a slight shower. David went to Academy in morning for settees for Town Hall and him and me seeded the Jim Davis field. D bush harrowed and rolled it. Took roller back to Joe’s and to blacksmith shop with the whiffletrees. Hamish arrived about 8pm. The cars are running across the bridge direct in to the Depot, so he came up for a run, Mail delivered tonight at the old time. Got letter from D. Lougee today. He got hurt but is better.
On this day - June 23, 1897
William Jurian Kaula diary - the circus
The fêtes have been tame and the circus last evening was far better than my expectations. The American colony at Crécy which comprised of four people is now reduced to three. Our friend Mr. Clark who suffered so much with the asthama [sic] has departed - not dead - but worse off - in Paris. I had the pleasure of the company of the two young ladies Misses Lufkin and Shuttleworth. The other American at Crécy is a Mr. Stout who does not resemble his name. Arthur sat some distance away with company of his own. The circus was more of an English concern than French and we were delighted to hear a few of our own popular airs. It was somewhat alarming to hear the clown swearing in English while they were convulsing the audience with their French jokes. We had swell seats down front where we were in danger of having the performing horses and the two elephants jump the ring into our laps. There are two English maidens at Crécy whose combined weight must be over five-hundred pounds.* They sat back of Mr. Buzzard and made his life miserable with their chatter. "Monsieur Hazzar! Monsieur Hazzar! Bon Soir! C'est bon le cirque!" These people who do not think that their own language is good enough for them makes him justly weary and he shouts back, "Yes it is fine-bully-tip top - very rum and jolly." Very rum and very jolly are types of the highest form of admiration in the vocabulary of the Englishman.
* These two mammoths visited Madam Travet some ten days ago in search of rooms. They remained to dinner and captured Hazard to go to Crécy with them to help find quarters there. I escaped by the window and was out sufficiently appreciative of their charming society and aimiable [sic] qualities.
How to Clean a Gravestone - Presentation Tonight
Thursday, June 23, 2022 - 6:30 PM at Town Library (also zoom)
Details on New Ipswich Historical Society website
If I had observed Mr. Kaula's escape through the window, I would have certainly assisted him with a good swift kick.
Two interesting pictures. Is the Appleton Common the area in front of Appleton Academy? I don't recognize the house in the picture as being near Appleton Academy. It looks more like the Preston house on Old Country Rd.
In the second pic there are 2 stone walls enclosing a sloped pasture. These must have been built to fence in animals like sheep or cattle. Having built stone walls I appreciate the effort that went into these walls, especially when you're on a slope. I've traveled the Old Country Rd and can't place the location from which the photo was taken. Those walls must still be there. Maybe Carl can find them.