Orford in Grafton County, New Hampshire — The American Northeast (New England)
The Ridge
Photographed By Paul Crumlish, June 18, 2010
1. The Ridge Marker
Inscription.
The Ridge. . Orford's seven Ridge houses were built over a period of time from 1773 to 1839 by professional and business men of the town. The Bulfinch-style house of John B. Wheeler, built in 1814-1816, southern-most in the row, was designed by a Boston architect, probably Asher Benjamin who was then an associate of Charles Bulfinch. Other Ridge houses also display Asher Benjamin influence.
Orford's seven Ridge houses were built over a period of time from 1773 to 1839 by professional and business men of the town. The Bulfinch-style house of John B. Wheeler, built in 1814-1816, southern-most in the row, was designed by a Boston architect, probably Asher Benjamin who was then an associate of Charles Bulfinch. Other Ridge houses also display Asher Benjamin influence.
Erected 1965 by New Hampshire Division of Historical Resources. (Marker Number 33.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the New Hampshire Historical Highway Markers series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1773.
Location. 43° 54.323′ N, 72° 8.213′ W. Marker is in Orford, New Hampshire, in Grafton County. Marker is at the intersection of Main Street (New Hampshire Route 10) and Bridge Street, on the right when traveling north on Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Orford NH 03777, United States of America. Touch for directions.
The marker stands on the Mall, alongside Lower Main Street, in front of the Morey and Willard Houses.
Photographed By Paul Crumlish, June 18, 2010
3. Wheeler House (1816)
Built for local merchant Joseph B. Wheeler. The Bulfinch-style house was designed by Asher Benjamin of Boston. It is likely the only house on The Ridge designed by a professional architect. It remains the residence of Wheeler's descendants today.
Photographed By Paul Crumlish, June 18, 2010
4. Rogers House (1819)
Built for lawyer John Rogers, work was started in 1817, with additional work in 1819 and 1821.
Photographed By Paul Crumlish, June 18, 2010
5. Morey House (1773)
The first house built on the Ridge, it was originally built for Obadiah Noble, Orford's first minister. It later became the home of Samuel Morey, the noted inventor who held over twenty patents including ones for a paddlewheel-driven steamboat and the internal combustion engine. Many of the inventions were developed in a barn adjacent to the house. The house was expanded in 1799 and again in 1804.
Photographed By Paul Crumlish, June 18, 2010
6. Willard House (1839)
Built for local merchant Stedman Willard. The house incorporates some of the features of his father-in-law, Joseph B. Wheeler's house -- several houses southward on the Ridge.
Photographed By Paul Crumlish, June 18, 2010
7. Hinckley House (1824)
Built for local merchant Dyar T. Hinckley. The interior is influenced by the work of architect Asher Benjamin, who designed the Wheeler House.
Photographed By Paul Crumlish, June 18, 2010
8. Howard House (1829)
This Federal-style house was built for beaver hat manufacturer William Howard. It renovated and expanded in 1915.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 27, 2019. It was originally submitted on June 21, 2010, by PaulwC3 of Northern, Virginia. This page has been viewed 2,344 times since then and 322 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on June 21, 2010, by PaulwC3 of Northern, Virginia.