Medford in Middlesex County, Massachusetts — The American Northeast (New England)
“Grandfather’s House”
Photographed By Roger W. Sinnott, January 28, 2012
1. “Grandfather’s House” Marker
The rear portion of “Grandfather’s House” was constructed in the early 1800’s as a small farmhouse. About 1839 it was enlarged by Paul Curtis who established a shipyard on the north side of the Mystic River at the foot of Winthrop Street. Between 1839 and 1852 Curtis built 27 vessels, including several world-famous clipper ships.
The ionic detailing and the “temple” front of the house mark it as a classic example of Greek revival architecture. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the house was purchased in 1976 and restored by Tufts University.
South Street, laid out in 1637 and variously known as “Fordway” and “Fish House Lane”, is one of the oldest streets in Medford.
Erected 1994 by the Medford Historical Society.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment. A significant historical year for this entry is 1844.
Location. 42° 25.046′ N, 71° 6.999′ W. Marker
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Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Captain Isaac Hall Hitching Post (approx. 0.3 miles away); “Jingle Bells” Composed Here (approx. 0.3 miles away); Salem Street Burying Ground (approx. 0.4 miles away); Mystic Congregational Church Bell (approx. 0.4 miles away); Royall House (approx. half a mile away); David McGillyray's 3,452-Mile Run (approx. 0.6 miles away); [History of Medford Government] (approx. 0.6 miles away); Stearns Estate (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Medford.
Regarding “Grandfather’s House”. During her lifetime, Lydia Maria Child became much better known as an abolitionist and activist for the rights of women and Native Americans. She wrote novels, advice books, poems, and worked as a journalist. Today, however, she perhaps best known the song lyrics that begin, "Over the river and through the woods..."
Her original poem, “A Boy’s Thanksgiving Day,” first appeared in Child’s Flowers for Children, Vol. 2, 1844. The following stanzas are the most familiar:
Over the river, and through the wood,
To
Photographed By Roger W. Sinnott, January 28, 2012
2. Today’s House with Marker in Yard
The farmhouse that belonged to Lydia Maria Child’s grandfather was considerably enlarged in 1839 when it became the home of shipbuilder Paul Curtis. Today the building is owned by Tufts University and used as a faculty residence.
The horse knows the way to carry the sleigh
Through the white and drifted snow.
Over the river, and through the wood,
To Grandfather’s house away!
We would not stop for doll or top,
For ’tis Thanksgiving Day.
Over the river, and through the wood —
Oh, how the wind does blow!
It stings the toes and bites the nose,
As over the ground we go.
Over the river, and through the wood
And straight through the barnyard gate.
We seem to go extremely slow —
It is so hard to wait!
Over the river, and through the wood —
When Grandmother sees us come,
She will say, “o, dear, the children are here,
Bring a pie for every one.”
Over the river, and through the wood —
Now Grandmother’s cap I spy!
Hurrah for the fun! Is the pudding done?
Hurrah for the pumpkin pie!
In the popular song based on her poem, "through the wood" often becomes "through the woods," Grandfather’s is changed to Grandmother’s, and Thanksgiving to Christmas.
Also see . . .
1. Wikipedia entry for Lydia Maria Child. More about her life and work. (Submitted on February 5, 2012, by Roger W. Sinnott of Chelmsford, Massachusetts.)
2. Wikipedia entry on the original poem. (Submitted on February 5, 2012, by Roger W. Sinnott of Chelmsford, Massachusetts.)
Photographed By Roger W. Sinnott, January 28, 2012
3. Side View of House
3. Women’s History article. A biography of Lydia Maria Child by Jone Johnson Lewis. (Submitted on February 5, 2012, by Roger W. Sinnott of Chelmsford, Massachusetts.)
Photographed By Wikimedia Commons
4. Lydia Maria Child (1802–1880)
Photographed By Roger W. Sinnott, January 28, 2012
5. Street Number Sign
Photographed By Roger W. Sinnott, January 28, 2012
6. Mystic River Looking East
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on February 5, 2012, by Roger W. Sinnott of Chelmsford, Massachusetts. This page has been viewed 1,033 times since then and 62 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on February 5, 2012, by Roger W. Sinnott of Chelmsford, Massachusetts. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
