Annapolis in Anne Arundel County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
The Claude House
26 West Street
Photographed By Beverly Pfingsten, July 26, 2014
1. The Claude House Marker
Inscription.
The Claude House. 26 West Street. During the second half of the 18th century, shoemaker Allen Quynn owned or leased a large portion of both sides of the first block of West Street. At one time this building was Quynn's home, but in 1767 Quynn leased the house to watchmaker William Knapp for seven years. A dozen years later, another watchmaker, Abraham Claude, who was already living in the house, bought the property from Quynn. Claude's first newspaper advertisement described himself and his partner as "watchmakers from London." After the death of his first wife, who left four young children, Claude married Elizabeth Quynn, Allen's daughter. In addition to his work as a watchmaker and silversmith, Claude sold dry goods and groceries. It was common in the 18th century for artisans to diversify in order to support their families. During his ownership of this house, Claude removed the original gambrel roof and added the present second story.
During the second half of the 18th century, shoemaker Allen Quynn owned or leased a large portion of both sides of the first block of West Street. At one time this building was Quynn's home, but in 1767 Quynn leased the house to watchmaker William Knapp for seven years. A dozen years later, another watchmaker, Abraham Claude, who was already living in the house, bought the property from Quynn. Claude's first newspaper advertisement described himself and his partner as "watchmakers from London." After the death of his first wife, who left four young children, Claude married Elizabeth Quynn, Allen's daughter. In addition to his work as a watchmaker and silversmith, Claude sold dry goods and groceries. It was common in the 18th century for artisans to diversify in order to support their families. During his ownership of this house, Claude removed the original gambrel roof and added the present second story.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Colonial Era • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1767.
Location. 38° 58.712′ N, 76° 29.651′ W. Marker is in Annapolis, Maryland, in Anne Arundel County. Marker is on West Street, on the right when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 26 West Street, Annapolis MD 21401, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are
More about this marker. Building is now the Annapolis Visitors Center.
Photographed By Bill Coughlin, April 17, 2023
2. The Claude House Marker
The marker is seen here on the side of the building.
Photographed By Beverly Pfingsten, July 26, 2014
3. The Claude House
Credits. This page was last revised on May 9, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 26, 2014, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 568 times since then and 43 times this year. Photos:1. submitted on July 26, 2014, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. 2. submitted on April 27, 2023, by Bill Coughlin of Woodland Park, New Jersey. 3. submitted on July 26, 2014, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.
