If Antique Houses Could Talk: Tales of Old Gloucester Houses

By Prudence Paine Fish

If Antique Houses Could Talk guides us through the historic-laden streetscapes of America’s oldest fishing port. In this fact-filled foray into the extraordinary stories of the town’s oldest houses, we explore the history and hidden secrets of Gloucester’s antique houses. From down in the Harbor Village, to way up at the outlying environs of the Up-in-Town Green, from the mid-1600s to the early 1900s, fascinating details emerge as we learn how the coming of the Federal and Georgian periods changed the architectural landscape as roofs were ripped off and replaced to conform to the latest style. How entire houses were moved down city streets, up and over hills, across town, hither and yon, or sometimes from the front yard to the back to make room for a more fashionable house.

If Antique Houses Could Talk comes with a comprehensive glossary of First and Second Period Architectural terms and includes many intriguing photographs of the subject houses in their earlier incarnations and how they look today.

Prudence Paine Fish has spent three decades as a Realtor specializing in historic Massachusetts homes. She has delivered numerous lectures, presentations and formal courses on the history of antique houses and their architectural styles.

Softcover, 148 pages, 8.5 x 0.35 x 11". Full Color Images.

Copyright 2022 Prudence Paine Fish with Andrew Joyce.