Saturday, July 11, 2015

Open House at The Isaac Davis House in Barnstable Village 8/1/15 from 11 AM to 1 PM



Put aside your beach towel and suntan lotion (I know, its hard, but you'll be glad you did!) and join us for an Open House at The Isaac Davis House, located at 3688 Main St. in historic Barnstable Village, Saturday August 1st, from 11 AM to 1 PM.  This beautiful house has a rich history.   Beginning as a Federal style home, it underwent substantial updating during the Greek revival period.  Feast your eyes on the generous, inviting rooms and imagine sitting in front of one of the fireplaces with a good book and cup of tea.











This remarkably well preserved house has had many fans over the years.  An article in the Barnstable Patriot, June 22nd, 1858 described Isaac Davis' house as "one of the most tasteful residences in town":


But this house started its story long before.  On the property, there stood an earlier home from the mid 1600's belonging to Elder Thomas Dimmock and memorialized with a plaque in the scenic stone wall:



An article in Yankee magazine mentions the secret trap door leading to an underground tunnel that could have been used as a stop in the underground railroad. There were Davis' at that time that belonged to the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers), known abolitionists.  Hmm, could Isaac have shared their sentiments?

From an article in the Barnstable Patriot by Nancy Rubin Stuart, May 23, 2013:


Isaac Davis' daughter Mary, married a ship captain, Otis Hinckley.    Mary lived many years after Otis and stayed in her father's house until her own passing in 1917.
From Edward Handy's book, Barnstable Village, West Barnstable and Sandy Neck, Arcadia Publishing July 14, 2003, p.13.



From Edward Handy's book, Barnstable Village, West Barnstable and Sandy Neck, Arcadia Publishing July 14, 2003, p.13.Obituary of Mary Freeman Hinckley, December 17, 1917, Barnstable Patriot:

The Isaac Davis house is a strong link to Barnstable Village's past. And now, you have the opportunity to view this character filled home in person!