The 1745 House
Pictures, History, and Current State
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The 1745 House Pictures, History, and Current State
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Pictures showing the current site of "1745" House
Built by Samual Green, probably by 1745. The site is known as the old "Annie Willet" place. The site of the "1745 House" is located by Rockland High School. A Front view shows the old type of wooden shutters with wooden hinges used to build the house.
History of the "1745" House
October 28, 1745
A 19-acre plot near the French-Reed-Studley Pond was purchased by Samual Greene (aged 24), formerly of Weymouth. He described himself as a "husbandman", or farmer who had married Miss Hannah Jackson of Abington Centre the preceding April.
May 16, 1756
Samual Greene Died. Probate of his estate lists the inventory of his household belongings in detail:
4 chests 1 table and sundry things A trundle bedstead Bed and beading 2 spinning wheels 10 chairs 2 axes A how and old iron Bed bedstead and bedding A case of draws A frow and draw shave Cradle
Sometime between the years of 1757 and 1758
Widow Hannah Green sold the estate to David French, Jr.
In the Year 1768
David French, Jr. sold to Insigne Chubbuck, Jr., a cooper.
February 17, 1774
Insigne Chubbuck, Jr. sold the house to Thomas Willet, together with the right to use the little lane leading in some two feet north of what is now Market Street.
October 20, 1792
Thomas Willet died.
February 13, 1818
Widow Annie Lambert Willet died; daughter, Miss Annie Willett inherited the house, which she had moved "to the road" where it was later numbered 94 Market Street.
Between the years of 1819 and 1878
Miss Willett took in boarders for many years and finally rented the house to various people until her death.
Between the years of 1878 and 1971
The house passed through a number of different owners.
In the year 1971
The convenience food chain, 7-Eleven Inc. purchased the property and it appeared the oldest existing house in Rockland was doomed to be razed.
October 19, 1971
The Chamber of Commerce voted to form a Committee to save the house, H. Bernard Monahan was named Chairman. Dr. John Rogers, Superintendent of Schools suggested it be moved to a location in front of the Rockland High School and be converted into a colonial museum and center for use by students in social studies. The School Committee approved the site and plans were underway.
Between November, 1971 and September 1972
Frank Manzella and Paul Jarvinen, local contractors, agreed to take over the building of the foundation and moving of the house; in December a mover was selected and preparations made to move. King Brothers completed the foundation and early in February the house was at its new site. As the house was not closed-in vandals smashed all of the windows, fireplaces, ceilings and woodwork.
During the summer of 1972, the foundation was completed with brick work, all windows repaired, and the house closed in. The Jaycees shingled the roof, the P.M. Club stripped old paint and wallpaper, and painted walls and wood work as well as donating shingles and funds for other restoration. Banks and citizens subscribed to raise a fund for restoration.
Present State of the "1745" House