by Sally Johnstone
Coastal Journal contributor
photos by Guy Marsden
BATH - It’s possible to satisfy your curiosity about many of the older homes, buildings and gardens in Bath’s North Historic District during the Sixth Annual Open Houses, Hidden Gardens of Bath this Saturday June 14, 2008 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The tour originates at the Winter Street Center at 880 Washington St. Each ticket for the self-guided tour includes entrance to ten architectural gems and gardens in the North Historic District, and provides detailed information about the buildings and their history.
The City of Bath, which was named one of America's Dozen Distinctive Destinations for 2005 by the National Trust for Historic Preservation, has multiple examples of various styles of architecture from the late 1700s and through the 1800s. As you walk along the streets, it’s possible to note Federal, Greek Revival, Italianate, Gothic Revival, Second Empire, Queen Anne, and Colonial Revival homes, many of them home to well-known shipbuilders’ and captains’ families for generations.
The Open Houses, Hidden Gardens tour offers a rare opportunity to get a peek at the interiors and grounds of many of these gorgeous and unique homes. If you have ever wondered whether their exterior beauty and grace is replicated inside, this is your chance to confirm it.
17 York Street: The sweeping staircase of this home is one of two bridal staircases to be seen on the tour. The newel post has an ivory button imbedded in its center; the story is that it was placed there when the mortgage was paid.
1009 Washington Street “Galen Moses House” This house was designed in 1874 by Frances Fassett, and then re-designed in 1901 by John Calvin Stevens, lending it particular historic significance. The high Victorian design of this home can be seen in the elaborate wood carvings surrounding this fireplace, one of seven in the home.
1127 Washington Street: The inglenook in this shingle style home, built by a member of the Sewall family in 1894, surrounds one of five fireplaces in the home, each of which has a unique design and appearance.
1 North Street Captain John Patten built this magnificent Federal home around a pre-existing 18th century home, whose brick fireplace is still visible in the rear of the home.
360 Front Street - Pryor House The gardens of this late period Federal/Greek revival, which will be open for the tour, feature mature black walnut and oak trees as well as mountain laurel, peonies, columbine, phlox, bee balm and many other perennials.
411 Front Street The former offices of the Sewall shipping enterprise are now a private home, but remnants of its commercial days are still visible, including this large wall safe and cabinets for individual ship’s papers.
This year the tour has been invited to view the interior of the Beth Israel Congregation Synagogue on Washington Street, though entrance to the Synagogue is permitted only in the afternoon so as not to disturb services. Other points of interest this year include the Galen Moses House, one of the most recognizable and intriguing homes in the state. This home was designed in 1874 by Frances Fassett, and then re-designed in 1901 by John Calvin Stevens, lending it particular historic significance. The high Victorian design of this home served as an elegant backdrop for Galen Moses’s frequent gatherings.
The former headquarters of the vast Sewell shipping enterprise is also open to tour attendees. That 19th century building is now a private home, though there remain fascinating reminders of its commercial past, including an enormous wall safe and specially built drawers for ship’s blueprints.
Proceeds of this event will benefit the operating costs of the Sagadahoc Preservation (SPI) Winter Street Center. SPI volunteers will answer questions and give suggestions at the Winter Street Center, where food and drinks will be available.
Each ticket holder will also receive discounts at local restaurants and merchants on the day of the tour. Bathroom facilities will also be available at Winter Street Center only. SPI is a non-profit organization founded in 1971, and its mission is to preserve and maintain the Bath area's fine architectural heritage.
Tickets for the complete tour are $20 presale (prior to June 14) and $25 on the day of the tour at the door. Presale tickets can be ordered from Sagadahoc Preservation by calling 207-443-2174 or emailing:
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Presale tickets are also available at the following locations in Bath: Marnee’s Cookie Bistro, Brickstore Antiques, Magnolia, Now You’re Cooking, Ornament, Springer’s Jewelry, and Sweet Delights; in Brunswick at the Gulf of Maine Bookstore; and in Wiscasset at Blooms Florist. More information is online at www.sagadahocpreservation.org.
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