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The 1846 House
House History
The original house at 1 Ash Street was called the Jethro Mitchell homestead and was built in 1750. The Great fire in 1846 destroyed more than half of the town buildings, as they were constructed mostly of wood. This orignial house was dynamited in 1846 as part of a successful effort to halt the spread of the Great Fire. This saved the houses further from town .
The existing house was built later that year in 1846.and was positioned differently to face the corner . It was renovated in the 1940's by Stephen Gibbs. who lived there for almost 50 years. He added the Greek Revival porch and built the curving fence and side gazebo to change the front appearance of the house. He was a carpenter then basket maker, and is considered one of the most distinguished makers of Nantucket Baskets. You can find his baskets in some antique shops and at Auction. The house has the original ceiling chandelier in the living room and many of the original interior architectural details.
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