Seven to Save 2021: Wilder-Holton House, Lancaster
A Past Filled with Historical Significance
The Lancaster Historical Society recently hosted a community-wide birthday party for the Wilder-Holton House on Main Street. Built in 1780, it was the first two-story house in Coös County and has been used as a farmhouse, meeting house, boarding house, tourist home, and private residence. In its heyday as the home and farm of one of the town’s leading citizens, the extensive property included several barns, outbuildings and mature shade trees. The Lancaster Historical Society purchased the house in 1964 for their collection of historic furniture, paintings, clothing, and toys, as well as photos, books, letters and other documents.
Today, the house helps tell the story of all the people of Lancaster. Indian shutters are in place on the first floor where the Holton family lived, and a narrow steep staircase leads to the once-open second floor that was fitted with hinged partitions to allow large groups to gather there.
A Lot of Work Ahead
In June of 2018, with grant support from the Preservation Alliance, the Historical Society hired Alba Architects of North Woodstock and HEB Engineers of North Conway to conduct a Building Conditions Assessment of the house. They found that severe moisture infiltration and high humidity levels have compromised the floors and overall structure of the building. Some rooms cannot be used due to safety concerns. The sills and support beams of both the house and the shed need replacement. A moisture barrier and proper foundation drainage are recommended, as is attic ventilation. The clapboard siding, windows, interior plaster walls and ceilings all need attention.
A Future to Preserve the Past
The Lancaster Historical Society knows our challenges are considerable, but we plan to complete work in phases, fund-raising as we go. Our goals are to preserve the Wilder-Holton House so it can continue to serve the community, educate all ages, welcome citizens and visitors for free tours, and be a safe repository for the items that tell the story of Lancaster’s past.
Click to learn more about our Seven to Save program and view past listees:
Thanks to our generous 2021 sponsors: Anagnost Companies, Chinburg Properties and Milestone Engineering & Construction, Inc. Also: Great Bridge Properties | JLT Painting | Turnstone Corporation | American Steeple & Tower Co., Inc. SMP Architecture | Dennis Mires, P.A., The Architects | Ciborowski Associates | Fisher Engineering | JR Graton Historic Restoration, LLC | Misiaszek Turpin, PLLC | Peter W. Powell Real Estate | Graham & Veroff, P.C. Summit Engineering | Yeaton Associates, Inc. | Ambit Engineering, Inc. | DB Architects, LLC | Altus Engineering, Inc. | Erie Landmark Co. Emanual Engineering, Inc. | Alba Architects, LLP | Enviro-Tote, Inc. | Arch Weathers Historic SashWorks, LLC | Udelsman Associates Hamblet Electric | Samyn-D’Elia Architects | Abatron, Inc. | Nobis Engineering, Inc.
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