Posted on April 28, 2008 by Greg Stone
Dear Husband with pleasure I take my pen in hand to address a few lines to you to inform you that through the goodness of god my health is quite good. I received a letter from you in May written about 3 weeks before and was very glad to hear from you and hear you […]
Continue ReadingPosted on April 28, 2008 by Greg Stone
Home of Barney Wing, whaling master. His wife had wanted a new house but he felt they could not afford it. While he was away on an extended voyage, she arranged to have part of the house demolished and a new one erected. Returning from an unsuccessful voyage, Wing was forced to acquire a mortgage […]
Continue ReadingPosted on April 28, 2008 by Greg Stone
[Photo by Jon Alden] This house was in the hands of several whaling families: agent Isaac Cory, whaling master Charles Ball and Henry Smith, ship’s agent. It was built around 1845, and is in a Greek Revival style.
Continue ReadingPosted on April 28, 2008 by Greg Stone
Captain Benjamin Gifford first sailed at the age of seven with his uncle, Gideon Davis, on the Bark Hope. By the 1850’s he became whaling master for two Westport vessels, D. Franklin and Mattapoisett. He probably built this house circa 1854 when he married Hannah Allen. [1818 Main Road – Photo by Jon Alden]
Continue ReadingPosted on April 28, 2008 by Greg Stone
As at the Head of Westport, wealthy sea captains changed the architectural landscape of Westport Point. Many built grand Greek Revival style homes on land carved from the dissolved Gifford estate. These imposing homes were in stark contrast to the small houses clustered together near the wharves.
Continue ReadingPosted on April 28, 2008 by Greg Stone
Navigating Westport harbor was not an easy feat for many of the whaleships, particularly the larger vessels. Isaac Macomber on board the Mattapoisett describes his experience attempting to enter the harbor in 1851: “Found ourselves aground 30 yards from the ½ mile rock and directly to windward after heaving, hauling and pulling, got her head […]
Continue Reading