Colonial
House

1755  Joshua Whitney House

Whitney built the house sometime in 1755 or 1756—the precise date is in question. Step inside that home today and you will find much evidence of its centuries-old lineage: massive wood beams, some with the bark still on them, held together by hand-hewn mortise and tenon joinery and ceilings at seven feet (if that) above wide plank flooring. The entire interior is encased in what appears to be lime-based plaster mixed with horsehair—lime makes plaster cure faster, while horsehair reduces cracking.