Leach, Philander House
206 Elm St
1870
Architectural Style
Italianate
Significance
Agriculture, Architecture
Use Type
Agricultural, Single Family Dwelling House
Neighborhood
Massachusetts Historical Commission Report
Architectural Significance
This is an unusually substantial Bridgewater farm house composed of a large 2 1/2 story main block, two 1 1/2 story ells and an attached stable/garage. The main block rests on a heavy granite block foundation and is enclosed by a gable roof with return eaves. Possessing a center hall plan, its 3-bay main facade exhibits narrow double windows and double, multi-panel Victorian front doors which open on to a porch with paneled plinths and chamfered posts. The south wall exhibits a polygonal bay with narrow windows and a dentillated cornice.
Historical Significance
For many years this property was owned by the descendants of Apollos Leach. Although the present house was built c. 1870, a house has been located on or near this site since at least 1830--at that time an A. (Apollos) Leach owned this property. Born c. late 1760s, Apollos Leach married Chloe Dyer--they had six children including Philo, Daniel, Franklin and Philander. Apollos was a farmer and carpenter "noted for the good quality of his work." Philo and Franklin were also carpenters and were probably responsible for #206 Elm St. By the 1870s, Philander Leach, farmer, owned this property.