Conant, Herbert I. House
96 Main St
1895
Architectural Style
Colonial Revival
Significance
Architecture
Use Type
Single Family Dwelling House
Neighborhood
Bridgewater Town Center
Massachusetts Historical Commission Report
Architectural Significance
Built c. 1895, #96 Main Street is Bridgewater's only substantial, high style Colonial Revival residence. Covered with clapboards, this house is composed of a 2 1/2 story main block and side wing. An encircling porch is located at its southeast corner. Both main block and wind are enclosed by his roofs. Particularly noteworthy is the main entrance with its unusually wide sidelights. In general windows contain 8/8 wood sash.
Historical Significance
Prior to its construction c. 1895, this house's lot was part of Ira Conant's land. Born in Bridgewater January 3, 1827, Ira Conant worked in a dry goods store in Bridgewater and Attleborough, eventually owning a hoop skirt business in Boston. He was also involved in the manufacture of "gossamer rubber goods." He returned to Bridgewater in 1865 to live in what is now the Old Iron Fence Inn on Main Street. His son Herbert Conant built (no occupation listed) 96 Main Street in the popular Colonial Revival style of the turn of the century.