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Keith, Lafayette House

58 Bedford St

1865

Architectural Style

Italianate

Significance

Architecture

Use Type

Single Family Dwelling House

Neighborhood

Bridgewater Town Center

Massachusetts Historical Commission Report

Architectural Significance

This is a solid, wellcrafted example of a c. 1857-1873 Italianate house. Possessing a T-plan, its 3-bay main facade features an attractive entrance porch with turned balusters, champfered posts, graceful eliptical arch bracing and lacy gingerbread detail. The front door is boldly outlined by wellcrafted moldings. Windows are fully enframed and exhibit 2/2 wood sash. The window above the front door has been boarded over. The house is enclosed by a low hip roof with a deep cornice and scroll brackets.

Historical Significance

Built between 1857-1873, this charming Italianate house was built for Lafayette Keith. Born October 21, 1824, he was a prominent Bridgewater citizen serving as postmaster from 1854-1862 and was an officer of the Internal Revenue Department beginning in 1862. At the time of the Bridgewater Savings Bank incorporation in 1872 he was chosen clerk of the corporation. This house originally faced a semi-circular driveway which was apparently removed to accommodate the widening of Bedford St. c. 1930. Bedford St. is part of the old Boston and New Bedford Turnpike which was laid out in 1805-1806 and included Broad St. (Rte 18).

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