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).