Dedham Community House

The Dedham Community House at the corner of High and Ames St in Dedham, MA.

The Dedham Community House is a house on the banks of the Charles River in Dedham, Massachusetts that is owned and operated by the Dedham Community Association.[1] It was originally built in 1798 for Judge Samuel Haven and designed by Charles Bulfinch.[2][1] Notable guests of the house include Nathaniel Hawthorn and Abraham Lincoln.[2][1] The rooms on the first floor feature high ceilings, long French windows, tiled fireplaces, carved mahogany mantles and moldings, and original chandeliers.[3] A curved staircase leads to a second floor with smaller chamber rooms.[3]

In 1922 it was purchased by Charles J. Kimball and a group of civic-minded citizens for use as a community center.[3][2] Today the Community House is dedicated to "advancing the educational, recreational, cultural and civic interests of residents of all ages of Dedham and surrounding communities."[3] They offer a pre-school, summer camp, and a variety of classes and workshops throughout the year for all ages.[3][1] In 2017, a grant from the Foundation for MetroWest paid to refurbish the 27 windows of the building.[1] As part of that project, old cupboards and cabinets were discovered after having previously been painted shut.[1]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 "Dedham Community House Refurbishes Haven House Windows, Thanks to Foundation for MetroWest for Generous Support". The Dedham Times. October 6, 2017. p. 8.
  2. 1 2 3 "Historic Dedham Village: A self-guided walking tour" (pdf). Dedham Historical Society and Dedham Square Circle. Retrieved August 5, 2015.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 "History and Mission". Dedham Community House. Retrieved August 5, 2015.

Coordinates: 42°14′58″N 71°10′36″W / 42.24946°N 71.17676°W / 42.24946; -71.17676


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