Jacob Pledger House
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[edit] Description
Address: 872 Westfield Street, Middletown, Connecticut
Style: Federal
Date of Construction: 1804
Materials: Clapboard siding and Brownstone Foundation with asphalt shingle roof
Structural System: Wood Frame, Post and Beam, with hip roof
Architect: Unknown
Builder: Unknown
Historic Use: Residence
Current Use: Residence
[edit] Relationship to Surroundings
This house faces south from the northeast corner of Westfield and East Streets. Tall shade trees shield the house from the nearby roads. Neighboring structures date from post-World War II development of this formerly rural area.
[edit] Significance
James Plumb, a well-to-do farmer in Westfield, built this house in 1804 on land inherited from his father, Samuel Plumb. The house remained in the Plumb-Barry family until 1888; since then it has passed through a succession of owners while retaining its traditional residential usage.
This finely-scaled Federal style frame house is of a central hall plan; its exterior displays a symmetrical five-bay facade with hip roof and twin chimneys. A denticulated main cornice and delicate window caps add decorative interest to the facade, while attention is drawn to the entrance by a columned porch with cove ceiling. The possibility exists that the northeast kitchen wing is Samuel Plumb's own dwelling house, built around 1740, and relegated to a minor role as an attached dependency by the subsequent construction of James Plumb's "Mansion House".
The large original condition of this house, together with its distinctive appearance and compatible site, makes it a rare and pleasing example of early Federal style architecture in Middletown.
[edit] Current Use and Condition
Currently used as a residence and is in fine condition.
[edit] References
Middletown, Connecticut Historical and Architectural Resources. Volume IV, Card Number 307. John Reynolds. November, 1978.
