2024 Christmas In Salem Part 2 – The Thomas Whittredge House (Salem, MA)

Date Of Event: December 7, 2024

Location: 144 Federal St, Salem, MA

Parking: There are several parking lots and garages in the Salem area

Universally Accessible: No, many of the homes do not have ramps or universally accessible entry

The second home on the Christmas In Salem tour is the Thomas Whittredge House. Thomas Whittredge, a shipmaster from Salem, purchased the land for the home on November 30, 1799. The house was finally built in 1802. The boundaries of the from the original deed have not changed an inch.

Fittingly, this home on Federal Street is built in the original Federal style which was popular from 1780 to 1820. The front facade is most noticeable due to its Doric pilasters elliptical fanlight above the door. Originally, there was a two story stable and a shed and outhouses on the property.

Whittredge was a master mariner who traded in the mid-Atlantic states. He owned two vessels that served as privateers during the war of 1812. He and his wife Sarah, a native of Danvers, were married in 1793. They lived in the home with their 4 children until Thomas’ death in 1829. Sarah lived in the house until 1841 when she transferred the deed to her daughter and son-in-law. The house, which was originally a single family home, was divided into a two-family home around 1885.

During the 1990s, a fire damaged the home. It would not be fully rebuilt until 20 years later.

The home still has its original floors in the fireplace area.

The house was dressed up for the holidays with bow, ribbons and a variety of lights!

If you look closely up this stairwell, you might see a portrait of one of the family members!

And what holiday home would be complete without a poinsettia! The best part were the free treats in the bowl!

Some of the visitors got into the holiday spirit and wore their best headwear for the event!