2024 Christmas In Salem Part 10 – THe John Dodge House (Salem, MA)

Date Of Visit: December 7, 2024

Location: 4 Andover St, Salem, MA

A two story clapboard Federal style house with five bays, the John Dodge House features a pedimented front entrance with fluted pilasters on either side of the door and horizontal row of lights above the door. The house was said to have been built around 1794 by a John Dodge. However, there were several men living in Salem at that time with the name of John Dodge (I’m sure the name Dodge was like Smith is these days). It is believed by historians the original owner was the John Dodge who died in 1812, leaving behind a wife and 6 children.

The house was sold to Lucius Bolles in 1808. Bolles was the first minister of the First Baptist Church of Salem and Corresponding Secretary of the Baptist Board of Foreign Missions fourteen years. He was also one of the founders of Newton Technological Institution.

Bolles sold the property to Priscilla Dike, the wife of John Dike, a prominent lumber and coal dealer. Mrs. Dike was the aunt of the famed Salem author, Nathaniel Hawthorne, who most likely visited the home frequently.

The keen eye may notice the photo of the house posted above was not taken during the tour. I missed this one during the tour. So, I took this photo last weekend.

The home had so many wonderful decorations.

Each of these figures on the mantle represents or is doing one of the things in the 12 days of Christmas. For instance, there is a caroler drumming.

And of course Christmas trees! I think this tree needed a little taken off the top!

I especially enjoyed the old timey decor of the wooden decorations.

While doing work around the house and property, there were some unexpected discoveries.

These shoes were found by the chimney near the attic. Shoes had a special significance during the times of the 1700 and 1800s. They are the only item of clothing that takes the shape of the person who was wearing them. They were believed to hold something of the wearer’s essence or personality even when they were not being worn. It was believed that it was this association with the wearer that could fight off evil spirits should they try to enter a home.

The blue and white Chinese porcelain pieces were found while digging in the cellar of the house. The wrought iron nails, also found in the cellar, are believed to be original to the house.

Believe it or not, this piece of furniture traveled from England to Salem! At least that is the story behind it. What is known for sure is it was transported from Boston to Salem.in 1794 which must have been an arduous journey. Although it may have been cleaned up and polished over the years, it’s incredible to see it has stayed in such good condition over the years.

It feels weird posting about Christmas in March. Yet, I also feel a sense of warmth and joy looking back on these photos. Christmas decor and the Christmas spirit are always appropriate no matter the time of the year!