2024 Christmas In Salem Part 13 – Nancy Courtis House (Salem, MA)

Date Of Visit: December 7, 2024

Location: 119 Federal St (Salem, MA)

The Nancy Courtis house (the house on the right side of the duplex in this photo) was built for Nancy around 1846. The double house was built in the Greek Revival style. Nancy purchased the property on May 26, 1843 and later had the house built there.

In 1850, the property was worth $5,000 in todays dollars. Nancy had a brother, William Courtis, and a sister Hannah Courtis. She never married and no occupation was ever listed for her. Nancy died in 1875. Since she did not have children to leave her property to, he property was left to her nephew, Ambrose Saunders.

As I entered the Nancy Courtis House, I noticed this mistletoe. The tour guide told us 16 couples had already smooched under it! And that was only a few hours into the tour!

For some reason, this Christmas tree seemed more “full” than the other trees on the tour. The decorations. lights and ribbons gave some heft to the tree!

But, one tree was not enough for these folks. This “bird tree” has a variety of different birds in it. You may have to enlarge the photo to see them.

There were also wreaths and other Christmas decor in the home.

On the way out of the home, the tour guide explained how the paint used for the doorway was not a random choice or a fancy passing. The owners of the home, transplants from Louisiana, brought over their superstitions and beliefs with themselves. One of those beliefs is to paint your doorways, particularly the doorway to your porch, in Haint blue. The superstition holds that evil spirits won’t cross water and the blue color represents the barrier to these spirits. It seemed very appropriate for this superstition to be brought to a city known for its superstitions and beliefs in the paranormal.

I know. Christmas posts in April? But, I feel a certain feeling of nostalgia and cheer posting these photos and retelling these stories. I’m just glad I took copious notes during the tours! For those who may be sick of these posts, only one more home left on the tour!