Skip to main content

New Jerusalem Church

Noah-Fearing House

This house at 77 South St. is of the Federal style, two stories, with a central hall and end chimneys. Old paint surfaces, wallpapers, and the texture of the floors remind one that people have lived here for generations. First evidence of the house being located at this site was a deed dated January 26, 1799 when Dr. Noah Fearing, for a sum of money, purchased the house and other buildings. There have been many changes and additions down through the years. An "ivory mortgage button" in the newel post of the front staircase signifies the discharge of the debt in 1839.

Old Memorial Library

This beautiful Civil War Memorial is most likely the only such memorial in the state that is used as a building. Most Civil War memorials are statues. This building was dedicated on May 30, 1882. It features tablets of Tennessee marble flanking the front door bearing the names of 36 deceased soldiers.

Wentworth House

This fine old 1 1/2 story Greek Revival house is located behind the old Memorial Library. It is famous for being the birthplace of the Bridgewater Independent, first published in 1876.

Central Square Congregational Church

The Central Square Congregational Church was dedicated on August 31, 1836. The name of the church was "First Trinitarian Congregational Church of Bridgewater." Unfortunately in 1860 the church burned to the ground and all the records were destroyed. The present church was built on the same foundation and was dedicated on May 18, 1862. The architect was Solomon Eaton. In 1904, the Trinitarian Society and the Central Square Society merged to become the Central Square Congregational Church. The Town Clock was located on the steeple and for years the steeple bell kept townspeople informed of the time. The clock had to be wound once a week by hand. It took 103 turns on a large crank to wind up the large weights from the bottom of the steeple. We know this for a fact because it was one of our weekly chores while growing up.

The Alden house was built for Deacon Joseph Alden, the second son of John Alden of Plymouth fame and message carrier for Myles Standish around 1690. It is one of the oldest houses in our town. The old house has many unique features: windows are fully framed with raised moldings, a large fireplace wall raised panels with a built-in shelf above the fireplace opening the front stairway has a heavy banister and boldly turned spindles. To the left of the fireplace is a very fine and unique slant back pewter cupboard with open shelves at the top and an original feather edge bottom door. The house is an integral saltbox with a small well added at the rear.

Many families have called the old Alden house their home down through the many years it has been there. At the present time, it is owned by Mrs. Martha Johnson.

Next page