Powisset Farm – A Brief History
One of the most visible reminders of Dover’s rich agricultural heritage is Powisset Farm. Situated on Powissett Street, the land is said to have been used by Dedham residents to pasture cattle as early as the 1660’s and has been farmed continuously for more than three centuries. Onetime local historian Frank Smith (1914) tells us that Powisset Farm was first settled by Samuel Chickering (1689-1778), presumably at some point shortly after his marriage to Mary Harding in 1720. Smith adds that the Chickering homestead was situated “near Rattlesnake Rock” which may be the area known today as Powissett Peak, although
What’s So Special About 170 Claybrook Road?
By Jane Johnstone Dover Historical Society Board The first in a series of occasional articles highlighting notable Dover homes and their inhabitants past and present. Benjamin Sawin grew up on the Captain Morse farm on Claybrook Road, one of the oldest streets in Dover. The farm consisted of 36 acres on both sides of Main Street around Wakeland Road and the Heinlein field across Main. Ben took over the family farm in 1847 and in 1858 built the house at 170 Claybrook Road. He used the latest scientific methods to make his farm a successful business, yet was not afraid
Tisdale House
Readers with an interest in Dover’s oldest homes may have noticed the Tisdale House situated at the corner of Walpole and Hartford Streets. Local historian Frank Smith tells us that this house was built for Captain Henry Tisdale in 1774. Given its extraordinary similarity to the Benjamin Caryl House, it is probable that the Tisdale House was also built by Ralph Day of Dedham Street (1717-1795). Henry Tisdale was born in Lebanon, CT in 1750, one of three brothers who settled in Dover and Medfield just prior to the Revolution. On January 4, 1774 he was married by Reverend Benjamin
