| An 1830s Farmhouse and Home of Distinguished Residents
been the home of several distinguished Mendon residents who have provided many years of public service for their town. Built in the 1830's on a hillside at the western end of the village, the home retains the charm and character of the 1800's, and at the same time, has evolved to the realities of modern times. A special feature of the house is a series of connected smaller farm buildings which served as a barn, a chicken coop, a woodshed, and a stable. This is called "big house, little house, back house, barn." The well-- maintained buildings are reminders of our town's once prominent role in an agricultural way of life. They are also a reminder of the people who have lived at 23 Hastings Street who have worked so unselfishly for the betterment of the town. Aaron Cook and Susan Wilcox were married in 1834, and it is believed that they built their house shortly thereafter. They were farmers, in contrast to their Ivy League professional neighbors. In addition to the hard work of running a farm, Aaron found time to serve as a town official for twenty- eight years. He served as a constable, tax collector, highway commissioner, and commissioner for enforcing fishing laws. His dedication to public service was commendable. David Adams bought the house in 1885. The widower and his son, Horace, also a widower, and daughter, Maria, moved up the street from the Adams Inn. David served as town clerk from 1855 until his death in 1890, and then his son succeeded him until 1913. Horace was also a selectman, Taft Library trustee, and a state representative. He was a founding member of the Mendon Historical Society. The organizational meeting was held in his parlor on November 15, 1895, and the distinguished society has flourished ever since. David and Horace served most honorably for fifty- eight years. Luther Holbrook lived at this house from 1914 to 1930. He held the titles of road commissioner, selectman, superintendent of streets, and town auditor. His work for his town was most praiseworthy. Joyce and Dan Gilmore have lived at the farmhouse since 1968. Joyce served as an active member of the board of health for twenty years. She specialized in protecting the town's groundwater by implementing and enforcing title five regulations during a time of Mendon's rapid building growth. She was a founder and president of Tri-River Health Center in Uxbridge. She currently serves on an education study committee for the Mendon-Upton Regional School District and also volunteers as member of the Police Station Building Committee. Dan is on the board of directors of the Milford National Bank. Their citizenship has been exemplary. Mendon village center has changed in many ways since Aaron and Susan Cook moved into their new farmhouse. To experience an indication of this, one simply has to back out of the Washington Street driveway at 5:00 p.m. and attempt to take a left hand turn on to Route 16. There will be an immediate awareness that it is no longer 1834. In spite of the changes, there have been two constants that have remained. The farmhouse has been remarkably preserved, and the people who have lived there have exhibited an extraordinary level of public service and dedication to their town. Twenty-three Hastings Street has had a special place in our history. Richard Grady Mendon Menu |
