In the November 18th issue of the Worcester Sunday Telegram an article was published, written by Craig S. Semon, staff. In this article there is an account of the official opening of the house at Sturbridge Village. 15 years of research went into the structure. These comments are paraphrased from that article. Why build such a structure in the somewhat elegant community of Old Sturbridge Village? Because this represents the type of dwelling that many residents of the area in 1830 might have started out with. Given limited income, in some cases being emigrants newly arrived to the area and a small family. In some cases the dwelling might be owned and rented by a factory owner. 

The "Small House" as it is called is only 400 square feet, with an unfinished attic. There are glass windows and a brick fireplace that supplies the cooking and heating for the house. Tom Kelleher, OSV curator, is quoted in the article by Sunday Telegram as saying, " A significant fraction of homes in early 1800s New England were about this size."

Having visited the Village on several occasions while this was in progress I can say it is exciting to see the carpentry building techniques that were used. It may be small but it is solid unlike many new homes today. If you visit the village you will not miss "The Small House" because you walk right by it if you enter through the main entrance and walk straight up the hill.

Above: From a distance we can see the framing on the windows and some type of paint or stain has been used to add some color and possible protection from the weather.

Right: Here we see a better view. Windows are framed and painted as is the door frame. There is a beautiful chimney and the roof looks done. I see a door open as well. 

Inside there is much interior work done since my last visit. Some blue paint and a pretty wall paper design may be in it's future. Rooms have been established.

A beautiful fireplace feeds into that chimney we saw and it looks like it has already been tested.

This sign was posted the day of our visit. Expect to see even more improvements as the year progresses.

I am looking forward to my next visit to see what is done next. If you get to visit this wonderful place be sure to study this structure. Notice the beams and you will admire the trade skills that must have been used both then and today to make such a home.