Capt. William Richardson House

The foundation of the extant house carries "1822" and the second-story beams carry a chalk note describing the lumber order for Capt. Richardson, leading to the conclusion that he replaced the older house with this one. The house was built originally with a separate wing on the north side for a store, which was removed around 1920. The north chimney in the interior still shows the foundation for the additional fireplace required in that ell.

First-floor rooms were decorated by wall frescoes attributed to Rufus Porter, who lived in Billerica 1822-1850. Additional frescoes were exposed in two rooms on the second floor during a 1973 renovation.

Capt. William Richardson, trader, hotelier, and stage-coach proprietor, was married in 1822 and committed suicide in 1826. His brother had earlier acquired the John Parker Sr. house, and his nephew Francis Even (b. 1822) eventually took over the house and store. Since the construction of the fire station next door, it had been the home of the fire chief, Bartlett.

References

1. MACRIS BIL.72