Frequently Asked Questions

Students research the house

 

 

Old Sturbridge Village researchers studied the house.

The house was restored according to museum practices of the day. For instance, custom carpets with period-appropriate designs were produced and installed. The inside of the house has changed very little since this restoration, as it is no longer accepted practice to restore houses as part of the interpretation. Instead, the curator focuses on conserving and displaying the furnishings that once belonged to the house and its family.

Florence died

Statue of Artemas Ward erected in Washington, D.C.

House donated to Harvard University.

Artemas built the caretaker cottage behind the main house for Florence to live in.

Clara died

Henry Galbraith Ward sold the farm to his brother Artemas Ward (the grocer and advertiser) for $2043.

Ella died

The house has not always retained its proud yellow color. During war time, only battleship gray paint was available. The house was painted as part of its ordinary maintenance, and for a time it was forgotten that the house had once been yellow.

Edward E. Wheelock, superintendent, continued to run the farm and recorded 24 head of livestock.