In 1998, the Sippican Historical Society commissioned an architectural survey of Marion’s historic homes and buildings. The survey was funded one-half by the Sippican Historical Society and one-half by the Massachusetts Historical Commission. Due to the limits of funding, not all of the historic buildings were surveyed, but over 100 were catalogued and photographed. The results of the survey are in digital form on the Massachusetts Historical Commission’s website and in four binders in the Sippican Historical Society’s office (and at the Marion Town Clerk’s office).
Marion (Old Rochester) is one of the oldest towns in the United States, and the Sippican Historical Society maintains an extensive collection of documentation on its historic buildings. The Sippican Historical Society will preview one building a week so that the residents of Marion can understand more about its unique historical architecture.
This installment features 3 Main Street. The late Georgian-style residence at 3 Main Street occupies the site of the 1760 J.C. Luce House. Conveniently located near Long Wharf, this 1806 building originally contained A.J. Hadley’s Store where ships were outfitted for voyages in the eastern half of the first story. The western side housed the first post office in Marion. Clothing was made on the second floor, and sails were made on the third floor in the early 19th century. By 1855, this house was owned by Sumner Ryder, who served as the Town Clerk (1856-1858) and later joined the Union Army during the Civil War. By 1879, this house was owned by J. Abbott, and during the early 20th century by Miss Sarah W. Harwood.
