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. In 1998, the Sippican Historical Society commissioned an architectural survey of Marion’s historic homes and buildings. Over 100 were cataloged and photographed. SHS will feature one building a week so that the residents of Marion can understand more about its unique historical architecture.
This installment features 26 Main Street. Few pure examples of the Federal style exist in Wharf Village. The c. 1820 Henry Kelley House at 26 Main Street is one of Marion’s best examples of that style. Henry Kelley, together with his brother Lucius Kelley, the owner of 6 Main Street, were ship caulkers. During the late 19th century, Lucius Kelley inherited this house and named it Jennie Bell’s, after his daughter, Jennie, who married Charles Bell Blankinship. She followed the custom of adding her husband’s middle name to hers, so that she became Jennie Bell Blankinship. Lucius Kelley lived here in retirement until his death in 1917. By 1926, this dwelling had become Lena Kelley’s boarding house.
