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 678 Mill Street. The dwelling at 678 Mill Street is situated close to the street and is located between Gifford’s Corner and Converse Road. The 1855 Marion map indicates that James Wittett lived here. He was a sailmaker who served in the Union Army during the Civil War. By 1879, R. Briggs lived in this house, and the 1903 map indicates that Lucinda O. and Robert B. Barnes, a carpenter, lived here. Barnes may have been responsible for the Queen Anne porch additions to this house and to the one at 681 Mill Street. Barnes’s widow lived here until at least 1916.
