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.
The late Georgian-style house at 266 Converse Road was built circa 1800 by the prominent salt industry pioneer, George Bonum Nye, who was a member of Marion’s industrious Nye family. The story of the Nye family in Massachusetts began in 1637 when Benjamin Nye immigrated from England. Marion’s Nyes are descended from Ichabod Nye of Middleboro, who settled in Marion in 1720. King George I granted a 1,100-acre tract in Marion to Ichabod Nye for 35 pounds. This tract encompassed much of the southern outskirts of Wharf Village, as well as Charles Neck. In fact, Converse Road was originally called Nye Street, which may have evolved from a Native American trail.
