The Mason Homestead
According to the History of Holden, The Mason Homestead was originally built in 1818 by a JJ Kendall. It is situated 5 miles north of Holden Center.
According to documents found at the Holden Public Library the Homestead is currently listed with the Massachusetts Historic Commission.
Excerpt from The History of Holden-
"Of Colonial type, the house retains its original doors made with pegs in place of nails, and with hand forged hinges, two feet long and having the original latches.
nearly every room has a fireplace and brick oven of the finest type, and many rooms still retain their old colonial type of wainscoting with handmade dado trim, which also decorates the exterior of the house.
The wallpaper in the parlor, finely preserved was put on when the house was built, and is said to have been the first wall paper to be used in Holden.
Following Mr. Kendall the place was owned by Solomon Parmenter [his wife being Hulda Electa Kendall], Samuel Mason, Mr. and Mrs. Willie H Mason and by their son Orrin W. and his wife, who are the present occupants of the homestead."
Note: Mr. Orrin Mason is still living in the house as of this writing [2009]. He has been kind enough to offer us an opportunity to see the house and the original wallpaper, which he told us is green in color.
The original land base for the farm was a scant 15 acres which increased over the years to 400 acres. Mr. Orrin Mason has in recent years transfered a large portion of those acres to the MDC [Metropolitan District Commission now known as the DCR - Department of Conservation and Recreation] in an effort to conserve the land and keep it from future development.
