22-24 Olive Street

History

This two-story brick house with a hipped roof is an excellent example of early nineteenth-century domestic architecture. The overall form of the building is Federal, as are the splayed brick window lintels. The cornice is extremely simple and is also inspired by the Federal style.

The front entrance is typically Greek Revival and could be a later addition to the structure. The door is flanked by sidelights and surmounted by an oblong transom light above. There are also squared granite lintels above this and other doorways.

The earliest owner of this house was Moody Pearson. Pearson was a lumber merchant with a business on Brown’s Wharf at the foot of Green Street. Pearson was also briefly involved in textile manufacturing. He was one of the incorporators of the Newburyport Hosiery Manufacturing Company, which manufactured hosiery and every description of “warp framework. “ The company was in business for only five years.

In 1866, the Society for the Relief of Aged Females purchased this house. The Society refurbished the property and operated a home for older women until 1892 when the home moved to 75 High Street.