- Built
- c. 1809
- Style
- Federal Federal
- Neighborhood
- High Street District
- MACRIS
- NWB.54 ↗
- Formerly
- 271 High Street
History
This home is a nice example of the domestic architecture built along High Street during the Federal period. The house has the three story form with hipped roof, characteristic of the Federal style.
The architectural details of the house are simple yet the cornice moulding and the window lintels are both classically inspired and in keeping with the style. The portico at the front entrance is apparently original. It is pedimented and is supported by reeded Doric columns. The columns are attenuated and quite delicate, unlike those of the porticos often added to Newburyport homes at mid-century.
In 1808 Rev. James Miltimore became the pastor of the Belleville Congregational church. The following year this house was built across the street from the church as his residence. Miltimore served as pastor of the church until 1836. He also helped to organize the Merrimack Bible Society, and organization that distributed bibles and gave religious instruction to the public. Miltimore probably lived in this house until his death in 1836.
In 1851 this house was owned by Andrew W. Miltimore. Miltimore was active in settling the various disputes arising from the annexation of the Belleville section of Newbury to the City of Newburyport. By 1872 Miltimore’s wife was living in the smaller home, newly built at 283 High Street. (See post from yesterday).
In 1872 Moses L. Hale was the owner of the house at 281 High Street.
In 1924, the property was sold to Harry and Gertrude Husk who owned it until 1956 when it was conveyed to Arthur and Gertrude Armstrong.
Planning work on this building?
Reviews that may apply
Newburyport Historic District (National Register, listed 1984), contributing in the 1984 nomination · Demolition Control Overlay District (DCOD) · Parcel 40-18 · Zone HSRB
Zoning Board of Appeals decides
Listed as contributing in 1984, so removing more than 25% of its exterior walls, counted cumulatively since 2014 and including walls enclosed by an addition or openings filled in, needs a DCOD special permit; the Board may grant one only if the building retains no substantial remaining market value or reasonable use. The Historical Commission sends an advisory report. Replacing siding, or windows and doors in their openings, does not count.
Newburyport Historical Commission decides whether to impose a delay
Built c. 1809, so 75 or more years old: removing more than 25% of its exterior walls, changing the roofline (pitch, towers, cupolas, anything projecting above the roof), moving it, or adding a dormer that misses the setback and pitch rules is "demolition" under the demolition delay ordinance. The Commission holds a hearing within 30 days and may impose a delay of up to 18 months. In the DCOD the wall test goes to the Zoning Board instead; the Commission keeps roofline, roof pitch and dormer work. Parts of the building documented as younger than 75 years are excluded on a written determination by the Zoning Administrator.
Code of Ordinances ch. 5 art. X, §§5-307–5-308 (June 2026) ↗
Zoning Administrator first stop
Every project starts with a zoning determination from the Zoning Administrator, which says which of these reviews apply and whether the work also needs zoning relief (a special permit for a non-conformity, or a variance). Fees, forms and filing deadlines are on the City’s site.
Not legal advice, not an official City publication, and not the position of the Historical Commission or any board. Says what the ordinances say as of September 30, 2026; the Zoning Administrator decides what applies. Boundaries: Merrimack Valley Planning Commission / City of Newburyport GIS (MIMAP); 1984 status from the National Register nomination's district data sheets. City's quick guide to the DCOD and demolition delay ↗ · Do I need approval? Project by project →
More photos
2 views · Biff Bouse
More built 1775–1830
Sources
- Massachusetts Cultural Resource Information System, NWB.54
- "Plan of Newburyport Mass. from an actual survey." Map. Philadelphia: H. McIntyre, 1851.
- “Sanborn Fire Insurance Map from Newburyport, Essex County, Massachusetts.” Map. Sanborn Map Company, Oct, 1914.
- 1914 Sanborn map, sheet 2 (Library of Congress, Geography and Map Division, Sanborn Maps Collection)