83-85 High Street

History

Federal-style brick building with Greek Revival additions.

This building was built during the Federal period and was extensively remodeled in 1842. The Greek Revival elements of the two-family house date from this period. Architecturally, the house is unusual. The splayed window lintels are a feature of the earlier Federal style. At the same time, the cornice with wide fascia, the doors, and the portico are clearly Greek Revival in character and detail. The doorways are flanked by sidelights and Doric pilasters. The portico, with wide fascia ornamented with a typical Greek Revival wreath motif, is supported by Doric pillars. The cupola is also Greek Revival in character and was probably added in 1842.

Edward St. Loe Livermore, who lived at 79 High Street, gathered with several upstanding men of the community on June 20, 1807, to start a private school for boys and girls. These men—Joshua Carter, Daniel Dana, James Morse, Richard Pike, Edward Rand, Thomas M. Clark, Samuel A. Otis, Jonathan Gage, William Woart, and Mr. Livermore—purchased the land and built a two-story building in Federal style just opposite Fruit Street.

Later, in 1840, Elisa Hason opened a school for young ladies in the upper story. Ebenezer Savoy held the first floor for boys. Attendance dropped to unacceptable levels, and in 1842, the academy was closed. Greek Revival architecture was in full swing by then, so many Greek Revival features were added when the house was sold to Charles J. Brockway. The house was converted into a two-home structure and has remained that way ever since.

Charles Brockway was the James Steam Mills treasurer and served on the common council from Ward 3 in 1851. John Osgood was a merchant and contributed to numerous community efforts, including the Newburyport Howard Benevolent Society and the Newburyport Public Library. In 1872, the house was inhabited by John Osgood and Miss Mary Bartlet. In 1939, the property was conveyed to Howard W. Rogers.