Democratic Sentinel, Volume 15, Number 8, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 13 March 1891 — THE OLDEST HOUSE. [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

THE OLDEST HOUSE.

The Cradock House at Medford, Mas*.— A Substantial Structure. The recent mention of a house built at Guilford, Conn., in 1640, as the oldest in the United. States, has called attention to the one at Medford, Mass., that was erected in 1634, making it six years the senior of the first structure. The Medford dwelling is standing with but little change from its first construction, and is in fairly good condition. It is a two-story brick with oak timbers and flooring, and was built by Mathew Cradock, who was later made Governor of the colonies. The brick used were among the first made and. burned in the United States, the clay being found near the site erf the building. They are of rough exterior, varying in size-from eight to eight and onehalf inches long, four to four and onequarter inches wide and two and one-quarter to two and three-quarters inches thick. The walls of the house are eighteen inches thick, and there are several fire-proof closets in the building. The house stood in an open field for over a century, and was approached only by a private road through gates. The outside door was cased in iron. It was supposed to be built for retreat and defense, and has always been known as the “Fort” or the “Garrison House.” About the only alteration.

made is in the removal of the ojitside shutters and putting on a new front door.

THE CRAOOCK HOUSE.