South Lane 0275 Aaron Spelman House, 1761
Title
South Lane 0275 Aaron Spelman House, 1761
Description
The Aaron Spelman house, at 275 South Lane, Granville, Ma., built 1761. The house has been in the Roberts family for many years.
The second story"shed" dormer and first floor wing are newer additions to the house. The chimney has also been reconfigured. Originally there was a large center chimney typical of 18th century houses.
The boot shown here was found by Ralph Roberts in 1928 inside a wall partition. "Concealed shoes" are an old English superstition dating back to the 1500's, possibly earlier. They were believed to ward off evil spirits and tend to be children's shoes, always worn out. Only one shoe or boot would be placed in the wall in the belief that an evil spirit would view a single shoe as being useless (as opposed to a pair) so not be tempted to steal it.
The Historical Room is looking for old photos of this house. If you have one and are able to loan or donate it please contact the Granville Library. Or you can drop it off in an envelope, we'll digitize it and let you know when it can be picked up. Thanks.
The second story"shed" dormer and first floor wing are newer additions to the house. The chimney has also been reconfigured. Originally there was a large center chimney typical of 18th century houses.
The boot shown here was found by Ralph Roberts in 1928 inside a wall partition. "Concealed shoes" are an old English superstition dating back to the 1500's, possibly earlier. They were believed to ward off evil spirits and tend to be children's shoes, always worn out. Only one shoe or boot would be placed in the wall in the belief that an evil spirit would view a single shoe as being useless (as opposed to a pair) so not be tempted to steal it.
The Historical Room is looking for old photos of this house. If you have one and are able to loan or donate it please contact the Granville Library. Or you can drop it off in an envelope, we'll digitize it and let you know when it can be picked up. Thanks.
Date
1761
Contributor
Carolyn Donatini and Paul Jensen
Rights
2019 House Photos: Copyright Carolyn Donatini, Granville, Ma. 2019
2019 Boot Photo: Copyright Granville Library Historical Room, 2019
2006 Fall Photo: Paul Jensen
2019 Boot Photo: Copyright Granville Library Historical Room, 2019
2006 Fall Photo: Paul Jensen
Collection
Citation
“South Lane 0275 Aaron Spelman House, 1761,” Granville History Digital Collection, accessed April 24, 2024, https://granvillehistory.omeka.net/items/show/1156.
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