HINCKLEY HOUSE

One of the most significant features of the Orford Street Historical District is its row of seven Ridge houses. A state historical marker honoring them reads as follows:

THE RIDGE

Orford's seven Ridge houses were built over a period of time from 1773 to 1839 by professional and business men of the town. The Bulfinch-style house of John B. Wheeler, built 1814-1816, was designed by a Boston architect, probably Asher Benjamin, an associate at that time of Charles Bulfinch. Other Ridge houses also display the influence of Asher Benjamin.

The row of Ridge houses has been cited as "...the finest group of Federal-style houses in the United States."

The significance of the District is emphasized by the setting of the seven houses, well back from the road on the eminence of the Ridge, and by the tree-shaded Mall extending along the street the entire half mile of the District with buildings on both sides of the street. The beauty of Orford Street has merited and continues to merit the praise and admiration of visitors. Washington Irving, after a visit to Orford, wrote: "In all my travels in this country and Europe, I have seen no village more beautiful. It is a charming place. Nature has done her utmost here." Elihu Burritt, the Learned Blacksmith, while travelling one time by train, became ill and left the train in Fairlee, Vermont. He crossed the river to Orford, intending to stay for only a brief visit, but "he became charmed with the place and extended his stay."

Authors and musicians have received inspiration from the peaceful beauty of the place. William Taylor Adams (Oliver Optic) wrote some of his children's books in Orford. More recently, Charles Jackson, after the success of his book THE LOST WEEKEND, bought the northernmost Ridge house and lived there with his family until selling it in 1954. George W. Chadwick "heard here the music of nature," which may have inspired him to compose one of his symphonies. A significant musical event of the 1890's was a visit by the members of the Boston Symphony Orchestra to the owner of the yellow brick house on the Ridge (second from the northern end). Her talented guests "nightly charmed the music lovers assembled on the lawn about the house."

Among the renowned visitors to Orford were Presidents Taft and Wilson for brief stays, and Daniel Webster for a longer visit. In October of 1840 Webster came to Orford campaigning for the presidential election of William Henry Harrison. On the West Common near the meetinghouse, a platform was erected from which Webster made one of his memorable addresses. He was not feeling well and remained in Orford for several nights as a guest at the yellow brick house on the Ridge, then the home of Edward Bissell. Webster, in a letter to his wife, praised Mr. and Mrs. Bissell as the kindest people in the world, saying they gave him every attention. He concluded his letter: "Yours truly, Dan'l Webster, in bed."

THE HINCKLEY HOUSE was built by Dyar T. Hinckley, merchant, on land bought from Samuel Morey in 1822, the third Ridge lot to be sold by Morey. It was assessed as a finished house in 1824 at a valuation of $550. The front of the house and a small portion of the ell are brick, now painted yellow, with natural stone lintels over the windows. The frame portion of the ell with arched woodshed openings has been finished off with additional bedrooms on the second floor. End chimneys rise above the hipped roof of the front, which has architectural details similar to those of the Wheeler house. There is egg molding under the honeycomb mutules beneath the cornice. The traceried pattern of the leaded panes in the fanlight over the door and the sidelights is identical to Mr. Wheelers, as is the design of the iron railing over the entrance porch. The interior has an arched doorway and a circular stairway ascending from the front hall. Asher Benjamin's book, THE AMERICAN BUlLDERS COMPANION, 1806, gives detailed plans and drawings for a circular stairway. Orford's joiner, Jesse Avery, is known to have journeyed to Boston, possibly to consult with Mr. Benjamin, and he may have made use of Benjamin's handbooks in his work. The walls of the two front bedrooms are decorated with scenic murals attributed to Rufus Porter and professionally restored.

Information courtesy of the Connecticut River Joint Commissions Website about the Orford Historic District.

LOCATION

Hinckley House is located in beautiful and historic Orford, NH. It is within easy access to shopping, ski resorts, health care services, schools, exercise facilities, and golf courses. An overview of what's nearby is below.

Orford, NH

Orford is a rural community on the Connecticut River in western New Hampshire. Home to approximately 1200 people, Orford is known for its historic “ridge” homes, as well as family farms and small businesses. Much of Orford is forested, providing for a variety of outdoor activities, such as hiking, boating, snowshoeing and hunting. Chartered in 1761, Orford has a history of close ties with its neighboring towns on the Vermont side of the river. Mount Cube, Sunday Mountain and Cottonstone Mountain, Indian Pond and Upper and Lower Baker ponds are distinctive features of the Orford landscape. The Appalachian Trail passes over the summit of Mt. Cube, and the cross-Rivendell trail connects Orford to neighboring Vermont towns. Orford is about 18 miles north of Hanover and Dartmouth College, along the scenic Connecticut River Valley. It’s an easy drive to the White Mountains, Franconia Notch State Park, the Kancamagus Highway, and Lake Winnipesaukee. – Courtesy of orfordnh.us

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