THE ANDREW-SAFFORD HOUSE
The mahogany door was discovered in the cellar and replaced in its original position
Another fine example of the old brick mansion of the closing period of Colonial Salem is the Andrew-Safford house at 13 Washington Square. Erected in 1818, it was reputed to be the most costly private residence in New England. Thanks to successful commercial ventures in foreign trade, money was plentiful in Salem, and it was freely spent in the provision of comfortable and indeed luxurious homes for those who had earned it. It seems, perhaps, a wonder that there was so little in the architecture of the time which was merely ornate or pretentious, and so much which exhibited refinement and restraint. But we must remember that for thirty years the genius of Samuel McIntire dominated Salem in this field, and his tradition lived after him; so that up to the time of the so-called Greek revival, about the second quarter of the nineteenth century, there was no inclination, as there was indeed, no occasion, for departure from the best artistic ideals in building and decoration.
The Andrew-Safford estate comprises the house itself, an extensive garden of old-fashioned flowers at one side, and out-buildings and stables in suitable style. The house has suffered from a coat of paint; four-paned sashes have replaced the quaint twelve-paned style of the period. At the rear a beautiful portico resting upon fluted columns extends to the full height of the three stories. The Andrew-Safford house as a whole is as well worth study as any of equal age in Salem.
A thing of genuine beauty is the stately porch at the front entrance. Elaborate almost to overloading, it still avoids this, maintaining an air of pride and dignity almost reaching the majestic.
Six mighty Corinthian columns hold aloft the heavy elliptical roof, with a rectangular element at either side. Smaller columns frame the side-light and door. The pattern of side-lights and fanlights repeats the suggestion of the ellipse; while a heavy balustrade about the roof-edge crowns the work, with a total impression of nobleness and power. The handsome granite steps and iron hand-railings below, and the charming and appropriate Palladian window above, complete a harmonious whole.
This dwelling was built by John Andrew, whose famous nephew John A. Andrew, War Governor of the Commonwealth, frequently enjoyed its hospitable welcome.
Here Hawthorne was a favored guest, as was his charming cousin Susan Ingersoll, familiarly known as ‘The Duchess.’ Henry Clay was at one time entertained here.
The Gardner-White-Pingree House
THE GARDNER-WHITE-PINGREE HOUSE