At the close of the war, Salem found her fleet upon her hands; and her merchants began to look farther from home for the trade to which their newer and larger vessels were better fitted than for their previous short voyages to the mother country or to near-by European ports.
The daring spirit of American sailors turned toward Oriental countries, with their glamour of romance and danger and their lure of wealth; and soon the ports of all the East became familiar with Salem vessels, and Salem warehouses were filled with the products of foreign lands. India, Sumatra, China, Zanzibar, Batavia, and Africa all made their contribution to Salem’s increasing wealth; and her name became the synonym for commercial enterprise the world over.
When one recalls the fact that early vessels were usually not over sixty tons burthen, while their skippers were commonly no more than boys—the captain and mates of the first Salem India-man being still in their teens—the wonder grows. Interesting touches are found here and there; as, for example, that the first elephant ever seen in the United States came over from Bengal in 1796, in the ship America, of which Captain Jacob Crowninshield, of Salem, was owner and master.
One of these old-time merchant adventurers was Captain William H. Neal, for whom was built the house at 13 Chestnut Street. Directly across from Hamilton Hall, one might catch glimpses from the upper windows of the festivities in that famous social center. Later, the property was bought by Dr. Thomas Kittridge, and is now the residence of his daughter, Mrs. Foster Rogers.
The doorway and porch are of severe and simple beauty, the fluted pilasters, plain architrave, and rectangular-paned top- and side-lights, together with the six-paneled green door, ornamented with old-time brass knocker and latch, presenting a most harmonious and pleasing effect.
The Arthur West House
THE ARTHUR WEST HOUSE
The name of West in Salem is closely associated with her commercial enterprise. Nathaniel West was part owner of the Minerva, the first vessel from this port to circumnavigate the globe. The family was connected by marriage with the Peabodys, Crowninshields, and Derbys, Nathaniel West marrying Elizabeth, a daughter of Elias Hasket Derby, and building the handsome residence at Peabody now known as ‘Oak Hill.’ Lieutenant Benjamin West was the only man from Salem to lose his life at the battle of Bunker Hill.
The doorway of the West house at 12 Chestnut Street maintains the best traditions of Colonial architecture. The fluted columns, dentiled architrave, plain top- and side-lights, and fine old six-paneled door, present a pleasing ensemble. The capitals contain a hint of the Egyptian in the use of the lotus-leaf.