THE FIRST NORMAL SCHOOL IN AMERICA
Standing at the end of Lexington Common is this large frame building, originally constructed for the short-lived Lexington Academy. In 1839 the first Normal School in America was opened here with an enrollment of three pupils. The building now serves as the Masonic Temple.
A Corner of the Old Burial Ground, Lexington
The Original Wing (1698) of the Hancock-Clarke House—Lexington
A wintry view of the gambrel-roofed ell of Lexington’s most celebrated dwelling. It was built as a parsonage in 1698 by the Reverend John Hancock, grandfather of the governor. In its tiny rooms the parson’s five children were raised to maturity.
THE HANCOCK-CLARKE HOUSE IN A SNOWY SETTING
The frame of the original wing is of hand hewn oak, still in fine condition. Thomas Hancock, second son of the parson, who became a prosperous Boston merchant, added the front portion to the house in 1734. John Hancock, the future Governor and signer of the Declaration of Independence, spent several of his boyhood years with his grandparents. The third pastor of the village was a much respected man, Reverend Jonas Clarke. He occupied the house in 1755 and was still its host on April 18, 1775 when John Hancock and Samuel Adams, facing imprisonment if they were caught by the British, took refuge there. John Hancock’s aunt and his fiancee, Dorothy Quincy, were also staying in the house. During the night the two patriots were roused from their sleep by Paul Revere, and were conducted to Burlington for their safety. Dorothy Quincy followed the party, bringing along a fine salmon which had been sent in for their dinner.