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The Fairbanks House is the oldest surviving timber frame house in North America. It was built for Jonathan and Grace Fairebanke and their family c.1636, in Dedham, MA. The house was occupied by them and passed down to succeeding generations of the family until the early twentieth century. In all, eight generations of the Fairbanks Family lived in the house and the Fairbanks family still owns the property. Over the years, the original portion was extended with additions as the family's needs and as the fashions of the times dictated including the east and west wings added in the early nineteenth century. Its importance is not simply being the oldest house in New England but in its architectural significance. It has been said that no other house of the mid-17th century in New England has survived in such unbelievable unspoiled condition. It is extraordinary that so early a structure should preserve such a high percentage of original features. It is a veritable storehouse of information concerning the small handful of houses which survive from this early period. |
For Chapter Membership Information, contact Regent Susan Hunt or Rufus Fairbanks.
Revised: June 17, 2008