Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1903-08-13
AN ANCIENT PLACE.
Old Avery House, Jefferson, Has Much
to Interest One.

William II. Holmes, one of the en-
ployees at the State House is taking Il
Sreat deal of pride and satisfaction IN
Il house which he recently purchased.
The house is located in East Jefferson
and is known, locally, as the Avery
House. One reason which makes MI
HetmeS think so much of the place Is
its age. The building was erected IN
1879 and was finished in the following
year.
In April, 1901, Joseph Avery, VINO
built the house, married and took ms
Wife to the new house, there to reside.
Today most brides would hardly THINK
much of the house as new one, iof
the style of architecture is much differ
ent from that which prevails at TINS
time, but the girls of those days were
different.
But this old house has other claims
to fame, besides being the oldest one
III the town of Jefferson. 1t contains
the first room which was ever papercd
in the town, and the original paper
hangs upon the walls today, as it did
more than half century ago. 1t was
in 1914 that the Averys decided it time
W Dul Oh al Jew airs anu SlNt 'HN
house some "tone" The hired girl, i
Miss Rachel Glidden, was sent to
WiscaSset to secure the paper. she
made the trip, of IS miles, on horse
back, carrying butter in saddle bags
upon either side of her. This butter
was sold and the proceeds used to pay
for the paper.
Miss Rachel was a bright girl, for
when she reached Wiscassct, she
learned that rooms in some OF the
houses Of the village were papered,
and, before purchasing, went to look
at them, to sec the effect which the
paper produced and, also, to see how 1t
should be hung upon the wall. She Sc
cured the information, bought her
paper, returned to jefferson and
papered the room, which shows that
she was as smart us she was wise.
In still another way the Avery house
and the room, which WAS first papered
in the town, has a historical interest,
which is appreciated by its present
owner.
Previous to the time that the paper
was put upon the wall of the room Il
Mr.. West, painter and decorator, of
Wiscasset, had visited the town and
painted the room in the most approved
style. In connection with the painting
he did the first job of granting in that
room, which Jefferson ever knew. 1t
| attracted no end of attention and tn"
| excitement which it produced was
| equalled only by that of the papcrinG
| the room.
| In this same room now stands the
| china closet and the sidoboard, which
pulls out between two cupboards, on
| which the decantcr and glasses for the
| entertainment of guests We're set.
| Josph Avery, Jr., was born on Apr!
| Z, 1904, and passed nearly all his life
on the old homestead. In early life ht
graduated from China Academy, anc
| taught school for more than 20 years
| In later life he married and devoted
| himself entirely to carrying on the old
| farm. He was prosperous and had the
| esteem of his fcloWtoWnSmen He was
| for many years q member of the board
| of Sclectmen and assessor, as well as
| being on the school board. He repro
scented his town in the Legislature and
| was Il member of the State board oI
| agriculture. lie died in 1882 at the ad
| vancCd age of IS years.