Shaker Glen House, 168 Lexington Street, Woburn, Mass.

[ca. 1930–1945]

The Shaker Glen House. This old farmhouse was built and originally occupied by Captain Joseph Gardner in the early part of the 19th century. After four years of labor -- one year on the foundation alone, the house was completed (1804) built entirely from timber grown on the property. The old shed, now the dining room, is part of the original structure. The mural in the reception room, found under layers of wallpaper, are the well preserved paintings of Rufus Porter made before he became famous as an inventor and publicist. There are some of the most complete and important so far discovered. It is said he earned his board and room while attending college by painting on the walls of early American houses.