The Standard Times has an article today about the archaeological dig taking place at the Akin House on Dartmouth Street. My oldest son does this kind of work (he lives in Georgia)and I think it pretty cool to have some of it going on right here in town.
The Akin House is one of the oldest structures in the area dating to Revolutionary War times.
Those of you ...
... who like your history to come alive may be interested in the Civil Wart re-enactment at Fort Taber this weekend. Here is the Standard Times piece about that event.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Akin House archaeological dig underway
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6 comments:
The Akin house is haunted. I know some people will laugh, but the truth is inside the house. Won't find the ghost by digging but you will piss it off. One late night, I don't drink, while traveling along Horseneck road and witness to objects run in front of my ford F150. I slammed the brakes on and waited for some impact, but noticed didn't feel anything. The two objects ran through the truck. I jumped from the truck and with both legs shacking, I shined my flashlight in the area of the two objects that I must have struck. Standing in the woods, just in front of the Akin house, were two sets of eyes. The objects, with large shining eyes, made a loud blow sound and ran into the Akin house. This is a true story.
Mike, The Akin House is on Dartmouth Street, several miles from Horseneck Road.
Mike
Thanks for the bed time story
Wow, what a total screw up. I read the article and it clearly states the location is Dartmouth Street. Have you ever said anything as stupid as this. My story is true, and it did happen on Horseneck Road. The house in question is the Atkinson house. I'm so sorry for the misinformation. Just call me stupid.
How much of the Akin House actually dates back to the 18th Century? My understanding is that most of the material in the structure has had to be replaced. At what point does it cease to be an artifact and become a replica?
Doug, I have taken the tour of the Akin House and here are my observations without a complete inspection. Most of the post and beam framework is original as well as the the three fireplace masonry. Several of the floor joists have been replaced. Things like shingles are not meant to last thoughout the lifetime of the house and need to be reapplied every so often. There is certainly enough of the original house to be of great interest to preservationists. As a study house, I think it is the intent of DHPT to show the layers of things that were done to the house's interior thoughout its lifetime. Regarding your question phrased as artifact vs. replica, there are fine lines between preservation, restoration, replication, and rehabilitation. For a house as old as Akin, I would think it easily qualifies as a "preservation" project or as an "artifact" as you put it.
If you are interested in this kind of thing, there is a good book that I have in my reference library called "Building with Nantucket in Mind-- Guidelines for Protecting the Historic Architecture and Landscapes of Nantucket Island". It was put out by the Nantucket Preservation Trust with funding provided by the Community Preservation Act. I would be inclined to lend it to you as long as you promise to return it.
DISCLAIMER: I am not a member of DHPT and these are only my thoughts on the place after taking a tour. Perhaps a member could elaborate for you.
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