Quincy, Mass. Historical and Architectural Survey

57 Coddington Street

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE
This small attractive house, so pleasant on the streetscape of Coddington Street, was built by Ebenezer B. Hersey, a painter, in 1843. John W. Hersey, also a painter, inherited his father's house, and may have built the house to west, 51 Coddington Street, now on the other side of Tresland Way. Another possibility for 51 Coddington Street is that it may be converted from Ebenezer Hersey's paint shop, also built c. 1843, which has the exact location and footprint of the present building.

Ebenezer Hersey bought the property, which included the present 51 and 57 Coddington Street, from Seth Spear and his wife Elizabeth in 1842. The Spears owned a large farm and this was the back of their property. After 1912 the Hersey property passed first to the Home Associates, then to Walter H. Dunbar in 1920 and Tupper G. Miller in 1937.

BIBLIOGRAPHY and/or REFERENCES
H. F. Walling. "Map of the Town of Quincy", 1857.
Atlas of Norfolk County, Mass., 1876.
Robinson's Atlas of Norfolk County, 1888.
Atlas of the City of Quincy, 1897.
Atlas of the City of Quincy, 1907.
H. Hobart Holly, Quincy Historical Society.

ARCHITECTURAL SIGNIFICANCE:
This is one of the most attractive modest Greek Revival gable end to the street cottages in Quincy. Set on a granite foundation, it has a characteristic facade composed of a closed pediment, and a recessed side entrance indicating a side hall plan and two windows on the side. The door has side lights to the floor. The compact rectangular massing is emphasized by the wrap-around plain cornice board under the eaves and the corners, articulated by Doric pilasters. The entrance has a simple flat entablature and plain side enframements. The fenestration is regular, composed of simply framed sash window and the walling material is wood clapboards. The elimination of the metal awning would greatly enhance this lovely classic Greek Revival cottage and would endow it with its well deserved architectural integrity.

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