Gen. Mason J. Young House: A Legacy of New Hampshire Agriculture
Nestled just off the commercial hub of New Hampshire Route 102, at the intersection of Young Road and Cross Road, stands the Gen. Mason J. Young House. This historic residence serves as a physical timeline of American agricultural evolution, transitioning from early colonial subsistence to industrial-era dairy production and modern orcharding.
Architectural Features
The residence is a 2 1⁄ 2-story wood-frame structure characterized by a classic gable roof and a central chimney. The building's layout is five bays wide and three deep, reflecting the traditional proportions of its era. The exterior features a columned portico added around 1900 that shelters the front entry, while a single-story porch dating back to the mid-19th century extends along the side of the house.
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Inside, the home retains well-preserved period woodwork, offering a glimpse into the craftsmanship of the early 19th century. The structure has expanded over time, featuring a two-story rear wing. This wing is further connected to a carriage house and a dairy barn via a series of sheds, creating a functional complex designed for farm operations.
A History of Family and Farming
The land upon which the house sits has been in active use since 1757, first settled by Mason Boyd. According to family accounts, the main house was constructed in 1802 by William Boyd. For over two centuries, the property remained under the ownership of a single family, a feat recognized in 1976 when the property was registered as a Bicentennial Farm.
The farm's economic purpose shifted alongside the needs of the region. It began as a subsistence farm—one where the primary goal is to grow enough food to feed the farmer and their family. By the mid-19th century, it evolved into a commercial dairy farm, utilizing the railroad to transport milk and other dairy products to the markets of Boston. In the 20th century, the farm's focus shifted once more, moving toward the production of apples.
Key Facts
- Location: Corner of Young Road and Cross Road, Londonderry, New Hampshire.
- Construction: Built in 1802 by William Boyd on land settled in 1757.
- Architecture: 2 1⁄ 2-story wood-frame with a gable roof and central chimney.
- Agricultural Evolution: Transitioned from subsistence farming to dairy farming, and eventually to apple production.
- Recognition: Registered as a Bicentennial Farm in 1976.
Property Summary
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Original Settler | Mason Boyd (1757) |
| House Builder | William Boyd (1802) |
| Structure Type | Wood-frame, 2 1⁄ 2 stories |
| Key Additions | Columned portico (c. 1900), mid-19th century side porch |
| Primary Crops/Products | Dairy (mid-19th century), Apples (20th century) |
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Gen. Mason J. Young House built?
Family accounts indicate that the main house was built in 1802, although the farm land itself has been in use since 1757.
What architectural style does the house exhibit?
It is a wood-frame structure with a gable roof, a central chimney, and a five-bay wide layout. It also features a columned portico from approximately 1900 and a mid-19th century side porch.
How did the farm's purpose change over time?
The property began as a subsistence farm, transitioned into a commercial dairy farm that shipped products to Boston via railroad in the mid-19th century, and eventually shifted toward apple production in the 20th century.
What is a Bicentennial Farm?
In the context of this property, the Bicentennial Farm registration in 1976 recognizes that the land has been owned and operated by the same family for over 200 years.
What other structures are on the property?
In addition to the main house and its two-story rear wing, the property includes a carriage house and a dairy barn, which are connected to the house by a series of sheds.