Alden House Research Project

The photographs below are of a model made by Tom Doggett of Cohasset, MA based on research done by Will Gwilliam. It shows the various phases that Will has determined were used in the construction of the Alden House between circa 1653 and circa 1870. *Click on any image below for a larger view.*
			Will Gwilliam (left) and Tom Doggett discussing the plans for the model.

The original Alden House, located about 300 yards east of the present house. Built circa 1630.	Components made by Tom so that they can be assembled in the order in which the house itself was built.	The three-dimensional base measures 23 inches square. It is 2 inches thick. The scale of the model is 1/4 inch to the foot.		Top view of the cellar hole of the present house. It was constructed on two levels. Why? We do not know.	The Alden House circa 1653. It is a narrow, salt box style with a long, steeply slanted rear roof.

Another view of the c. 1653 house. The projection on the right is the present bulkhead.	An 'exploded' view of he model showing the 'new' addition as the house was enlarged. Tom used round pegs to simplify assembly.	The enlarged house. At this time the house was widened but the salt box style roof was maintained. This was done circa 1750.		Later the roof was raised to include what is today the work room and Aunt Polly's Room towards the rear. This was completed by 1849.	Finally, the fully assembled model showing the rear summer kitchen or 'el' - now the museum's gift shop. Year el added is unknown.
	At the left are the roof components. The model was created in such a way that it is very easy to accurately assemble in a few seconds. The base includes for reference purposes the location of the current well as well as a block representing the corner of the barn. Many kudos to Tom Doggett for this tremendous job. Tom has donated many hundreds of hours helping us with various projects, never accepting a penny for his time or for materials.

Tom Doggett retired several years ago from a long active career in the shipbuilding industry. Tom graduated from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 1945 with a degree in Naval Architecture. After serving in the US navy, he worked for Bethlehem Steel and then General Dynamics after it acquired the former company, in both instances as a Structural Engineer. He is an expert model builder. Tom generously donated his time and all material costs to the outstanding 1/2 inch scale model of the Alden House.

Tom lives at home with his wife, Polly, in the lovely seacoast town of Cohasset, Massachusetts. He has two sons and five grandchildren. We much appreciate Tom for all he does for us.