One of the first houses built in a just-developing part of Providence, this house stood almost alone in the newly platted neighborhood when completed. How appropriately it must have settled into the then-remote suburban landscape, its picturesque asymmetry and rustic trim well suited to its garden-like setting — indeed, it architecturally personifies the small-scale dwellings advocated by Andrew Jackson Downing in Cottage Residences, first published in 1842 but still in print in 1873, the year construction began on this house. Hoyt had it built when he was a teacher at Providence’s high school (then still located on Benefit Street) and lived here until his death in 1921.
– 2010 Festival of Historic Houses Guidebook
Share your Story
Something to add? An edit or correction to suggest? Community input about the history of these important places is welcome. All submissions are reviewed before posting.