Col. Isaac G. Reed House

Col. Isaac G. Reed House
Location 60 Glidden St., Waldoboro, Maine
Coordinates 44°5′49″N 69°22′38″W / 44.09694°N 69.37722°W / 44.09694; -69.37722Coordinates: 44°5′49″N 69°22′38″W / 44.09694°N 69.37722°W / 44.09694; -69.37722
Area 0.8 acres (0.32 ha)
Built 1807 (1807)
Built by Codd, Nicholas
Architectural style Federal
NRHP Reference # 05000796[1]
Added to NRHP August 5, 2005

The Col. Isaac G. Reed House, also known historically as Cutting's Folly is a historic house at 60 Glidden Street in Waldoboro, Maine. Built in 1807, it is a sophisticated local example of Federal period architecture, with an unusual period bow-shaped room. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2005.[1]

Description and history

The Reed House stands on the north side of Waldoboro's village center, on a property that extends between Glidden Street to the east and Jefferson Street to the west. The house is sited on a hill overlooking the Medomak River, from which it is separated by Jefferson Street and a series of grassy terraces, which have granite steps leading up to the house's front. It is a hip-roofed two-story wood-frame structure, set on a granite foundation and sheathed in wooden clapboards. A modern ell extends behind and left of the main block, and the half-round single-story Bow Room projects from its southern facade. The main entrance is framed by sidelight windows and pilasters, with a fanlight window above. This entrance assembly is sheltered by a half-round portico supported by Doric columns and topped by a low balustrade. Most of the windows are regular sash, but that above the entrance is topped by a half-round window, and has more elaborate trim. The interior retains original period woodwork and plaster finishes, as well as wide pine floors.[2]

The house has an unusual construction history. Land for the house was purchased in 1807 by Rev. John Ruggles Cutting, who apparently began work on his house soon afterward. Cutting served as minister of the local Congregational church, and came under criticism from the congregation for the amount of time he spent working on the house (which acquired the name "Cutting's Folly" as a result), rather than tending to his duties. He was consequently dismissed in 1811, and was forced by a lack of funds to sell the unfinished building to Colonel Isaac Reed. Reed had the house finished, and in 1820 added the distinctive Bow Room. Despite this change in ownership, the house shows no evidence of having had multiple builders. Its woodwork and finishes are attributed to Nicholas Cobb, one of the finest period builders in Mid Coast Maine, whose other works include the Gov. Edward Kavanaugh House in Newcastle, and probably also include the Matthew Cottrill House, and elements of the Nickels-Sortwell House and Castle Tucker.[2]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 National Park Service (2010-07-09). "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service.
  2. 1 2 Christi Mitchell (2005). "NRHP nomination for Col. Isaac G. Reed House" (PDF). National Park Service. Retrieved 2016-06-20. with photos from 2004
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