FOLLOW THIS LINK TO VIEW AN 8-MINUTE VIDEO ABOUT THE HALE HOUSE RESTORATION:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZQyPpgJsFk&feature=channel_page
FOLLOW THIS LINK TO VIEW A 9-MINUTE VIDEO ON WALLPAPER SELECTION:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ajOKi101V28
About Hale House
The Edward Everett Hale House sits at the foot of the Matunuck hills in South Kingstown, Rhode Island, overlooking Wash Pond to the north and Block Island Sound to the south. At this summer house of nine bedrooms , the Hale family spent their first season in 1873 and continued to enjoy the area for more than 35 years. Hale’s large family and friends thrived in Matunuck—their “temple consecrated to nature” (words attributed to Hattie).
Hale House, commissioned by William B. Weeden and constructed by Maxson & Company of Westerly, RI, is a 3 x 5 bay, 2 1/2 story wood-framed house in the Late Italianate, Second Empire style. The roof is of wide cornice and deep bracketed eaves with flared lower hips. Wide flat-roofed piazzas characterize the south facing exterior. It also features an 1877 boat house.
Since 2006 the house and grounds have been entrusted to the care of The Pettaquamscutt Historical Society. Research since then has revealed a rich legacy of paintings and letters that tell us about the famous American author and clergyman from Roxbury, Massachusetts, and his talented brood of fine artists.
Images: At top - Hale House mid-restoration, October 2008; Below - an early 20th century postcard image
Restoration Timeline
Today, shingles have been removed to reveal the original clapboard, repainted to restore the “Red House” that the family would have recognized as their own. A new roof and the restored piazzas complete the recreation of the 1890’s exterior.
The “Starting from Scratch” program in August 2008 officially launched the search for interiors. This program provides opportunities for friends and supporters to participate in the period furnishing process, be it by the piece, or by the room.
Edward Hale himself drew the floor plan for his office on the first floor, including placement of the furniture. Family photographs and paintings depict some of the furnishings, and scraps of wallpaper discovered under the more recent carpentry are great clues to the tastes of the family.
Landscaping and access will pave the way for a limited opening in the Fall of 2010. Ongoing research will determine the scope of the exhibitions to be offered beginning in the following year.
In the meantime, the Society invites the public to keep informed about the Hale project through special programs, and at an annual tour of the grounds scheduled at key points during the restoration process.
Once opened the house will become a center for cultural activity and exhibitions that celebrate life in Matunuck from the turn of the 20th century through today, and the life and legacy of Hale and his family.
FOLLOW THIS LINK TO VIEW AN 8-MINUTE VIDEO ABOUT THE HALE HOUSE RESTORATION: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OZQyPpgJsFk&feature=channel_page
Community Partners
South Kingstown Land Trust
Willow Dell Historical Association
Matunuck Hills Stewards
Robert Beverly Hale Library
Kingston Free Library
South County Culture Coalition
Woodcock Charitable Trust
Rhode Island Historic al Preservation
& Heritage Commission
Henry D. Sharpe Foundation
Preserve Rhode Island
Rhode Island Foundation