Moving House
Celebrating 50 Years Since the Hancock-Clarke House Relocation
Lexington Historical Society hosts multiple exhibits each year in the front window of the CVS pharmacy at 1735 Massachusetts Avenue. Enjoy our current exhibition, showcasing the preservation story of the Hancock-Clarke House, which you can still see today at 36 Hancock Street. The Hancock-Clarke House is open for tours Thanksgiving weekend, November 29th - December 1st, with tours on the hour 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM.
Hancock-Clarke House about to move across the street. Lexington Historical Society Archives.
Hancock-Clarke House about to move across the street. Lexington Historical Society Archives.
Moving House
Curated by 2024 Summer Intern Julia Bihari, Colgate University ‘27
Julia’s reflection:
“As a history and museum studies major at Colgate University, I am interested in learning about all different aspects of the museum field. Historical Society staff take on multiple roles as curators, collections managers, and administrators, which is why I was excited to join LHS this summer.
During my time as an intern, I was able to improve my archival research skills and learn the rich, local history. I was fascinated by the history of the Hancock-Clarke house and the complexities of the dig and its findings. I am very appreciative of LHS for this opportunity.”
Hancock-Clarke House History
The Hancock-Clarke house (built c. 1737) was originally the home of Lexington’s minister, Reverend John Hancock, and later passed to his successor, Reverend Jonas Clarke. On the eve of April 19, 1775, Clarke was hosting patriot leaders John Hancock and Samuel Adams when Paul Revere and William Dawes sounded the alarm that the British were coming.
After Clarke’s death, the property changed hands until, under threat of demolition, it was purchased by the Lexington Historical Society in 1896 and moved across the street.
Original location: The Hancock-Clarke House stood at 36 Hancock St. from its construction to 1896, photograph taken in 1890 by “Webster.” Lexington Historical Society Archives.
Archaeologist Roland Robbins, 1965. Lexington Historical Society Archives.
New location: The Hancock-Clarke House moved across the street from the original site to 35 Hancock Street, and was located there from 1896 to 1974. Lexington Historical Society Archives.
The Archaeological Dig
In 1964, the estate of Ruth Brigham Jackson granted the Society the property where the original Hancock-Clarke House stood. In an effort to uncover the exact location of the house, the Society organized an archaeological dig.
On November 15, 1965, head archaeologist Roland Robbins began to survey the land, using a probing rod to locate cellar walls and create a 10 x 10 foot master grid to help plan the excavation. During the dig, archaeologists and volunteers identified four cellars, a trash pit, and a well.
Discovered cellars and a well on the original site. Notice the Hancock-Clarke House across the street! Lexington Historical Society Archives.
Drawing of discoveries by Robbins. Lexington Historical Society Archives.
Finding Treasures
On Saturday mornings, the Lexington community was permitted to help sift through the soil for artifacts, which were then bagged and labeled by Roland Robbins and volunteers.
Archaeologists and community members found over 12,000 artifacts, including a British copper half-penny, smoking pipes, riding stirrups, ox shoes, kitchen utensils, shards of glass, and ceramic fragments. These artifacts offer valuable insight into the life of a minister’s family living in an 18th- century agricultural village.
Community members sifting at the dig, 1966. Lexington Historical Society Archives.
A selection of artifacts from the dig can now be viewed at the Hancock-Clarke House. Lexington Historical Society Archives.
Volunteers working with artifacts, 1966. Lexington Historical Society Archives.
Preservation Efforts
The Hancock-Clarke House was repainted before the move. In 1971, the Sears Company used new, long-lasting paint and featured the house in a commercial advertising the product as suitable for a house “we’d like to see standing a long time.”
Since the move, Lexington Historical Society continues to ensure the house’s preservation – as it does all of our historic properties. Major projects since 1974 have included repairing cracks and water damage in 1978, and stabilizing walls and replacing the roof in 2008. Daily checks are reed to ensure the house will be stable for generations to come.
Photographs from Sears commercial filming, taken by Sears personnel. Lexington Historical Archives.
The Lexington Minute Men speaking with the Hancock-Clarke House in the background. Photograph by Richard Dugas. Lexington Historical Society Archives.
British 10th Regiment of Foot reenactors outside the Hancock-Clarke House. Photograph by Richard Dugas. Lexington Historical Society Archives.
The Hancock-Clarke House today. Tripadvisor and Lexington Historical Society Archives.
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Lasting Legacy
As faithful steward of all of Lexington’s history, the Society works to preserve and share the town’s incredible past. Projects such as moving the Hancock-Clarke House are an important part of this responsibility.
Today, the Society is turning to one of its other buildings, the Depot, transforming it into an exhibition space. At the Lexington Depot, visitors will be able to explore highlights from the Society’s extensive collection, and learn about the town’s extensive history up to the present.
Find more information below and donate today!
Bicentennial Momentum
Bolstered in anticipation of the 200th anniversary of April 19, 1775, the Lexington Historical Society strengthened its efforts to move the Hancock-Clarke House back to its original site. In August of 1974, the Board of Selectmen unanimously endorsed the move, and the Society initiated a town-wide fundraising campaign.
The Massachusetts State Bicentennial Commission also contributed $15,000 of the estimated $90,000 relocation project cost to build a new wing for the house to serve as a reception area and to display artifacts.
Clippings from the Lexington Minute-Man newspaper, Thursday, November 21, 1774, and Thursday, October 17, 1974. Cary Memorial Library.
The house almost ready to cross the street. Photo by Richard Dugas. Lexington Historical Society Archives.
The house move on a track to cross the street. Lexington Historical Society Archives.
The house making a 180 degree rotation. Lexington Historical Society Archives.
Girl Scouts parading down Hancock Street. Photograph by Richard Dugas. Lexington Historical Society Archives.
Celebrating a Return
“This is such fun they ought to move it back again for the tricentennial”
- Lexington Minute-Man, November 28th, 1974
A large crowd watched the move, celebrating it as a milestone in the preservation of Lexington’s history and an opening event of the Bicentennial celebrations. It was commemorated with a parade from the Battle Green to the Hancock-Clarke House, led by the Lexington Minute Men, followed by the British 10th Regiment of Foot and the Girl Scout Drum and Bugle Corps.
Crowds gathered to watch the exciting moment, Photo by Richard Dugas. Lexington Historical Society Archives.
Community Support
Community support was vital for this Bicentennial project, and any amount was gratefully accepted. During the parade, for instance, a group of young children sold baked goods to help fundraise for the Society.
When additional funds were needed for unforeseen repairs and landscaping, Society members answered the call and the local newspaper published an article to further garner public support. The Lexington community has been, and continues to be, a vital source for helping preserve our history.
Photographs of bake sale to raise money for the relocation. Photos by Richard Dugas. Lexington Historical Society Archives.
The Lexington Depot today. Lexington Historical Society Archives.
The Move
On November 23, 1974, Gordon Building Movers of Hingham moved the Hancock-Clarke House across the street. It was a huge undertaking: utility wires were raised, the street closed to traffic for most of the day, and railroad ties were laid as a track. After rotating it 180 degrees to the correct direction, the home was placed on a new foundation, providing basement storage for the Society’s archives.
“I remember the house up on massive beams and rollers and very slowly moving across the street. The new concrete foundation had been built and was waiting.”
- Paul O’Shaughnessy, eyewitness