Fall open house at Old Sawyer House to be held September 19th

Merrimac – Residents and visitors are invited to view a local example of early Colonial architecture and to enjoy a look at Colonial life when the Merrimac Town Improvement Society holds their annual fall open house at the Old Sawyer House Saturday September 19, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. The Old Sawyer House is located at 20 East Main Street (adjacent to the Merrimac Fire Station) in Merrimac, Ma.

This year, the Town Improvement Society is pleased to announce that the annual open house at the Old Sawyer House will be featured as a cultural event during this year’s Essex National Heritage Area’s Trails and Sails free event series.  The Town Improvement Society is excited to participate in this regional program which raises interest and awareness for art and culture in the Essex County.  

    A 1.5 mile looped trail will also be open for guided walks during the open house.  The trails provide visitors with an opportunity to explore some of the woodland and vegetated areas that belong to the Town Improvement Society.

    In addition to tours of the Old Sawyer House (circa 1735) and woodland trails, cider and light refreshments will be served around the main fireplace of the Sawyer House. 

    A charitable organization with a Section 501 (c) (3) status, the Town Improvement Society is seeking funds to repair and restore five of the windows located on the west side of the Old Sawyer House.  The front door pediment also requires restoration. Information on the restoration project will be available at the September 19 Open House. 

    The Old Sawyer House, a classic New England saltbox, was built by John Kendrick and sold to Aaron Sawyer in 1758. It remained in the Sawyer family until 1908 when it was sold, along with 14 acres of woodland, to the Merrimac Town Improvement Society. The house retains much of its original paneling, original upstairs windows and one original fireplace on the second floor. The two downstairs fireplaces were renovated in the mid-19th century. Furnishings and artifacts located in the home reflect the house’s First Period Colonial status.