The Captain Samuel Fowler House was built in 1810 on the Porter River by the noted merchant of that name.  Rivers were a major form of commerce in the early 1800's, including Fowler's own tannery, and five mills (corn, grist, spices, chocolate, and bark).  In time, however, as the more exclusive shipping of goods and services via shallow waterways became supplanted by rail and improving roadway transportation, the Porter River was used less frequently.  One by one, the local industries moved away or went out of business.  Befitting the combination of his energetic and successful entrepreneur-ship balanced with his commitment to community service, Fowler was elevated in the 1830's to Captain in the Danvers Militia, and he also later served as a popular 3-term member of the Danvers Board of Selectmen.

Captain Samuel Fowler

Old world charms are perfectly blended with first class contemporary systems within this restoration.  Federal period and/or carefully chosen reproduction wallpapers grace authentically restored 200 year old chambers with 10 foot ceilings, wainscoting, internal shutters, fireplaces, original hardwares, floors, window seats, christian doors, and many other historic features, which qualified the Fowler House for the National Register of Historic Places.  Each living space has been retrofitted to provides a creative balance between historic and modern furnishings, a wonderful mix of old and new, welcoming each family member and guest since 1810.

Fowler House, 1901

One hundred years later, in the early 1900's, Samuel's only remaining heirs,  spinster great-grand-daughters Sarah and Adelaide (Fowler) bequeathed their home to the then fledgling Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities, who not only stabilized the house, but also provided at-home care for the two sisters throughout the remainder of their lives.  Following their passing in the late 1930's, S.P.N.E.A. immediately activated the front 2 chambers/2 parlors into a house museum, featuring not only the splendid architecture, but also much of the original Fowler family furniture.  In 1980, the house was sold to its current owners, who have undertaken extensive preservation efforts, along with timely 21st century modernization work.  Show-cased especially within the main block of the house are the best of the original features along with creative, new comforts, befitting discriminating longer-term business travelers.

Central Stairway