Whitcomb Hall
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Whitcomb Hall was originally the home of G. Henry Whitcomb who was head of one of Worcester's oldest and best known families in the mid to late 1800's. The building was erected in 1879 and 1880, completed early in the year 1881. The house was built by the Flint Granite Company. Stephen Earl was the architect. The residence was the first granite dwelling erected in the city of Worcester, occupied by the Whitcomb family from 1881-1918.
George Henry Whitcomb was the founder of Bay State Envelope Company which was later purchased by U.S. Envelope. Upon his death in 1918 the building title was transferred to the Memorial Homes for the Blind. It served as a residence for needy soldiers and sailors who lost their sight as a result of World War I and later served as a residence for blind women. In late 1980 the residence was closed and a new agency was sought to take over the title of the property and maintain the architecturally significant building. In December 1981 The Age Center of Worcester Inc. took title of the building and after extensive remodeling occupied the building as its offices until 2002. In 2002, Quaker Special Risk purchased the property and it has been painstakingly redecorated by Karin Branscombe with numerous improvements and updates completed and ongoing. Architecturally, Whitcomb Hall is a fine example of a high Victorian mansion, with Queen Ann and Gothic style flourishes. It is a three storey granite structure with a picturesque roofline composed of many dormers and a conical slate roof atop a prominent turret. Different shades of granite and carved patterns combine to create a stunning facade. The house is adjoined by several porches, verandas and a conservatory, and is surrounded on the North and East by a low stone fence. The main entrance is formed by a round arch supported by two carved Gothic style granite columns with a second storey balcony of ornamental cast iron resting on heavy carved stone brackets creating an entrance shelter. The interior retains most of the original floor plan plus details of the very elegant wood paneling and decorations. The formal first floor rooms are finished in cherry, oak, butternut and mahogany. Tile, terra cotta and marble frame the numerous fireplaces throughout. The second floor rooms are finished in cherry, ash and maple. Behind stands a single storey stone carriage house well matched in style to the main house. Taken in part from 'Worcesters Best', Copyright 1996 by Preservation Worcester. |
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