Babcock House, listed on the NRHP
Babcock House is a historic home built around the early 1700s and recognized on the National Register of Historic Places. The original structure is a one-and-a-half-story wooden frame with a distinctive large central chimney, asymmetrical front, and rooms that were added to the rear over time and the roof was raised to create a second story while preserving the original core.
The house was probably built by members of the Stanton family, who also constructed Sheffield House, and may have served as a trading post in its early years. In the 20th century, preservation work raised the roof, added rear rooms, and the house was officially listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.
The house is known locally as Whistling Chimneys, a name believed to come from the sounds the central chimney makes when wind passes through it. This nickname reflects how the community has embraced the building's character and woven it into local storytelling and memory.
The property spans about 5 acres, providing space to explore the grounds and surroundings. Before visiting, check local information about access and visiting hours, as the house is protected on the National Register and visitor arrangements may vary depending on current programs.
The asymmetrical front of the house reveals a lesser-known detail: it was modified many times over the centuries as rooms were added and changed without destroying its core structure. This continuous adaptation makes it a rare example of how colonial homes were adjusted and enlarged to meet changing family needs.
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