Oliver Wight House, Federal period house in Sturbridge, Massachusetts.
The Oliver Wight House is a Federal period residence in Sturbridge with a symmetrical five-bay Georgian facade, hipped roof, clapboard siding, and two internal chimneys located on Main Street. The structure displays typical architectural features of that era with balanced proportions and classical details.
The house was built in the 1780s as the residence of cabinet maker Oliver Wight. After 1802, the property changed owners and purposes repeatedly, marking the beginning of its varied use across different eras.
The first floor features a mural by American folk artist Rufus Porter showing landscapes with rolling hills, houses, windmills, and steamboats. This decorative element gives the interior a distinctive artistic character that reflects the tastes and style of its era.
The property is easy to locate in a residential setting on Main Street and provides good views of Federal period architecture from outside. Visitors should check ahead about interior access since the house functions as a historic site with limited public visiting hours.
The building served many different purposes over the centuries, including as a cabinet workshop, tavern, motor lodge, and temporary municipal office. This varied history reveals how adaptable the structure was to the changing needs of the community.
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