Tom Thumb House, Historic residence in Middleborough, Massachusetts, United States.
Tom Thumb House is a two and a half story residence built around 1870 in the Second Empire style, featuring a mansard roof and paired columns framing the entrance. The building was designed with interior dimensions specifically scaled for its original owner.
The house was built in the 1870s as a summer residence for Charles Stratton, a performer known professionally as General Tom Thumb during his entertainment career. The property reflects the lifestyle of one of the era's most famous public figures.
The residence shows how one owner of short stature lived his daily life in the 1870s, with rooms and furnishings adapted to his needs. Walking through, visitors notice how thoughtfully the space was designed for its specific resident, even though original custom elements have changed over time.
The house sits on Plymouth Street in Middleborough and is visible from the road as a well-defined Second Empire structure. Visitors should check ahead for access conditions, as interior tours may have limited availability or seasonal hours.
The interior layout was entirely customized to the specific dimensions of its resident, from doorways to staircases and furniture placement. Though many of these specialized adaptations have been altered, the house remains a rare surviving example of residential architecture designed around a single person's measurements.
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