Postcard: Prospect Hill Farm

[rcweir]

The front of the post card reads "Prospect Hill Farm, Westford, Mass. Residence of Chas. L. Hildreth."

The reverse just says "Post Card", "This side is for the address only" and "Place Stamp Here -- Domestic One Cent -- Foreign Two Cents".

Although the card is not stamped or post marked, the information on the reverse does give enough to narrow down the date. The post card rate was raised to 2-cents on November 2nd, 1917. So the card pre-dates that. Also, the post office did not allow the use of "split back" post cards, where you could write the address on one half of the reverse and a message on the other half until 1907. Since this card reserves the entire reverse for the address, it suggests a date pre-1907.

In any case, what a wonderful house! Five chimneys and more gables than I can count. What ever happened to it?

[Tony1941]

Attachment 26

The front of the post card reads "Prospect Hill Farm, Westford, Mass. Residence of Chas. L. Hildreth."

From Marilyn day, Westford Historian in absentia.

It was built by Chas. Hildreth, but not the one who was town clerk for 50 years.

This is 10 Hildreth Street. The approach is coming from the direction of Concord Road, so the house would be on your right. The house is still there; the Eckels own it. There may be others now, but at one time it was the only house in town with an elevator.

I hope that the above information answers the question.

[loucook]

Every time one of these post cards are uploaded I take a drive. It's really great to see how it looked back then and to try to recognize it today. In one of the history books I have about Westford there is a great photo taken from across North Main looking toward Broadway and the Church. No trees .. lots of mill housing. Looks like you could see for miles.

Keep those postcards coming!!

[rcweir]

Thanks, Tony (and Ms. Day). It is good to see that they've preserved that fine stone wall as well.