Hattie Furbush House // 1888

Located next to the Harrison Henry Atwood House on Alban Street in the Ashmont Hill neighborhood of Dorchester, this stately home with a broad, gambrel roof oriented to face the street was also built by the architect and neighbor, Harrison H. Atwood. Appointed City Architect of Boston in 1889, Atwood designed schools, firehouses, and other public buildings, and just before this, designed a number of homes, primarily in the Shingle and Queen Anne styles in Ashmont. While he specialized in Victorian styles, Atwood was well-versed in the Colonial Revival style, as evidenced here. Built in 1888, this stunning house was constructed for owner, Harriett “Hattie” Dinsmore Furbush (1862-1950), who was an active member in a local organization, the Ashmont Tourists Club, a women’s social club devoted to talking books, travel, and life. The club often met in the library of Ms. Furbush’s home, which likely migrated out to the gorgeous enclosed porch with its multi-light windows.

Harrison H. Atwood House // 1888

When an architect designs their own home, you know it will be something special. This house on Alban Street in Ashmont Hill, Dorchester, was built in 1888 and designed by owner-architect, Harrison H. Atwood (1863-1954). The unique Shingle style residence features a plain, boxy form and is capped by a pyramidal hipped roof with a center dormer. The recessed side entry porch is enclosed by large windows with multi pane sash which is surmounted by flared shingles. Besides being a residential architect, Harrison Henry Atwood also was appointed as the 5th City Architect of Boston, designing schools and firehouses, and served as a member of the Massachusetts House of Representatives. While the Atwood House may appear modest from the street, the house stretches back toward the rear of the lot and is larger than meets the eye, also the interior was lavishly decorated with much of the original millwork and mantels intact.