Historic Houses Nantucket

Folger Block // 1831

Buildings of New EnglandLeave a comment

Built the same time as the stately brick, Folger House on Main Street (last post) in Nantucket, owner Philip H. Folger (1792–1865) in 1831 erected these rowhouses quickly selling them for profit. Each of the five connected dwellings were sold to private owners, and have seen alterations over time adding to the intrigue on this block. The Folger Block is comprised of five Federal-style, 2.5-story, wood-frame buildings with wood-frame party walls between each unit. Each row house sits atop a raised brick basement and has a side-gable roof pierced by twin front-gable dormers. Charming door surrounds include sidelights and transoms to allow light into the entries.

Dr. Grouard Cottage // c.1897

Buildings of New England1 Comment

Dr. John Shackford Grouard (1867-1927) was a physician and surgeon born in Allegheny County, Penn. He attended Phillips Exeter Academy, and earned an M.D. from Harvard Medical School in 1889. In 1891, he moved to Nantucket, Massachusetts, where he established his own general medicine and surgical practice. Years after establishing his practice, he built this beautiful Shingle/Queen Anne style cottage that is dominated by a massive gambrel roof and is located adjacent to the Nantucket Hotel. He served as the Town Physician and medical examiner, on the Nantucket School Board, and as president of both the Nantucket Civic League and Citizen’s Gas, Electric, and Power Company. Dr. Grouard also co-founded the Nantucket Cottage Hospital in 1911, but more on that later. Dr. John Shackford Grouard died in Boston in 1927, one week after surgery for a gallbladder inflammation.