05/18/2026
A Practical House for Practical People!
Weston Wyman, a direct descendant of the original Wyman family that settled in nearby Burlington in 1660, constructed this building in Melrose sometime between 1825-30. He was a “cordwainer” by trade (a maker of custom shoes) and the father of George W. Wyman. At one time he set up his shoe-making shop in the home’s kitchen. Eventually he bought a nearby building and moved his shop to its first floor, while on the second floor he ran a billiard parlor.
Initially the home consisted of just the front facing gabled core. This first version of the house has the overall character of Federal styling even though such a front facing central gable rarely appears in the classical Federal style. However, the overall Federal look arises from the simply decorated and centrally located main entrance that is surrounded by a virtually symmetric window arrangement. The resulting two-story massing of these architectural features ties everything together producing what is categorized as the “late” or “vernacular” Federal style. “Late” referring to the period of c.1820-30 when the classical Federal style was becoming less popular, and “vernacular” referring to a structural style built by skilled local craftsmen in a way that was influenced by the owner’s needs and local traditions.
Later, (mid-19th century?), the house was lengthened horizontally on one or both sides making the façade somewhat longer than the original vernacular Federal dwelling. These additions, especially the larger one on the North side, provided extra living quarters for both tenants and family members. One boarder, Samuel Lear, not only was married in this house, but also served in the U.S. Navy during the Civil War.
Mr. Lear was not the only resident of the Wyman House to participate in the Civil War. George W. Wyman, 18-year-old machinist, and Weston Wyman, 19-year-old clerk (a cousin of George?) were also Civil War veterans. Answering a call for volunteers to serve for 100 days, both joined the 6th Massachusetts Volunteer Regiment. Assigned to Company A on July 15, 1864, the regiment first guarded strategic positions around Washington D.C., before proceeding to Fort Delaware to guard thousands of Confederate P.O.W.’s. They then returned to Boston and were mustered out on October 27, 1864. 100-day regimental enlistments like this were part of a broad effort to free veteran troops for front line duty in Grant’s1864 offensive campaigns.
One interesting feature of this home, possibly relating to the pre-Civil War era, was found during a 1935 renovation. When ripping out a floor a brick-lined tunnel was found that ends in a kitchen closet. There is much speculation about when it was built and if it might actually have been used as a hiding place for runaway slaves.
Aside from this tunnel possibility, the Wyman House and its occupants might appear somewhat ordinary, yet they’re both historically noteworthy. The building ‘s architecture reflects what owners and community found genuinely attractive and utilitarian, while the residents’ life experiences and narratives give insight and context to their historic times.
At first glance your home also may not be as mundane as you think. If it is 75 or older, please consider acknowledging your home’s and its former residents’ contributions to Melrose’s historical memories. One way to do this is to obtain a Historic Home Plaque offered through the Melrose Historical Commission. Researching the home is the responsibility of the plaque applicant. However, the Melrose Historical Commission provides research guidance, an inventory of useful digital resources, and Plaque Applications at our twice-yearly Research Your Own Home event.
Requirements, applications and date of next Research your own home event available.
The last three photos are representative plaques to give you an idea what you could get for your home.
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