Themes - Architectural, Community Development

This Shingle style home was built by George B. Elliot of Lawrence. The land was purchased from Cornelia P. Donald wife of William Donald of Brookline. MA. The Donald family had lived in Frye Village since the early 1800's, They were abolitionists, charter members of the Free Christian Church in 1845 and owned an Ink factory across the street south of Kenilworth St. The original Donal home now sited behind Anton's Cleaners.

The Donald heirs sold this lot of land to Elliot on May 29, 1898. It contained 83,312 sq. feet at the intersection of North Main & Poor Streets. Two deed restrictions were placed on the property. Any house erected could not be less than $2500 and had to be set back 40' from Main Street.

George Elliot placed the property in both his name and his wife Blanche C. Elliott in July 1928. George died on March 17, 1939. Blanche retained ownership for ten more years selling in Oct. 1949 to Michael A. & Sarah J. Burke.

The Burke family established a funeral home in their home which continues to the date under the name Magliozzi & Burke. As the Burke family were Irish their business was the favored home for many Catholic families in town. In 1951 & 1952 Burke sold off two lots just north of their home. A third parcel was sold in 1971. creating the current 48,650 sq. foot lot.

With the construction of Interstate #495 in the 1960's the north end of Poor Street was blocked access onto North Main St. Union St. was made one way heading north into Lawrence and Route 28 one way heading south. The U-turn center ramp near the convergence of both streets was created for access for residents who lived in Shawsheen Heights and for visitors to the funeral home business.

In 2004 the funeral home was purchased by Joel & Lisa Magliozzi, also in the funeral business. They currently partnership with the Burke family who continue to reside in the home.