Themes - Architectural and Community development.
This lot was once a part of the Jacob Chickering homestead property on Essex Street which included lots #29, #31- #33 and #35. The property was about ¾ acre with 178’ 9” frontage on Essex St. Jacob Chickering was a master carpenter and house wright. Many homes including #28 and #34 Essex St. and in town were constructed by Chickering. He later turned his talent to piano construction building his factory between Essex St. & Pearson Streets. Here he manufactured the cases for the Chickering pianos which were then sent to his Boston shop to be fitted with the internal mechanisms. Jacob b. Aug. 2, 1806 married Sarah Jane McMurphy b. Aug. 7, 1810. They had six children. Milton 1838–1894, Emily 1840-1897, Augusta 1842-1845, Caroline 1844-1853, Otis 1846-1909 and Samuel 1849-1897. Jacob died on March 31, 1887 and the homestead was inherited by his wife Sarah Jane and their remaining four children. The property was quit claimed to their mother Sarah in Dec. 1887. Sarah died on March 26, 1893 and they property went to the remaining children. Otis purchased the property on Nov. 26, 1897 for $2750. from the Chickering estate and also by Will of his brother Samuel who died March 18, 1897. Otis and Samuel had shared the house and property together.
Otis Chickering divided up the homestead lot selling off three parcels, #29 to Margaret English and #31-#33 to Eliza Connolly in April 1901. He then sold this lot to Timothy Hickey on May 1, 1901 for $800 which included the brick buildings thereon. He did however remove an arbor on the property which he stated was his to do so. It was Hickey who built this handsome apartment building.
Today the multi-family house has 24 rooms, contains six apartments, 6 bedrooms and baths. The lot contains 0.185 acre. Many of the first tenants were employed with Smith and Dove Manufacturing Co. and Tyer Rubber Co. both within walking distance.