Hanover
The cottage was built in 1780 for Abigail Wheelock, the daughter of college founder Eleazar Wheelock, and her husband, Sylvanus Ripley. Since then, it was bought, sold — and even physically moved — numerous times. While the college owns the cottage, it is presided over by members of the Hanover Historical Society.
Among the artifacts on display related to Webster, a New Hampshire native who served multiple terms as U.S. secretary of state, is a carrying case that Webster used for his spirits.
“He traveled with his gin and his brandy,” said Sylvia Nelson, outgoing president of the Hanover Historical Society. “It’s amazing they survived.”
There’s also a wooden box containing his initials and a chair he used to sit in in the upstairs bedroom Webster likely occupied while he was a Dartmouth student.
“Daniel Webster started very humbly,” said incoming historical society president Cyndy Bittinger. He was born on a farm in New Hampshire and eventually rose to become a well-known orator, and politician. “He is a fascinating figure.”
But perhaps one of the most prominent features of the cottage is its kitchen, which contains an open hearth that the women who lived there regularly used for cooking.
“I’m always enjoying how to explain how people would deal with a kitchen such as this one,” Nelson said. “It’s just an interesting old house, to imagine how people lived here.”
In another room is a wide rocking chair that has a bar across half of it, used for keeping a baby in place while its mother sat beside rocking. Upon first glance, it can be puzzling to figure out what the piece of furniture’s function is.
“Some of these artifacts are very unusual and the current student doesn’t know what they are,” Bittinger said.
Webster Cottage was often occupied by college students before dormitories were built.
“The boys would come here and they would need to find some place to live,” Bittinger said.
In many of the rooms, there are handmade quilts and rugs which have been donated throughout the years. The pieces add a personal touch and remind visitors that, despite its current role as a museum, Webster Cottage was first and foremost a home.
Editors note: Webster Cottage is open Wednesday and Saturday from 2:30-4:30 p.m. It is located at 32 N. Main St. For more information, call 603-643-6529.
Liz Sauchelli can be reached at esauchelli@vnews.com or 603-727-3221.
