Seven Hearths is the prized possession of the Kent Historical Society, located in the heart of the original Kent town center - the Flanders Historic District at 4 Studio Hill Road. Built by John Beebe, Jr., in 1751, this colonial house stands in contrast to the earlier houses of the Flanders District because of its large scale. The building was constructed as one structure with dual purposes. The family lived in the larger space while the left portion of the house included a general store, butcher, and a fur trading post. Its original architectural features are of interest to restoration buffs.
The house's furnishings and other interior accessories reflect phases of Kent history that were part of the occupants' lives. Seven Hearths was willed to the Society by famed artist George Laurence Nelson, who bought the dilapidated structure in 1919, restored it and lived in it until his death in 1978. Mr. Nelson wrote an enchanting account of his love affair with Seven Hearths, entitled New Life for Old Timber, which is available from the Museum Shop.
