History

 An invitation stating… “all persons interested in the formation of a local Historical Society are requested to meet at Selectmen’s Room in the Town House Friday, July 29, 1910, at 7:30 p.m.” was issued by John Mason Batchelder of Holliston. A further invitation for “free discussion” was also included and an enthusiastic response resulted in approximately 38 members pledging to join together in the interest of historical preservation.

 Growing to a membership of 183 just two years later, the Society met in various private homes for the next twelve years. The needs of the growing organization prompted purchase and subsequent renovation of the Dr. Burnap house in 1922. This fine Greek Revival style building that stood beside the Public Library until 1976 was used by the Society as its home until it moved in August of 1967 to the larger Asa Whiting House on Washington Street. Again the membership worked to renovate this new home, and through the loyal hardworking efforts of the members, funds were raised to pay a mortgage and support the upkeep of the property that today includes a house, barn restored corn crib and spacious grounds. Ways & Means committees have constantly been challenged throughout the years to provide the financial support needed to maintain the Society’s home, and activities and events such as auctions, house tours, pancake breakfasts, and craft tables have taken place.

 While the location of the Society may have changed since 1910, the original purpose of the founding fathers has remained constant. The studying, collecting and preserving of historical records, traditions, and relics relating to the history of Holliston and its people goes on in the form of educational tours for school children, the cleaning and repairing of documents, renovations and additions to the costume collection, the opening of the library to the public for study and research, and an annual Christmas Open House for all residents. The Society, numbering over two hundred members, provides an unique opportunity of community fellowship due to the fact that it is one of the few organizations which includes in its membership people of all ages and interests. The creation of a finer public spirit has been included in our By-laws and to this end new members are always welcome.

 

The Asa Whiting House

 The present property had on its original estate the site of the first dwelling built in Holliston, the adobe of Jasper Adams of Medfield. Next the site was occupied by Deacon James Russell, who kept the Russell Tavern near the present location of the Whiting House.

 Colonel Asa Whiting built this Georgian Federal home about 1812 quite near the road in front of the present barn, which was constructed in 1817. The house contained fifteen rooms and seven fireplaces, served by two massive chimneys. Timbers are of hand hewn solid oak, each timber still numbered as it was on the day it was put in place. The casings are sheathed with white birch and the rooms are wainscoted and paneled. The fireplace mantels are hand carved and the staircases hand fashioned. Some of the old wide floor boards can still be seen in the upper rooms.

 In the early 1930s, the house was moved back away from the road to its present location, set on a new foundation, and the porches at each end were added, giving it its present exterior appearance.

 Asa Whiting, who was born in Holliston in 1783, lived here until his death in 1858. He was a member of the Massachusetts Militia and rose from the rank of Sergeant to Colonel before retiring in 1822. Colonel Whiting’s grandson, George Flagg, who occupied the Italian Revival style house to the south of this property, operated a model dairy farm on the present site of the Whiting House. During the late 1800s, the unique architectural style of the dairy barn was well known throughout the area.

 The Holliston Historical Society purchased the propery consisting of the hip-roofed house and present barn in 1967 from Mr. And Mrs. Charles Cole, Mrs. Cole being a direct descendant of Colonel Asa Whiting. Members of the Society then undertook extensive redocoration, including merging two downstairs rooms into one large meeting room.