The Nesmith House (aka The John Nesmith House)

The Middlesex Community College Foundation, Inc. is pleased to present the 1994 Designer Showhouse, the first such project to be organized in greater Lowell, Massachusetts.  To best appreciate The Nesmith House, one should imagine Lowell in about 1850, during the height of the American Industrial Revolution.  Picture the Nesmith House, high on the west slope of Belvidere Hill, surrounded by landscaped gardens filled with lilacs, and overlooking the Lowell center where mills hummed with the sounds of burgeoning American industry.

John Nesmith was born in Windham, New Hampshire, August 31, 1793.  Politically prominent in early life, he served as town Treasurer in 1819 and 1820, and was Representative to the General Court in 1821. 
Nesmith House Exterior
John Nesmith understood the importance of water power to Lowell's success and purchased the rights to water supplies from both Lake Winnepesaukee and Squam Lake in New Hampshire to serve as reservoirs for Lowell's mills during dry seasons by letting water into the Merrimack River through artificial canals.

He was also among the first to discern that suitability of what is now known as the city of Lawrence for manufacturing and made large purchases of land on both sides of the Merrimack River.  About 1844 Boston investors saw Nesmith's wisdom and began to build factories along the Merrimack.

In 1843, John Nesmith commissioned the construction of this mansion - a fine example of Greek Revival/Regency architecture.  At the time of its construction, it was Lowell's second largest house.  The twenty-two room mansion is located on the west slope of Belevidere Hill in Lowell at 229 Andover Street
From the beginning, the house was the center of the industrial and social life of the city.  John and his brother, Thomas Nesmith were both prominent and wealthy residents who engaged in a variety of industrial, business and real estate ventures.  Thomas built a home across the street, but it later fell prey to demolition.
Nesmith House Parlor Nesmith House Bedroom
In an era when the social resources of Lowell depended largely on private hospitality, the Nesmith House occupied a position of prominence.  The owners kept a stage on hand and large bolts of white cotton cloth to cover the carpets for dancing.  Each Christmas Eve for 70 years, dozens of friends and family gathered for a celebration.

The Middlesex Community College Foundation, Inc. acquired the property in December 1992.   By 1994 the residence was restored to its former grandeur after more than 30 interior and landscape designers refurbished the building.

For six weeks it was the site of the Middlesex Community College Foundation's Designer Showhouse.  Today, The Nesmith House is owned by the Middlesex Community College Foundation and gift-leased to Middlesex Community College.  It is used as MCC's Lester J. Grant Center for Economic Development and the Elkin B. McCallum Center for Internation Studies.  The house provides a refined, quiet environment in which to hold small conferences, retreats, elegant dinners or receptions.

John Nesmith was a generous man who gave freely to charity, to the great admiration of his friends and neighbors.  The Foundation cannot help but believe that he would be well-pleased to see his magnificent home restored to its rightful position of prominence.

 
Nesmith House Exterior with Sign If you would like more information on the Nesmith House, the current manager is Elaine P. Crandall, 229 Andover Street, Lowell, Massachusetts  01852; Phone: (978) 458-3722;
E-mail:  crandalle@middlesex.cc.ma.us
Or visit The Nesmith House Web-site

Article and photographs on this page by Lael Nesmith-Snyder
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