The Dorchester Historical Society and the Columbia-Savin Hill Civic Association will host a special walking tour led by Earl Taylor, President of the Dorchester Historical Society. The event will take attendees through the James Blake House and the surrounding neighborhood, offering a glimpse into one of Boston’s oldest preserved areas.
Starting at 10 a.m. from the Blake House, located at 735 Columbia Road in Edward Everett Square, the two-hour tour invites the public to explore the 17th-century residence and learn about the architectural and social history of the area. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for participants.
Built around 1661 by English immigrant James Blake, the James Blake House stands as the oldest surviving house in Boston. Designed in the medieval Western English style, the home remained with the Blake family until 1825 before passing to the Williams family. The City of Boston acquired the house in 1891, but it was the Dorchester Historical Society that saved it from demolition in 1896 by relocating it a short distance to its current site.
Now designated as a Boston Landmark, the house has undergone extensive preservation, including complete re-shingling and grounds improvement. Situated just a block from Massachusetts Avenue, it remains a tangible link to the city’s colonial past.
This walking tour on Saturday, July 12, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. offers a unique opportunity to experience Boston’s history firsthand, guided by one of the city’s most knowledgeable local historians.
