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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Prescott Farm</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>2009 West Main Road</div> <div> <span>Middletown</span>, <span>RI</span> <span>02842</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.newportrestoration.org/visit/prescott_farm/" target="_blank">Prescott Farm</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 401-849-7300</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Prescott+Farm%2C+2009+West+Main+Road%2C+Middletown%2C+RI+02842" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>Prescott Farm offers a glimpse of early rural New England through its buildings and landscape. The Farm traces its origin to the early 18th century when the Nichols-Overing House (c. 1730) was central to the site. Doris Duke, through the Newport Restoration Foundation, purchased the 40–acre farm with the idea of preserving open space and the Nichols–Overing House, as well as creating a setting for additional historic buildings that were rescued from imminent demolition.</p> <p></p> <p>THE ROBERT SHERMAN WINDMILL (1812)</p> <p>Robert Sherman Windmill</p> <p>This impressive smock–style, four–vaned windmill was built in 1812 and used in Warren, RI in connection with a distillery. It has an unusual feature—two sets of grinding stones whose doubled capacity could be lucrative for its owner. Not surprisingly then, it was moved two more times to Portsmouth, Rhode Island by millers who acquired it, first by Robert Sherman to Quaker Hill (East Main Road), then to Lehigh Hill (West Main Road). It became idle in the early 20th century and remained so, in ever deteriorating condition, until the NRF acquired it in 1969 and moved it to Prescott Farm. The mill was restored by the NRF in 1971, with additional work done in the 1980s and a new shaft installed in 1998.</p> <p></p> <p>Zoom detail of windmill sails</p> <p>To learn more abut the history of windmills on Aquidneck Island:</p> <p></p> <p>Wind Grist Mills of Rhode Island: Interesting Relics of a Bygone Era</p> <p>A 1942 essay of reminisces by former windmill owner Benjamin Boyd.</p> <p>THE GUARD HOUSE</p> <p>This small gambrel-roofed building was attached to the back of the Nichols–Overing House in 1840, when it was moved there to replace an ell destroyed by fire. In 1971, the NRF moved it to the museum side of the property. Oral tradition has it located on the site in the 1700s and its frame is certainly 18th century. Since it is the kind of utilitarian structure that might have housed General Prescott’s guards during his occupation of the Nichols–Overing House, the second floor is furnished to tell this story. The NRF uses the first floor for a variety of educational programs.</p> <p></p> <p>HICKS HOUSE</p> <p>Hicks House now called The Country Store</p> <p>The Hicks House, circa 1715, was moved from Bristol Ferry Road, Portsmouth to its present location in 1970. It is thought to have been used, in its earliest period, by the ferrymen who operated the boat between Portsmouth and Bristol at the site of the current Mt. Hope Bridge. It is a very simple structure of two rooms and a loft space.</p> <p></p> <p>SWEET–ANTHONY HOUSE</p> <p>Sweet-Anthony House</p> <p>Originally located at 855 West Main Road, now the site of fast food restaurants and a hotel, this house was moved to Prescott Farm in 1970. This broad-gable roofed 1½ story farmhouse came with much original woodwork intact. It is a good example of simple rural architecture, complete with additions which were made in the 18th and 19th centuries. It is also valuable as an example of a middle-class farm dwelling, a nice counterpoint to the extravagance of the Nichols-Overing House.</p> <p></p> <p>THE NICHOLS–OVERING HOUSE</p> <p>Nichols-Overing House</p> <p>Architecturally the Nichols-Overing House, circa 1730, is built on what is often referred to as the ¾ house plan. Formal 18th century house builders strongly preferred a symmetrical plan with an equal number of windows on either side of the main entrance. Despite the fact that the Overing House is one of the grandest and most formal in the NRF collections, this rural house does not have the full balanced façade that would truly place it in the top rank of high-style houses of its period. It is best described as a 2nd period (1725-1750) house. The scale inside and out is akin to the Hunter House in Newport. The main features are its gambrel roof, interior chimney, high ceilings, excellent woodwork, and a comfortable stair hall. Mr. Overing’s rather grand country house is an interesting counterpoint to the more common and modest house of Mr. Sweet’s on the southern part of the property.</p> <p></p> <p>Read a fascinating paper on the entire history of this house and its owners.</p> <p>POTTER HOUSE</p> <p>Potter House</p> <p>Potter House was built in Oneco, CT in 1790. While it is a stretch to have a Connecticut house on Aquidneck Island, this building was acquired in a situation of some urgency. The house had already been dismantled and was rapidly deteriorating due to poor storage conditions. The NRF was persuaded to rescue the building before it decayed further. Although it is somewhat out of context, the Potter House was rebuilt at Prescott Farm during 1984 and 1985. It displays several features that are typical of Connecticut architecture, most prominent of which are its projecting gables. It came to the collection with a frame in fine condition and most of its interior and exterior woodwork intact.</p> <p></p> <p>THE ALMY-CORY HOUSE</p> <p>Almy Cory House</p> <p>Portsmouth community members approached NRF about acquiring this house after learning it was slated for demolition at its original location on East Main Road. This house is an excellent and scarce example of a rural, Federal style home built for an upper-middle class farmer. Document research indicates it was built between 1797 and 1802. The center chimney, two story, five-room plan so popular from the mid-1700s through 1820, and the largely intact interior details, made this house worth saving as an exemplar of the Federal style. The house was disassembled and moved in 2004 and has undergone restoration to be rented to a tenant steward.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/middletown-ri/report/place/prescott-farm-middletown-ri.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. 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The Farm traces its origin to the early 18th century when the"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="41.552898"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-71.290497"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Prescott Farm</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>2009 West Main Road</div> <div> <span>Middletown</span>, <span>RI</span> <span>02842</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.newportrestoration.org/visit/prescott_farm/" target="_blank">Prescott Farm</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 401-849-7300</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Prescott+Farm%2C+2009+West+Main+Road%2C+Middletown%2C+RI+02842" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>Prescott Farm offers a glimpse of early rural New England through its buildings and landscape. The Farm traces its origin to the early 18th century when the Nichols-Overing House (c. 1730) was central to the site. Doris Duke, through the Newport Restoration Foundation, purchased the 40–acre farm with the idea of preserving open space and the Nichols–Overing House, as well as creating a setting for additional historic buildings that were rescued from imminent demolition.</p> <p></p> <p>THE ROBERT SHERMAN WINDMILL (1812)</p> <p>Robert Sherman Windmill</p> <p>This impressive smock–style, four–vaned windmill was built in 1812 and used in Warren, RI in connection with a distillery. It has an unusual feature—two sets of grinding stones whose doubled capacity could be lucrative for its owner. Not surprisingly then, it was moved two more times to Portsmouth, Rhode Island by millers who acquired it, first by Robert Sherman to Quaker Hill (East Main Road), then to Lehigh Hill (West Main Road). It became idle in the early 20th century and remained so, in ever deteriorating condition, until the NRF acquired it in 1969 and moved it to Prescott Farm. The mill was restored by the NRF in 1971, with additional work done in the 1980s and a new shaft installed in 1998.</p> <p></p> <p>Zoom detail of windmill sails</p> <p>To learn more abut the history of windmills on Aquidneck Island:</p> <p></p> <p>Wind Grist Mills of Rhode Island: Interesting Relics of a Bygone Era</p> <p>A 1942 essay of reminisces by former windmill owner Benjamin Boyd.</p> <p>THE GUARD HOUSE</p> <p>This small gambrel-roofed building was attached to the back of the Nichols–Overing House in 1840, when it was moved there to replace an ell destroyed by fire. In 1971, the NRF moved it to the museum side of the property. Oral tradition has it located on the site in the 1700s and its frame is certainly 18th century. Since it is the kind of utilitarian structure that might have housed General Prescott’s guards during his occupation of the Nichols–Overing House, the second floor is furnished to tell this story. The NRF uses the first floor for a variety of educational programs.</p> <p></p> <p>HICKS HOUSE</p> <p>Hicks House now called The Country Store</p> <p>The Hicks House, circa 1715, was moved from Bristol Ferry Road, Portsmouth to its present location in 1970. It is thought to have been used, in its earliest period, by the ferrymen who operated the boat between Portsmouth and Bristol at the site of the current Mt. Hope Bridge. It is a very simple structure of two rooms and a loft space.</p> <p></p> <p>SWEET–ANTHONY HOUSE</p> <p>Sweet-Anthony House</p> <p>Originally located at 855 West Main Road, now the site of fast food restaurants and a hotel, this house was moved to Prescott Farm in 1970. This broad-gable roofed 1½ story farmhouse came with much original woodwork intact. It is a good example of simple rural architecture, complete with additions which were made in the 18th and 19th centuries. It is also valuable as an example of a middle-class farm dwelling, a nice counterpoint to the extravagance of the Nichols-Overing House.</p> <p></p> <p>THE NICHOLS–OVERING HOUSE</p> <p>Nichols-Overing House</p> <p>Architecturally the Nichols-Overing House, circa 1730, is built on what is often referred to as the ¾ house plan. Formal 18th century house builders strongly preferred a symmetrical plan with an equal number of windows on either side of the main entrance. Despite the fact that the Overing House is one of the grandest and most formal in the NRF collections, this rural house does not have the full balanced façade that would truly place it in the top rank of high-style houses of its period. It is best described as a 2nd period (1725-1750) house. The scale inside and out is akin to the Hunter House in Newport. The main features are its gambrel roof, interior chimney, high ceilings, excellent woodwork, and a comfortable stair hall. Mr. Overing’s rather grand country house is an interesting counterpoint to the more common and modest house of Mr. Sweet’s on the southern part of the property.</p> <p></p> <p>Read a fascinating paper on the entire history of this house and its owners.</p> <p>POTTER HOUSE</p> <p>Potter House</p> <p>Potter House was built in Oneco, CT in 1790. While it is a stretch to have a Connecticut house on Aquidneck Island, this building was acquired in a situation of some urgency. The house had already been dismantled and was rapidly deteriorating due to poor storage conditions. The NRF was persuaded to rescue the building before it decayed further. Although it is somewhat out of context, the Potter House was rebuilt at Prescott Farm during 1984 and 1985. It displays several features that are typical of Connecticut architecture, most prominent of which are its projecting gables. It came to the collection with a frame in fine condition and most of its interior and exterior woodwork intact.</p> <p></p> <p>THE ALMY-CORY HOUSE</p> <p>Almy Cory House</p> <p>Portsmouth community members approached NRF about acquiring this house after learning it was slated for demolition at its original location on East Main Road. This house is an excellent and scarce example of a rural, Federal style home built for an upper-middle class farmer. Document research indicates it was built between 1797 and 1802. The center chimney, two story, five-room plan so popular from the mid-1700s through 1820, and the largely intact interior details, made this house worth saving as an exemplar of the Federal style. The house was disassembled and moved in 2004 and has undergone restoration to be rented to a tenant steward.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/middletown-ri/report/place/prescott-farm-middletown-ri.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/middletown-ri/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/middletown-ri/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Middletown</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Middletown</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/prepare-to-care-tiverton-ri-11162024-200-pm-et-p4n8v85dbrg.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-PREPARE-TO-CARE">Prepare to Care</a></h2> <p class="time">Saturday, Nov 16, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Tiverton Library (Meeting Room)</p> <p class="loc">Tiverton, RI</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/a-girlfriendtogirlfriend-workshop-safety-benefits-of-new-car-tech-khn78rbpmf2.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-A-GIRLFRIENDTOGIRLFRIEND-WORKSHOP-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECH">A Girlfriend-to-Girlfriend Workshop - Safety Benefits of New Car Tech</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 12, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-new-york-new-yorks-gilded-age-wed-111324-9fnzvpkxb7x.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-EXPLORE-FOOD-IN-NEW-YORKS-GILDED-AGE-WITH-FRANCINE-SEGEN">Explore Food in New York’s Gilded Age with Francine Segen</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Nov 13, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/middletown-ri/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MIDDLETOWN-RI">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/renew?campaignid= UARFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MIDDLETOWN-RI">Renew</a> or <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/my-membership/print-your-card/">Print Card</a></div> </div> </div> <style> .membership-tout {padding:16px 20px;} .membership-tout .list li { margin: 0; } </style> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_93505" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_93505', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer text-center"> <div class="fb-page" alt="Image of AARP Rhode Island Facebook Page" title="Image of AARP Rhode Island Facebook Page" data-href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPRI" data-tabs="timeline" width="320" height="" data-small-header="false" data-adapt-container-width="true" data-hide-cover="false" data-show-facepile="true" lazy="true"> <blockquote cite="https://www.facebook.com/AARPRI" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPRI">Facebook</a></blockquote> </div> </div> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <h2>Contact AARP<br />Rhode Island</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-quick-list module-spacer"> <ul class="list-unstyled"> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-envelope" alt="Email icon" title="Email icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="mailto:RIAARP@aarp.org " target="_blank" rel="noopener">RIAARP@aarp.org </a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-globe" alt="Globe icon" title="Globe icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/region/rhode-island/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">AARP Rhode Island</a></li> <li><i class="list-icon fa fa-map-marker" alt="Map Marker icon" title="Map Marker icon" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="https://states.aarp.org/contact/?intcmp=SNG-LNK-AARPLOCAL-CONTACT-20140101-MIDDLETOWN-RI" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Contact Us</a></li> </ul> </div> <a href="https://www.facebook.com/AARPRI" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Facebook"><img alt="Facebook icon" title="Facebook icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/facebook-dreamstale25.png"></a> <a href="https://twitter.com/aarpRI" target="_blank" rel="noopener" aria-label="Open Twitter"><img alt="Twitter icon" title="Twitter icon" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/responsive/icons/48/x-logo-black.png"></a> </div> </div> </div></div> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail left-bot"></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail right-bot thin-rhs"></div> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> </div> <div class="row oneColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-12"><!-- script to activate navbar --> <script type="text/javascript"> jQuery(".channelBarMain ul.left li a").click(function() { window.location = jQuery(this).attr('href'); }); </script> </div> </div> ' $scripts_for_layout = '<title>Prescott Farm - Middletown, RI</title> <meta name="page_title" content="Prescott Farm - Middletown, RI"/> <meta name="robots" content="noindex, nofollow"/> <meta content="Prescott Farm offers a glimpse of early rural New England through its buildings and landscape. 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Prescott Farm</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>2009 West Main Road</div> <div> <span>Middletown</span>, <span>RI</span> <span>02842</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.newportrestoration.org/visit/prescott_farm/" target="_blank">Prescott Farm</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 401-849-7300</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Prescott+Farm%2C+2009+West+Main+Road%2C+Middletown%2C+RI+02842" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>Prescott Farm offers a glimpse of early rural New England through its buildings and landscape. The Farm traces its origin to the early 18th century when the Nichols-Overing House (c. 1730) was central to the site. Doris Duke, through the Newport Restoration Foundation, purchased the 40–acre farm with the idea of preserving open space and the Nichols–Overing House, as well as creating a setting for additional historic buildings that were rescued from imminent demolition.</p> <p></p> <p>THE ROBERT SHERMAN WINDMILL (1812)</p> <p>Robert Sherman Windmill</p> <p>This impressive smock–style, four–vaned windmill was built in 1812 and used in Warren, RI in connection with a distillery. It has an unusual feature—two sets of grinding stones whose doubled capacity could be lucrative for its owner. Not surprisingly then, it was moved two more times to Portsmouth, Rhode Island by millers who acquired it, first by Robert Sherman to Quaker Hill (East Main Road), then to Lehigh Hill (West Main Road). It became idle in the early 20th century and remained so, in ever deteriorating condition, until the NRF acquired it in 1969 and moved it to Prescott Farm. The mill was restored by the NRF in 1971, with additional work done in the 1980s and a new shaft installed in 1998.</p> <p></p> <p>Zoom detail of windmill sails</p> <p>To learn more abut the history of windmills on Aquidneck Island:</p> <p></p> <p>Wind Grist Mills of Rhode Island: Interesting Relics of a Bygone Era</p> <p>A 1942 essay of reminisces by former windmill owner Benjamin Boyd.</p> <p>THE GUARD HOUSE</p> <p>This small gambrel-roofed building was attached to the back of the Nichols–Overing House in 1840, when it was moved there to replace an ell destroyed by fire. In 1971, the NRF moved it to the museum side of the property. Oral tradition has it located on the site in the 1700s and its frame is certainly 18th century. Since it is the kind of utilitarian structure that might have housed General Prescott’s guards during his occupation of the Nichols–Overing House, the second floor is furnished to tell this story. The NRF uses the first floor for a variety of educational programs.</p> <p></p> <p>HICKS HOUSE</p> <p>Hicks House now called The Country Store</p> <p>The Hicks House, circa 1715, was moved from Bristol Ferry Road, Portsmouth to its present location in 1970. It is thought to have been used, in its earliest period, by the ferrymen who operated the boat between Portsmouth and Bristol at the site of the current Mt. Hope Bridge. It is a very simple structure of two rooms and a loft space.</p> <p></p> <p>SWEET–ANTHONY HOUSE</p> <p>Sweet-Anthony House</p> <p>Originally located at 855 West Main Road, now the site of fast food restaurants and a hotel, this house was moved to Prescott Farm in 1970. This broad-gable roofed 1½ story farmhouse came with much original woodwork intact. It is a good example of simple rural architecture, complete with additions which were made in the 18th and 19th centuries. It is also valuable as an example of a middle-class farm dwelling, a nice counterpoint to the extravagance of the Nichols-Overing House.</p> <p></p> <p>THE NICHOLS–OVERING HOUSE</p> <p>Nichols-Overing House</p> <p>Architecturally the Nichols-Overing House, circa 1730, is built on what is often referred to as the ¾ house plan. Formal 18th century house builders strongly preferred a symmetrical plan with an equal number of windows on either side of the main entrance. Despite the fact that the Overing House is one of the grandest and most formal in the NRF collections, this rural house does not have the full balanced façade that would truly place it in the top rank of high-style houses of its period. It is best described as a 2nd period (1725-1750) house. The scale inside and out is akin to the Hunter House in Newport. The main features are its gambrel roof, interior chimney, high ceilings, excellent woodwork, and a comfortable stair hall. Mr. Overing’s rather grand country house is an interesting counterpoint to the more common and modest house of Mr. Sweet’s on the southern part of the property.</p> <p></p> <p>Read a fascinating paper on the entire history of this house and its owners.</p> <p>POTTER HOUSE</p> <p>Potter House</p> <p>Potter House was built in Oneco, CT in 1790. While it is a stretch to have a Connecticut house on Aquidneck Island, this building was acquired in a situation of some urgency. The house had already been dismantled and was rapidly deteriorating due to poor storage conditions. The NRF was persuaded to rescue the building before it decayed further. Although it is somewhat out of context, the Potter House was rebuilt at Prescott Farm during 1984 and 1985. It displays several features that are typical of Connecticut architecture, most prominent of which are its projecting gables. It came to the collection with a frame in fine condition and most of its interior and exterior woodwork intact.</p> <p></p> <p>THE ALMY-CORY HOUSE</p> <p>Almy Cory House</p> <p>Portsmouth community members approached NRF about acquiring this house after learning it was slated for demolition at its original location on East Main Road. This house is an excellent and scarce example of a rural, Federal style home built for an upper-middle class farmer. Document research indicates it was built between 1797 and 1802. The center chimney, two story, five-room plan so popular from the mid-1700s through 1820, and the largely intact interior details, made this house worth saving as an exemplar of the Federal style. The house was disassembled and moved in 2004 and has undergone restoration to be rented to a tenant steward.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/middletown-ri/report/place/prescott-farm-middletown-ri.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. 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The Farm traces its origin to the early 18th century when the" name="description"/> <meta content="Prescott, Farm, Middletown, RI" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/prescott-farm-middletown-ri.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/prescott-farm-middletown-ri.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Prescott Farm"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Prescott Farm offers a glimpse of early rural New England through its buildings and landscape. The Farm traces its origin to the early 18th century when the"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Prescott Farm"/> <meta property="og:description" content="Prescott Farm offers a glimpse of early rural New England through its buildings and landscape. The Farm traces its origin to the early 18th century when the"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="41.552898"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-71.290497"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Prescott Farm</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>2009 West Main Road</div> <div> <span>Middletown</span>, <span>RI</span> <span>02842</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.newportrestoration.org/visit/prescott_farm/" target="_blank">Prescott Farm</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 401-849-7300</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Prescott+Farm%2C+2009+West+Main+Road%2C+Middletown%2C+RI+02842" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>Prescott Farm offers a glimpse of early rural New England through its buildings and landscape. The Farm traces its origin to the early 18th century when the Nichols-Overing House (c. 1730) was central to the site. Doris Duke, through the Newport Restoration Foundation, purchased the 40–acre farm with the idea of preserving open space and the Nichols–Overing House, as well as creating a setting for additional historic buildings that were rescued from imminent demolition.</p> <p></p> <p>THE ROBERT SHERMAN WINDMILL (1812)</p> <p>Robert Sherman Windmill</p> <p>This impressive smock–style, four–vaned windmill was built in 1812 and used in Warren, RI in connection with a distillery. It has an unusual feature—two sets of grinding stones whose doubled capacity could be lucrative for its owner. Not surprisingly then, it was moved two more times to Portsmouth, Rhode Island by millers who acquired it, first by Robert Sherman to Quaker Hill (East Main Road), then to Lehigh Hill (West Main Road). It became idle in the early 20th century and remained so, in ever deteriorating condition, until the NRF acquired it in 1969 and moved it to Prescott Farm. The mill was restored by the NRF in 1971, with additional work done in the 1980s and a new shaft installed in 1998.</p> <p></p> <p>Zoom detail of windmill sails</p> <p>To learn more abut the history of windmills on Aquidneck Island:</p> <p></p> <p>Wind Grist Mills of Rhode Island: Interesting Relics of a Bygone Era</p> <p>A 1942 essay of reminisces by former windmill owner Benjamin Boyd.</p> <p>THE GUARD HOUSE</p> <p>This small gambrel-roofed building was attached to the back of the Nichols–Overing House in 1840, when it was moved there to replace an ell destroyed by fire. In 1971, the NRF moved it to the museum side of the property. Oral tradition has it located on the site in the 1700s and its frame is certainly 18th century. Since it is the kind of utilitarian structure that might have housed General Prescott’s guards during his occupation of the Nichols–Overing House, the second floor is furnished to tell this story. The NRF uses the first floor for a variety of educational programs.</p> <p></p> <p>HICKS HOUSE</p> <p>Hicks House now called The Country Store</p> <p>The Hicks House, circa 1715, was moved from Bristol Ferry Road, Portsmouth to its present location in 1970. It is thought to have been used, in its earliest period, by the ferrymen who operated the boat between Portsmouth and Bristol at the site of the current Mt. Hope Bridge. It is a very simple structure of two rooms and a loft space.</p> <p></p> <p>SWEET–ANTHONY HOUSE</p> <p>Sweet-Anthony House</p> <p>Originally located at 855 West Main Road, now the site of fast food restaurants and a hotel, this house was moved to Prescott Farm in 1970. This broad-gable roofed 1½ story farmhouse came with much original woodwork intact. It is a good example of simple rural architecture, complete with additions which were made in the 18th and 19th centuries. It is also valuable as an example of a middle-class farm dwelling, a nice counterpoint to the extravagance of the Nichols-Overing House.</p> <p></p> <p>THE NICHOLS–OVERING HOUSE</p> <p>Nichols-Overing House</p> <p>Architecturally the Nichols-Overing House, circa 1730, is built on what is often referred to as the ¾ house plan. Formal 18th century house builders strongly preferred a symmetrical plan with an equal number of windows on either side of the main entrance. Despite the fact that the Overing House is one of the grandest and most formal in the NRF collections, this rural house does not have the full balanced façade that would truly place it in the top rank of high-style houses of its period. It is best described as a 2nd period (1725-1750) house. The scale inside and out is akin to the Hunter House in Newport. The main features are its gambrel roof, interior chimney, high ceilings, excellent woodwork, and a comfortable stair hall. Mr. Overing’s rather grand country house is an interesting counterpoint to the more common and modest house of Mr. Sweet’s on the southern part of the property.</p> <p></p> <p>Read a fascinating paper on the entire history of this house and its owners.</p> <p>POTTER HOUSE</p> <p>Potter House</p> <p>Potter House was built in Oneco, CT in 1790. While it is a stretch to have a Connecticut house on Aquidneck Island, this building was acquired in a situation of some urgency. The house had already been dismantled and was rapidly deteriorating due to poor storage conditions. The NRF was persuaded to rescue the building before it decayed further. Although it is somewhat out of context, the Potter House was rebuilt at Prescott Farm during 1984 and 1985. It displays several features that are typical of Connecticut architecture, most prominent of which are its projecting gables. It came to the collection with a frame in fine condition and most of its interior and exterior woodwork intact.</p> <p></p> <p>THE ALMY-CORY HOUSE</p> <p>Almy Cory House</p> <p>Portsmouth community members approached NRF about acquiring this house after learning it was slated for demolition at its original location on East Main Road. This house is an excellent and scarce example of a rural, Federal style home built for an upper-middle class farmer. Document research indicates it was built between 1797 and 1802. The center chimney, two story, five-room plan so popular from the mid-1700s through 1820, and the largely intact interior details, made this house worth saving as an exemplar of the Federal style. The house was disassembled and moved in 2004 and has undergone restoration to be rented to a tenant steward.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/middletown-ri/report/place/prescott-farm-middletown-ri.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Prescott Farm</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>2009 West Main Road</div> <div> <span>Middletown</span>, <span>RI</span> <span>02842</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.newportrestoration.org/visit/prescott_farm/" target="_blank">Prescott Farm</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 401-849-7300</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Prescott+Farm%2C+2009+West+Main+Road%2C+Middletown%2C+RI+02842" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>Prescott Farm offers a glimpse of early rural New England through its buildings and landscape. The Farm traces its origin to the early 18th century when the Nichols-Overing House (c. 1730) was central to the site. Doris Duke, through the Newport Restoration Foundation, purchased the 40–acre farm with the idea of preserving open space and the Nichols–Overing House, as well as creating a setting for additional historic buildings that were rescued from imminent demolition.</p> <p></p> <p>THE ROBERT SHERMAN WINDMILL (1812)</p> <p>Robert Sherman Windmill</p> <p>This impressive smock–style, four–vaned windmill was built in 1812 and used in Warren, RI in connection with a distillery. It has an unusual feature—two sets of grinding stones whose doubled capacity could be lucrative for its owner. Not surprisingly then, it was moved two more times to Portsmouth, Rhode Island by millers who acquired it, first by Robert Sherman to Quaker Hill (East Main Road), then to Lehigh Hill (West Main Road). It became idle in the early 20th century and remained so, in ever deteriorating condition, until the NRF acquired it in 1969 and moved it to Prescott Farm. The mill was restored by the NRF in 1971, with additional work done in the 1980s and a new shaft installed in 1998.</p> <p></p> <p>Zoom detail of windmill sails</p> <p>To learn more abut the history of windmills on Aquidneck Island:</p> <p></p> <p>Wind Grist Mills of Rhode Island: Interesting Relics of a Bygone Era</p> <p>A 1942 essay of reminisces by former windmill owner Benjamin Boyd.</p> <p>THE GUARD HOUSE</p> <p>This small gambrel-roofed building was attached to the back of the Nichols–Overing House in 1840, when it was moved there to replace an ell destroyed by fire. In 1971, the NRF moved it to the museum side of the property. Oral tradition has it located on the site in the 1700s and its frame is certainly 18th century. Since it is the kind of utilitarian structure that might have housed General Prescott’s guards during his occupation of the Nichols–Overing House, the second floor is furnished to tell this story. The NRF uses the first floor for a variety of educational programs.</p> <p></p> <p>HICKS HOUSE</p> <p>Hicks House now called The Country Store</p> <p>The Hicks House, circa 1715, was moved from Bristol Ferry Road, Portsmouth to its present location in 1970. It is thought to have been used, in its earliest period, by the ferrymen who operated the boat between Portsmouth and Bristol at the site of the current Mt. Hope Bridge. It is a very simple structure of two rooms and a loft space.</p> <p></p> <p>SWEET–ANTHONY HOUSE</p> <p>Sweet-Anthony House</p> <p>Originally located at 855 West Main Road, now the site of fast food restaurants and a hotel, this house was moved to Prescott Farm in 1970. This broad-gable roofed 1½ story farmhouse came with much original woodwork intact. It is a good example of simple rural architecture, complete with additions which were made in the 18th and 19th centuries. It is also valuable as an example of a middle-class farm dwelling, a nice counterpoint to the extravagance of the Nichols-Overing House.</p> <p></p> <p>THE NICHOLS–OVERING HOUSE</p> <p>Nichols-Overing House</p> <p>Architecturally the Nichols-Overing House, circa 1730, is built on what is often referred to as the ¾ house plan. Formal 18th century house builders strongly preferred a symmetrical plan with an equal number of windows on either side of the main entrance. Despite the fact that the Overing House is one of the grandest and most formal in the NRF collections, this rural house does not have the full balanced façade that would truly place it in the top rank of high-style houses of its period. It is best described as a 2nd period (1725-1750) house. The scale inside and out is akin to the Hunter House in Newport. The main features are its gambrel roof, interior chimney, high ceilings, excellent woodwork, and a comfortable stair hall. Mr. Overing’s rather grand country house is an interesting counterpoint to the more common and modest house of Mr. Sweet’s on the southern part of the property.</p> <p></p> <p>Read a fascinating paper on the entire history of this house and its owners.</p> <p>POTTER HOUSE</p> <p>Potter House</p> <p>Potter House was built in Oneco, CT in 1790. While it is a stretch to have a Connecticut house on Aquidneck Island, this building was acquired in a situation of some urgency. The house had already been dismantled and was rapidly deteriorating due to poor storage conditions. The NRF was persuaded to rescue the building before it decayed further. Although it is somewhat out of context, the Potter House was rebuilt at Prescott Farm during 1984 and 1985. It displays several features that are typical of Connecticut architecture, most prominent of which are its projecting gables. It came to the collection with a frame in fine condition and most of its interior and exterior woodwork intact.</p> <p></p> <p>THE ALMY-CORY HOUSE</p> <p>Almy Cory House</p> <p>Portsmouth community members approached NRF about acquiring this house after learning it was slated for demolition at its original location on East Main Road. This house is an excellent and scarce example of a rural, Federal style home built for an upper-middle class farmer. Document research indicates it was built between 1797 and 1802. The center chimney, two story, five-room plan so popular from the mid-1700s through 1820, and the largely intact interior details, made this house worth saving as an exemplar of the Federal style. The house was disassembled and moved in 2004 and has undergone restoration to be rented to a tenant steward.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/middletown-ri/report/place/prescott-farm-middletown-ri.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. 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The Farm traces its origin to the early 18th century when the"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="41.552898"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-71.290497"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Prescott Farm</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>2009 West Main Road</div> <div> <span>Middletown</span>, <span>RI</span> <span>02842</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.newportrestoration.org/visit/prescott_farm/" target="_blank">Prescott Farm</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 401-849-7300</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Prescott+Farm%2C+2009+West+Main+Road%2C+Middletown%2C+RI+02842" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>Prescott Farm offers a glimpse of early rural New England through its buildings and landscape. The Farm traces its origin to the early 18th century when the Nichols-Overing House (c. 1730) was central to the site. Doris Duke, through the Newport Restoration Foundation, purchased the 40–acre farm with the idea of preserving open space and the Nichols–Overing House, as well as creating a setting for additional historic buildings that were rescued from imminent demolition.</p> <p></p> <p>THE ROBERT SHERMAN WINDMILL (1812)</p> <p>Robert Sherman Windmill</p> <p>This impressive smock–style, four–vaned windmill was built in 1812 and used in Warren, RI in connection with a distillery. It has an unusual feature—two sets of grinding stones whose doubled capacity could be lucrative for its owner. Not surprisingly then, it was moved two more times to Portsmouth, Rhode Island by millers who acquired it, first by Robert Sherman to Quaker Hill (East Main Road), then to Lehigh Hill (West Main Road). It became idle in the early 20th century and remained so, in ever deteriorating condition, until the NRF acquired it in 1969 and moved it to Prescott Farm. The mill was restored by the NRF in 1971, with additional work done in the 1980s and a new shaft installed in 1998.</p> <p></p> <p>Zoom detail of windmill sails</p> <p>To learn more abut the history of windmills on Aquidneck Island:</p> <p></p> <p>Wind Grist Mills of Rhode Island: Interesting Relics of a Bygone Era</p> <p>A 1942 essay of reminisces by former windmill owner Benjamin Boyd.</p> <p>THE GUARD HOUSE</p> <p>This small gambrel-roofed building was attached to the back of the Nichols–Overing House in 1840, when it was moved there to replace an ell destroyed by fire. In 1971, the NRF moved it to the museum side of the property. Oral tradition has it located on the site in the 1700s and its frame is certainly 18th century. Since it is the kind of utilitarian structure that might have housed General Prescott’s guards during his occupation of the Nichols–Overing House, the second floor is furnished to tell this story. The NRF uses the first floor for a variety of educational programs.</p> <p></p> <p>HICKS HOUSE</p> <p>Hicks House now called The Country Store</p> <p>The Hicks House, circa 1715, was moved from Bristol Ferry Road, Portsmouth to its present location in 1970. It is thought to have been used, in its earliest period, by the ferrymen who operated the boat between Portsmouth and Bristol at the site of the current Mt. Hope Bridge. It is a very simple structure of two rooms and a loft space.</p> <p></p> <p>SWEET–ANTHONY HOUSE</p> <p>Sweet-Anthony House</p> <p>Originally located at 855 West Main Road, now the site of fast food restaurants and a hotel, this house was moved to Prescott Farm in 1970. This broad-gable roofed 1½ story farmhouse came with much original woodwork intact. It is a good example of simple rural architecture, complete with additions which were made in the 18th and 19th centuries. It is also valuable as an example of a middle-class farm dwelling, a nice counterpoint to the extravagance of the Nichols-Overing House.</p> <p></p> <p>THE NICHOLS–OVERING HOUSE</p> <p>Nichols-Overing House</p> <p>Architecturally the Nichols-Overing House, circa 1730, is built on what is often referred to as the ¾ house plan. Formal 18th century house builders strongly preferred a symmetrical plan with an equal number of windows on either side of the main entrance. Despite the fact that the Overing House is one of the grandest and most formal in the NRF collections, this rural house does not have the full balanced façade that would truly place it in the top rank of high-style houses of its period. It is best described as a 2nd period (1725-1750) house. The scale inside and out is akin to the Hunter House in Newport. The main features are its gambrel roof, interior chimney, high ceilings, excellent woodwork, and a comfortable stair hall. Mr. Overing’s rather grand country house is an interesting counterpoint to the more common and modest house of Mr. Sweet’s on the southern part of the property.</p> <p></p> <p>Read a fascinating paper on the entire history of this house and its owners.</p> <p>POTTER HOUSE</p> <p>Potter House</p> <p>Potter House was built in Oneco, CT in 1790. While it is a stretch to have a Connecticut house on Aquidneck Island, this building was acquired in a situation of some urgency. The house had already been dismantled and was rapidly deteriorating due to poor storage conditions. The NRF was persuaded to rescue the building before it decayed further. Although it is somewhat out of context, the Potter House was rebuilt at Prescott Farm during 1984 and 1985. It displays several features that are typical of Connecticut architecture, most prominent of which are its projecting gables. It came to the collection with a frame in fine condition and most of its interior and exterior woodwork intact.</p> <p></p> <p>THE ALMY-CORY HOUSE</p> <p>Almy Cory House</p> <p>Portsmouth community members approached NRF about acquiring this house after learning it was slated for demolition at its original location on East Main Road. This house is an excellent and scarce example of a rural, Federal style home built for an upper-middle class farmer. Document research indicates it was built between 1797 and 1802. The center chimney, two story, five-room plan so popular from the mid-1700s through 1820, and the largely intact interior details, made this house worth saving as an exemplar of the Federal style. The house was disassembled and moved in 2004 and has undergone restoration to be rented to a tenant steward.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/middletown-ri/report/place/prescott-farm-middletown-ri.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/middletown-ri/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/middletown-ri/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Middletown</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Middletown</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/prepare-to-care-tiverton-ri-11162024-200-pm-et-p4n8v85dbrg.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-PREPARE-TO-CARE">Prepare to Care</a></h2> <p class="time">Saturday, Nov 16, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Tiverton Library (Meeting Room)</p> <p class="loc">Tiverton, RI</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/a-girlfriendtogirlfriend-workshop-safety-benefits-of-new-car-tech-khn78rbpmf2.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-A-GIRLFRIENDTOGIRLFRIEND-WORKSHOP-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECH">A Girlfriend-to-Girlfriend Workshop - Safety Benefits of New Car Tech</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 12, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-new-york-new-yorks-gilded-age-wed-111324-9fnzvpkxb7x.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-EXPLORE-FOOD-IN-NEW-YORKS-GILDED-AGE-WITH-FRANCINE-SEGEN">Explore Food in New York’s Gilded Age with Francine Segen</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Nov 13, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/middletown-ri/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MIDDLETOWN-RI">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Prescott Farm</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>2009 West Main Road</div> <div> <span>Middletown</span>, <span>RI</span> <span>02842</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.newportrestoration.org/visit/prescott_farm/" target="_blank">Prescott Farm</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 401-849-7300</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Prescott+Farm%2C+2009+West+Main+Road%2C+Middletown%2C+RI+02842" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>Prescott Farm offers a glimpse of early rural New England through its buildings and landscape. The Farm traces its origin to the early 18th century when the Nichols-Overing House (c. 1730) was central to the site. Doris Duke, through the Newport Restoration Foundation, purchased the 40–acre farm with the idea of preserving open space and the Nichols–Overing House, as well as creating a setting for additional historic buildings that were rescued from imminent demolition.</p> <p></p> <p>THE ROBERT SHERMAN WINDMILL (1812)</p> <p>Robert Sherman Windmill</p> <p>This impressive smock–style, four–vaned windmill was built in 1812 and used in Warren, RI in connection with a distillery. It has an unusual feature—two sets of grinding stones whose doubled capacity could be lucrative for its owner. Not surprisingly then, it was moved two more times to Portsmouth, Rhode Island by millers who acquired it, first by Robert Sherman to Quaker Hill (East Main Road), then to Lehigh Hill (West Main Road). It became idle in the early 20th century and remained so, in ever deteriorating condition, until the NRF acquired it in 1969 and moved it to Prescott Farm. The mill was restored by the NRF in 1971, with additional work done in the 1980s and a new shaft installed in 1998.</p> <p></p> <p>Zoom detail of windmill sails</p> <p>To learn more abut the history of windmills on Aquidneck Island:</p> <p></p> <p>Wind Grist Mills of Rhode Island: Interesting Relics of a Bygone Era</p> <p>A 1942 essay of reminisces by former windmill owner Benjamin Boyd.</p> <p>THE GUARD HOUSE</p> <p>This small gambrel-roofed building was attached to the back of the Nichols–Overing House in 1840, when it was moved there to replace an ell destroyed by fire. In 1971, the NRF moved it to the museum side of the property. Oral tradition has it located on the site in the 1700s and its frame is certainly 18th century. Since it is the kind of utilitarian structure that might have housed General Prescott’s guards during his occupation of the Nichols–Overing House, the second floor is furnished to tell this story. The NRF uses the first floor for a variety of educational programs.</p> <p></p> <p>HICKS HOUSE</p> <p>Hicks House now called The Country Store</p> <p>The Hicks House, circa 1715, was moved from Bristol Ferry Road, Portsmouth to its present location in 1970. It is thought to have been used, in its earliest period, by the ferrymen who operated the boat between Portsmouth and Bristol at the site of the current Mt. Hope Bridge. It is a very simple structure of two rooms and a loft space.</p> <p></p> <p>SWEET–ANTHONY HOUSE</p> <p>Sweet-Anthony House</p> <p>Originally located at 855 West Main Road, now the site of fast food restaurants and a hotel, this house was moved to Prescott Farm in 1970. This broad-gable roofed 1½ story farmhouse came with much original woodwork intact. It is a good example of simple rural architecture, complete with additions which were made in the 18th and 19th centuries. It is also valuable as an example of a middle-class farm dwelling, a nice counterpoint to the extravagance of the Nichols-Overing House.</p> <p></p> <p>THE NICHOLS–OVERING HOUSE</p> <p>Nichols-Overing House</p> <p>Architecturally the Nichols-Overing House, circa 1730, is built on what is often referred to as the ¾ house plan. Formal 18th century house builders strongly preferred a symmetrical plan with an equal number of windows on either side of the main entrance. Despite the fact that the Overing House is one of the grandest and most formal in the NRF collections, this rural house does not have the full balanced façade that would truly place it in the top rank of high-style houses of its period. It is best described as a 2nd period (1725-1750) house. The scale inside and out is akin to the Hunter House in Newport. The main features are its gambrel roof, interior chimney, high ceilings, excellent woodwork, and a comfortable stair hall. Mr. Overing’s rather grand country house is an interesting counterpoint to the more common and modest house of Mr. Sweet’s on the southern part of the property.</p> <p></p> <p>Read a fascinating paper on the entire history of this house and its owners.</p> <p>POTTER HOUSE</p> <p>Potter House</p> <p>Potter House was built in Oneco, CT in 1790. While it is a stretch to have a Connecticut house on Aquidneck Island, this building was acquired in a situation of some urgency. The house had already been dismantled and was rapidly deteriorating due to poor storage conditions. The NRF was persuaded to rescue the building before it decayed further. Although it is somewhat out of context, the Potter House was rebuilt at Prescott Farm during 1984 and 1985. It displays several features that are typical of Connecticut architecture, most prominent of which are its projecting gables. It came to the collection with a frame in fine condition and most of its interior and exterior woodwork intact.</p> <p></p> <p>THE ALMY-CORY HOUSE</p> <p>Almy Cory House</p> <p>Portsmouth community members approached NRF about acquiring this house after learning it was slated for demolition at its original location on East Main Road. This house is an excellent and scarce example of a rural, Federal style home built for an upper-middle class farmer. Document research indicates it was built between 1797 and 1802. The center chimney, two story, five-room plan so popular from the mid-1700s through 1820, and the largely intact interior details, made this house worth saving as an exemplar of the Federal style. The house was disassembled and moved in 2004 and has undergone restoration to be rented to a tenant steward.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/middletown-ri/report/place/prescott-farm-middletown-ri.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/middletown-ri/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/middletown-ri/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Middletown</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Middletown</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/prepare-to-care-tiverton-ri-11162024-200-pm-et-p4n8v85dbrg.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-PREPARE-TO-CARE">Prepare to Care</a></h2> <p class="time">Saturday, Nov 16, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Tiverton Library (Meeting Room)</p> <p class="loc">Tiverton, RI</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/a-girlfriendtogirlfriend-workshop-safety-benefits-of-new-car-tech-khn78rbpmf2.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-A-GIRLFRIENDTOGIRLFRIEND-WORKSHOP-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECH">A Girlfriend-to-Girlfriend Workshop - Safety Benefits of New Car Tech</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 12, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-new-york-new-yorks-gilded-age-wed-111324-9fnzvpkxb7x.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-EXPLORE-FOOD-IN-NEW-YORKS-GILDED-AGE-WITH-FRANCINE-SEGEN">Explore Food in New York’s Gilded Age with Francine Segen</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Nov 13, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/middletown-ri/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MIDDLETOWN-RI">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? 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The Farm traces its origin to the early 18th century when the"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Prescott Farm"/> <meta property="og:description" content="Prescott Farm offers a glimpse of early rural New England through its buildings and landscape. The Farm traces its origin to the early 18th century when the"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="41.552898"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-71.290497"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Prescott Farm</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>2009 West Main Road</div> <div> <span>Middletown</span>, <span>RI</span> <span>02842</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.newportrestoration.org/visit/prescott_farm/" target="_blank">Prescott Farm</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 401-849-7300</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Prescott+Farm%2C+2009+West+Main+Road%2C+Middletown%2C+RI+02842" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>Prescott Farm offers a glimpse of early rural New England through its buildings and landscape. The Farm traces its origin to the early 18th century when the Nichols-Overing House (c. 1730) was central to the site. Doris Duke, through the Newport Restoration Foundation, purchased the 40–acre farm with the idea of preserving open space and the Nichols–Overing House, as well as creating a setting for additional historic buildings that were rescued from imminent demolition.</p> <p></p> <p>THE ROBERT SHERMAN WINDMILL (1812)</p> <p>Robert Sherman Windmill</p> <p>This impressive smock–style, four–vaned windmill was built in 1812 and used in Warren, RI in connection with a distillery. It has an unusual feature—two sets of grinding stones whose doubled capacity could be lucrative for its owner. Not surprisingly then, it was moved two more times to Portsmouth, Rhode Island by millers who acquired it, first by Robert Sherman to Quaker Hill (East Main Road), then to Lehigh Hill (West Main Road). It became idle in the early 20th century and remained so, in ever deteriorating condition, until the NRF acquired it in 1969 and moved it to Prescott Farm. The mill was restored by the NRF in 1971, with additional work done in the 1980s and a new shaft installed in 1998.</p> <p></p> <p>Zoom detail of windmill sails</p> <p>To learn more abut the history of windmills on Aquidneck Island:</p> <p></p> <p>Wind Grist Mills of Rhode Island: Interesting Relics of a Bygone Era</p> <p>A 1942 essay of reminisces by former windmill owner Benjamin Boyd.</p> <p>THE GUARD HOUSE</p> <p>This small gambrel-roofed building was attached to the back of the Nichols–Overing House in 1840, when it was moved there to replace an ell destroyed by fire. In 1971, the NRF moved it to the museum side of the property. Oral tradition has it located on the site in the 1700s and its frame is certainly 18th century. Since it is the kind of utilitarian structure that might have housed General Prescott’s guards during his occupation of the Nichols–Overing House, the second floor is furnished to tell this story. The NRF uses the first floor for a variety of educational programs.</p> <p></p> <p>HICKS HOUSE</p> <p>Hicks House now called The Country Store</p> <p>The Hicks House, circa 1715, was moved from Bristol Ferry Road, Portsmouth to its present location in 1970. It is thought to have been used, in its earliest period, by the ferrymen who operated the boat between Portsmouth and Bristol at the site of the current Mt. Hope Bridge. It is a very simple structure of two rooms and a loft space.</p> <p></p> <p>SWEET–ANTHONY HOUSE</p> <p>Sweet-Anthony House</p> <p>Originally located at 855 West Main Road, now the site of fast food restaurants and a hotel, this house was moved to Prescott Farm in 1970. This broad-gable roofed 1½ story farmhouse came with much original woodwork intact. It is a good example of simple rural architecture, complete with additions which were made in the 18th and 19th centuries. It is also valuable as an example of a middle-class farm dwelling, a nice counterpoint to the extravagance of the Nichols-Overing House.</p> <p></p> <p>THE NICHOLS–OVERING HOUSE</p> <p>Nichols-Overing House</p> <p>Architecturally the Nichols-Overing House, circa 1730, is built on what is often referred to as the ¾ house plan. Formal 18th century house builders strongly preferred a symmetrical plan with an equal number of windows on either side of the main entrance. Despite the fact that the Overing House is one of the grandest and most formal in the NRF collections, this rural house does not have the full balanced façade that would truly place it in the top rank of high-style houses of its period. It is best described as a 2nd period (1725-1750) house. The scale inside and out is akin to the Hunter House in Newport. The main features are its gambrel roof, interior chimney, high ceilings, excellent woodwork, and a comfortable stair hall. Mr. Overing’s rather grand country house is an interesting counterpoint to the more common and modest house of Mr. Sweet’s on the southern part of the property.</p> <p></p> <p>Read a fascinating paper on the entire history of this house and its owners.</p> <p>POTTER HOUSE</p> <p>Potter House</p> <p>Potter House was built in Oneco, CT in 1790. While it is a stretch to have a Connecticut house on Aquidneck Island, this building was acquired in a situation of some urgency. The house had already been dismantled and was rapidly deteriorating due to poor storage conditions. The NRF was persuaded to rescue the building before it decayed further. Although it is somewhat out of context, the Potter House was rebuilt at Prescott Farm during 1984 and 1985. It displays several features that are typical of Connecticut architecture, most prominent of which are its projecting gables. It came to the collection with a frame in fine condition and most of its interior and exterior woodwork intact.</p> <p></p> <p>THE ALMY-CORY HOUSE</p> <p>Almy Cory House</p> <p>Portsmouth community members approached NRF about acquiring this house after learning it was slated for demolition at its original location on East Main Road. This house is an excellent and scarce example of a rural, Federal style home built for an upper-middle class farmer. Document research indicates it was built between 1797 and 1802. The center chimney, two story, five-room plan so popular from the mid-1700s through 1820, and the largely intact interior details, made this house worth saving as an exemplar of the Federal style. The house was disassembled and moved in 2004 and has undergone restoration to be rented to a tenant steward.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/middletown-ri/report/place/prescott-farm-middletown-ri.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. 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Prescott Farm offers a glimpse of early rural New England through its buildings and landscape. The Farm traces its origin to the early 18th century when the Nichols-Overing House (c. 1730) was central to the site. Doris Duke, through the Newport Restoration Foundation, purchased the 40–acre farm with the idea of preserving open space and the Nichols–Overing House, as well as creating a setting for additional historic buildings that were rescued from imminent demolition.
THE ROBERT SHERMAN WINDMILL (1812)
Robert Sherman Windmill
This impressive smock–style, four–vaned windmill was built in 1812 and used in Warren, RI in connection with a distillery. It has an unusual feature—two sets of grinding stones whose doubled capacity could be lucrative for its owner. Not surprisingly then, it was moved two more times to Portsmouth, Rhode Island by millers who acquired it, first by Robert Sherman to Quaker Hill (East Main Road), then to Lehigh Hill (West Main Road). It became idle in the early 20th century and remained so, in ever deteriorating condition, until the NRF acquired it in 1969 and moved it to Prescott Farm. The mill was restored by the NRF in 1971, with additional work done in the 1980s and a new shaft installed in 1998.
Zoom detail of windmill sails
To learn more abut the history of windmills on Aquidneck Island:
Wind Grist Mills of Rhode Island: Interesting Relics of a Bygone Era
A 1942 essay of reminisces by former windmill owner Benjamin Boyd.
THE GUARD HOUSE
This small gambrel-roofed building was attached to the back of the Nichols–Overing House in 1840, when it was moved there to replace an ell destroyed by fire. In 1971, the NRF moved it to the museum side of the property. Oral tradition has it located on the site in the 1700s and its frame is certainly 18th century. Since it is the kind of utilitarian structure that might have housed General Prescott’s guards during his occupation of the Nichols–Overing House, the second floor is furnished to tell this story. The NRF uses the first floor for a variety of educational programs.
HICKS HOUSE
Hicks House now called The Country Store
The Hicks House, circa 1715, was moved from Bristol Ferry Road, Portsmouth to its present location in 1970. It is thought to have been used, in its earliest period, by the ferrymen who operated the boat between Portsmouth and Bristol at the site of the current Mt. Hope Bridge. It is a very simple structure of two rooms and a loft space.
SWEET–ANTHONY HOUSE
Sweet-Anthony House
Originally located at 855 West Main Road, now the site of fast food restaurants and a hotel, this house was moved to Prescott Farm in 1970. This broad-gable roofed 1½ story farmhouse came with much original woodwork intact. It is a good example of simple rural architecture, complete with additions which were made in the 18th and 19th centuries. It is also valuable as an example of a middle-class farm dwelling, a nice counterpoint to the extravagance of the Nichols-Overing House.
THE NICHOLS–OVERING HOUSE
Nichols-Overing House
Architecturally the Nichols-Overing House, circa 1730, is built on what is often referred to as the ¾ house plan. Formal 18th century house builders strongly preferred a symmetrical plan with an equal number of windows on either side of the main entrance. Despite the fact that the Overing House is one of the grandest and most formal in the NRF collections, this rural house does not have the full balanced façade that would truly place it in the top rank of high-style houses of its period. It is best described as a 2nd period (1725-1750) house. The scale inside and out is akin to the Hunter House in Newport. The main features are its gambrel roof, interior chimney, high ceilings, excellent woodwork, and a comfortable stair hall. Mr. Overing’s rather grand country house is an interesting counterpoint to the more common and modest house of Mr. Sweet’s on the southern part of the property.
Read a fascinating paper on the entire history of this house and its owners.
POTTER HOUSE
Potter House
Potter House was built in Oneco, CT in 1790. While it is a stretch to have a Connecticut house on Aquidneck Island, this building was acquired in a situation of some urgency. The house had already been dismantled and was rapidly deteriorating due to poor storage conditions. The NRF was persuaded to rescue the building before it decayed further. Although it is somewhat out of context, the Potter House was rebuilt at Prescott Farm during 1984 and 1985. It displays several features that are typical of Connecticut architecture, most prominent of which are its projecting gables. It came to the collection with a frame in fine condition and most of its interior and exterior woodwork intact.
THE ALMY-CORY HOUSE
Almy Cory House
Portsmouth community members approached NRF about acquiring this house after learning it was slated for demolition at its original location on East Main Road. This house is an excellent and scarce example of a rural, Federal style home built for an upper-middle class farmer. Document research indicates it was built between 1797 and 1802. The center chimney, two story, five-room plan so popular from the mid-1700s through 1820, and the largely intact interior details, made this house worth saving as an exemplar of the Federal style. The house was disassembled and moved in 2004 and has undergone restoration to be rented to a tenant steward.
Saturday, Nov 16, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. ET
Tiverton Library (Meeting Room)
Tiverton, RI
Tuesday, Nov 12, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET
Online Event
Wednesday, Nov 13, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET
Zoom
Online Event
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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Prescott Farm</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>2009 West Main Road</div> <div> <span>Middletown</span>, <span>RI</span> <span>02842</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.newportrestoration.org/visit/prescott_farm/" target="_blank">Prescott Farm</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 401-849-7300</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Prescott+Farm%2C+2009+West+Main+Road%2C+Middletown%2C+RI+02842" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>Prescott Farm offers a glimpse of early rural New England through its buildings and landscape. The Farm traces its origin to the early 18th century when the Nichols-Overing House (c. 1730) was central to the site. Doris Duke, through the Newport Restoration Foundation, purchased the 40–acre farm with the idea of preserving open space and the Nichols–Overing House, as well as creating a setting for additional historic buildings that were rescued from imminent demolition.</p> <p></p> <p>THE ROBERT SHERMAN WINDMILL (1812)</p> <p>Robert Sherman Windmill</p> <p>This impressive smock–style, four–vaned windmill was built in 1812 and used in Warren, RI in connection with a distillery. It has an unusual feature—two sets of grinding stones whose doubled capacity could be lucrative for its owner. Not surprisingly then, it was moved two more times to Portsmouth, Rhode Island by millers who acquired it, first by Robert Sherman to Quaker Hill (East Main Road), then to Lehigh Hill (West Main Road). It became idle in the early 20th century and remained so, in ever deteriorating condition, until the NRF acquired it in 1969 and moved it to Prescott Farm. The mill was restored by the NRF in 1971, with additional work done in the 1980s and a new shaft installed in 1998.</p> <p></p> <p>Zoom detail of windmill sails</p> <p>To learn more abut the history of windmills on Aquidneck Island:</p> <p></p> <p>Wind Grist Mills of Rhode Island: Interesting Relics of a Bygone Era</p> <p>A 1942 essay of reminisces by former windmill owner Benjamin Boyd.</p> <p>THE GUARD HOUSE</p> <p>This small gambrel-roofed building was attached to the back of the Nichols–Overing House in 1840, when it was moved there to replace an ell destroyed by fire. In 1971, the NRF moved it to the museum side of the property. Oral tradition has it located on the site in the 1700s and its frame is certainly 18th century. Since it is the kind of utilitarian structure that might have housed General Prescott’s guards during his occupation of the Nichols–Overing House, the second floor is furnished to tell this story. The NRF uses the first floor for a variety of educational programs.</p> <p></p> <p>HICKS HOUSE</p> <p>Hicks House now called The Country Store</p> <p>The Hicks House, circa 1715, was moved from Bristol Ferry Road, Portsmouth to its present location in 1970. It is thought to have been used, in its earliest period, by the ferrymen who operated the boat between Portsmouth and Bristol at the site of the current Mt. Hope Bridge. It is a very simple structure of two rooms and a loft space.</p> <p></p> <p>SWEET–ANTHONY HOUSE</p> <p>Sweet-Anthony House</p> <p>Originally located at 855 West Main Road, now the site of fast food restaurants and a hotel, this house was moved to Prescott Farm in 1970. This broad-gable roofed 1½ story farmhouse came with much original woodwork intact. It is a good example of simple rural architecture, complete with additions which were made in the 18th and 19th centuries. It is also valuable as an example of a middle-class farm dwelling, a nice counterpoint to the extravagance of the Nichols-Overing House.</p> <p></p> <p>THE NICHOLS–OVERING HOUSE</p> <p>Nichols-Overing House</p> <p>Architecturally the Nichols-Overing House, circa 1730, is built on what is often referred to as the ¾ house plan. Formal 18th century house builders strongly preferred a symmetrical plan with an equal number of windows on either side of the main entrance. Despite the fact that the Overing House is one of the grandest and most formal in the NRF collections, this rural house does not have the full balanced façade that would truly place it in the top rank of high-style houses of its period. It is best described as a 2nd period (1725-1750) house. The scale inside and out is akin to the Hunter House in Newport. The main features are its gambrel roof, interior chimney, high ceilings, excellent woodwork, and a comfortable stair hall. Mr. Overing’s rather grand country house is an interesting counterpoint to the more common and modest house of Mr. Sweet’s on the southern part of the property.</p> <p></p> <p>Read a fascinating paper on the entire history of this house and its owners.</p> <p>POTTER HOUSE</p> <p>Potter House</p> <p>Potter House was built in Oneco, CT in 1790. While it is a stretch to have a Connecticut house on Aquidneck Island, this building was acquired in a situation of some urgency. The house had already been dismantled and was rapidly deteriorating due to poor storage conditions. The NRF was persuaded to rescue the building before it decayed further. Although it is somewhat out of context, the Potter House was rebuilt at Prescott Farm during 1984 and 1985. It displays several features that are typical of Connecticut architecture, most prominent of which are its projecting gables. It came to the collection with a frame in fine condition and most of its interior and exterior woodwork intact.</p> <p></p> <p>THE ALMY-CORY HOUSE</p> <p>Almy Cory House</p> <p>Portsmouth community members approached NRF about acquiring this house after learning it was slated for demolition at its original location on East Main Road. This house is an excellent and scarce example of a rural, Federal style home built for an upper-middle class farmer. Document research indicates it was built between 1797 and 1802. The center chimney, two story, five-room plan so popular from the mid-1700s through 1820, and the largely intact interior details, made this house worth saving as an exemplar of the Federal style. The house was disassembled and moved in 2004 and has undergone restoration to be rented to a tenant steward.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/middletown-ri/report/place/prescott-farm-middletown-ri.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. 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The Farm traces its origin to the early 18th century when the"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="41.552898"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-71.290497"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Prescott Farm</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>2009 West Main Road</div> <div> <span>Middletown</span>, <span>RI</span> <span>02842</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.newportrestoration.org/visit/prescott_farm/" target="_blank">Prescott Farm</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 401-849-7300</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Prescott+Farm%2C+2009+West+Main+Road%2C+Middletown%2C+RI+02842" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>Prescott Farm offers a glimpse of early rural New England through its buildings and landscape. The Farm traces its origin to the early 18th century when the Nichols-Overing House (c. 1730) was central to the site. Doris Duke, through the Newport Restoration Foundation, purchased the 40–acre farm with the idea of preserving open space and the Nichols–Overing House, as well as creating a setting for additional historic buildings that were rescued from imminent demolition.</p> <p></p> <p>THE ROBERT SHERMAN WINDMILL (1812)</p> <p>Robert Sherman Windmill</p> <p>This impressive smock–style, four–vaned windmill was built in 1812 and used in Warren, RI in connection with a distillery. It has an unusual feature—two sets of grinding stones whose doubled capacity could be lucrative for its owner. Not surprisingly then, it was moved two more times to Portsmouth, Rhode Island by millers who acquired it, first by Robert Sherman to Quaker Hill (East Main Road), then to Lehigh Hill (West Main Road). It became idle in the early 20th century and remained so, in ever deteriorating condition, until the NRF acquired it in 1969 and moved it to Prescott Farm. The mill was restored by the NRF in 1971, with additional work done in the 1980s and a new shaft installed in 1998.</p> <p></p> <p>Zoom detail of windmill sails</p> <p>To learn more abut the history of windmills on Aquidneck Island:</p> <p></p> <p>Wind Grist Mills of Rhode Island: Interesting Relics of a Bygone Era</p> <p>A 1942 essay of reminisces by former windmill owner Benjamin Boyd.</p> <p>THE GUARD HOUSE</p> <p>This small gambrel-roofed building was attached to the back of the Nichols–Overing House in 1840, when it was moved there to replace an ell destroyed by fire. In 1971, the NRF moved it to the museum side of the property. Oral tradition has it located on the site in the 1700s and its frame is certainly 18th century. Since it is the kind of utilitarian structure that might have housed General Prescott’s guards during his occupation of the Nichols–Overing House, the second floor is furnished to tell this story. The NRF uses the first floor for a variety of educational programs.</p> <p></p> <p>HICKS HOUSE</p> <p>Hicks House now called The Country Store</p> <p>The Hicks House, circa 1715, was moved from Bristol Ferry Road, Portsmouth to its present location in 1970. It is thought to have been used, in its earliest period, by the ferrymen who operated the boat between Portsmouth and Bristol at the site of the current Mt. Hope Bridge. It is a very simple structure of two rooms and a loft space.</p> <p></p> <p>SWEET–ANTHONY HOUSE</p> <p>Sweet-Anthony House</p> <p>Originally located at 855 West Main Road, now the site of fast food restaurants and a hotel, this house was moved to Prescott Farm in 1970. This broad-gable roofed 1½ story farmhouse came with much original woodwork intact. It is a good example of simple rural architecture, complete with additions which were made in the 18th and 19th centuries. It is also valuable as an example of a middle-class farm dwelling, a nice counterpoint to the extravagance of the Nichols-Overing House.</p> <p></p> <p>THE NICHOLS–OVERING HOUSE</p> <p>Nichols-Overing House</p> <p>Architecturally the Nichols-Overing House, circa 1730, is built on what is often referred to as the ¾ house plan. Formal 18th century house builders strongly preferred a symmetrical plan with an equal number of windows on either side of the main entrance. Despite the fact that the Overing House is one of the grandest and most formal in the NRF collections, this rural house does not have the full balanced façade that would truly place it in the top rank of high-style houses of its period. It is best described as a 2nd period (1725-1750) house. The scale inside and out is akin to the Hunter House in Newport. The main features are its gambrel roof, interior chimney, high ceilings, excellent woodwork, and a comfortable stair hall. Mr. Overing’s rather grand country house is an interesting counterpoint to the more common and modest house of Mr. Sweet’s on the southern part of the property.</p> <p></p> <p>Read a fascinating paper on the entire history of this house and its owners.</p> <p>POTTER HOUSE</p> <p>Potter House</p> <p>Potter House was built in Oneco, CT in 1790. While it is a stretch to have a Connecticut house on Aquidneck Island, this building was acquired in a situation of some urgency. The house had already been dismantled and was rapidly deteriorating due to poor storage conditions. The NRF was persuaded to rescue the building before it decayed further. Although it is somewhat out of context, the Potter House was rebuilt at Prescott Farm during 1984 and 1985. It displays several features that are typical of Connecticut architecture, most prominent of which are its projecting gables. It came to the collection with a frame in fine condition and most of its interior and exterior woodwork intact.</p> <p></p> <p>THE ALMY-CORY HOUSE</p> <p>Almy Cory House</p> <p>Portsmouth community members approached NRF about acquiring this house after learning it was slated for demolition at its original location on East Main Road. This house is an excellent and scarce example of a rural, Federal style home built for an upper-middle class farmer. Document research indicates it was built between 1797 and 1802. The center chimney, two story, five-room plan so popular from the mid-1700s through 1820, and the largely intact interior details, made this house worth saving as an exemplar of the Federal style. The house was disassembled and moved in 2004 and has undergone restoration to be rented to a tenant steward.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/middletown-ri/report/place/prescott-farm-middletown-ri.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Prescott Farm</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>2009 West Main Road</div> <div> <span>Middletown</span>, <span>RI</span> <span>02842</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.newportrestoration.org/visit/prescott_farm/" target="_blank">Prescott Farm</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 401-849-7300</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Prescott+Farm%2C+2009+West+Main+Road%2C+Middletown%2C+RI+02842" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>Prescott Farm offers a glimpse of early rural New England through its buildings and landscape. The Farm traces its origin to the early 18th century when the Nichols-Overing House (c. 1730) was central to the site. Doris Duke, through the Newport Restoration Foundation, purchased the 40–acre farm with the idea of preserving open space and the Nichols–Overing House, as well as creating a setting for additional historic buildings that were rescued from imminent demolition.</p> <p></p> <p>THE ROBERT SHERMAN WINDMILL (1812)</p> <p>Robert Sherman Windmill</p> <p>This impressive smock–style, four–vaned windmill was built in 1812 and used in Warren, RI in connection with a distillery. It has an unusual feature—two sets of grinding stones whose doubled capacity could be lucrative for its owner. Not surprisingly then, it was moved two more times to Portsmouth, Rhode Island by millers who acquired it, first by Robert Sherman to Quaker Hill (East Main Road), then to Lehigh Hill (West Main Road). It became idle in the early 20th century and remained so, in ever deteriorating condition, until the NRF acquired it in 1969 and moved it to Prescott Farm. The mill was restored by the NRF in 1971, with additional work done in the 1980s and a new shaft installed in 1998.</p> <p></p> <p>Zoom detail of windmill sails</p> <p>To learn more abut the history of windmills on Aquidneck Island:</p> <p></p> <p>Wind Grist Mills of Rhode Island: Interesting Relics of a Bygone Era</p> <p>A 1942 essay of reminisces by former windmill owner Benjamin Boyd.</p> <p>THE GUARD HOUSE</p> <p>This small gambrel-roofed building was attached to the back of the Nichols–Overing House in 1840, when it was moved there to replace an ell destroyed by fire. In 1971, the NRF moved it to the museum side of the property. Oral tradition has it located on the site in the 1700s and its frame is certainly 18th century. Since it is the kind of utilitarian structure that might have housed General Prescott’s guards during his occupation of the Nichols–Overing House, the second floor is furnished to tell this story. The NRF uses the first floor for a variety of educational programs.</p> <p></p> <p>HICKS HOUSE</p> <p>Hicks House now called The Country Store</p> <p>The Hicks House, circa 1715, was moved from Bristol Ferry Road, Portsmouth to its present location in 1970. It is thought to have been used, in its earliest period, by the ferrymen who operated the boat between Portsmouth and Bristol at the site of the current Mt. Hope Bridge. It is a very simple structure of two rooms and a loft space.</p> <p></p> <p>SWEET–ANTHONY HOUSE</p> <p>Sweet-Anthony House</p> <p>Originally located at 855 West Main Road, now the site of fast food restaurants and a hotel, this house was moved to Prescott Farm in 1970. This broad-gable roofed 1½ story farmhouse came with much original woodwork intact. It is a good example of simple rural architecture, complete with additions which were made in the 18th and 19th centuries. It is also valuable as an example of a middle-class farm dwelling, a nice counterpoint to the extravagance of the Nichols-Overing House.</p> <p></p> <p>THE NICHOLS–OVERING HOUSE</p> <p>Nichols-Overing House</p> <p>Architecturally the Nichols-Overing House, circa 1730, is built on what is often referred to as the ¾ house plan. Formal 18th century house builders strongly preferred a symmetrical plan with an equal number of windows on either side of the main entrance. Despite the fact that the Overing House is one of the grandest and most formal in the NRF collections, this rural house does not have the full balanced façade that would truly place it in the top rank of high-style houses of its period. It is best described as a 2nd period (1725-1750) house. The scale inside and out is akin to the Hunter House in Newport. The main features are its gambrel roof, interior chimney, high ceilings, excellent woodwork, and a comfortable stair hall. Mr. Overing’s rather grand country house is an interesting counterpoint to the more common and modest house of Mr. Sweet’s on the southern part of the property.</p> <p></p> <p>Read a fascinating paper on the entire history of this house and its owners.</p> <p>POTTER HOUSE</p> <p>Potter House</p> <p>Potter House was built in Oneco, CT in 1790. While it is a stretch to have a Connecticut house on Aquidneck Island, this building was acquired in a situation of some urgency. The house had already been dismantled and was rapidly deteriorating due to poor storage conditions. The NRF was persuaded to rescue the building before it decayed further. Although it is somewhat out of context, the Potter House was rebuilt at Prescott Farm during 1984 and 1985. It displays several features that are typical of Connecticut architecture, most prominent of which are its projecting gables. It came to the collection with a frame in fine condition and most of its interior and exterior woodwork intact.</p> <p></p> <p>THE ALMY-CORY HOUSE</p> <p>Almy Cory House</p> <p>Portsmouth community members approached NRF about acquiring this house after learning it was slated for demolition at its original location on East Main Road. This house is an excellent and scarce example of a rural, Federal style home built for an upper-middle class farmer. Document research indicates it was built between 1797 and 1802. The center chimney, two story, five-room plan so popular from the mid-1700s through 1820, and the largely intact interior details, made this house worth saving as an exemplar of the Federal style. The house was disassembled and moved in 2004 and has undergone restoration to be rented to a tenant steward.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/middletown-ri/report/place/prescott-farm-middletown-ri.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. 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The Farm traces its origin to the early 18th century when the" name="description"/> <meta content="Prescott, Farm, Middletown, RI" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/prescott-farm-middletown-ri.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/prescott-farm-middletown-ri.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Prescott Farm"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Prescott Farm offers a glimpse of early rural New England through its buildings and landscape. The Farm traces its origin to the early 18th century when the"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Prescott Farm"/> <meta property="og:description" content="Prescott Farm offers a glimpse of early rural New England through its buildings and landscape. The Farm traces its origin to the early 18th century when the"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="41.552898"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-71.290497"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Prescott Farm</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>2009 West Main Road</div> <div> <span>Middletown</span>, <span>RI</span> <span>02842</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.newportrestoration.org/visit/prescott_farm/" target="_blank">Prescott Farm</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 401-849-7300</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Prescott+Farm%2C+2009+West+Main+Road%2C+Middletown%2C+RI+02842" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>Prescott Farm offers a glimpse of early rural New England through its buildings and landscape. The Farm traces its origin to the early 18th century when the Nichols-Overing House (c. 1730) was central to the site. Doris Duke, through the Newport Restoration Foundation, purchased the 40–acre farm with the idea of preserving open space and the Nichols–Overing House, as well as creating a setting for additional historic buildings that were rescued from imminent demolition.</p> <p></p> <p>THE ROBERT SHERMAN WINDMILL (1812)</p> <p>Robert Sherman Windmill</p> <p>This impressive smock–style, four–vaned windmill was built in 1812 and used in Warren, RI in connection with a distillery. It has an unusual feature—two sets of grinding stones whose doubled capacity could be lucrative for its owner. Not surprisingly then, it was moved two more times to Portsmouth, Rhode Island by millers who acquired it, first by Robert Sherman to Quaker Hill (East Main Road), then to Lehigh Hill (West Main Road). It became idle in the early 20th century and remained so, in ever deteriorating condition, until the NRF acquired it in 1969 and moved it to Prescott Farm. The mill was restored by the NRF in 1971, with additional work done in the 1980s and a new shaft installed in 1998.</p> <p></p> <p>Zoom detail of windmill sails</p> <p>To learn more abut the history of windmills on Aquidneck Island:</p> <p></p> <p>Wind Grist Mills of Rhode Island: Interesting Relics of a Bygone Era</p> <p>A 1942 essay of reminisces by former windmill owner Benjamin Boyd.</p> <p>THE GUARD HOUSE</p> <p>This small gambrel-roofed building was attached to the back of the Nichols–Overing House in 1840, when it was moved there to replace an ell destroyed by fire. In 1971, the NRF moved it to the museum side of the property. Oral tradition has it located on the site in the 1700s and its frame is certainly 18th century. Since it is the kind of utilitarian structure that might have housed General Prescott’s guards during his occupation of the Nichols–Overing House, the second floor is furnished to tell this story. The NRF uses the first floor for a variety of educational programs.</p> <p></p> <p>HICKS HOUSE</p> <p>Hicks House now called The Country Store</p> <p>The Hicks House, circa 1715, was moved from Bristol Ferry Road, Portsmouth to its present location in 1970. It is thought to have been used, in its earliest period, by the ferrymen who operated the boat between Portsmouth and Bristol at the site of the current Mt. Hope Bridge. It is a very simple structure of two rooms and a loft space.</p> <p></p> <p>SWEET–ANTHONY HOUSE</p> <p>Sweet-Anthony House</p> <p>Originally located at 855 West Main Road, now the site of fast food restaurants and a hotel, this house was moved to Prescott Farm in 1970. This broad-gable roofed 1½ story farmhouse came with much original woodwork intact. It is a good example of simple rural architecture, complete with additions which were made in the 18th and 19th centuries. It is also valuable as an example of a middle-class farm dwelling, a nice counterpoint to the extravagance of the Nichols-Overing House.</p> <p></p> <p>THE NICHOLS–OVERING HOUSE</p> <p>Nichols-Overing House</p> <p>Architecturally the Nichols-Overing House, circa 1730, is built on what is often referred to as the ¾ house plan. Formal 18th century house builders strongly preferred a symmetrical plan with an equal number of windows on either side of the main entrance. Despite the fact that the Overing House is one of the grandest and most formal in the NRF collections, this rural house does not have the full balanced façade that would truly place it in the top rank of high-style houses of its period. It is best described as a 2nd period (1725-1750) house. The scale inside and out is akin to the Hunter House in Newport. The main features are its gambrel roof, interior chimney, high ceilings, excellent woodwork, and a comfortable stair hall. Mr. Overing’s rather grand country house is an interesting counterpoint to the more common and modest house of Mr. Sweet’s on the southern part of the property.</p> <p></p> <p>Read a fascinating paper on the entire history of this house and its owners.</p> <p>POTTER HOUSE</p> <p>Potter House</p> <p>Potter House was built in Oneco, CT in 1790. While it is a stretch to have a Connecticut house on Aquidneck Island, this building was acquired in a situation of some urgency. The house had already been dismantled and was rapidly deteriorating due to poor storage conditions. The NRF was persuaded to rescue the building before it decayed further. Although it is somewhat out of context, the Potter House was rebuilt at Prescott Farm during 1984 and 1985. It displays several features that are typical of Connecticut architecture, most prominent of which are its projecting gables. It came to the collection with a frame in fine condition and most of its interior and exterior woodwork intact.</p> <p></p> <p>THE ALMY-CORY HOUSE</p> <p>Almy Cory House</p> <p>Portsmouth community members approached NRF about acquiring this house after learning it was slated for demolition at its original location on East Main Road. This house is an excellent and scarce example of a rural, Federal style home built for an upper-middle class farmer. Document research indicates it was built between 1797 and 1802. The center chimney, two story, five-room plan so popular from the mid-1700s through 1820, and the largely intact interior details, made this house worth saving as an exemplar of the Federal style. The house was disassembled and moved in 2004 and has undergone restoration to be rented to a tenant steward.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/middletown-ri/report/place/prescott-farm-middletown-ri.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/middletown-ri/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/middletown-ri/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Middletown</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Middletown</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/prepare-to-care-tiverton-ri-11162024-200-pm-et-p4n8v85dbrg.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-PREPARE-TO-CARE">Prepare to Care</a></h2> <p class="time">Saturday, Nov 16, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Tiverton Library (Meeting Room)</p> <p class="loc">Tiverton, RI</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/a-girlfriendtogirlfriend-workshop-safety-benefits-of-new-car-tech-khn78rbpmf2.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-A-GIRLFRIENDTOGIRLFRIEND-WORKSHOP-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECH">A Girlfriend-to-Girlfriend Workshop - Safety Benefits of New Car Tech</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 12, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-new-york-new-yorks-gilded-age-wed-111324-9fnzvpkxb7x.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-EXPLORE-FOOD-IN-NEW-YORKS-GILDED-AGE-WITH-FRANCINE-SEGEN">Explore Food in New York’s Gilded Age with Francine Segen</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Nov 13, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/middletown-ri/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MIDDLETOWN-RI">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Prescott Farm</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>2009 West Main Road</div> <div> <span>Middletown</span>, <span>RI</span> <span>02842</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.newportrestoration.org/visit/prescott_farm/" target="_blank">Prescott Farm</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 401-849-7300</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Prescott+Farm%2C+2009+West+Main+Road%2C+Middletown%2C+RI+02842" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>Prescott Farm offers a glimpse of early rural New England through its buildings and landscape. The Farm traces its origin to the early 18th century when the Nichols-Overing House (c. 1730) was central to the site. Doris Duke, through the Newport Restoration Foundation, purchased the 40–acre farm with the idea of preserving open space and the Nichols–Overing House, as well as creating a setting for additional historic buildings that were rescued from imminent demolition.</p> <p></p> <p>THE ROBERT SHERMAN WINDMILL (1812)</p> <p>Robert Sherman Windmill</p> <p>This impressive smock–style, four–vaned windmill was built in 1812 and used in Warren, RI in connection with a distillery. It has an unusual feature—two sets of grinding stones whose doubled capacity could be lucrative for its owner. Not surprisingly then, it was moved two more times to Portsmouth, Rhode Island by millers who acquired it, first by Robert Sherman to Quaker Hill (East Main Road), then to Lehigh Hill (West Main Road). It became idle in the early 20th century and remained so, in ever deteriorating condition, until the NRF acquired it in 1969 and moved it to Prescott Farm. The mill was restored by the NRF in 1971, with additional work done in the 1980s and a new shaft installed in 1998.</p> <p></p> <p>Zoom detail of windmill sails</p> <p>To learn more abut the history of windmills on Aquidneck Island:</p> <p></p> <p>Wind Grist Mills of Rhode Island: Interesting Relics of a Bygone Era</p> <p>A 1942 essay of reminisces by former windmill owner Benjamin Boyd.</p> <p>THE GUARD HOUSE</p> <p>This small gambrel-roofed building was attached to the back of the Nichols–Overing House in 1840, when it was moved there to replace an ell destroyed by fire. In 1971, the NRF moved it to the museum side of the property. Oral tradition has it located on the site in the 1700s and its frame is certainly 18th century. Since it is the kind of utilitarian structure that might have housed General Prescott’s guards during his occupation of the Nichols–Overing House, the second floor is furnished to tell this story. The NRF uses the first floor for a variety of educational programs.</p> <p></p> <p>HICKS HOUSE</p> <p>Hicks House now called The Country Store</p> <p>The Hicks House, circa 1715, was moved from Bristol Ferry Road, Portsmouth to its present location in 1970. It is thought to have been used, in its earliest period, by the ferrymen who operated the boat between Portsmouth and Bristol at the site of the current Mt. Hope Bridge. It is a very simple structure of two rooms and a loft space.</p> <p></p> <p>SWEET–ANTHONY HOUSE</p> <p>Sweet-Anthony House</p> <p>Originally located at 855 West Main Road, now the site of fast food restaurants and a hotel, this house was moved to Prescott Farm in 1970. This broad-gable roofed 1½ story farmhouse came with much original woodwork intact. It is a good example of simple rural architecture, complete with additions which were made in the 18th and 19th centuries. It is also valuable as an example of a middle-class farm dwelling, a nice counterpoint to the extravagance of the Nichols-Overing House.</p> <p></p> <p>THE NICHOLS–OVERING HOUSE</p> <p>Nichols-Overing House</p> <p>Architecturally the Nichols-Overing House, circa 1730, is built on what is often referred to as the ¾ house plan. Formal 18th century house builders strongly preferred a symmetrical plan with an equal number of windows on either side of the main entrance. Despite the fact that the Overing House is one of the grandest and most formal in the NRF collections, this rural house does not have the full balanced façade that would truly place it in the top rank of high-style houses of its period. It is best described as a 2nd period (1725-1750) house. The scale inside and out is akin to the Hunter House in Newport. The main features are its gambrel roof, interior chimney, high ceilings, excellent woodwork, and a comfortable stair hall. Mr. Overing’s rather grand country house is an interesting counterpoint to the more common and modest house of Mr. Sweet’s on the southern part of the property.</p> <p></p> <p>Read a fascinating paper on the entire history of this house and its owners.</p> <p>POTTER HOUSE</p> <p>Potter House</p> <p>Potter House was built in Oneco, CT in 1790. While it is a stretch to have a Connecticut house on Aquidneck Island, this building was acquired in a situation of some urgency. The house had already been dismantled and was rapidly deteriorating due to poor storage conditions. The NRF was persuaded to rescue the building before it decayed further. Although it is somewhat out of context, the Potter House was rebuilt at Prescott Farm during 1984 and 1985. It displays several features that are typical of Connecticut architecture, most prominent of which are its projecting gables. It came to the collection with a frame in fine condition and most of its interior and exterior woodwork intact.</p> <p></p> <p>THE ALMY-CORY HOUSE</p> <p>Almy Cory House</p> <p>Portsmouth community members approached NRF about acquiring this house after learning it was slated for demolition at its original location on East Main Road. This house is an excellent and scarce example of a rural, Federal style home built for an upper-middle class farmer. Document research indicates it was built between 1797 and 1802. The center chimney, two story, five-room plan so popular from the mid-1700s through 1820, and the largely intact interior details, made this house worth saving as an exemplar of the Federal style. The house was disassembled and moved in 2004 and has undergone restoration to be rented to a tenant steward.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/middletown-ri/report/place/prescott-farm-middletown-ri.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. 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The Farm traces its origin to the early 18th century when the" name="description"/> <meta content="Prescott, Farm, Middletown, RI" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/prescott-farm-middletown-ri.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/prescott-farm-middletown-ri.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Prescott Farm"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Prescott Farm offers a glimpse of early rural New England through its buildings and landscape. The Farm traces its origin to the early 18th century when the"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Prescott Farm"/> <meta property="og:description" content="Prescott Farm offers a glimpse of early rural New England through its buildings and landscape. The Farm traces its origin to the early 18th century when the"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="41.552898"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-71.290497"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Prescott Farm</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>2009 West Main Road</div> <div> <span>Middletown</span>, <span>RI</span> <span>02842</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.newportrestoration.org/visit/prescott_farm/" target="_blank">Prescott Farm</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 401-849-7300</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Prescott+Farm%2C+2009+West+Main+Road%2C+Middletown%2C+RI+02842" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>Prescott Farm offers a glimpse of early rural New England through its buildings and landscape. The Farm traces its origin to the early 18th century when the Nichols-Overing House (c. 1730) was central to the site. Doris Duke, through the Newport Restoration Foundation, purchased the 40–acre farm with the idea of preserving open space and the Nichols–Overing House, as well as creating a setting for additional historic buildings that were rescued from imminent demolition.</p> <p></p> <p>THE ROBERT SHERMAN WINDMILL (1812)</p> <p>Robert Sherman Windmill</p> <p>This impressive smock–style, four–vaned windmill was built in 1812 and used in Warren, RI in connection with a distillery. It has an unusual feature—two sets of grinding stones whose doubled capacity could be lucrative for its owner. Not surprisingly then, it was moved two more times to Portsmouth, Rhode Island by millers who acquired it, first by Robert Sherman to Quaker Hill (East Main Road), then to Lehigh Hill (West Main Road). It became idle in the early 20th century and remained so, in ever deteriorating condition, until the NRF acquired it in 1969 and moved it to Prescott Farm. The mill was restored by the NRF in 1971, with additional work done in the 1980s and a new shaft installed in 1998.</p> <p></p> <p>Zoom detail of windmill sails</p> <p>To learn more abut the history of windmills on Aquidneck Island:</p> <p></p> <p>Wind Grist Mills of Rhode Island: Interesting Relics of a Bygone Era</p> <p>A 1942 essay of reminisces by former windmill owner Benjamin Boyd.</p> <p>THE GUARD HOUSE</p> <p>This small gambrel-roofed building was attached to the back of the Nichols–Overing House in 1840, when it was moved there to replace an ell destroyed by fire. In 1971, the NRF moved it to the museum side of the property. Oral tradition has it located on the site in the 1700s and its frame is certainly 18th century. Since it is the kind of utilitarian structure that might have housed General Prescott’s guards during his occupation of the Nichols–Overing House, the second floor is furnished to tell this story. The NRF uses the first floor for a variety of educational programs.</p> <p></p> <p>HICKS HOUSE</p> <p>Hicks House now called The Country Store</p> <p>The Hicks House, circa 1715, was moved from Bristol Ferry Road, Portsmouth to its present location in 1970. It is thought to have been used, in its earliest period, by the ferrymen who operated the boat between Portsmouth and Bristol at the site of the current Mt. Hope Bridge. It is a very simple structure of two rooms and a loft space.</p> <p></p> <p>SWEET–ANTHONY HOUSE</p> <p>Sweet-Anthony House</p> <p>Originally located at 855 West Main Road, now the site of fast food restaurants and a hotel, this house was moved to Prescott Farm in 1970. This broad-gable roofed 1½ story farmhouse came with much original woodwork intact. It is a good example of simple rural architecture, complete with additions which were made in the 18th and 19th centuries. It is also valuable as an example of a middle-class farm dwelling, a nice counterpoint to the extravagance of the Nichols-Overing House.</p> <p></p> <p>THE NICHOLS–OVERING HOUSE</p> <p>Nichols-Overing House</p> <p>Architecturally the Nichols-Overing House, circa 1730, is built on what is often referred to as the ¾ house plan. Formal 18th century house builders strongly preferred a symmetrical plan with an equal number of windows on either side of the main entrance. Despite the fact that the Overing House is one of the grandest and most formal in the NRF collections, this rural house does not have the full balanced façade that would truly place it in the top rank of high-style houses of its period. It is best described as a 2nd period (1725-1750) house. The scale inside and out is akin to the Hunter House in Newport. The main features are its gambrel roof, interior chimney, high ceilings, excellent woodwork, and a comfortable stair hall. Mr. Overing’s rather grand country house is an interesting counterpoint to the more common and modest house of Mr. Sweet’s on the southern part of the property.</p> <p></p> <p>Read a fascinating paper on the entire history of this house and its owners.</p> <p>POTTER HOUSE</p> <p>Potter House</p> <p>Potter House was built in Oneco, CT in 1790. While it is a stretch to have a Connecticut house on Aquidneck Island, this building was acquired in a situation of some urgency. The house had already been dismantled and was rapidly deteriorating due to poor storage conditions. The NRF was persuaded to rescue the building before it decayed further. Although it is somewhat out of context, the Potter House was rebuilt at Prescott Farm during 1984 and 1985. It displays several features that are typical of Connecticut architecture, most prominent of which are its projecting gables. It came to the collection with a frame in fine condition and most of its interior and exterior woodwork intact.</p> <p></p> <p>THE ALMY-CORY HOUSE</p> <p>Almy Cory House</p> <p>Portsmouth community members approached NRF about acquiring this house after learning it was slated for demolition at its original location on East Main Road. This house is an excellent and scarce example of a rural, Federal style home built for an upper-middle class farmer. Document research indicates it was built between 1797 and 1802. The center chimney, two story, five-room plan so popular from the mid-1700s through 1820, and the largely intact interior details, made this house worth saving as an exemplar of the Federal style. 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Prescott Farm</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>2009 West Main Road</div> <div> <span>Middletown</span>, <span>RI</span> <span>02842</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.newportrestoration.org/visit/prescott_farm/" target="_blank">Prescott Farm</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 401-849-7300</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Prescott+Farm%2C+2009+West+Main+Road%2C+Middletown%2C+RI+02842" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>Prescott Farm offers a glimpse of early rural New England through its buildings and landscape. The Farm traces its origin to the early 18th century when the Nichols-Overing House (c. 1730) was central to the site. Doris Duke, through the Newport Restoration Foundation, purchased the 40–acre farm with the idea of preserving open space and the Nichols–Overing House, as well as creating a setting for additional historic buildings that were rescued from imminent demolition.</p> <p></p> <p>THE ROBERT SHERMAN WINDMILL (1812)</p> <p>Robert Sherman Windmill</p> <p>This impressive smock–style, four–vaned windmill was built in 1812 and used in Warren, RI in connection with a distillery. It has an unusual feature—two sets of grinding stones whose doubled capacity could be lucrative for its owner. Not surprisingly then, it was moved two more times to Portsmouth, Rhode Island by millers who acquired it, first by Robert Sherman to Quaker Hill (East Main Road), then to Lehigh Hill (West Main Road). It became idle in the early 20th century and remained so, in ever deteriorating condition, until the NRF acquired it in 1969 and moved it to Prescott Farm. The mill was restored by the NRF in 1971, with additional work done in the 1980s and a new shaft installed in 1998.</p> <p></p> <p>Zoom detail of windmill sails</p> <p>To learn more abut the history of windmills on Aquidneck Island:</p> <p></p> <p>Wind Grist Mills of Rhode Island: Interesting Relics of a Bygone Era</p> <p>A 1942 essay of reminisces by former windmill owner Benjamin Boyd.</p> <p>THE GUARD HOUSE</p> <p>This small gambrel-roofed building was attached to the back of the Nichols–Overing House in 1840, when it was moved there to replace an ell destroyed by fire. In 1971, the NRF moved it to the museum side of the property. Oral tradition has it located on the site in the 1700s and its frame is certainly 18th century. Since it is the kind of utilitarian structure that might have housed General Prescott’s guards during his occupation of the Nichols–Overing House, the second floor is furnished to tell this story. The NRF uses the first floor for a variety of educational programs.</p> <p></p> <p>HICKS HOUSE</p> <p>Hicks House now called The Country Store</p> <p>The Hicks House, circa 1715, was moved from Bristol Ferry Road, Portsmouth to its present location in 1970. It is thought to have been used, in its earliest period, by the ferrymen who operated the boat between Portsmouth and Bristol at the site of the current Mt. Hope Bridge. It is a very simple structure of two rooms and a loft space.</p> <p></p> <p>SWEET–ANTHONY HOUSE</p> <p>Sweet-Anthony House</p> <p>Originally located at 855 West Main Road, now the site of fast food restaurants and a hotel, this house was moved to Prescott Farm in 1970. This broad-gable roofed 1½ story farmhouse came with much original woodwork intact. It is a good example of simple rural architecture, complete with additions which were made in the 18th and 19th centuries. It is also valuable as an example of a middle-class farm dwelling, a nice counterpoint to the extravagance of the Nichols-Overing House.</p> <p></p> <p>THE NICHOLS–OVERING HOUSE</p> <p>Nichols-Overing House</p> <p>Architecturally the Nichols-Overing House, circa 1730, is built on what is often referred to as the ¾ house plan. Formal 18th century house builders strongly preferred a symmetrical plan with an equal number of windows on either side of the main entrance. Despite the fact that the Overing House is one of the grandest and most formal in the NRF collections, this rural house does not have the full balanced façade that would truly place it in the top rank of high-style houses of its period. It is best described as a 2nd period (1725-1750) house. The scale inside and out is akin to the Hunter House in Newport. The main features are its gambrel roof, interior chimney, high ceilings, excellent woodwork, and a comfortable stair hall. Mr. Overing’s rather grand country house is an interesting counterpoint to the more common and modest house of Mr. Sweet’s on the southern part of the property.</p> <p></p> <p>Read a fascinating paper on the entire history of this house and its owners.</p> <p>POTTER HOUSE</p> <p>Potter House</p> <p>Potter House was built in Oneco, CT in 1790. While it is a stretch to have a Connecticut house on Aquidneck Island, this building was acquired in a situation of some urgency. The house had already been dismantled and was rapidly deteriorating due to poor storage conditions. The NRF was persuaded to rescue the building before it decayed further. Although it is somewhat out of context, the Potter House was rebuilt at Prescott Farm during 1984 and 1985. It displays several features that are typical of Connecticut architecture, most prominent of which are its projecting gables. It came to the collection with a frame in fine condition and most of its interior and exterior woodwork intact.</p> <p></p> <p>THE ALMY-CORY HOUSE</p> <p>Almy Cory House</p> <p>Portsmouth community members approached NRF about acquiring this house after learning it was slated for demolition at its original location on East Main Road. This house is an excellent and scarce example of a rural, Federal style home built for an upper-middle class farmer. Document research indicates it was built between 1797 and 1802. The center chimney, two story, five-room plan so popular from the mid-1700s through 1820, and the largely intact interior details, made this house worth saving as an exemplar of the Federal style. The house was disassembled and moved in 2004 and has undergone restoration to be rented to a tenant steward.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/middletown-ri/report/place/prescott-farm-middletown-ri.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. 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The Farm traces its origin to the early 18th century when the" name="description"/> <meta content="Prescott, Farm, Middletown, RI" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/prescott-farm-middletown-ri.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/prescott-farm-middletown-ri.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Prescott Farm"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Prescott Farm offers a glimpse of early rural New England through its buildings and landscape. The Farm traces its origin to the early 18th century when the"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Prescott Farm"/> <meta property="og:description" content="Prescott Farm offers a glimpse of early rural New England through its buildings and landscape. The Farm traces its origin to the early 18th century when the"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="41.552898"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-71.290497"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Prescott Farm</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>2009 West Main Road</div> <div> <span>Middletown</span>, <span>RI</span> <span>02842</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.newportrestoration.org/visit/prescott_farm/" target="_blank">Prescott Farm</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 401-849-7300</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Prescott+Farm%2C+2009+West+Main+Road%2C+Middletown%2C+RI+02842" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>Prescott Farm offers a glimpse of early rural New England through its buildings and landscape. The Farm traces its origin to the early 18th century when the Nichols-Overing House (c. 1730) was central to the site. Doris Duke, through the Newport Restoration Foundation, purchased the 40–acre farm with the idea of preserving open space and the Nichols–Overing House, as well as creating a setting for additional historic buildings that were rescued from imminent demolition.</p> <p></p> <p>THE ROBERT SHERMAN WINDMILL (1812)</p> <p>Robert Sherman Windmill</p> <p>This impressive smock–style, four–vaned windmill was built in 1812 and used in Warren, RI in connection with a distillery. It has an unusual feature—two sets of grinding stones whose doubled capacity could be lucrative for its owner. Not surprisingly then, it was moved two more times to Portsmouth, Rhode Island by millers who acquired it, first by Robert Sherman to Quaker Hill (East Main Road), then to Lehigh Hill (West Main Road). It became idle in the early 20th century and remained so, in ever deteriorating condition, until the NRF acquired it in 1969 and moved it to Prescott Farm. The mill was restored by the NRF in 1971, with additional work done in the 1980s and a new shaft installed in 1998.</p> <p></p> <p>Zoom detail of windmill sails</p> <p>To learn more abut the history of windmills on Aquidneck Island:</p> <p></p> <p>Wind Grist Mills of Rhode Island: Interesting Relics of a Bygone Era</p> <p>A 1942 essay of reminisces by former windmill owner Benjamin Boyd.</p> <p>THE GUARD HOUSE</p> <p>This small gambrel-roofed building was attached to the back of the Nichols–Overing House in 1840, when it was moved there to replace an ell destroyed by fire. In 1971, the NRF moved it to the museum side of the property. Oral tradition has it located on the site in the 1700s and its frame is certainly 18th century. Since it is the kind of utilitarian structure that might have housed General Prescott’s guards during his occupation of the Nichols–Overing House, the second floor is furnished to tell this story. The NRF uses the first floor for a variety of educational programs.</p> <p></p> <p>HICKS HOUSE</p> <p>Hicks House now called The Country Store</p> <p>The Hicks House, circa 1715, was moved from Bristol Ferry Road, Portsmouth to its present location in 1970. It is thought to have been used, in its earliest period, by the ferrymen who operated the boat between Portsmouth and Bristol at the site of the current Mt. Hope Bridge. It is a very simple structure of two rooms and a loft space.</p> <p></p> <p>SWEET–ANTHONY HOUSE</p> <p>Sweet-Anthony House</p> <p>Originally located at 855 West Main Road, now the site of fast food restaurants and a hotel, this house was moved to Prescott Farm in 1970. This broad-gable roofed 1½ story farmhouse came with much original woodwork intact. It is a good example of simple rural architecture, complete with additions which were made in the 18th and 19th centuries. It is also valuable as an example of a middle-class farm dwelling, a nice counterpoint to the extravagance of the Nichols-Overing House.</p> <p></p> <p>THE NICHOLS–OVERING HOUSE</p> <p>Nichols-Overing House</p> <p>Architecturally the Nichols-Overing House, circa 1730, is built on what is often referred to as the ¾ house plan. Formal 18th century house builders strongly preferred a symmetrical plan with an equal number of windows on either side of the main entrance. Despite the fact that the Overing House is one of the grandest and most formal in the NRF collections, this rural house does not have the full balanced façade that would truly place it in the top rank of high-style houses of its period. It is best described as a 2nd period (1725-1750) house. The scale inside and out is akin to the Hunter House in Newport. The main features are its gambrel roof, interior chimney, high ceilings, excellent woodwork, and a comfortable stair hall. Mr. Overing’s rather grand country house is an interesting counterpoint to the more common and modest house of Mr. Sweet’s on the southern part of the property.</p> <p></p> <p>Read a fascinating paper on the entire history of this house and its owners.</p> <p>POTTER HOUSE</p> <p>Potter House</p> <p>Potter House was built in Oneco, CT in 1790. While it is a stretch to have a Connecticut house on Aquidneck Island, this building was acquired in a situation of some urgency. The house had already been dismantled and was rapidly deteriorating due to poor storage conditions. The NRF was persuaded to rescue the building before it decayed further. Although it is somewhat out of context, the Potter House was rebuilt at Prescott Farm during 1984 and 1985. It displays several features that are typical of Connecticut architecture, most prominent of which are its projecting gables. It came to the collection with a frame in fine condition and most of its interior and exterior woodwork intact.</p> <p></p> <p>THE ALMY-CORY HOUSE</p> <p>Almy Cory House</p> <p>Portsmouth community members approached NRF about acquiring this house after learning it was slated for demolition at its original location on East Main Road. This house is an excellent and scarce example of a rural, Federal style home built for an upper-middle class farmer. Document research indicates it was built between 1797 and 1802. The center chimney, two story, five-room plan so popular from the mid-1700s through 1820, and the largely intact interior details, made this house worth saving as an exemplar of the Federal style. The house was disassembled and moved in 2004 and has undergone restoration to be rented to a tenant steward.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/middletown-ri/report/place/prescott-farm-middletown-ri.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/middletown-ri/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/middletown-ri/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Middletown</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Middletown</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/prepare-to-care-tiverton-ri-11162024-200-pm-et-p4n8v85dbrg.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-PREPARE-TO-CARE">Prepare to Care</a></h2> <p class="time">Saturday, Nov 16, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Tiverton Library (Meeting Room)</p> <p class="loc">Tiverton, RI</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/a-girlfriendtogirlfriend-workshop-safety-benefits-of-new-car-tech-khn78rbpmf2.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-A-GIRLFRIENDTOGIRLFRIEND-WORKSHOP-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECH">A Girlfriend-to-Girlfriend Workshop - Safety Benefits of New Car Tech</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 12, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-new-york-new-yorks-gilded-age-wed-111324-9fnzvpkxb7x.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-EXPLORE-FOOD-IN-NEW-YORKS-GILDED-AGE-WITH-FRANCINE-SEGEN">Explore Food in New York’s Gilded Age with Francine Segen</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Nov 13, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/middletown-ri/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MIDDLETOWN-RI">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Prescott Farm</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>2009 West Main Road</div> <div> <span>Middletown</span>, <span>RI</span> <span>02842</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.newportrestoration.org/visit/prescott_farm/" target="_blank">Prescott Farm</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 401-849-7300</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Prescott+Farm%2C+2009+West+Main+Road%2C+Middletown%2C+RI+02842" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>Prescott Farm offers a glimpse of early rural New England through its buildings and landscape. The Farm traces its origin to the early 18th century when the Nichols-Overing House (c. 1730) was central to the site. Doris Duke, through the Newport Restoration Foundation, purchased the 40–acre farm with the idea of preserving open space and the Nichols–Overing House, as well as creating a setting for additional historic buildings that were rescued from imminent demolition.</p> <p></p> <p>THE ROBERT SHERMAN WINDMILL (1812)</p> <p>Robert Sherman Windmill</p> <p>This impressive smock–style, four–vaned windmill was built in 1812 and used in Warren, RI in connection with a distillery. It has an unusual feature—two sets of grinding stones whose doubled capacity could be lucrative for its owner. Not surprisingly then, it was moved two more times to Portsmouth, Rhode Island by millers who acquired it, first by Robert Sherman to Quaker Hill (East Main Road), then to Lehigh Hill (West Main Road). It became idle in the early 20th century and remained so, in ever deteriorating condition, until the NRF acquired it in 1969 and moved it to Prescott Farm. The mill was restored by the NRF in 1971, with additional work done in the 1980s and a new shaft installed in 1998.</p> <p></p> <p>Zoom detail of windmill sails</p> <p>To learn more abut the history of windmills on Aquidneck Island:</p> <p></p> <p>Wind Grist Mills of Rhode Island: Interesting Relics of a Bygone Era</p> <p>A 1942 essay of reminisces by former windmill owner Benjamin Boyd.</p> <p>THE GUARD HOUSE</p> <p>This small gambrel-roofed building was attached to the back of the Nichols–Overing House in 1840, when it was moved there to replace an ell destroyed by fire. In 1971, the NRF moved it to the museum side of the property. Oral tradition has it located on the site in the 1700s and its frame is certainly 18th century. Since it is the kind of utilitarian structure that might have housed General Prescott’s guards during his occupation of the Nichols–Overing House, the second floor is furnished to tell this story. The NRF uses the first floor for a variety of educational programs.</p> <p></p> <p>HICKS HOUSE</p> <p>Hicks House now called The Country Store</p> <p>The Hicks House, circa 1715, was moved from Bristol Ferry Road, Portsmouth to its present location in 1970. It is thought to have been used, in its earliest period, by the ferrymen who operated the boat between Portsmouth and Bristol at the site of the current Mt. Hope Bridge. It is a very simple structure of two rooms and a loft space.</p> <p></p> <p>SWEET–ANTHONY HOUSE</p> <p>Sweet-Anthony House</p> <p>Originally located at 855 West Main Road, now the site of fast food restaurants and a hotel, this house was moved to Prescott Farm in 1970. This broad-gable roofed 1½ story farmhouse came with much original woodwork intact. It is a good example of simple rural architecture, complete with additions which were made in the 18th and 19th centuries. It is also valuable as an example of a middle-class farm dwelling, a nice counterpoint to the extravagance of the Nichols-Overing House.</p> <p></p> <p>THE NICHOLS–OVERING HOUSE</p> <p>Nichols-Overing House</p> <p>Architecturally the Nichols-Overing House, circa 1730, is built on what is often referred to as the ¾ house plan. Formal 18th century house builders strongly preferred a symmetrical plan with an equal number of windows on either side of the main entrance. Despite the fact that the Overing House is one of the grandest and most formal in the NRF collections, this rural house does not have the full balanced façade that would truly place it in the top rank of high-style houses of its period. It is best described as a 2nd period (1725-1750) house. The scale inside and out is akin to the Hunter House in Newport. The main features are its gambrel roof, interior chimney, high ceilings, excellent woodwork, and a comfortable stair hall. Mr. Overing’s rather grand country house is an interesting counterpoint to the more common and modest house of Mr. Sweet’s on the southern part of the property.</p> <p></p> <p>Read a fascinating paper on the entire history of this house and its owners.</p> <p>POTTER HOUSE</p> <p>Potter House</p> <p>Potter House was built in Oneco, CT in 1790. While it is a stretch to have a Connecticut house on Aquidneck Island, this building was acquired in a situation of some urgency. The house had already been dismantled and was rapidly deteriorating due to poor storage conditions. The NRF was persuaded to rescue the building before it decayed further. Although it is somewhat out of context, the Potter House was rebuilt at Prescott Farm during 1984 and 1985. It displays several features that are typical of Connecticut architecture, most prominent of which are its projecting gables. It came to the collection with a frame in fine condition and most of its interior and exterior woodwork intact.</p> <p></p> <p>THE ALMY-CORY HOUSE</p> <p>Almy Cory House</p> <p>Portsmouth community members approached NRF about acquiring this house after learning it was slated for demolition at its original location on East Main Road. This house is an excellent and scarce example of a rural, Federal style home built for an upper-middle class farmer. Document research indicates it was built between 1797 and 1802. The center chimney, two story, five-room plan so popular from the mid-1700s through 1820, and the largely intact interior details, made this house worth saving as an exemplar of the Federal style. The house was disassembled and moved in 2004 and has undergone restoration to be rented to a tenant steward.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/middletown-ri/report/place/prescott-farm-middletown-ri.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. 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The Farm traces its origin to the early 18th century when the" name="description"/> <meta content="Prescott, Farm, Middletown, RI" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/prescott-farm-middletown-ri.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/prescott-farm-middletown-ri.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Prescott Farm"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Prescott Farm offers a glimpse of early rural New England through its buildings and landscape. The Farm traces its origin to the early 18th century when the"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Prescott Farm"/> <meta property="og:description" content="Prescott Farm offers a glimpse of early rural New England through its buildings and landscape. The Farm traces its origin to the early 18th century when the"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="41.552898"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-71.290497"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Prescott Farm</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>2009 West Main Road</div> <div> <span>Middletown</span>, <span>RI</span> <span>02842</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.newportrestoration.org/visit/prescott_farm/" target="_blank">Prescott Farm</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 401-849-7300</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Prescott+Farm%2C+2009+West+Main+Road%2C+Middletown%2C+RI+02842" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>Prescott Farm offers a glimpse of early rural New England through its buildings and landscape. The Farm traces its origin to the early 18th century when the Nichols-Overing House (c. 1730) was central to the site. Doris Duke, through the Newport Restoration Foundation, purchased the 40–acre farm with the idea of preserving open space and the Nichols–Overing House, as well as creating a setting for additional historic buildings that were rescued from imminent demolition.</p> <p></p> <p>THE ROBERT SHERMAN WINDMILL (1812)</p> <p>Robert Sherman Windmill</p> <p>This impressive smock–style, four–vaned windmill was built in 1812 and used in Warren, RI in connection with a distillery. It has an unusual feature—two sets of grinding stones whose doubled capacity could be lucrative for its owner. Not surprisingly then, it was moved two more times to Portsmouth, Rhode Island by millers who acquired it, first by Robert Sherman to Quaker Hill (East Main Road), then to Lehigh Hill (West Main Road). It became idle in the early 20th century and remained so, in ever deteriorating condition, until the NRF acquired it in 1969 and moved it to Prescott Farm. The mill was restored by the NRF in 1971, with additional work done in the 1980s and a new shaft installed in 1998.</p> <p></p> <p>Zoom detail of windmill sails</p> <p>To learn more abut the history of windmills on Aquidneck Island:</p> <p></p> <p>Wind Grist Mills of Rhode Island: Interesting Relics of a Bygone Era</p> <p>A 1942 essay of reminisces by former windmill owner Benjamin Boyd.</p> <p>THE GUARD HOUSE</p> <p>This small gambrel-roofed building was attached to the back of the Nichols–Overing House in 1840, when it was moved there to replace an ell destroyed by fire. In 1971, the NRF moved it to the museum side of the property. Oral tradition has it located on the site in the 1700s and its frame is certainly 18th century. Since it is the kind of utilitarian structure that might have housed General Prescott’s guards during his occupation of the Nichols–Overing House, the second floor is furnished to tell this story. The NRF uses the first floor for a variety of educational programs.</p> <p></p> <p>HICKS HOUSE</p> <p>Hicks House now called The Country Store</p> <p>The Hicks House, circa 1715, was moved from Bristol Ferry Road, Portsmouth to its present location in 1970. It is thought to have been used, in its earliest period, by the ferrymen who operated the boat between Portsmouth and Bristol at the site of the current Mt. Hope Bridge. It is a very simple structure of two rooms and a loft space.</p> <p></p> <p>SWEET–ANTHONY HOUSE</p> <p>Sweet-Anthony House</p> <p>Originally located at 855 West Main Road, now the site of fast food restaurants and a hotel, this house was moved to Prescott Farm in 1970. This broad-gable roofed 1½ story farmhouse came with much original woodwork intact. It is a good example of simple rural architecture, complete with additions which were made in the 18th and 19th centuries. It is also valuable as an example of a middle-class farm dwelling, a nice counterpoint to the extravagance of the Nichols-Overing House.</p> <p></p> <p>THE NICHOLS–OVERING HOUSE</p> <p>Nichols-Overing House</p> <p>Architecturally the Nichols-Overing House, circa 1730, is built on what is often referred to as the ¾ house plan. Formal 18th century house builders strongly preferred a symmetrical plan with an equal number of windows on either side of the main entrance. Despite the fact that the Overing House is one of the grandest and most formal in the NRF collections, this rural house does not have the full balanced façade that would truly place it in the top rank of high-style houses of its period. It is best described as a 2nd period (1725-1750) house. The scale inside and out is akin to the Hunter House in Newport. The main features are its gambrel roof, interior chimney, high ceilings, excellent woodwork, and a comfortable stair hall. Mr. Overing’s rather grand country house is an interesting counterpoint to the more common and modest house of Mr. Sweet’s on the southern part of the property.</p> <p></p> <p>Read a fascinating paper on the entire history of this house and its owners.</p> <p>POTTER HOUSE</p> <p>Potter House</p> <p>Potter House was built in Oneco, CT in 1790. While it is a stretch to have a Connecticut house on Aquidneck Island, this building was acquired in a situation of some urgency. The house had already been dismantled and was rapidly deteriorating due to poor storage conditions. The NRF was persuaded to rescue the building before it decayed further. Although it is somewhat out of context, the Potter House was rebuilt at Prescott Farm during 1984 and 1985. It displays several features that are typical of Connecticut architecture, most prominent of which are its projecting gables. It came to the collection with a frame in fine condition and most of its interior and exterior woodwork intact.</p> <p></p> <p>THE ALMY-CORY HOUSE</p> <p>Almy Cory House</p> <p>Portsmouth community members approached NRF about acquiring this house after learning it was slated for demolition at its original location on East Main Road. This house is an excellent and scarce example of a rural, Federal style home built for an upper-middle class farmer. Document research indicates it was built between 1797 and 1802. The center chimney, two story, five-room plan so popular from the mid-1700s through 1820, and the largely intact interior details, made this house worth saving as an exemplar of the Federal style. 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$viewFile = '/var/www/vhosts/vcc_staging/app/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp' $dataForView = array( 'content_for_layout' => '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Prescott Farm</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>2009 West Main Road</div> <div> <span>Middletown</span>, <span>RI</span> <span>02842</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.newportrestoration.org/visit/prescott_farm/" target="_blank">Prescott Farm</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 401-849-7300</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Prescott+Farm%2C+2009+West+Main+Road%2C+Middletown%2C+RI+02842" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>Prescott Farm offers a glimpse of early rural New England through its buildings and landscape. The Farm traces its origin to the early 18th century when the Nichols-Overing House (c. 1730) was central to the site. Doris Duke, through the Newport Restoration Foundation, purchased the 40–acre farm with the idea of preserving open space and the Nichols–Overing House, as well as creating a setting for additional historic buildings that were rescued from imminent demolition.</p> <p></p> <p>THE ROBERT SHERMAN WINDMILL (1812)</p> <p>Robert Sherman Windmill</p> <p>This impressive smock–style, four–vaned windmill was built in 1812 and used in Warren, RI in connection with a distillery. It has an unusual feature—two sets of grinding stones whose doubled capacity could be lucrative for its owner. Not surprisingly then, it was moved two more times to Portsmouth, Rhode Island by millers who acquired it, first by Robert Sherman to Quaker Hill (East Main Road), then to Lehigh Hill (West Main Road). It became idle in the early 20th century and remained so, in ever deteriorating condition, until the NRF acquired it in 1969 and moved it to Prescott Farm. The mill was restored by the NRF in 1971, with additional work done in the 1980s and a new shaft installed in 1998.</p> <p></p> <p>Zoom detail of windmill sails</p> <p>To learn more abut the history of windmills on Aquidneck Island:</p> <p></p> <p>Wind Grist Mills of Rhode Island: Interesting Relics of a Bygone Era</p> <p>A 1942 essay of reminisces by former windmill owner Benjamin Boyd.</p> <p>THE GUARD HOUSE</p> <p>This small gambrel-roofed building was attached to the back of the Nichols–Overing House in 1840, when it was moved there to replace an ell destroyed by fire. In 1971, the NRF moved it to the museum side of the property. Oral tradition has it located on the site in the 1700s and its frame is certainly 18th century. Since it is the kind of utilitarian structure that might have housed General Prescott’s guards during his occupation of the Nichols–Overing House, the second floor is furnished to tell this story. The NRF uses the first floor for a variety of educational programs.</p> <p></p> <p>HICKS HOUSE</p> <p>Hicks House now called The Country Store</p> <p>The Hicks House, circa 1715, was moved from Bristol Ferry Road, Portsmouth to its present location in 1970. It is thought to have been used, in its earliest period, by the ferrymen who operated the boat between Portsmouth and Bristol at the site of the current Mt. Hope Bridge. It is a very simple structure of two rooms and a loft space.</p> <p></p> <p>SWEET–ANTHONY HOUSE</p> <p>Sweet-Anthony House</p> <p>Originally located at 855 West Main Road, now the site of fast food restaurants and a hotel, this house was moved to Prescott Farm in 1970. This broad-gable roofed 1½ story farmhouse came with much original woodwork intact. It is a good example of simple rural architecture, complete with additions which were made in the 18th and 19th centuries. It is also valuable as an example of a middle-class farm dwelling, a nice counterpoint to the extravagance of the Nichols-Overing House.</p> <p></p> <p>THE NICHOLS–OVERING HOUSE</p> <p>Nichols-Overing House</p> <p>Architecturally the Nichols-Overing House, circa 1730, is built on what is often referred to as the ¾ house plan. Formal 18th century house builders strongly preferred a symmetrical plan with an equal number of windows on either side of the main entrance. Despite the fact that the Overing House is one of the grandest and most formal in the NRF collections, this rural house does not have the full balanced façade that would truly place it in the top rank of high-style houses of its period. It is best described as a 2nd period (1725-1750) house. The scale inside and out is akin to the Hunter House in Newport. The main features are its gambrel roof, interior chimney, high ceilings, excellent woodwork, and a comfortable stair hall. Mr. Overing’s rather grand country house is an interesting counterpoint to the more common and modest house of Mr. Sweet’s on the southern part of the property.</p> <p></p> <p>Read a fascinating paper on the entire history of this house and its owners.</p> <p>POTTER HOUSE</p> <p>Potter House</p> <p>Potter House was built in Oneco, CT in 1790. While it is a stretch to have a Connecticut house on Aquidneck Island, this building was acquired in a situation of some urgency. The house had already been dismantled and was rapidly deteriorating due to poor storage conditions. The NRF was persuaded to rescue the building before it decayed further. Although it is somewhat out of context, the Potter House was rebuilt at Prescott Farm during 1984 and 1985. It displays several features that are typical of Connecticut architecture, most prominent of which are its projecting gables. It came to the collection with a frame in fine condition and most of its interior and exterior woodwork intact.</p> <p></p> <p>THE ALMY-CORY HOUSE</p> <p>Almy Cory House</p> <p>Portsmouth community members approached NRF about acquiring this house after learning it was slated for demolition at its original location on East Main Road. This house is an excellent and scarce example of a rural, Federal style home built for an upper-middle class farmer. Document research indicates it was built between 1797 and 1802. The center chimney, two story, five-room plan so popular from the mid-1700s through 1820, and the largely intact interior details, made this house worth saving as an exemplar of the Federal style. The house was disassembled and moved in 2004 and has undergone restoration to be rented to a tenant steward.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/middletown-ri/report/place/prescott-farm-middletown-ri.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. 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The Farm traces its origin to the early 18th century when the" name="description"/> <meta content="Prescott, Farm, Middletown, RI" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/prescott-farm-middletown-ri.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/prescott-farm-middletown-ri.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Prescott Farm"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Prescott Farm offers a glimpse of early rural New England through its buildings and landscape. The Farm traces its origin to the early 18th century when the"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Prescott Farm"/> <meta property="og:description" content="Prescott Farm offers a glimpse of early rural New England through its buildings and landscape. The Farm traces its origin to the early 18th century when the"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="41.552898"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-71.290497"/> ', 'title_for_layout' => 'Place Detail - AARP' ) $content_for_layout = '<div class="row twoColumnLayout"> <div class="col-md-8 left-rail"><div class="module clearfix"><div class="ar-basic-box"> <div class="module-spacer"> <header><h1 class="article-headline">Prescott Farm</h1></header> <div class="row"> <div class="col-sm-6 left module-spacer"> <p> <div> <div>2009 West Main Road</div> <div> <span>Middletown</span>, <span>RI</span> <span>02842</span> </div> </div> </p> <div> <i class="fa fa-external-link-square"></i> <a href="http://www.newportrestoration.org/visit/prescott_farm/" target="_blank">Prescott Farm</a> </div> <div><i class="fa fa-phone-square"></i> 401-849-7300</div> </div> <div class="col-sm-6 module-spacer"> <iframe width="100%" height="220" frameborder="0" style="border:0" src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed/v1/place?key=AIzaSyCU5aZylcrTOLke9e3U0F2mXovlZ4bL8yk&q=Prescott+Farm%2C+2009+West+Main+Road%2C+Middletown%2C+RI+02842" allowfullscreen> </iframe> </div> </div> <div class="module-spacer clearfix"> <p>Prescott Farm offers a glimpse of early rural New England through its buildings and landscape. The Farm traces its origin to the early 18th century when the Nichols-Overing House (c. 1730) was central to the site. Doris Duke, through the Newport Restoration Foundation, purchased the 40–acre farm with the idea of preserving open space and the Nichols–Overing House, as well as creating a setting for additional historic buildings that were rescued from imminent demolition.</p> <p></p> <p>THE ROBERT SHERMAN WINDMILL (1812)</p> <p>Robert Sherman Windmill</p> <p>This impressive smock–style, four–vaned windmill was built in 1812 and used in Warren, RI in connection with a distillery. It has an unusual feature—two sets of grinding stones whose doubled capacity could be lucrative for its owner. Not surprisingly then, it was moved two more times to Portsmouth, Rhode Island by millers who acquired it, first by Robert Sherman to Quaker Hill (East Main Road), then to Lehigh Hill (West Main Road). It became idle in the early 20th century and remained so, in ever deteriorating condition, until the NRF acquired it in 1969 and moved it to Prescott Farm. The mill was restored by the NRF in 1971, with additional work done in the 1980s and a new shaft installed in 1998.</p> <p></p> <p>Zoom detail of windmill sails</p> <p>To learn more abut the history of windmills on Aquidneck Island:</p> <p></p> <p>Wind Grist Mills of Rhode Island: Interesting Relics of a Bygone Era</p> <p>A 1942 essay of reminisces by former windmill owner Benjamin Boyd.</p> <p>THE GUARD HOUSE</p> <p>This small gambrel-roofed building was attached to the back of the Nichols–Overing House in 1840, when it was moved there to replace an ell destroyed by fire. In 1971, the NRF moved it to the museum side of the property. Oral tradition has it located on the site in the 1700s and its frame is certainly 18th century. Since it is the kind of utilitarian structure that might have housed General Prescott’s guards during his occupation of the Nichols–Overing House, the second floor is furnished to tell this story. The NRF uses the first floor for a variety of educational programs.</p> <p></p> <p>HICKS HOUSE</p> <p>Hicks House now called The Country Store</p> <p>The Hicks House, circa 1715, was moved from Bristol Ferry Road, Portsmouth to its present location in 1970. It is thought to have been used, in its earliest period, by the ferrymen who operated the boat between Portsmouth and Bristol at the site of the current Mt. Hope Bridge. It is a very simple structure of two rooms and a loft space.</p> <p></p> <p>SWEET–ANTHONY HOUSE</p> <p>Sweet-Anthony House</p> <p>Originally located at 855 West Main Road, now the site of fast food restaurants and a hotel, this house was moved to Prescott Farm in 1970. This broad-gable roofed 1½ story farmhouse came with much original woodwork intact. It is a good example of simple rural architecture, complete with additions which were made in the 18th and 19th centuries. It is also valuable as an example of a middle-class farm dwelling, a nice counterpoint to the extravagance of the Nichols-Overing House.</p> <p></p> <p>THE NICHOLS–OVERING HOUSE</p> <p>Nichols-Overing House</p> <p>Architecturally the Nichols-Overing House, circa 1730, is built on what is often referred to as the ¾ house plan. Formal 18th century house builders strongly preferred a symmetrical plan with an equal number of windows on either side of the main entrance. Despite the fact that the Overing House is one of the grandest and most formal in the NRF collections, this rural house does not have the full balanced façade that would truly place it in the top rank of high-style houses of its period. It is best described as a 2nd period (1725-1750) house. The scale inside and out is akin to the Hunter House in Newport. The main features are its gambrel roof, interior chimney, high ceilings, excellent woodwork, and a comfortable stair hall. Mr. Overing’s rather grand country house is an interesting counterpoint to the more common and modest house of Mr. Sweet’s on the southern part of the property.</p> <p></p> <p>Read a fascinating paper on the entire history of this house and its owners.</p> <p>POTTER HOUSE</p> <p>Potter House</p> <p>Potter House was built in Oneco, CT in 1790. While it is a stretch to have a Connecticut house on Aquidneck Island, this building was acquired in a situation of some urgency. The house had already been dismantled and was rapidly deteriorating due to poor storage conditions. The NRF was persuaded to rescue the building before it decayed further. Although it is somewhat out of context, the Potter House was rebuilt at Prescott Farm during 1984 and 1985. It displays several features that are typical of Connecticut architecture, most prominent of which are its projecting gables. It came to the collection with a frame in fine condition and most of its interior and exterior woodwork intact.</p> <p></p> <p>THE ALMY-CORY HOUSE</p> <p>Almy Cory House</p> <p>Portsmouth community members approached NRF about acquiring this house after learning it was slated for demolition at its original location on East Main Road. This house is an excellent and scarce example of a rural, Federal style home built for an upper-middle class farmer. Document research indicates it was built between 1797 and 1802. The center chimney, two story, five-room plan so popular from the mid-1700s through 1820, and the largely intact interior details, made this house worth saving as an exemplar of the Federal style. The house was disassembled and moved in 2004 and has undergone restoration to be rented to a tenant steward.</p> </div> <div class="reportthis" style="margin-bottom: 20px;"> <form method="post" action="/middletown-ri/report/place/prescott-farm-middletown-ri.html"> <button type="submit" class="btn btnregister pull-right" style="margin-bottom: 10px;">Flag This Place</button> </form> </div> <div class="report_button_message">Please use "Flag This Place" to alert us about content that is inappropriate or needs immediate attention. Nothing you submit will be shared with other site visitors. </div> <style> .report_button_message { color: #333; font-size: 12px; clear: both; } </style> </div> </div> </div><div class="module clearfix"><div class="module-spacer tout-homefit-750"> <a data-formelementid="CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024" href="/middletown-ri/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-HC-PLSK-02272024"><img class="img-responsive" alt="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" title="Explore the free AARP HomeFit Guide" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/touts/HomeFit_750x150.png"></a> </div></div></div> <div class="col-md-4 right-rail thin-rhs"><div class="module clearfix"><!--default--> <!-- module_RHS - AARP Events --> <div class="ar-basic-box module-spacer"> <header> <div class="pull-right"> <a href="/middletown-ri/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS"> <img style="width:30px;" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/icons/aarp_event_icon.png" alt="Upcoming AARP Events" /> </a> </div> <h2 class="visible-lg">AARP Events for Middletown</h2> <h2 class="hidden-lg">AARP Events for Middletown</h2> </header> <div class="wrap"> <div class="ar-listing snippet"> <ul class="list"> <li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h3 class="topic">Featured Event</h3> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/prepare-to-care-tiverton-ri-11162024-200-pm-et-p4n8v85dbrg.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-PREPARE-TO-CARE">Prepare to Care</a></h2> <p class="time">Saturday, Nov 16, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Tiverton Library (Meeting Room)</p> <p class="loc">Tiverton, RI</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/a-girlfriendtogirlfriend-workshop-safety-benefits-of-new-car-tech-khn78rbpmf2.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-A-GIRLFRIENDTOGIRLFRIEND-WORKSHOP-SAFETY-BENEFITS-OF-NEW-CAR-TECH">A Girlfriend-to-Girlfriend Workshop - Safety Benefits of New Car Tech</a></h2> <p class="time">Tuesday, Nov 12, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue"></p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li><li class="item" data-pageindex="1"> <h2 class="title"><a href="/aarp-event/aarp-new-york-new-yorks-gilded-age-wed-111324-9fnzvpkxb7x.html" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-EVENTS-EXPLORE-FOOD-IN-NEW-YORKS-GILDED-AGE-WITH-FRANCINE-SEGEN">Explore Food in New York’s Gilded Age with Francine Segen</a></h2> <p class="time">Wednesday, Nov 13, 2024 at 6:00 p.m. ET</p> <p class="venue">Zoom</p> <p class="loc">Online Event</p> </li> </ul> <p><a class="link-red" href="/middletown-ri/aarp-events/" data-formelementid="LOCAL-BTN-CLK-SEEALL-EVENTS">View All AARP Events<i class="ml-1 fas fa-chevron-right"></i></a></p> </div> </div> </div> <div aria-hidden="true" class="aarpe-ad-wrapper"> <div class="aarpe-ad en clearfix" id="300x250_53475" data-adsize="300x250"> <script type="text/javascript"> if(typeof AARP.ads !== 'undefined'){ AARP.ads.slots({ id:'300x250_53475', size:'300x250'}); } </script> </div> </div> <div class="card-tout card-dark membership-tout" style="margin:0 0 30px 0;"> <img class="img-responsive image" title="image of two AARP membership cards" alt="image of two AARP membership cards" src="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/tout-two-cards.png"> <div class="title">Only $12 your first year with Automatic Renewal</div> <ul class="list"> <li>Immediate access to your <a href="https://www.aarp.org/benefits-discounts/">member benefits</a></li> <li>Discounts on travel and everyday savings</li> <li>Subscription to AARP The Magazine</li> <li>FREE second membership</li> </ul> <div class="action"> <a class="btn" href="https://appsec.aarp.org/mem/join?campaignid=UAJFT3&intcmp=LNK-CSN-AARPLOCAL-JRTOUT-RR-A-MIDDLETOWN-RI">Join AARP</a> <div class="body">Already a member? 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The Farm traces its origin to the early 18th century when the" name="description"/> <meta content="Prescott, Farm, Middletown, RI" name="keywords"/> <link rel="canonical" href="https://www.americantowns.com/place/prescott-farm-middletown-ri.html" /> <meta property="og:url" content="https://vccstaging.local.aarp.org/place/prescott-farm-middletown-ri.html"/> <meta name="twitter:card" content="summary_large_image"/> <meta name="twitter:title" content="Prescott Farm"/> <meta name="twitter:description" content="Prescott Farm offers a glimpse of early rural New England through its buildings and landscape. The Farm traces its origin to the early 18th century when the"/> <meta name="twitter:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="og:type" content="place"/> <meta property="og:title" content="Prescott Farm"/> <meta property="og:description" content="Prescott Farm offers a glimpse of early rural New England through its buildings and landscape. The Farm traces its origin to the early 18th century when the"/> <meta property="og:image" content="https://cdn-aarp.americantowns.com/img/template/thumbs/generic-icon.jpg"/> <meta property="place:location:latitude" content="41.552898"/> <meta property="place:location:longitude" content="-71.290497"/> ' $title_for_layout = 'Place Detail - AARP' $asset_version = '230831' $min = true $nowrapper = false $css = '' $highlighting = '<span class="highlighting">Highlighting Middletown</span>' $location = '<a href="/middletown-ri/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HOME">Newport County, RI</a>' $no_header = false $header_title = '<a href="/middletown-ri/things-to-do/">Places</a>' $header_subtitle = '' $isPR = false $navbar = '<nav class="section" role="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="collapse"> <div class="section-toggle">Sections <i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></div> <ul class="secondary-menu" id="secondary-menu" role="menu" aria-busy="true"> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/middletown-ri/aarp-events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-OLE" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Online & Local Events</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class="active"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/middletown-ri/things-to-do/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-TTD" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-THINGSTODO">Things to Do</a></li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/middletown-ri/happenings/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-NF" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HAPPENINGS">News Feed</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/middletown-ri/volunteering/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-VOL" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-VOLUNTEERING">Volunteering</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/middletown-ri/home-and-community/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HC">Home & Community</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class=""><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem" href="/middletown-ri/movies/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MFG" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MOVIESFORGROWNUPS">Movies for Grownups</a> </li> <li role="presentation" class="more nosep " id="submenu-more"> <span role="menuitem" class="menuitem" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MORE">More<i class="fas fa-chevron-down"></i></span> <ul class="secondary-submenu animate slide-in" id="secondary-submenu"> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/middletown-ri/discounts/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LO" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-OFFERS">Local Offers</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/middletown-ri/local-resources/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-LR" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-LOCALRESOURCES">Local Resources</a> </li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/middletown-ri/jobs/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-WJ" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-WORK&JOBS">Work & Jobs</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/middletown-ri/events/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-CC" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-EVENTS">Community Calendar</a></li> <!-- <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/middletown-ri/healthy-living/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-HEALTHY_LIVING" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-HEALTHY_LIVING">Healthy Living</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/middletown-ri/arts-entertainment/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-ARTS_ENT" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-ARTS_ENT">Arts & Entertainment</a></li> <li role="presentation"><a role="menuitem" class="menuitem " href="/middletown-ri/museums/?intcmp=CSN-LOCAL-NAV-MUSEUMS" data-formelementid="LOCAL-LNK-CLK-MUSEUMS">Museums</a></li> --> </ul> </li> </ul> </nav>' $header_custom = '' $breadcrumbs = array( (int) 0 => array( 'title' => 'Things to Do', 'slug' => 'things-to-do' ) ) $row = array( 'title' => 'Back to Things to Do', 'slug' => 'things-to-do' ) $i = (int) 0include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244 include - APP/View/Layouts/aarp_2023.ctp, line 244 View::_evaluate() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 971 View::_render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 933 View::renderLayout() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 546 View::render() - CORE/Cake/View/View.php, line 481 Controller::render() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 963 AppController::renderPage() - APP/Controller/AppController.php, line 136 PlacesController::display() - APP/Controller/PlacesController.php, line 501 ReflectionMethod::invokeArgs() - [internal], line ?? Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/Cake/Controller/Controller.php, line 491 Dispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 193 Dispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/Cake/Routing/Dispatcher.php, line 167 [main] - APP/webroot/index.php, line 118