Demolition Begins on Historic Farmington House

Demolition of 123 Main St., destroyed by fire in July 2009, is under way, permanently erasing a significant piece of Farmington’s history.

The back section of the house was built in 1685 by Joseph Barnes on land inherited from his father, Thomas, who was an original settler of Farmington. Barnes donated land just north of his house to create Memento Mori, the first known public cemetery. Thomas Barnes first wife, Mary Barnes, was convicted of witchcraft and hanged in 1663. 

Samuel Hooker Jr. purchased the property from Joseph Barnes in 1710.

In 1787 master builder Captain Judah Woodruff was hired by Merchant John Mix and his brother-in-law Ezekiel Cowles to construct the large front portion.  John’s son Ebenezer, a sea captain, was the house’s first resident. Woodruff built 10 of the historic houses on Main St. as well as the First Church meetinghouse.

The house was not occupied the night fire broke out, and by the time a passerby reported it, it was burned beyond repair. The loss led the Historic District Commission to consider supporting the preservation of the shell of the house or restoration of the entire structure.

Earlier this year the owner obtained a demolition permit. Mark Lauretti, owner of the company managing the demolition, Lauretti Construction, said “it is a total loss. I walk inside every morning to make sure the building is empty. Fire, as well as water damage from putting out the fire, destroyed the beams. There is absolutely nothing that can be restored.”

The property is for sale.

“This house was an archaeological icon as well as an historic home.” said Historic District Commissioner Dr. Charles Leach. “Subsequent to this tragic fire, I researched options and the commission is considering measures that could be taken to protect our precious historic structures, such as installing Fire-Department-monitored alarm systems.”