Jason Russell House

The , located on 1048 Massachusetts Ave., was built in 1740 by farmer Jason Russell for his new bride, Elizabeth Winship. Originally, the house was a small, two-room abode made from the oak trees that grew on Russell's property. A decade later, Russell added two more rooms and a set of five windows across the top. This is the house that stands today, a relic of life from over 270 years ago.

Today, the Jason Russell House is managed by the Arlington Historical Society who welcome visitors weekly on Saturday and Sunday from 1–4 p.m during the months between mid-April and October.

The tour is composed of visiting the six major areas of the house. Patrons begin by examining the Kitchen where they will learn about the events of April 19, 1775, the beginning of the Revolutionary War. This includes a story about how British looters stole silver from a community chest later donated to the house by Deacon Joseph Adams. Bullet holes from the battles in the area can still be seen as a visual reminder of the conflict.

Next, patrons will come upon the Parlor, where visitors can check out, “some of the Society's collection of 18th and 19th century pottery and porcelain,” according to the Arlington Historical Societies website.

Moving on to the Entryway, a unique artifact can be found in the fire bucket that marks the fact that the Russell's were members of the West Cambridge Fire Society and thus, would have a “bucket brigade” at the ready should a fire get out of hand.

The Upstairs Hall is the next stop where visitors can examine some of the special architectural designs of the house including the attic, sleeping quarters, food pantry, and even a secret closet used for hiding important documents and valuables.

The modest Children's Room is then examined where viewers can take a look at the scribblings of the Russell children above the fireplace and some original toys from the era.

The Best Room concludes the tour. This was the room where Russell and Winship slept. A wooden cane remains on an old oak chest, the only artifact the Arlington Historical Society owns that Russell himself used. “In the closet next to the fireplace are displayed, among other things, a 1793 wedding gown and a ball gown worn at the Peace Ball following the War of 1812,” states the website.

The Jason Russell House is one of Arlington's best spots to take a look deep into our countries past. For more information on the Jason Russell House, including how you can schedule a tour for the small fee of $3, please visit the Arlington Historical Societies website by clicking here.

—Historical Arlington is an occasional series on Arlington's places, history and its people.