Step Back in Time at the Garrison House

 The blacksmith shop located at the in Chelmsford has survived more than just the test of time.

History bluffs can take a tour of this historic home tomorrow for free tomorrow starting at 2 p.m.

 In addition to preserving the house's structure and contents for more than 200 years, the bit of architectural history was literally cut in half in 1977 for its move to its current location, and then challenged to a fire in 2000. 

Today, the shop stands looking as old as ever as a musem-esque piece of Chelmsford history, thanks to members of the Chelmsford Board of Trustees with help from Community Preservation Act money.

Board President Debbie Tavern describes visiting the blacksmith shop and its surrounding area Garrison House grounds as a “walk through time,” with all original architecture and items serving as real evidence of Chelmsford history.

The blacksmith shop, also known as "the D. P. Byam Sleigh, Sled and Wagon Repository," is one of many attractions at this site.  The “Old Chelmsford” Garrison house itself was built in the mid—1690s and is one of the most popular historical treasures in the area.

Though many items in, on and around the Garrison house are from as early as the 1600s, Tavern says that other actual generations of time can be seen within the home’s walls.

“The house covers years of history,” she said. “One room shows how a working family lived in the 1700s, another room shows culture from the 1860s. There is also a kitchen from the early 1900s.”

Another feature of the Garrison House is its impressive chimney, which Tavern describes as “outstanding." She said the 10-foot-by-10-foot chimney was the original foundation for the house, and its entire structure was built around it.

Today, the foundation still looks as it did 300 years ago and is large enough for visitors to actually step into.

Next the blacksmith and Garrison House is the legendary barn, which Tavern says currently holds one of the largest tool collections from the 1830s and 1860s. A Summer Kitchen, used to demonstrate colonial cooking styles also welcomes visitors, in addition to the Craft House, which served the area’s School Program, and the Hill Jock House, which was moved in 2004.

Tavern encourages residents to take a stroll through time at any of the Garrison House’s events.

“We have a gem in history here,” she said. “History in front of your eyes can really be a lot of fun.”