Travel Back in Time: the Old Ordinary [VIDEO]

Just outside Hingham Square, tourists can see one of Hingham’s most historic buildings, the Old Ordinary. The building, located on Lincoln Street dates back to the 17^th Century and according to the Hingham Historical Society, it is as welcoming today as it was when it was a destination for hungry travelers and townspeople of Hingham. 

The Historical Society describes the old home as a charming colonial structure sided with weathered clapboards and enhanced by a colorful period garden. It was designed by Frederick Law Olmstead Jr., and the museum is filled with furniture and samplers, dishes and toys that once belonged to the town's oldest families. 

According to Historical Society director, Suzanne Buchanan, the house was built in 1680 by one of Hingham’s first settlers, Thomas Andrews. The Andrews family used it as a stopping area for travelers who would walk from Boston to Plymouth. 

“It was used as a place where you could serve drink  to travelers,” Buchanan said. “It was a money making venture for the Andrew’s.”

For the 1680’s, Buchanan said the house, which was designed as “one room over one room,” was seen as “fancy” to the Hingham area.  It was known for many years as Andrew’s Tavern and then later known as the Wilder’s Tavern.

Visitors can check out some of the historic items that still remain in the Old Ordinary house, including whale oil lamps and paintings.  Graffiti dating back from the 1780’s can still be seen on the Ordinary’s walls. An oil portrait that hangs in the house was stabbed by Patriots during the Revolutionary War when the home was occupied by Loyaists.  Today, you can still see the stab marks.

For the month of July, the Old Ordinary is offering free tours to the public from Tuesday through Saturday at 1:30 p.m., 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. Private tours can be scheduled at the Historical Society.