The Whitmore Family Gothic House Abandoned After Newspaper Closure

The Whitmore family established Fairview House on Maple Street in 1907 after Samuel Whitmore purchased the property while managing the town’s weekly newspaper office. Samuel, his wife Eleanor, their two children, and Samuel’s mother lived in the three-story Carpenter Gothic residence. The family income came from newspaper subscriptions, printing contracts, and local advertising.

Town records described Fairview House as a neighborhood landmark with regular repairs, maintained gardens, and carefully preserved woodwork before changing media habits and economic conditions weakened the family business.

The first warning sign appeared in 1928 when Samuel lost several advertising contracts as businesses reduced spending during the economic downturn. By 1930, paper suppliers sent overdue notices, and the newspaper office reduced its printing schedule. The family dismissed their household helper, closed the upper bedrooms, and delayed repairs to the steep roof, porch railings, and broken shutters. When the newspaper ceased publication in 1932, Samuel was left with unpaid business debts, mortgage payments, and property taxes. In 1933, the Whitmores left Fairview House after foreclosure proceedings were completed and moved to a smaller rental property.

Fairview House was abandoned in 1934 after the newspaper closure, foreclosure, and accumulated financial debts ended the Whitmore family’s ownership. No restoration occurred, and no Whitmore relatives returned to occupy the property. Municipal records later documented unsuccessful attempts to sell the residence and rising repair costs. Furniture, newspapers, and personal belongings remained inside as weather damaged the wooden exterior, roof, and porch. Over decades, moss and vegetation spread across the yard while the surrounding neighborhood changed. The Carpenter Gothic Victorian house remains empty on Maple Street, deteriorating without restoration or a confirmed future owner.