Quincy, Mass. Historical and Architectural Survey

79 Elm Street (Thomas Boylston Adams House)

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE
Although 52 Elm Street is technically listed in the Quincy Point neighborhood, it is literally across the street from Quincy Center and the central business district. Elm Street was known as the "Road to the Landing-Place" for over one hundred years. The "Town Landing" was situated about one-half mile easterly from this house, at the foot of what was known as Elm Place and now is where Elm Street meets McGrath Highway.

Number 79 Elm Street was built about 1800 in front of and attached to the old Ruggles House of about 1640. This old part was demolished about 1907. Judge Thomas Boylston Adams, son of President John Adams, moved here from the Old House, at 135 Adams Street, in 1829. It was also the home of his son, Issac Hull Adams who died in 1900, and his daughter, Elizabeth Coombs Adams, who died in 1903 at the age of 95. By 1907 the property was acquired by Edwin Mehinnick,a stone contractor, who owned several houses in the area.

BIBLIOGRAPHY and/or REFERENCES
Assessors Records.
Building Permits, alterations, garage.
Quincy Historical Society records.
"Quincy, Massachusetts." Historical Guide and Map with Programme of the Tercentenary Celebration. 1925.

ARCHITECTURAL SIGNIFICANCE:
This historic house still retains its architectural identitly but not its architectural integrity as the vinyl siding which now covers it has obliterated many of the Federal features of the residence. One can still recognize the compact rectangular massing, the low pitch hip roof, the symmetrical five bay facade and the low granite foundation. The entrance has been altered. In the previous inventory photograph one notes the presence of an Italianate portico over the simple Federal entrance. This new entrance was probably added when the building was resided with vinyl; it now has a fixed metal awning which is unfortunate. The corner boards have been removed. It is an interesting reminder of early 19th century Quincy history.

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