Endecott Shop...

Enter on-line gift shop here.

This structure was originally built in about 1681 as the home of Dr. Zerubabel Endecott, the son of Governor John Endecott. Originally located at what in recent times was 139 Endicott Street in Danvers, this building had undergone numerous additions over the years.In 1973 a group of volunteers, led by Richard Trask and including Robert Osgood, Skip Lotito, John George and Marshall Moore, dismantled the oldest section of the house, as the property was slated for demolition to make way for the Endicott Shopping Plaza.

The "First Period" portion of the house was re-erected here on the Nurse Homestead in 1983, under the direction of contractor Howard Haynes. The frame has been sheathed on the exterior to appear as a barn in order to blend with the character of the Nurse Homestead. This structure now sits on the location of the original Nurse barn.

Portions of the interior frame has been left exposed to exhibit the construction methods of "First Period" style houses. The main upright frame beams in this structure are oak, while the summer beams are pine. The interior is designed to show visitors how these "post and beam" houses were built. Wood painted in gray indicates modern replacement beams.

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      ca.1681-Zerubabel Endecott (1635-1684), physician and son of Governor John Endecott, builds a three-room house at the Governor's Orchard Farm. This property will ultimately become 139 Endicott Street in Danvers.

     1684-Zerubabel Endecott dies, and a room by room inventory of his house is recorded.

     1692-During the Salem witchcraft hysteria, it is alleged that Zerubabel died as a result of witchcraft. The present occupant of the house, Samuel Endecott (1659-1694), signs petitions asking mercy for accused witches Elizabeth and John Procter and Rebecca Nurse. On September 9, Endecott gives testimony against accused witch Mary Bradbury.

     1762-John Endecott (1713-1783), a major in the French and Indian War, builds a two room addition onto the west side of the house

     1775-Robert Endecott (1756-1819), a private in Captain Jeremiah Page's militia company, responds from this house to the Lexington Alarm of April 19, 1775. He later engages in privateering and is captured by a British ship and is imprisoned.

     1796-1814-Famed diarist and antiquarian Rev. William Bentley often visits and describes the property owned by Revolutionary War veteran, John Endecott.

     1973-Volunteers save the frame of the Endecott house from destruction.

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The Endecott Shop is housed in this building. Here visitors may purchase admission to the property, as well as quality goods that compliment the historic nature of the Homestead.

We try to stock New England made goods that are priced fairly and are of good value to the consumer. Among featured items are books, video tapes, post cards, jewelry, reproduction pottery, colonial children's games and other reproductions reflecting the history of the house, the 1692 witchcraft hysteria and colonial life. We do not carry "tourist shop" junk. All profits (after expenses) are used for the upkeep of the Rebecca Nurse Homestead.