History of 152 Main Street Bridgewater, MA

   

The property was first built by Reverend Zedekiah Sanger of Sherborne, MA around 1820 for his descendants.

Reverend Sanger was the third pastor to what is now called the First Parish Church in Central Square from 1791 to 1820. He was a graduate of Harvard University in 1771.

A group of citizens, including Reverend Sanger and Major Isaac Lazell and his brother Nathan, both of whom owned one of the largest iron works in the United States, Bridgewater Iron Works -- petitioned the General Court for the right to establish a school in the center of old Bridgewater.

The legislature passed an act of incorporation on February 26, 1799, creating the Bridgewater Academy. Shortly after Reverend Sanger's passing, the next pastor, Richard M Hodges of Salem, MA became pastor at the First Parish and took residence at Reverend Sanger's estate. 








Richard received his early education under several instructors, the most prominent being Samuel Adams. He graduated from Harvard College in 1815 and pursued theological studies to become their fourth minister in Bridgewater. Reverend Hodges assumed the responsibility his ministry at a period of great controversy, which headed to the general separation of the Evangelical and Unitarian elements of the churches. Rev. Hodges eventually left Bridgewater and moved his family to Cambridge in September of 1834.

The next resident was Jonathan Cushing of Boston, MA. Jonathan made his first trip to Bridgewater when he was fourteen years old on horseback accompanying Miss Relief Jacobs. Miss Jacobs would later give birth to the American Politician/Senator, Charles Sumner (Sumner Tunnel in Boston). They made frequent journeys together from Scituate to Bridgewater as she was learning the trade of tailoress. Later on, Jonathan came to attend Bridgewater Academy and moved into the Sanger-Hodges residence. 

He ended up working in the store of Nathan and Isaac Lazell in Central Square where he met their daughter and his soon to be wife, Sarah Lazell which was married into the Revere family. He worked closely with  Nathaniel Fisher Ames in Boston operating a successful West India goods trade. He was also an agent of the Braintree Cotton Gin Company. He later retired in 1842 and lived and died  in his Bridgewater home at the age of 92 (1877).

Around 1900, a Frederick W. Hooper,  of George M. Hooper & Company moved into the Sanger-Hodges-Cushing-Hooper residence. The family owned a very wealthy brick yard and paper mill on Plymouth Street. They were also very active in the First Parish Church of Reverend Sanger. Frederick lived until the age of 68  in Bridgewater (1940).

The next resident was Elizabeth Sarah Sumner who brought entertainment and hospitality to the residence by converting it to a bed and breakfast with a full stage dinner theatre. Sarah converted carriage house into the very first theatre in Bridgewater which became home to the theatrical group called the Bridgewater Players. The theatre became the hot spot for the community for many years. Many of Bridgewater University's events and holiday parties were hosted on the properties as well as weddings. Sarah would host tea parties, dinner theatre and multiple plays for the community. The paintings on the cupola still mark the dates it was open 1923 to 1955. The last date on record for Sarah Sumner was around 1964, when she likely passed. 

The next resident was Timothy Smith of Beacon Hill, Boston. He used this house as a summer getaway from city life. He gave it the nickname of Birchwood.

The next residents were Paul and Ruth Keith which put a great deal of work into the home. We found this post card from Sarah Sumner to a friend. It also has Ruth Keith's name noted. Paul Keith was the brother to the late representative Hastings Keith. We are seeking more information on the Keiths.

The next resident was Patricia Radwanski, who adored and loved the property. Patricia and her family lovingly maintained the residence until her passing in 2004. (Sanger-Hodges-Cushing-Hooper-Sumner-Keith-Radwanski)

 In 2004, Amy Hanson of Bridgewater purchased the property in 2004 and has been working to restore the history and structure back to its original charm. Amy restored the theatre and recently named the space after the original owner, Reverend Sanger's Public House. Amy raised her two daughters in the home and was able to revive and restore the theatre to host weddings, live concerts and family events in the theatre. Amy's wish to restore the residence and theatre and preserve the building to assure it will remain for many more years. (Sanger-Hodges-Cushing-Hooper-Sumner-Keith-Radwanski-Hanson-Saunders)

More information and images on the theatre revival project is located on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/reverendsangers. 

1820: Revered Zedekiah Sanger
-1834: Reverend Richard M. Hodges
-1877: Jonathan Cushing
-1940: Frederick W. Hooper
-1964: Sara Elizabeth Sumner
?: Timothy Smith 
1964-: Paul and Ruth Keith
-2004: Patricia Radwanski
-2014: Amy Hanson-Saunders

The tenth chapter awaits.