Joseph E. Gould Residence

– Circa 1874 –

This photo taken in the fall of 2021 shows what would have originally been the back of the house from Second Avenue.

The Joseph E. Gould House: A Historical Gem in Uxbridge

Built in 1875, the Joseph E. Gould House stands as a testament to the architectural and historical heritage of Uxbridge. This charming residence was commissioned by Joseph E. Gould and his wife Elizabeth, and constructed by local contractor Richard Mauder. Originally, the property spanned approximately eight town lots in the northeast corner of town, with the house oriented to face First Avenue. It was a prominent sight from the road until the 1950s, when newer houses began to fill the landscape.

Photo Courtesy of Uxbridge – Scugog Historic Homes & Heritage Buildings by: Paul Arculus J. Peter Hvidsten. Shows what the house looks like today from the front (facing First Avenue)

Architectural Features

The design of the Gould House is notable for its symmetry and intricate details. It features two identical wings flanking the original front entrance, with east and west-facing gables adorned with elaborate bargeboard. Above the front porch, a dormer adds to the house’s Victorian charm. The two front-facing gables each have windows topped with carved wooden awnings and small balconies below. Today, only one of these windows retains its original condition.

A distinctive feature of the Gould House is its squared-top windows. Joseph Gould opted for these as they were more economical than the popular curved-top windows of the time, allowing him to allocate more funds towards the decorative bargeboard, brackets, and roof peak carvings. These unique elements are considered distinctive to Uxbridge and can be seen in several other historic homes around town. Although originally constructed of brick, much of the exterior has since been covered with siding or painted blue.

Photo Circa 1895 Courtesy of Uxbridge – Scugog Historic Homes & Heritage Buildings by: Paul Arculus J. Peter Hvidsten

Ownership History

The house remained in the Gould family until 1910, when it was sold to Norman and Mary Beal for $2,000. Norman Beal, who operated a tannery on Main Street and served as mayor of Uxbridge from 1910 to 1912, was married to Mary, the granddaughter of Joseph Gould. The Beals resided in the home until 1920.

In 1922, the property changed hands, and again in 1924, when Robert Palmer became the owner. Palmer divided several lots from the original parcel but retained the main property. The Palmer family held onto the home until 1978, preserving a piece of Uxbridge’s rich history.

Preservation

The Joseph E. Gould House not only exemplifies the architectural style of its era but also reflects the town’s historical narrative. Its unique features, such as the bargeboard and decorative brackets, continue to draw attention and admiration, ensuring that the legacy of the Gould House remains a treasured part of Uxbridge’s heritage.

Want to learn about other historic homes in Uxbridge?  Visit our Uxbridge Historic Homes Blog.

Source and Credits

Uxbridge – Scugog Historic Homes & Heritage Buildings by: Paul Arculus J. Peter Hvidsten