The Endicott Estate is a mansion built in the nineteenth century, located at 656 East Street in Dedham, Massachusetts “situated on a 15-acre panorama of lush green lawn that is punctuated by stately elm, spruce and weeping willow trees” (http://www.endicottestate.com/index.htm). It was built by Henry Bradford Endicott, founder of the Endicott-Johnson Shoe Corp. The mansion as it stands today is actually the second estate, as the original burned to the ground in 1904. This was the result of the local volunteer fire department responding to three separate fires burning at the same time, and not being able to reach the Estate in time. This event reportedly inspired Henry Bradford Endicott to build the newest Estate that same year.

According to the Estate’s official website, “It is said that Henry Bradford Endicott took the burning of the homestead as a divine command to rebuild” (http://www.endicottestate.com/history.htm). The Estate remained in the Endicott family until 1967 after the death of Henry’s adopted daughter Katherine, when it was willed to the town of Dedham to be used for “educational, civic and recreational purposes” (http://www.bsaac.com/directions.html).

Today

The Endicott Estate is now used to host a multitude of events, both formal and informal. This ranges from “weddings, receptions, and cocktail parties, to business meetings, art shows and more” (http://www.endicottestate.com/index.htm), such as the Annual BSAAC Antique Car Show, Car Corral & Trading Bee Family Fun Day. The mansion’s main floor houses a Grand Ballroom, which is “framed by Ionic columns and duel balustrades, adds a classical touch to holiday parties, art shows, concerts and seminars” (http://www.endicottestate.com/index.htm). The lower level of the structure is complete with a library, dining room, mirrored parlor, music room, as well as a fully functional kitchen. There are also six rooms on the upper level, which are mostly used for workshops and business meetings.

The house was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2002

External links

• Endicott Estate - official site
• http://www.bsaac.com/directions.html