Located on Jones Road, the Abel Jones House is a two-story structure that was originally oriented south. Thus, the house when first completed reflected Federal-style elements, such as a side-gabled roof and a symmetrical front facade with a central entry and a long rear ell. In the late nineteenth century, the house was remodeled to reflect the popularity of the Italianate style by changing the orientation towards Jones Road and constructing a hood supported by heavy brackets over the new entry. The original entry was removed. Abel Jones, a prominent member of the Quaker community, built this house. His grandson, Rufus Jones, was born and raised in this house. Rufus became a well-respected Quaker theologian, historian, and philosopher. He was the longtime editor of a popular Quaker magazine, wrote 56 books and numerous articles on Quakerism, and strove to knit the divide among Quaker sects at the turn of the twentieth century. He also traveled extensively to gain a better understanding of world religions, which included befriending Mahatma Gandhi. Rufus remained attached to China, summering here throughout his life and serving on the local library's board.
Year Listed: 1983
For More Information: https://npgallery.nps.gov/NRHP/AssetDetail?assetID=b310244c-a00a-450e-8188-086e0ae574a7