The How Houses are three architecturally and historically significant buildings that were built by members of the How family. They are three-story Federal-style brick homes located in close proximity to one another. All are side gabled with symmetrical facades with interior end chimneys. Characteristic of the style, the entries are framed by either sidelight windows or pilasters and topped by fanlight windows. Both the John and Joseph How Houses have recessed arched entries. Daniel How was a hatter who came to Portland in 1795 from Methuen, Massachusetts. He built his house in 1799 and in 1817 built a house for his son John as a wedding gift at the back of his property. The following year, Daniel's brother built the double house next door to his nephews home. At the time the houses were constructed, Commercial Street did not yet exist and the Daniel How House would have had an unobstructed view of the harbor, Cape Elizabeth, and the Casco Bay islands.
Year Listed: 1979
For more information: https://npgallery.nps.gov/NRHP/AssetDetail?assetID=fc518cb4-12c3-44d9-9b43-17f0bed4c343