Positioned above the east bank of the Kennebec River, the John Davis House is a rare example of a brick Federal-style house in the Kennebec River Valley. The house is side-gabled with a symmetrical front faade. The central entry is placed below a recessed arch. The entry has an elaborate surround with an elliptical fan placed above the paneled door flanked by sidelights and pilasters. Each window is topped with a granite lintel. The side porch was added in the early twentieth century. Little is known about John Davis, who likely built this house shortly after Chelsea was platted in 1815. Davis was a farmer, but he was also a prominent land speculator, who bought and sold numerous properties in the area. With his success in real estate, Davis would have been able to afford to construct this substantial high style house. Local lore has suggested that Davis was also a brickmaker, who built this house and others in the area, but this claim remains unsubstantiated.
Year Listed: 1984
For more information: https://npgallery.nps.gov/NRHP/AssetDetail?assetID=5ef49f50-d011-46c5-9cf5-ec92c1aeabee