Acquired by Florence Evans Bushee in 1954, the house was subject to an extensive restoration. Workers discovered that new mortise and tenon joints and various other changes were made to many of the salvaged framing members to allow them to conform to the plan of the “new” house. During restoration, the lean-to was rebuilt with new timbers, and sash windows from the front of the house were reinstalled in the lean-to. Decorative paneling was removed and reinstalled in the National Museum of History and Technology in Washington, D.C
June 3 (free admission)
October 7
11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
$6 adults
$5 seniors
$3 students
Free to Historic New England members and Newbury residents.
Dole-Little House is on Route 1A just before the Parker River Bridge.
There is a small lot in front of the house, and street parking is permitted for short periods of time.
Dole-Little House is located on the banks of the Parker River, near the site of the earliest Newbury settlement.
Dole-Little House is located on the banks of the Parker River, near the site of the earliest Newbury settlement.
The fireplace in the hall measures nearly twelve feet wide. The paneling around it is reconstructed based on boards found throughout the house.
The parlor fireplace is smaller than the hall fireplace, measuring only six feet. Hall fireplaces were often larger and more decorative.
The lean-to and garage attached to Dole-Little House were added in the twentieth century to allow for modern convenience
Family HomeBuilt around 1715 with materials salvaged from an earlier structure, Dole-Little House was constructed for Richard Dole, a cattleman. The house was built on a two-room, central-chimney plan with a small kitchen shed at the rear. This shed has since been replaced with a larger lean-to. Decorative carpentry and finish include chamfered edges, molded sheathing (especially in the great hall and parlor), and possibly original stair balusters.
RestorationAcquired by Florence Evans Bushee in 1954, the house was subsequently restored to reflect the original period by restoration contractor Roy Baker. Baker discovered that new mortise and tenon joints and various other changes had been added to many of the salvaged framing members to allow them to conform to the plan of the house. During restoration efforts, the lean-to was removed and reconstructed with new timbers, and a small-paned sash from the front of the house was reinstalled in the lean-to. The paneling from one chamber was removed and reinstalled as an exhibition room at the National Museum of History and Technology in Washington, D.C. A copied version was reinstalled in the chamber. The stair balusters, removed by Baker in 1955, are now on display in the house.
Becoming a MuseumDole-Little House was given to Historic New England in 1975 upon the death of Mrs. Bushee. It is operated as a “study property” with particular emphasis on mid-twentieth century restoration techniques.
Visit nearby Spencer-Peirce-Little Farm in Newbury.
Learn MoreVisit nearby Coffin House in Newbury.
Learn MoreBecome a member and tour for free.
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