Captain John Wilson House

The charmingly vernacular Captain John Wilson House, built 1807, stands at the base of a rocky outcrop in historic Cohasset Center. The simple gabled house is built over the top of the stony ledge which has been a stable foundation, but a constant source of water problems. Time and weather had also taken their toll.


Exterior of Captain Wilson House before work began.

After receipt of a Community Preservation Act grant, the Cohasset Historical Society engaged Menders, Torrey & Spencer to address the drainage and structural issues in the flooring. We created a means of intercepting the majority of water run-off from the ledge above the house and redirected gutters and downspouts to carry water away from the vulnerable rear elevation. Rotted floor framing was replaced with specially-cut black locust timbers selected for their high density and resistance to decay. Work has continued with the Cohasset Historical Society in a second phase. Phase II involved repair of materials damaged from water infiltration, including interior woodwork repair, plaster restoration, and installation of a new floor in the Garden Room. Exterior woodwork, including trim and windows, was also repaired. Life-safety systems were upgraded to current standards, and the exterior was also repainted in historically-appropriate colors.


Exterior nearing completion of Phase II work.


The nestling of the building into ledge is readily apparent (above left). A built-in clock (above right, shown before repairs) was part of the interior repairs in Phase II.