Site of Prescott Townsend Home

75 Philips Street home of Prescott Townsend

NPS Photo/M Mark

Quick Facts

Location:

75 Philips Street

Significance:

Home to Prescott Townsend, gay rights activist

OPEN TO PUBLIC:

No

MANAGED BY:

Private residance

Artist and gay rights activist Prescott Townsend lived at 75 Phillips Street. Born into a wealthy family, Townsend purchased many properties in Beacon Hill with the hope of establishing a bohemian artistic community. During the Great Depression, he lost all of his properties with the exception of this home as well as one on Lindell Street. These two houses were connected via an underground tunnel. Townsend lived here at 75 Philips Street for more than forty years and welcomed many young artists and activists into his home.