Whitin Mansions

Whitin Mansion

Carol Dandrade

Quick Facts

Location:

Northbridge, MA

OPEN TO PUBLIC:

No

Amenities

1 listed

Scenic View/Photo Spot

The Whitin mansions reflect the mill owners' rise to power and the social stratification that came to characterize Whitinsville. The first mansion built by John C. Whitin is a Greek Revival structure erected in 1840. It originally stood across from the Whitin Machine Works and was moved in 1870 to make room for Whitin's second, and grander, mansion.

Across the street to your left stands Oakhurst, built in 1890 by Chester Lasell, son of Josiah Lasell and Jane Whitin, daughter of John C. Whitin. Chester Lasell succeeded his father as president of Whitin Machine Works. He bred some of the finest race horses in the country and entertained guests, including President Taft and Booker T. Washington at the home.

Just down the street is Whitin Park. This was the site of John C. Whitin's second mansion, a 32-room Victorian structure that stood at the top of this landscaped estate. Built in 1875, the estate boasted three greenhouses, several swan ponds, and trees imported from all over the world. The house was torn down in 1943, but much of the foundation remains.

All of these structures are a testament to the wealth produced by this community and the continued social divide that occurred here.