Knowlton – Historic Ipswich

Abraham Knowlton, “Workman of Rare Skill”

September 5, 2025November 8, 2025 Gordon Harris3 Comments

Ipswich is home to two groundbreaking masterworks of early eighteenth century America, a paneled wall and a pulpit. Both were made by Abraham Knowlton (1699- 1751), a woodworker who is less well known than he deserves to be.

The Hovey Clan and Knowlton’s Close, a 19th Century Neighborhood

January 30, 2023November 14, 2024 Gordon Harris2 Comments

1872 map of East Street in Ipswich, known as "Knowlton's Close"

In 1844, John Sawyer sold to Josiah Caldwell an undeveloped tract known as "Knowlton's Close." Caldwell sold the land in house lots, where houses constructed in the popular vernacular Greek Revival style still stand today.