20 Williams Street Historic Inventory FormInventory No:SAL.2360
Historic Name:Abbot,Philip House
Common Name:
Address:20 Williams St
City/Town:Salem
Village/Neighborhood:Salem Common;
Local No:35-123;
Year Constructed:C 1836
Architectural Style(s):No style;
Use(s):Multiple Family Dwelling House;Single Family Dwelling House;
Significance:Architecture;
Area(s):SAL.HW
Designation(s):Nat'l Register District (05/12/1976);
Building Materials:Roof:Asphalt Shingle;
Wall:Vinyl Siding;Wood;
Foundation:Brick;Granite;Stone,Cut;
Demolished No
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This file was accessed on:Wednesday,December 17,2025 at 10:16 AM
FORM B - BUILDING
•\\y
NRDIS 1976
Assessor's number
35-123
USGS Quad
Salem
Area(s)
HW
Form Number
2360
Recorded by Lisa Mausolf
Organization Salem Planning Department
Town Salem
Place (neighborhood or village) Salem Common
Address 20 Williams Street
Historic Name Philip Abbot House
Uses: Present Residential
Original Residential
Date of Construction early 19th c. (by 1836)
Source Salem City Directories
Style/Form
Architect/Builder unknown
Exterior Material:
Foundation Granite, Brick
Wall/Trim Vinyl Siding
Roof Asphalt Shingle
Outbuildings/Secondary Structures
none
Major Alterations (with dates) mid 19th c. - alt. to
entrance and bay window above; c. 1980 - vinyl siding
Condition good
Moved ^ no Q yes Date
Acreage less than one acre
Setting set directly on sidewalk in predominantly 19th
century residential neighborhood
^"t> 0 5 ^^ollow Massachusetts Historical Commission Survey Manual instructions for completing this form.
"ASS. HIST. COMM.
(
BUILDING FORM
ARCHITECTURAL DESCRIPTION
Describe architectural features. Evaluate the characteristics of the building in terms of other buildings within the
community.
20 Williams Street is a 2 1/2-story, 5 x 2-bay house which is set with its narrow gable end to the street. The building is
sheathed in vinyl siding in a novelty pattern. The foundation combines two courses of rough-faced granite blocks with
smooth margins on the facade with a brick foundation on the lesser elevations. A large brick chimney rises from the rear
slope of the asphalt-shingled roof. The projecting eaves end in cornice returns that are enclosed. Centered on the south
facade is a modern door flanked by partial sidelights and fronted by a wooden deck. The central bay projects slightly and on
the second story a rectangular bay window overhangs slightly. Windows contain replacement 6/6 sash. Extending to the cast
is a two story wing with a modern deck.
The building sits directly on the sidewalk. The yard to the south of the house is enclosed by a chain link fence and shaded by
a large maple tree.
HISTORICAL NARRATIVE
Describe the history of the building. Explain its associations with local (or state) history. Include uses of the building and
the role(s) the owners/occupants played within the community.
Williams Street was laid out by Henry Williams in 1796. This house appears to date to the early 19th century although its
exact date of construction has not been determined. The earliest directory listing found Philip Abbot living here in 1836. IN
1846 the house was occupied by Philip Abbot, a baker, and Philip Abbot, Jr., a painter. Abbot is listed as the owner on the
1851, 1874 and 1897 maps. Abbot's heirs are shown as the owner on the 1911 map. Directories indicate that by 1910 the
house was occupied by Samuel T. Abbot, who like Philip Abbot was a painter and paper hanger. Abbot continued to live
here into the 1920s. The property has had numerous occupants since that time.
BIBLIOGRAPHY and/or REFERENCES
Hopkins, G.M. Atlas of Salem. Massachusetts. Philadelphia: 1874.
Mclntyre, Henry C.E. Map of the Citv of Salem. Philadelphia: 1851.
Richards, L.J. Atlas of the City of Salem. Massachusetts. 1897.
, Salem City Directories, 1836-1970.
Sanborn Insurance Maps, 1890, 1906, 1950, 1957, 1965, 1970. [Massachusetts State Library].
Tolles, Bryant F., Jr. Architecture in Salem: an Illustrated Guide. Salem: Essex Institute, 1983.
Walker Lithograph and Publishing Company. Atlas of the City of Salem. Massachusetts. Boston: 1911.
Recommended for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. If checked, you must attach a completed National
Register Criteria Statement form.