The original owner was the Rev. Peter Thatcher Smith. The house is named after him. After he was dismissed from the pastorate, he remained on his farm until his death in 1826 at the age of 95.
Though the French and Indian wars had ended 8 years previous to the house being built, the house was built to protect local residents from any intruders including Native Americans. Such building ideas as doors that opened outward and heavy shutters placed in the rooms where women and children were to take refuge in case of an emergency. There is also a stairway in the attic that leads to the roof.
All eight rooms have fireplaces. The house was beautifully furnished with Queen Anne, Sheradon, Chippendale and Hepplewhite furniture. It became the center of social activities in the area.
In 1935, after 5 generations of Smiths had lived in the house, it was left to the Society for the Preservation of New England Antiquities. In 1994 it was sold. The house has character, charm and definitely a past. Many believe that the house is haunted by Indian warriors since it is built on the site of a fort where a war took place. Come and check it out if you dare.
This is a beautiful home and representative of the history that surrounds our wonderful town of Windham!
