August 17th, 2012
The Danvers Room
The New York Times published an article Tuesday about John Archer’s eclectic house in Danvers, Massachusetts: Scrap Mansion. For those who don’t know, John Archer probably did more than anyone to try keeping the Danvers State Hospital Kirkbride intact. Though his mission to preserve the entire Kirkbride wasn’t ultimately successful, Mr. Archer was able to salvage several reasonably large pieces of what was torn down and have them incorporated into a new wing on his home.
The slideshow accompanying the article includes a few photos featuring the “Danvers Room”—both interior and exterior. The exterior isn’t to my taste really, but it’s not bad considering the Kirkbride’s Gothic style doesn’t blend well with the rest of the house. I like the interior a lot though. You might notice a few familiar looking doors here and there. I’m not sure what else came from the Kirkbride, but there are probably a few other items not shown.
It’s good to know somebody who loved the building so much was able to incorporate pieces of the Kirkbride into their home. I’m sure those bits and pieces will be lovingly looked after.
Cool article, seems they were a little late covering the subject though!
Sorry, for the above comment I made before I read the article. I assumed the article was focusing on the portions saved from Danvers, not his house as a whole.
Also, Ethan, do you have contat info. for John? It mentioned in the article he was lobotomy tools. I’ve been on a 10yr+ quest to obtain an orbitoclast, and his he has and extra one I’d like to enquire if he’d be willing to part with it!
that house he is still working on is amazing. But I guess I’m strange cause I love history and all the old things that come with it, be it the wood or the windows or even carpets, sometimes even pots and pans. If it’s old, I love it and he has done an amazing job on this house so far. I would live in it and just sit and stare into that ceiling or look out of those windows. Stunning, beautiful and so captivating.
Reminds me of my own house. Though mine won’t be nearly as cool when it’s done…except for my Danvers lobby bench. I’d rather have the turret…