33 North Main Street, the Nathaniel Wait house (1865)

The Nathaniel R. Wait house at 33 North Main Street appears on the Ipswich maps between 1859 and 1872. Wide roof rakes supported by corbels and dental molding are typical of the late Greek Revival era with Italianate influence. Wait was apparently a cobbler, having placed on exhibit at the Essex County Fair a pair of fishing boots judged excellent for their new pattern that had no seam inside which might hurt the foot.

The Wait hosue is on the left in this early 1900’s photo of the Methodist Church. Nathaniel R. Wait was a trustee of the church and helped arrange the purchase of County land for construction of the present edifice in 1859.