Tour the Keeper’s House
By DIANNE ROZAK
Danbury Township Trustee
Keepers House Photo | Submitted by DIANNE ROZAK
The Keeper’s House on Bayshore Road was the personal home of Benajah Wolcott, the first keeper of the Marblehead Lighthouse. It was built from limestone in 1822 and replaced Mr. Wolcott’s original log cabin which at that time stood on 114 acres of land. Commonly called the Wolcott House, it is on the National Register of Historic Places and is the oldest standing residence in Ottawa County. The home features a hall and parlor design which is an example of early American residential architecture.
The Keeper’s House is owned and maintained by the Danbury Township Board of Trustees and is operated by the Ottawa County Historical Society. Across from the house is an annex which includes a museum and gift shop. A short walk up the road and into the woods leads to the historic cemetery where Mr. Wolcott and several family members are laid to rest.
The house has been lovingly restored and is truly a local treasure with helpful staff to explain its history. Tours are free and are held on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday from 1 to 5 p.m. June 2-Sept. 1.
On Saturday, July 14 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. hearth cooking will be demonstrated and the Rotary Perch Wagon’s perch sandwiches and dinners will be available. The house will also open on Saturday, Oct. 13 during Lighthouse Festival from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m. Hearth cooking, bean soup, corn bread and cider will be offered on Festival day as well as a Civil War encampment with the 14th Ohio Volunteer Infantry and period music by the 73rd OVI Regiment Band.
The Keeper’s House is located at 9999 E. Bayshore Road. Volunteers are always welcome at the house and the annex. Contact Linda Huber at 419-702-7060 for details or visit ottawacountyhistory.org.
