Bolton House
N. Queen Street

Though joined to its neighbor the Dunn House (see above), part of Bolton House is nearly 30 years older. Its oldest section is a 21' by 18' one-and-a-half story structure, built soon after 1759. The outside had featheredge shiplap siding painted the typical red of the period, and a small portion of this can be seen through an opening in the present entrance hall. The interior walls of the present living room are vertical featheredge boards originla to the house.

John Bolton of Philadelphia enlarged the building, dug a basement, removed the original back wall and created two nearly equal size spaces with corner fireplaces. The stair remained in the original location.

Bolton's civic and political activities are described in some detail on page 171 of Historic Houses of Kent County. In 1783 he owned seven town lots and 344 acres near Worton. Bolton House on Queen street was mentioned in his will being reserved to support his minor children. However, two years later his executor sold the house on Lot No. 23 to William Dunn. He enlarged Bolton's house and constructed his own adjoining dwelling.

Preservation, Inc. stabilized both structures and Bolton House was sold to its current owners who undertook the complete restoration seen on this tour. Family pieces adorn its rooms, along with a chef's kitchen overlooking its very private rear garden.