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"Through analyzing various primary and secondary sources, this project aims to answer questions about the historical context of the King Caesar House and Weston's role in shaping the region and culture, the social, cultural, and economic context of the early 19th century, and the interpretation and preservation of the site to the public."

1.) What architectural styles, features, and materials were used in the construction of the King Caesar House? How do they reflect the culture and social context of the time period?

2.) How has the King Caesar House been preserved and interpreted as a historic site? What challenges and opportunities have arisen in the process, and what is needed in the future?

3.) What can the material culture and lifestyle associated with the King Caesar House tell us about the lives, values, and tastes of its owners and visitors?

Duxbury, Massachusetts was founded in 1637 and has a long and significant history. The town was once a major hub for shipbuilding and maritime trade. Despite shipbuilding, Duxbury's earliest settlers played a key role in the development of New England. Duxbury is also the birthplace of several notable figures, including Myles Standish who was the military leader of Plymouth Colony. In addition, Ezra Weston II,  the owner of the King Caesar house, was one of the most prominent merchants and shipbuilders in the world.

Duxbury has preserved its historical significance through its various landmarks, historic sites, and museums.  These sites offer a glimpse into the town's past and the legacy of its early settlers. Duxbury's history has also impacted its community values and traditions. The town is known for its strong sense of community and its commitment to preserving its historical and cultural heritage with the town not looking much different than it did a couple hundred years ago. This is reflected in its annual traditions that are held such as the Duxbury Art Association's Art Complex Museum's Winter Lights Festival and the Duxbury Rural & Historical Society's Annual Strawberry Festival. Overall, the historical significance of Duxbury, Massachusetts is a testament to the town's mysterious legacy and its commitment to preserving its past for future generations.

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Duxbury is a coastal town located in Plymouth County, Massachusetts. Duxbury has a history dating back to the early 17th century, but it was native land thousands of years prior. It was first settled in 1628 and officially incorporated in 1637. Being on on the coast of Massachusetts Bay made it an important center for shipbuilding and maritime trade in the colonial era. Today, Duxbury is known for its beautiful beaches, extremely historic homes, and their strong sense of community. Every in Duxbury knows where they are from, and maintaining public history is a huge deal to the town in attempts to teach future generations and preserve the town.
Duxbury has a rich history and there are many landmarks and sites that reflect this history.

Some of the oldest and most notable include:

-The Alden House Historic Site. This home dates back to 1653 and is one of the oldest surviving homes in the country. Of the 300 million Americans, 1/6th claim to be descendants of the Mayflower with the majority of those people stemming from Plymouth, Duxbury, and the Aldens.

The John Bradford House: This house was built in 1714 and was home to several generations of the prominent Bradford family.

The Old Burying Ground: Established in 1638 and the final resting place of many early settlers and their descendants. It is the oldest maintained cemetery in the United States.

The Powder Point Bridge: The bridge was built in 1888 and is the oldest and longest wooden bridge of its kind in the United States.

The King Caesar House: Built-in 1809 and owned by Ezra Weston ll. The house and Bumpus Park served as one of the largest shipbuilding companies in the world at the time.

These sites offer a glimpse into Duxbury's past and the legacy of its early settlers. Public history in Duxbury is preserved through a variety of methods, including historical societies, museums, and preservation organizations. The Duxbury Rural and Historical Society owns and operates several historic sites, including the King Caesar House, the Nathaniel Winsor Jr. House, and the Bradford House, which is open for tours and educational programs to visitors. The town also has over one hundred historic markers and monuments throughout the community. These markers, monuments, and parks recognize important people and events in Duxbury's history. Additionally, the Duxbury Free Library has an extensive local history collection of books, maps, and photographs all available to the public like us for research and study.

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Ezra Weston II was a prominent shipbuilder and merchant in Duxbury, Massachusetts during the 19th century. He expanded his father's shipbuilding firm after serving as a clerk.

-Ezra Weston II was born on January 20, 1772, in Duxbury, Massachusetts
-Became one of the largest ship owners in New England, launching his largest vessel, the Ship Hope, in 1841.
-He was a major landowner in Duxbury and owned several homes, including the King Caesar House
-Weston's success in business and trade helped to shape the economy and development of Duxbury during the 19th century.
-Weston faced financial difficulties later in life, and his estate was liquidated after his death in 1842

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Ezra Weston II began his career as a clerk in his father's company. After being an apprentice of his own father's work, he eventually became a partner in 1798. After his father died, Weston became the sole proprietor of the firm and expanded its operations in shipbuilding and international trade. In 1841, Weston launched his largest ship, the Ship Hope, which became the largest merchant vessel in New England at the time. Weston was the talk of the town, and according to U.S. Senator Daniel Webster, Weston was "probably the largest ship owner in the United States." An agent of Lloyd's of London made a similar claim in the same year, and Weston was making a real name for himself. These claims are hearsay, however, it is clear that Weston's company was one of the largest mercantile operations on the South Shore of Massachusetts in the early 19th century, as well as one of the largest in New England

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Architectural Styles:
-Federal-style architecture
-Symmetrical façade with central entrance and fanlight
-Palladian window on the second floor and hipped roof with balustrade

Feautures:
-Hand-carved moldings and details
-Original wooden shutters and hardware
-Decorative fireplace mantels
-Carriage house and barn on the property
-Period furnishings and artifacts

Materials:
-Local timber and lumber
-Handmade brick
-Plaster walls and ceilings
-Original wide-plank floors
-Stucco and clapboard exterior siding

The King Caesar House was built in the Federal style to reflect the wealth and status of its owner. Ezra Weston was a prosperous shipbuilder in the seaport town of Duxbury. The use of local timber, handmade brick, and plaster in its construction reflects the availability and craftsmanship of materials in the area during the early 19th century. Wood was extremely abundant, and beautiful pines planks reflected that all over town.

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Uncovering the History of Bumpus Park: Wharf to Community Space

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Uncovering the History of Bumpus Park: Wharf to Community Space

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Bumpus Park was once a huge wharf built by the Weston shipbuilding firm that jetted out into Duxbury Bay. Ezra Weston I and his son, Ezra Weston II, played key roles in the history of this area. Their contributions and how the wharf was used for rigging and provisioning ships were essential to Weston's and Duxbury's success. It's incredible to imagine how this piece of land has transformed over the years and all of the enjoyment that it holds for future generations.

In 1946, the Bumpus family sold the wharf, which was then donated to the Duxbury Rural & Historical Society. The Bumpus family owned the lot, and it was transformed into beautiful Bumpus Park dedicated to the memory of Hermon C. Bumpus, Sr. It is now a popular venue for weddings, and it has a truly special view of Duxbury Bay just like a window into the past.

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Duxbury Bay Maritime School and Snug Harbor

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The King Caesar House was built in 1809 for a wealthy shipbuilder, Ezra Weston. Duxbury was and still remains a prosperous seaport town. The massive house reflects the wealth and status of its owner. The Federal style was popular during this time period and was associated with the United States government. The King Caesar House was built during a time of great prosperity for Duxbury. The town was known for its shipbuilding industry, which flourished in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Wealthy shipbuilders and merchants built huge homes to reflect their success and social status, and the location of the homes was set up perfectly for their owners. Detail and craftsmanship extended far beyond the boxlike yellow home with the symmetrical façade, Palladian window, and hipped roof with balustrade were common features of this style. When walking into one of these homes, it is apparent the wealth that was associated with the building of the home.

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Ezra Weston II was involved in the China trade during the early 19th century. The China Trade saw American merchants trading goods like furs, ginseng, and opium for Chinese tea, silk, and porcelain. Some of Weston's ships were those that made the long journey across the Pacific to China. The ships and crewmembers faced the extreme dangers of storms, piracy, and disease, and many did not return home. The China trade brought great wealth to merchants like Weston, but it also contributed to the exploitation/subjugation of the Chinese people by Western powers.

In addition to the China trade, Weston also built a thriving business trading with other countries in other parts of the world. These locations included the Caribbean and Europe. His fleet of ships made voyages to many parts of the globe, importing and exporting goods like sugar and molasses, textiles, and hardware. Weston's success in the maritime industry helped to establish Duxbury as one of the most important and influential centers of trade and commerce in the early 19th century.

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During the war in 1812, British naval blockades made it nearly impossible for American merchants to conduct trade overseas. To go against this, Weston and other American merchants turned to privateering. This is a form of legal piracy in which private individuals were authorized by the government to attack enemy ships and seize their cargo. Weston owned several privateer ships, including General Knox, which was captured by the British in 1813.

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The King Caesar House was purchased by the Duxbury Rural and Historical Society in 1965. It has been preserved as a historic site, and the society offers tours and educational programs to interpret the history and significance of the house. Challenges include maintaining the old structure and keeping up with modern accessibility requirements so that anybody is able to view the old home. The restoration of the house began in 1967 focusing on returning the house to its original 1809 appearance. Later additions and modifications were removed and the house was restored to the original color scheme with decorative elements of the house being included. The DRHS has also put a large effort into preserving the surrounding landscape including an English-style garden. The interior of the house is furnished with period-correct pieces and decorations to reflect the style and tastes of Ezra Weston ll. The DRHS also offers educational programs and events for visitors of all ages including interactive workshops, lectures, and exhibits for anyone interested in furthering their knowledge. The house is in a flood-prone area, and the DRHS has had to take measures to protect the house from storm damage. The house is right on the waterfront and has survived many storms, but it is not indestructible. The DRHS has also had the desire to maintain the historic integrity of the house and has made necessary repairs and updates to ensure the safety of visitors who decide to visit the historic home.

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The home is still known as the King Caesar house. The house is named after Ezra Weston ll as that was the nickname given to his father. Once the home was built, a large shipbuilding and merchant operation began, and it became one of the most successful in the world. While this may have been his house, there were many people that lived in it since the time of purchase by the Duxbury Historical Society in 1965. The last owner was extremely interesting, and her name was Elizabeth Weber-Fulop. She was born in Hungary and then raised in Vienna. She spent her time studying in Paris, and she has a successful career being an artist in Europe before shipping to the United States in 1921.
Her only contact with the United States died upon her arrival, and she was alone with an impressive fortune. She spotted one of her paintings in the Fifth Avenue Gallery and her career changed. She launched a career in the United States as a portraitist and purchased the King Caesar House in 1946 with her Austrian architect husband, Emil Weber. They lived here with Alice Moran who was a New York attorney, and they lived in the house as a "Ménage a Trois".
Elizabeth died in 1966 just a few months after she agreed to a sale of the house to the Duxbury Rural and Historical Society.

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Women played a huge role in the maritime industry in Duxbury during the 18th and 19th centuries. Many women in the town were involved in the maritime industry, and they worked as sailors, navigators, and captains. Some women owned and operated their own ships, and many more were responsible for managing business while their husbands were away, or at sea. These women faced numerous challenges with discrimination and societal expectations, but they persevered and contributed to the growth and prosperity of Duxbury and the maritime community.

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This project sets out to explore the significance and history of the King Caesar house in Duxbury Massachusetts. The house was built in 1809 by Ezra Weston. Weston was a prominent shipbuilder and merchant in the area, and he set up on the bay. Through analyzing various primary and secondary sources, this project aims to answer questions about the historical context of the Caesar house and Weston's role in shaping the region/culture, the social, cultural, and economic context of the early 19th century, and the interpretation and presentation/preservation of the site to the public through history. The project will highlight the significance of the King Caesar house as a cultural resource and to contribute to our understanding of public and local history through preservation. (PRIMARY)

1.     Cole, Arthur Charles. "The Ships of Ezra Weston." Proceedings of the Massachusetts Historical Society 58 (1924): 323-361. Accessed March 24, 2023.

The article is written by Arthur Charles Cole. It was published by the Massachusetts Historical Society. It focuses on Ezra Weston's shipbuilding activities. The article is an analysis of the different ships that were built by Weston. These ships had a huge impact on the economy and the society of Duxbury and New England. He was very influential and well-known all around the world, and it wasn’t for no reason. The article is created from primary sources, and it is a great resource to understand Weston's role in the maritime history of the entire region and world.

2.     Quinn, John J. "Ezra Weston and the China Trade." American Neptune 4, no. 3 (1944): 218-227. Accessed March 21, 2023.

This article is written by John J. Quinn and is published in the American Neptune. It focuses on Weston's important involvement in the China trade. It looks at Weston's business relationships with Chinese merchants and his role in the formation of the American trade with China. The article is based on primary sources for legitimacy, and it offers insight into Weston's business ventures.

3.     Bergman, Abraham. "The King Caesar House and the Making of Duxbury's Local Identity." Perspectives in Vernacular Architecture 14, no. 2 (2008): 103-116. Accessed March 21, 2023.

This article is written by Abraham Bergman. It is published in Perspectives in Vernacular Architecture. This article examines the King Caesar House as a symbol of Duxbury's local identity, and it shows its true importance. It explores how the house was used and how it was interpreted over time. Ezra Weston built it, and now it has transitioned to its role as a museum in this 21st century. The article looks at the architecture of the building and shows a cultural analysis. It offers unique insights into how vernacular architecture can shape community identity. This is important to my project because it gives a look at how the house is interpreted now, and how it has been throughout the years. It is a staple in the community, and it is a symbol for the community to identify with.

(SECONDARY)

4.     (INTERVIEW)

I have reached out to Tony Kelso who has been the head of the historical society in Duxbury, leads tours of historic homes and King Caesar House, and is the descendant of a very historic family who happens to own a large plot of land in Duxbury that is now a nature preserve on the Standish Shores. We are trying to find a time to do a video interview, however, he has been extremely busy. I also wanted to interview my grandfather who is the largest private land owner in the town and knows everything about everything including many strange stories about the home. He is also a Scottish Rite 32 Degree Freemason and was the one that got me my apprenticeship in freemasonry. I am planning to return home soon to do that and will do my best to get something in with him. I also may be able to interview him over the phone however he still has a flip phone…

5.     Weston, Ezra. "Account Book." 1809-1831. Duxbury Rural & Historical Society. Accessed March 21, 2023. https://duxburyhistory.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/1809-1831-Ezra-Weston-II-Account-Book.pdf.

This source is a primary document that shows an extremely detailed record of Ezra Weston II's financial transactions from the dates of 1809 to 1831. The information it provides is actually very useful. It is all about Weston's business activities which were all his shipbuilding and other various shipping ventures. The account book also shows what the economy and social conditions of Duxbury were like in the time period. The source is shown through the Duxbury Rural & Historical Society which owns the house now. This source is very useful to understand Weston's role in the development of the special town and the region surrounding it.

6.     This photo shows the original location of the Ezra Weston Homestead. This was the original location of the wharf and shipbuilding outbuildings. It is an extremely historic plot of land, and once the buildings were moved (Relocated to different locations and sold off as private homes still standing), it was turned into a park. It is now a place for the community to enjoy and even is a venue for many local weddings. The image provides a visual representation of the historical marker and helps to visualize the history and location of the site.

7.     This photograph shows the history at Bumpus Park in Duxbury, and it which commemorates the site where Ezra Weston's shipyard was located. The image shows a visual representation of the sign, and it helps visitors make sense of the history of where they are standing. He started with small fishing vessels and ended up creating state-of-the-art, world-renowned merchant ships.

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Interview with Tony Kelso, Historian for the Duxbury Rural Historical Society: War of 1812

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Interview with Tony Kelso, Historian for the Duxbury Rural Historical Society: War of 1812

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Me: I'm curious about the history of the King Caesar House in Duxbury. I know it was built in 1809, but what was King Caesar up to during the War of 1812?

Tony Kelso: Well, King Caesar himself passed away in 1808, so he wasn't involved in the construction of the house. The home was actually built by Ezra Weston II, who was a prominent shipbuilder and merchant in the area.

Me: Oh, I see. So what was Weston doing during the War of 1812?

Tony Kelso: Weston was actually quite busy during the War of 1812. As a shipbuilder and merchant, he had a vested interest in the outcome of the war. Many of his ships were involved in trade with Europe, which was disrupted by the war. Weston was also involved in the privateering business, which was essentially state-sanctioned piracy. Privateers would attack and capture enemy ships, which could be quite profitable for the shipowners.

Me: That's really interesting. So did the War of 1812 have any impact on the construction or design of the King Caesar House?

Tony Kelso: It's hard to say, but it's unlikely that the war had much of an impact on the house itself. The design and materials used in the construction of the house were typical of the Federal style. However, the war certainly would have had an impact on the local economy and the fortunes of Weston and other merchants in the area.

Me: That's really interesting. Did Weston's involvement in privateering affect the local community in any way?

Tony Kelso: Yes, it certainly did. Privateering was a risky business. Many of the ships that were captured or lost during the war belonged to local shipowners. This had a significant impact on the local economy and the livelihoods of those in the maritime industry. However, privateering was also seen as a patriotic duty by many during the war, and the profits that could be made were substantial.

During the War of 1812, Ezra Weston II's shipbuilding business was impacted by the British naval blockade. Weston turned to privateering to continue his business and made substantial profits. However, the war also brought great risks and losses to Weston's business which shows the unpredictable nature of the maritime industry during this time period. There were many other shipbuilders who were put out of business by the Weston's due to the size and stability of their empire.