Mill owner and store keeper John Bond Swasey
was one of the principal forces behind the early growth
of Meredith Village. He was born in 1782 in a remote corner
of east Meredith. His father died in 1783, leaving Jane
(Bond) Swasey a widow to fend for her family in the frontier
wilderness. Later she married Revolutionary War veteran
Stephen Adams, and the family moved to the hills surrounding
the future Meredith Village. About 1809, Mr. Swasey began
purchasing much of what is now Meredith Village, including
the early village mills. He died in 1828, at which time
the present Swasey Homestead was still under construction.
Though the main form of this house mirrors other early
19th century houses along Main Street, 2 1/2 stories,
five bays, or windows, across the front, a central entrance
and twin chimneys), the two-story side porch is a highly
unusual feature and is reminiscent of southern homes.
John Bond Swasey House
can be found by taking Route 3 to the lights in Meredith.
Turn left and go up the hill onto Main Street. John Bond
Swasey House is located on the right side of Main Street,
beyond the Meredith Public Library.