With its angular square tower topped with
a steep, flared pyramidal roof and iron cresting, the
Hawkins/Deneault house epitomizes Victorian eclecticism.
No fewer than four decorative shingle patterns adorn the
walls. Note the surviving granite hitching post near the
street. Dr. Frederick Hawkins was the principal physician
in Meredith for several decades. He was the son of William
Hawkins, who was killed in 1863 during the Civil War Battle
of Chancellorsville, and his mother died six years later.
The orphan, however, excelled in school and graduated
from a Philadelphia medical school before returning to
his hometown to take over the village medical practice.
After the death of Dr. and Mrs. Hawkins, their home was
purchased by Dr. Frederick and Dorothea Deneault. Dr.
Deneault maintained a dentistry practice in the house
until the 1970s.
Hawkins/Denault House
can be found by taking Route 3 to the lights in Meredith.
Turn left and go up the hill onto Main Street. Hawkins/Denault
House is located in the fork between Main & Waukewan
Streets, beyond the Meredith Public Library.
