Under $100 K Sunday ~ c.1903 Classical Revival Mansion For Sale w/Carriage House in Orange MA Under $99K-Sold
75 E Main St, Orange, MA 01364 $98,300 Sold for $150,000
OHU50K NOTES
Save this old mansion for sale. Originally built for John Wilson Wheeler (1832-1910), who made his fortune as President of the successful New Home Sewing Machine Company, this magnificent mansion has a long history. Wheeler lived here with his wife Elmira (1835-1920).
Wheeler’s is a rags to riches story. Born in Orange in 1832, he only had a common-school education. He started work as a clerk in a general store at age 24, but seven years later was the owner of that store. He purchased the store from Andrew J. Clark, who sold the general store to make hand sewing machines.Wheeler continued the general store for four years, then in 1867 joined Clark in the sewing machine business, eventually naming it the New Home Company.
From ISMACS International: During all of the changes and the slow growth from a little factory, Mr. Wheeler filled the position of President to which he was first elected, and worked in harmony with his able associates, conducting the financial affairs with a success that placed the Company on a sound and independent footing, developing the plant and its business to a commanding position in the industry. He remained President of the Company from 1882 until his death with the exception of 1903 at which time Mr. Grout was President. He had been active in agricultural societies and was a member of several Masonic bodies. He filled from time to time several town offices, and at one time represented his district in the Massachusetts Legislature, and was a member of Governor Guild’s Council, retiring in January, 1907.
Wheeler died in 1910, and five years after his wife Elmira’s death in 1920 the property became the Eastern Star Home, a rest home for ladies of the Order of the Eastern Star affiliated with Freemasonry.
Around 1990 the Eastern Star Home was closed, and a private owner purchased it in 1996. He restored a large portion of the home, as you can see from the photos at the bottom of the post. The photos are from the 2015 listing when the mansion was on the market for $742,500. It is a real shame the deterioration that has taken place in just five short years.
Contact the agent listed below with questions.
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- 8beds
- 4.5+baths
- 15,406sq ft
- 1.54acres lot
- Build date 1903
- Google Map
- Property Listing
- Realtor: Coldwell Banker Community REALTORS®

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One Comment
Jorge sanchez
Always looking to score a mansion for the right price. ..