Update - July, 2016 We have begun our renovation and uncovered some other neat finds including some colonial decorative painting known as 'spotting'. Click on Renovation to learn more.
We live in a C.1729 farmhouse in Newton, MA. The house has a historic name, The Timothy Hyde House, but it is not currently listed on any State or National registries. In December, 2014 we met with architect Mat Cummings to discuss a master plan. While touring the house Mat took an interest in a re-used beam in one of the bedrooms. This is where the mystery began...
Mystery Beam
The beam has engraved saltires ('X's) at the chamfer stops. Architect Mat had not seen such a detail. After checking Abbott Cummings book (The Framed Houses of Massachusetts Bay, 1625-1725), we learned that it was not listed as one of the profiles recorded in the area. Mat recommended we do some research on the beam as it may be older and have historical significance. Images - Click Here.
Web Research
We turned to the internet and social media to see what we could find. Statler Gilfillen an architect from North Carolina was very helpful and provided a framework for us so we may ask the right questions. He also encouraged us to start a website. Pru Fish, who has a splendid blog on the Antique Houses of Gloucester (MA) and Beyond, found another example of the saltire 'X' engraving on a beam at the Rev. John Hale House in Beverly, MA. John Hale was involved in the Salem witch trials (See Resources for more info).
Expert Feedback
Our internet research connected us with some experts. The VAG (Vernacular Architecture Group) in the UK shared a document showcasing various saltire engravings thought to have had an apotropaic function in the UK during the 16th-18th centuries. We also connected with apotropaic expert Timothy Easton in the UK. Timothy believed that the saltire engravings may have an apotropaic function. See the Resources page for VAG and Timothy Easton documents.
Apotropaic - "Supposedly having the power to avert evil influences or bad luck."
Timothy kindly shared his vast knowledge and research papers allowing us to start our education on apotropaic markings, or witch marks, as they are often called. Brian Hoggard, a folk magic expert (site linked here), recommended that we search the house for other examples of other marks. We noticed scratchings on walls in the attic that resembled the X, M, V, W and A markings noted in apotropaic literature. In March, 2015 we discovered a marking on the underside of a floorboard running from the front door to the front stairs. These finds, or coincidences, can be found on the Beam & Markings page and contribute to a very interesting mystery.
C. Riley Auge is an apotropaic expert and archaeologist in Montana. Her paper on the beliefs of New Englanders between 1620-1725 can be found on the Resources page. Riley provided great insight into the markings and also the belief systems of those who may have created them. Riley strongly encouraged us to document these markings, so this site is an attempt at recording and sharing information on these marks as well as an opportunity for us to learn more about our old home.
None of this would be possible without the help of Mat, Statler, Timothy, Brian, Pru and Riley - Thank you.
Questions?
We have plenty of questions about these marks, however, we are taking everything with a pinch of salt. We fully appreciate how hard it is to distinguish between a scratch from a rodent and a potential apotropaic marking. With the help of the experts noted above and the benefit of time and research we hope to investigate all of the questions raised on the Beam & Markings page.
We are also incredibly interested to learn about the history of the house. To view images of the interior, attic and general structure please see the House Detail page. If you have any insight into any of the images, or are a homeowner who has had similar experiences, we would love to hear from you. We truly love our old home and hope to be the best stewards we can be. We will continue to update the site as we find out more about our home and will document any research or similar finds on the Resources page.
Please Contact Us with any questions and thanks for taking time to check out this old house mystery.
Mystery Beam
The beam has engraved saltires ('X's) at the chamfer stops. Architect Mat had not seen such a detail. After checking Abbott Cummings book (The Framed Houses of Massachusetts Bay, 1625-1725), we learned that it was not listed as one of the profiles recorded in the area. Mat recommended we do some research on the beam as it may be older and have historical significance. Images - Click Here.
Web Research
We turned to the internet and social media to see what we could find. Statler Gilfillen an architect from North Carolina was very helpful and provided a framework for us so we may ask the right questions. He also encouraged us to start a website. Pru Fish, who has a splendid blog on the Antique Houses of Gloucester (MA) and Beyond, found another example of the saltire 'X' engraving on a beam at the Rev. John Hale House in Beverly, MA. John Hale was involved in the Salem witch trials (See Resources for more info).
Expert Feedback
Our internet research connected us with some experts. The VAG (Vernacular Architecture Group) in the UK shared a document showcasing various saltire engravings thought to have had an apotropaic function in the UK during the 16th-18th centuries. We also connected with apotropaic expert Timothy Easton in the UK. Timothy believed that the saltire engravings may have an apotropaic function. See the Resources page for VAG and Timothy Easton documents.
Apotropaic - "Supposedly having the power to avert evil influences or bad luck."
Timothy kindly shared his vast knowledge and research papers allowing us to start our education on apotropaic markings, or witch marks, as they are often called. Brian Hoggard, a folk magic expert (site linked here), recommended that we search the house for other examples of other marks. We noticed scratchings on walls in the attic that resembled the X, M, V, W and A markings noted in apotropaic literature. In March, 2015 we discovered a marking on the underside of a floorboard running from the front door to the front stairs. These finds, or coincidences, can be found on the Beam & Markings page and contribute to a very interesting mystery.
C. Riley Auge is an apotropaic expert and archaeologist in Montana. Her paper on the beliefs of New Englanders between 1620-1725 can be found on the Resources page. Riley provided great insight into the markings and also the belief systems of those who may have created them. Riley strongly encouraged us to document these markings, so this site is an attempt at recording and sharing information on these marks as well as an opportunity for us to learn more about our old home.
None of this would be possible without the help of Mat, Statler, Timothy, Brian, Pru and Riley - Thank you.
Questions?
We have plenty of questions about these marks, however, we are taking everything with a pinch of salt. We fully appreciate how hard it is to distinguish between a scratch from a rodent and a potential apotropaic marking. With the help of the experts noted above and the benefit of time and research we hope to investigate all of the questions raised on the Beam & Markings page.
We are also incredibly interested to learn about the history of the house. To view images of the interior, attic and general structure please see the House Detail page. If you have any insight into any of the images, or are a homeowner who has had similar experiences, we would love to hear from you. We truly love our old home and hope to be the best stewards we can be. We will continue to update the site as we find out more about our home and will document any research or similar finds on the Resources page.
Please Contact Us with any questions and thanks for taking time to check out this old house mystery.