Restoration
The restoration of the Ward House began in the early 2010’s and is almost complete. The Ward House is a two-story, three-bay house with an attached rear one-story vernacular three-bay coastal cottage with a one-story side addition . Major efforts have been made to the circa 1820’s Coastal Cottage portion of the home to maintain the historical value and context. The late 19th and early 20th century sections of the home required minimal renovations and exhibit the original hardwood floors in one room and the modernization of a 19th century home to fit 20th century living. Together the two homes create the working space for the Bethel Heritage Center.
History of the Ward House
The Coastal Cottage, back portion, of the Ward House is estimated to have been built in 1820. Little is known about the origins of this structure. Several theories include it was used as a commercial building; moved to the current site; or was once part of a larger structure that no longer exists. This structure is one of the oldest standing in Bethel. Additions were made in approx. 1850, 1890, 1915, & 1950.
Lanier Ward is the original owner of the house and property and is documented living in this location as early as 1830. Following Lanier’s death, his widow Nancy Ward, continued living at the home with their children. In 1896, Nancy Ward Staton purchased the property from Nancy Ward, her mother. Nancy Staton and her husband William Staton lived in the home where they raised several children.
In 1921, the property was relayed to Daisy Valeria Staton, the daughter of Nancy and William. Daisy married Willie Carson and they raised their daughter Daisy Lee Carson in the home. In 1960 the Ward House was transferred to Daisy L. Carson Latham and Walter Latham. The home has remained in the hands of the original family for almost 200 years transferring generationally through the women of the family.
Click below to learn more about the legacy of Walter and Daisy Latham
Take A Step Inside
1820’s Coastal Cottage
The Main Room inside the Coastal Cottage. This room would have been used for all the families living needs, with the exception of sleeping that would have taken place in the loft or on an enclosed porch.
The chimney and mantel are not original to the home. Both were rebuilt to replicate what would have originally been in the dwelling. When restoration work was being completed archaeological evidence of the original hearth was located under this location.
The stairway leading to the loft is a historically accurate reconstruction of the staircase that would have originally be in the home. When construction started there was not a stairway leading to the loft. To enter the loft specialists had to go through the second story window.
The attached room off the Main room could have been used for food storage or a sleeping quarter. During restoration ghost marks on the walls revealed that this room had been extended and raised from its original location. Restoration specialist returned the room to its original sized and leveled the floor with the Main room.