The first thing we learned about the Gibson House, the site of this year’s Arrowstreet Senior Associates Social Event, was that it lacks air conditioning. This became apparent when our originally scheduled June tour was postponed due to a heat dome that settled over New England, pushing temperatures into the 90s. Fortunately, the rescheduled September tour benefitted from cool, crisp weather, creating the ideal backdrop for an exploration of one of Boston’s most historic homes in the Back Bay.
As soon as we stepped into the Gibson House, we were struck by the dramatic foyer with its high ceilings and grand staircase. From the front door, we could see straight through a series of arched doorways to the formal dining room at the back of the house. It’s an impressive layout and exactly the effect Catherine Hammond wanted when she commissioned the renowned Boston architect Edward Clarke Cabot to design her home at 137 Beacon Street in the late 19th century.
It was in the foyer where we met Rosemary Gormley, an engaging and exceptionally knowledgeable guide, who led us through the home, bringing to life the stories of the Gibson family, who resided there from 1869 until 1954. Rosemary also shared insights into the lives of the household staff, whose dedication kept the household running smoothly behind the scenes.
One of the most compelling stories was that of Charlie Gibson, Jr., the second son of Charles Hammond Gibson and Rosamond Warren Gibson. A gay man who never married or had children, Charlie began preserving the Gibson House in 1936. Thanks to his foresight, we can experience the house today, nearly unchanged from when the family lived there. His efforts have ensured the Gibson House remains a rare, intact example of a Victorian home in Boston and a lasting testament to his legacy.
The tour spanned all areas of the home, most of which remain furnished with original pieces and artifacts belonging to the Gibson family. One of the highlights was the dining room, not only for its historical value, but also because it was featured prominently in Greta Gerwig’s film adaptation of Little Women.
In addition to the regular tour, the Gibson House offers a variety of themed tours, such as “The World of Little Women at the Gibson House,” “Charlie Gibson’s Queer Boston,” and “Upstairs, Downstairs,” which explores the lives of the servants who lived and worked in the house.
We enjoyed our tour so much that many of us are already looking forward to returning for some of these other experiences.
For more information on the Gibson House and the tours they offer, click here.
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