-
Now look directly across the street at No. 62 Middle Street, on the corner. This is a Pre-Revolutionary house, built prior to 1750, with a very simple facade, steep roof, and large chimney. As you walk up Fair Street, you will see a brick ell, a later addition.
Walk op Fair Street to the next corner (Essex Street). From here, look straight up the street to the right-hand corner of Fruit and Prospect Streets. No. 24 Prospect Street is a fine little Georgian town house with a well-designed roof and curved head dormers. The entrance way is original, and perhaps the fence. A large Federal house looms above and behind it for an interesting contrast.
Turn right on Essex Street and stay on the right side of the street. You will pass several houses that are transitional from Georgian to Federal, built in the late 18th century. This is true of No. 24 and No. 18 Essex Street farther along, which is Federal in bearing but has Georgian dormers. No. 22 Essex Street has one of the finest small Federal doorways in Newburyport, reminiscent of the famous Salem architect Samuel Mclntire. Note the beautifully carved cornice and pilasters, and the extremely delicate fanlight.
The tour ends with a simple Federal house, similar to many you have passed along the way. No. 16 Essex Street has a simple, attractive doorway and tall window caps.
Walk to the end of Essex Street. The delicate steeple of the Unitarian Church rises above the roof lines of the early 19th century commercial buildings straight ahead on State Street. Turn left on State Street and return to the Newburyport Public Library.
