Pickering House - 698 Federal Street

This mansion was built in 1828 by Captain Thomas Pickering, a sea trader then operating ships out of Blaine's Port harbor. Although rumored to be a privateer, Pickering also traded heavily along the coast of Southeast Asia and spent considerable time in and around the developing continent of Australia.
The mansion was one of the city's grandest homes until Halloween night 1941, when fire destroyed the house, taking with it numerous priceless artifacts, records, and antiques from Captain Pickering's career. Arson was suspected at the time, but nothing was ever proven.
The house was rebuilt in 1951 from photographs and plans of the original dwelling; however, funding dried up, corners were cut, and the final result is a house that is more like the faded memory of a once-grand dwelling than a faithful reproduction. Since then the house has been owned by many people. It is presently between owners and up for sale.
In the back yard hidden amongst the roots of a dying oak is an ancient stone axe that bears strange signs carved in its head. Mister Kip, an older Collie who lives one house behind the Pickering House, is aware of the axe, but for now he is keeping it to himself.
John Washburne can often be found at Pickering House working as a volunteer. He is a member of the New Jerusalem Historical Society and has a passion for the history of the area, though he has no knowledge of, or belief in, things of a more occult nature, dismissing such as myths and tales. Still, John is worth speaking to about local history for his knowledge of mundane happenings. As well as volunteering at Pickering House and being a member of the Historical Society, John also runs a small business and is a member of the Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club, making him well connected in town.

Founding Date

1828

Type

House, Large

Parent Location

East Town

Owning Organization

New Jerusalem Local Government