24 Centre Street, Henry Beetle House, 1804 Federal Style

24 Centre Street, Henry Beetle House, 1804 Federal Style

Built in 1804, Henry Beetle House is a half-house built in the Federal style. The pedimented entranceway and fluted pilasters are key characteristics of the style Born on Martha’s Vineyard in 1760, Henry Beetle was a shipwright and sparmaker. He moved to New Bedford as a young man and his shipwright business remained in his family for three generations. His son, William inherited the house upon Henry’s death in 1813. Grandson, Rudolphus inherited the house in 1872, and owned it until his death in 1907. Originally built on North Second Street, just north of High Street, the Beetle House was moved into the Historic District and restored by the Waterfront Historic Area LeaguE in 1974 in an effort to save the house from demolition during the urban renewal program of the 1970s. Today the Beetle House serves as the commercial office for Jardin & Dawson.