Thomas Hedge, Sr. 607 N. 5th (1859)

Thomas Hedge, Senior made his fortune as a wholesale merchant, and then later became a lumberman with the firm of Gilbert and Hedge. Thomas Hedge., a pioneer of Burlington, was born at Yarmouth, Massachusetts, February 14, 1815, of English ancestry. His immigrant ancestor was a sea captain and sailed from London to Boston in 1638 and affected his settlement at Yarmouth. James Hedge, the father of Thomas Hedge was also a sea captain.

In 1836, Thomas came to Burlington during its infant days and engaged in the mercantile business for three years. He then returned East and married Eliza B. Eldridge in 1843 and then returned to Burlington where he opened a general store. Later, he engaged in the banking business. In 1865 he joined the lumber firm of Gilbert Brothers with which he was associated for the remainder of his life. His life paralleled that of Burlington and he became a major part of its history.

During the Gay 90s and later Hedge Hill was the center of much of the social life of the city. There Sunday night supper's were famous and it was considered really prestigious to be included in those affairs.

Hedge Hill is one of the most ornate residents in the district. It shows some influences of rominisque revival but is generally Italianate in style.