Medford Historical Society Papers, Volume 3.

[p. 124] All the beds were made up with homespun sheets, blankets, and coverlids. The ‘high boys’ and ‘low boys’ and quaint bureaus stood in the chambers as they might have done a hundred years ago, and the air of homelikeness made one love to linger there. In the guest chamber stood the cradle of Gov. Joseph Dudley. It was brought from England, and he and his descendants have been rocked in it. In another room was a letter written by him in 1702. Over the mantel in the parlor hung a piece of needlework, the faces of the figures represented painted by Copley. On the opposite wall hung another picture in needlework which was exquisite.

A few of the tiles which were once around the fireplaces in the Royall House, and a fragment of leather hanging, may be guides should restoration of the house be attempted.

The uniform, cocked hat, and pistols of Gov. John Brooks suggested the gallant soldier of the Revolution, while his lancet-case recalled the physician whom his townsmen loved. Among the portraits were those of Governor Brooks, Nathaniel Polly (a Medford soldier in the Revolution), Lucy Dudley, the wife of Dr. Simon Tufts, Andrew Hall, whose home in 1800 was the present 43 High street (the third frame house built in Medford), and Turell Tufts, who died in 1842, son of Dr. Simon Tufts. A print of the Blanchard Tavern was shown. Here the New Hampshire troops were mustered in, and public meetings were held after the meetinghouse ceased to be town property. Hezekiah Blanchard was the tavern-keeper in Revolutionary times. He and his son both served in the army. His name is on the roll of minute-men.

A warrant for Isaac Royall, Senior, issued in 1734, a pair of spectacles inscribed ‘The gift of I. Royall to Simon Tufts, Esq.,’ and a silver communion plate bequeathed to the ‘Church of Christ in Medford’ were all the exhibits which referred personally to the ancient