Palmer Historical & Cultural Center, 2072 Main St, Three Rivers, MA 01080, US

The Smith Appleby House is located on Stillwater Road, off of Washington Highway in Smithfield. The house was built in 1696 by Elisha Smith, grandson of John Smith, who was one of six men with whom Roger Williams left the Massachusetts Bay Colony for Providence. Originally constructed as a "stone-ender," meaning one wall was entirely composed of stone, Smith Appleby House began as a one-room cottage with a single loft above until, beginning in 1730, additions were built to accommodate the growing family. Together, Elisha and his wife, Experience, had 10 children -- seven boys and three girls. A new, modern kitchen with a beehive oven was added in 1813, which was the last addition the house would see. Each restored room is furnished with an amazing collection of 17th century antiques, including toys for the children, a spinning wheel for mother, and numerous books and writings for father. The walls and cabinets boast all the original woodwork, restored and polished, while the numerous fireplaces, found in approximately half the rooms, are in perfect working order. There is a historical cemetery on the property, dating back to the 1760s, in which lie the remains of the late Elisha Smith. The 7 acres on which this historic 12-room home sits is now owned by the Historical Society of Smithfield. Smith Appleby House is also listed with the National Register of Historic Places. The museum is open for tours during scheduled events, or by appointment upon request.