In 1886, the Catholic church purchased the Sweetser property and built a new church building in the northwest corner on Washington Street.  The Tavern was rented as a residence until 1916.

Historic Timeline

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In 1639 some citizens of Lynn petitioned the government of the Massachusetts Bay Colony for “place for an inland plantation.” The General Court granted them six square miles, then an additional four. The first settlement was called Lynn Village.

This house, the oldest documented one still standing in Reading, was built by Abraham Bryant, a farmer and blacksmith. It is a style called “saltbox”, typical of seventeenth century houses, with a massive central chimney.

Ephraim Parker, from whom the house takes its name, operated a licensed inn during the Revolutionary War period. Some of the prisoners of war from the 71st Scottish Regiment, including their commander Colonel Archibald Campbell and his officers, were quartered here.

Abraham Bryant 3rd sold the house to his brother-in-law Nathaniel Stow, who was also a blacksmith.

The Sweetser Family owned and operated the property as a farm for most of the 19th century.