223 Pearl Street
This five by two bay Federal style home is located within the heart of the Pearl Street Historic District of Burlington. It is one of only a few remaining Federal mansions which once lined the street, having been built during the early years of the nineteenth century when business and money flooded the shores of Lake Champlain. This structure at 223 is directly related to the ones at 215 and 229. Furthermore, it is clearly visible on the 1830 Young map as shown within the inset.
Originally built circa the 1820s by William I. Seymour, a member of a well known family of hat manufacturers, it is believed that he moved into this dwelling in 1827, having moved from just across Orchard Terrace where his hat shop was located. In August of 1855 Seymour died and two years later his heirs settled his estate by selling off the property and the house to Dr. Walter Carpenter(7).
Dr. Carpenter came to Burlington in the1850s and quickly established himself as a pillar of the growing community. He entered into practice with another of Burlington's noted doctors, Dr. Samuel Thayer, and both men would prove to be instrumental in the creation of the University of Vermont Medical College. Furthermore, as Dean of the Medical College Dr. Carpenter was also responsible for securing a donation from Mary M. Fletcher which would lead to the founding of the Mary L. Fletcher Hospital, named for the benefactors mother(8).
The structure itself also profited from the success of Dr. Carpenter. On the four acres of land behind the home, which is now a densely developed residential area, Dr. Carpenter planted a vineyard, vegetable garden, flower beds and orchards, all connected by winding paths, thus creating a virtual rural retreat within the center of the city(9). It was also during this time that additions and alterations were made to the house, including Victorian brackets under the eaves and also Greek Revival style porches, one of which still provides shelter for the primary entrance.
Dr. Carpenter died in 1892 and afterwards his family remained in possession of the home, purchasing some adjacent land to the rear which would eventually become Orchard Terrace. Benjamin W. Carpenter, William's son, maintained the building as a single family residence until his death in 1906, where upon the next owner George Stiles renovated the building and turned it into a two-family duplex(10).
