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The deteriorating farmhouse where Gen. John Glover died in 1797 has been named to Preservation Massachusetts’ 2025 Most Endangered Historic Resources List, giving preservationists a powerful new tool to save the home of the man who rowed George Washington across the Delaware River from demolition.
The 275-year-old farmhouse at 299 Salem St. joins nine other threatened properties across Massachusetts on the annual list announced in November. The designation provides advocates with technical assistance, preservation expertise and increased public awareness as they work to prevent the structure’s demolition by National Development.
Preservation Massachusetts has identified endangered historic sites since 1993 through its flagship advocacy program. Properties selected for the list demonstrate historical significance and show commitment from their communities to prevent loss.
“The visibility and public awareness that the Most Endangered Historic Resources Program brings to each property increases the chances that these historic resources will be saved,” according to Preservation Massachusetts.
The farmhouse served as home to Glover from 1781 until his death in 1797. Glover commanded the regiment that rowed George Washington’s army across the Delaware River on Christmas night 1776 and led one of the first integrated regiments in the American Revolution. He is credited with helping establish what would become the U.S. Navy.
Built between 1730 and 1750, the main house features hand-hewn timber framing and raised overmantel panels with period-appropriate hardware from the mid-1700s. Structural engineers estimate 70 to 75 percent of the original structure remains intact despite three decades of vacancy.
The property sits on approximately 4 acres spanning the Swampscott-Marblehead town line in the heavily commercialized Vinnin Square area. Its deteriorating condition includes dangling clapboards exposing interior walls, broken windows, graffiti and overgrown landscaping.
The Swampscott Historical Commission voted unanimously Oct. 20 to designate the farmhouse historically significant and imposed a nine-month demolition delay expiring July 20, 2026. The decision came after a packed public hearing at Swampscott Elementary School where about 60 residents voiced support for preservation.
Preservationists have hired a professional fundraiser and established a town donation account with an initial goal of raising $2 million by December for exterior restoration work. Nancy Schultz, chair of the Swampscott Historical Commission, said the campaign hopes to exceed that target.
“We’re hoping to get more,” Schultz said. “If we could raise $2 million by December, that would be fantastic.”
The campaign has attracted national attention through coverage in Early American Life magazine, which Schultz said reaches 90,000 to 100,000 subscribers.
“This is a national story,” Schultz said. “Preservation is quite a topical article right now in the country, and here we are coming up on the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution.”
The Athanas family has owned the property since 1961 and accepted National Development’s offer after a previous developer’s plans collapsed due to economic concerns and community opposition. The current demolition permit filed in July targets only the farmhouse portion of the property.
The commission’s demolition delay coincides with the 250th anniversary of American Independence in July 2026, creating what Schultz called special significance for the preservation timeline.
Information about donations is available on the Save the Glover website.
