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28 Briggs Street
Charles H. Millett
Bookkeeper
and his wife
Mary J. Hart
Built 1904
Researched and written by Amanda R. Eddy
September 2020
Historic Salem Inc.
The Bowditch House
9 North Street, Salem, MA 01970
(978) 745-0799 | HistoricSalem.org
©2020
�
28 Briggs Street
City of Salem Assessor’s Office
In the early 19th century, Thomas Briggs laid out a plan for what is now known as Briggs Street on land east
of Salem Common. The street was originally two-thirds of its current length and was initially named Briggs
Court. Here, Thomas Briggs had a house and a ropewalk.1
28 Briggs Street is an example of a Dutch Colonial Revival style home, reflected in its gambrel roof with
flaring eaves. Dutch Colonial Revival architecture rose to fame as America began to appreciate their colonial
roots, and this style was one-way Americans chose to celebrate them. In accordance with its popularity, it is
no surprise that this home was constructed in the earlier half of the 20th century, in the year 1904. The
address, 28 Briggs Street, first appears in the Salem City Directory in 1904.
1
MACRIS SAL.2721
Amanda R. Eddy | amandarobineddy@gmail.com
� Before 28 Briggs Street was built, a majority of the area was farmland owned by Charles A. Sinclair. After his
death, his daughter, Ellen Sinclair, sold the land to Mary Jane Millett.2 The Millett family built the home in
1904.
The Millett Family (1903-1918)
Mary J. (Hart) Millett was born on December 11, 1874 in Ipswich, Massachusetts, to William F. Hart, a
currier, and Margaret (Gilbert) Hart.3 On June 16, 1897, Mary married Charles Harris Millett.4 Charles was born
to Charles Millett and Nancy A. (Harris) Millett on August 18, 1874 in Beverly, Massachusetts. His childhood
home was located at 30 Federal Street in Beverly, which is still presently standing, one block from Rantoul
Street. Charles had two siblings; a brother, Harry, and a sister, Kate.5 It seems that Mary and Charles did have
one child together, according to a 1910 census; but the child most likely died in infancy, as no other records
were found.6
A businessman, Charles was the assistant treasurer at the Burnham Coal Company, located at 2 Kilby Street
in Boston, Massachusetts. Mary, although never having any occupation listed, seemed to have traveled
frequently in her later years. Passenger lists from the 1920s and 1930s show trips to Honolulu, Los Angeles,
and New York City.7 Unfortunately, no records of Mary’s death can be found. Charles died on October 24,
1946. In 1918, the Millett family sold the home at 28 Briggs Street to the Andrews family.8
2
Salem Registry of Deeds, 1718-115
Ipswich City Directory, 1874
4
New England Historic Genealogical Society; Boston, Massachusetts; Massachusetts Vital Records, 1911–1915
3
5
Beverly City Directory, 1874
Year: 1910; Census Place: Salem Ward 2, Essex, Massachusetts; Roll: T624_587; Page: 6B; Enumeration
District: 0457; FHL microfilm: 1374600
6
7
California Passenger and Crew List, 1927. National Archives and Records Administration
8
Salem Registry of Deeds, 2398-32
Amanda R. Eddy | amandarobineddy@gmail.com
�The Andrews Family (1918-1956)
Horace Lyle Andrews, son of Joseph Andrews and Agnes H. (Burnham) Andrews, was born in Essex,
Massachusetts on August 4, 1869.9 He had two siblings, Joseph and Susa. Mary Comfort (Curtis) Millett,
daughter of George A. Curtis and Sarah F. (Conley) Curtis, was born March 20, 1872 in Salisbury,
Massachusetts. Mary had four brothers: George, Charles, Willie, and Albert.10
Mary and Horace were married January 9, 1895 in Essex, Massachusetts by George J. Sanger, Pastor of the
Universalist Church.11 Mary was a homemaker while Horace worked as a building contractor. Together they
had one daughter, Susan, who was born on April 16, 1907.12 The family rented 9 Pleasant Street in Salem from
1900 until 1918, when they purchased 28 Briggs Street. Before their daughter Susan married, she worked as a
stenographer. In 1930, Susan married Franklin W. Haskell and moved to New Jersey, where she worked as a
church secretary.13 Susan died on August 31, 1999 in Lake Ariel, Pennsylvania and is buried in North Beverly
Cemetery in Beverly, Massachusetts.14 Her father, Horace died in 1962 and her mother, Mary followed in
1963.15 They are buried together with her brother, George W. Curtis, in Spring Street Cemetery in Essex,
Massachusetts.
9
1870 United States Federal Census, Essex, Essex, Massachusetts; Roll: M593_607; Page: 337B; Family History
Library Film: 552106
10
1880 United States Federal Census Salisbury, Essex, Massachusetts; Roll: 529; Page: 404B; Enumeration
District: 173
11
New England Historic Genealogical Society; Boston, Massachusetts; Massachusetts Vital Records, 1911–
1915
12
1900 United States Federal Census, Salem Ward 2, Essex, Massachusetts; Page: 11; Enumeration
District: 0445; FHL microfilm: 1240647
13
New Jersey State Archives; Trenton, New Jersey; Marriage Indexes; Index Type: Bride; Year Range: 19301935; Surname Range: A - D
14
Obituary Daily Times Index, 1995-2016
15
Find A Grave, (Memorial ID: 45757640)
Amanda R. Eddy | amandarobineddy@gmail.com
� Mary’s brother, George W. Curtis, lived with the Andrews family from 1939 until 1945. George was born
March 13, 1877. 16 His occupation was often listed “odd jobs,” some of the jobs included: a laborer, a private
gardener, and a letter carrier. Before moving in with his sister’s family, he boarded at 17 Nursery Street in
Salem. George was registered for the draft during World War I but it doesn’t appear that he was called to
serve. In 1945, George died from an unknown cause and was buried in Spring Street Cemetery in Essex. In
1956, Mary and Horace sold the house at 28 Briggs Street to the Arsenault family.17
The Arsenault Family (1956-1978)
Emanuel Thadde Arsenault was born on October 30, 1900 in Prince Edward Island, Canada, to Francois
Arsenault and Mathilde Arsenault.18 In 1933, Emanuel married Ellen “Nellie” Arsenault in Salem,
Massachusetts.19
Together, the couple had one child, Francis Joseph Arsenault, born around 1935.20 Prior to moving to 28
Briggs Street, Emanuel and Nellie lived at 48 Webb Street and 28 Howard Street, both in Salem.21 In the
1940s, they managed Ray’s Lunch on Bridge Street.22 Emanuel acted as the treasurer while Nellie was the
16
A telephone operator, Minnie Dick is listed as boarding at 28 Briggs Street in 1926, but no further
information on her could be found. Salem City Directory, 1926
17
18
Salem Registry of Deeds, 4335-271
Prince Edward Island Baptismal Index. Prince Edward Island, Canada: Public Archives and Records Office.
19
Department of Public Health, Registry of Vital Records and Statistics. Massachusetts Vital Records Index to
Marriages [1916–1970]. Volumes 76–166, 192– 207. Facsimile edition. Boston, MA: New England Historic
Genealogical Society, Boston, Massachusetts. Ellen’s maiden name is unknown.
20
1940 United States Federal Census, Salem, Essex, Massachusetts; Roll: m-t0627-01589; Page: 8A;
Enumeration District: 5-339
21
Salem City Directory, 1940
22
The National Archives in St. Louis, Missouri; St. Louis, Missouri; Draft Registration Cards for Massachusetts,
10/16/1940-03/31/1947; Record Group: Records of the Selective Service System, 147; Box: 26
Amanda R. Eddy | amandarobineddy@gmail.com
�president. The couple also furnished rooms at a boarding house at 2-4 Howard Street. By 1959, their son
Francis was listed as serving in the United States Army. Eleanor Arsenault, most likely Emanuel’s sister, also
lived with the family briefly from 1959-1962, while she worked as a clerk for the New England Telephone and
Telegraph Company. The circumstances of Emanuel’s death are unclear, but in 1962, Nellie is first listed as a
widow.23 For the next two years, she was a laundry worker before becoming a saleswoman at Almy’s
Department Store in 1964.24 Nellie sold the house to the French family in 1978 for $45,000.25
The French Family (1978-2020)
Frederick A. French was born on April 12, 1931 in Salem, Massachusetts to Doris (French) Jackson. While
attending Salem High school, he resided at 92 ½ Essex Street. During high school, Fred played basketball and
was a letterman and senior year, co-captain of the team. After graduation, Fred served as a Sergeant in the
United States Marine Corps during the Korean War. He was honorably discharged from the service and
returned to Salem to work as a paper cutter at Parker Brothers on Bridge Street.26 He married Fabia (Burridge)
French in the year 1951. Fabia was born September 5, 1931 to Captain Frederic and Anna (Leal) Burridge, in
Salem, Massachusetts. She was raised in Salem and graduated from Salem High School in 1949. She worked at
the United Shoe Company in Beverly.
Fabia and Frederick had five children together: William, Glen, Scott, Donna, and Patricia.27 After raising her
children, Fay worked at the Phillips School in Salem, and then in her retirement, at Anderson & French, PC.
Frederick and Fabia lived at 13 Pleasant Street in Salem28 before renting 32A Briggs Street and in 1978, the
23
Salem City Directory, 1962
Salem City Directory, 1964
25
Salem Registry of Deeds, 6448-196
26
Salem City Directory, 1970
27
Find A Grave Memorial ID: 128511282
28
Salem City Directory, 1954
24
Amanda R. Eddy | amandarobineddy@gmail.com
�couple purchased 28 Briggs Street. In 1985, the French family built the home’s sunroom for $10,000. Fabia and
Frederick remained in the home until their deaths. Fabia passed in 2014 and Frederick followed in 2018. Fabia
passing in 2014 and Frederick in 2018. They are buried in Greenlawn Cemetery with Fabia’s parents and
siblings. Their son, William French, inherited the home and sold it to John Scott Cunningham in March 2020.
Amanda R. Eddy | amandarobineddy@gmail.com
�
SOURCES
Amanda R. Eddy | amandarobineddy@gmail.com
�
Homeowner
Date
Purchased
Purchase Price
Deed
Referenced
Notes,
Additional
Documents, or
Deeds
Mary J.
Millett
September
15, 1903
19031918
15
$1
1718-115
19181956
38
$1 and other
valuable
considerations
2398-32
Emmanuel T. December
Arsenault
18, 1956
Nellie
Arsenault
19561978
22
Considerations 4335-271
paid
Frederick A.
French
Fabia B.
French
March 3,
1978
19782020
42
$45,000
6448-196
John Scott
Cunningham
March 20,
2020
2020
< 1
$830,000
38385465
A certain
parcel of land
With the
buildings
thereon
With the
buildings
thereon
A parcel of
land with the
buildings
thereon
A parcel of
land with the
buildings
thereon
Mary C.
Andrews
August 16,
1918
Years of Number
Ownership of Years
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�
Residents Table
Directory Year
1904-1917
Residents
Charles H. Millett
Occupation or Notes
Bookkeeper
1904-1917
Mary J. Millett
Homemaker
1918-1955
Horace L. Andrews
Carpenter/Building Contractor
1918-1955
Mary C. Andrews
Homemaker
1918-1929
Susan Andrews
Stenographer
1926
Minnie Dick
Telephone Operator
1939-1945
George W. Curtis
Laborer
1956-1978
Emanuel T. Arsenault
Room Furnisher
1956-1978
Ellen (Nellie) Arsenault
Almy’s Saleswoman
1959-1962
Eleanor Arsenault
Clerk at NET+T Co.
1958-1960
Francis J. Arsenault
U.S. Army
1978-2018
Frederick A. French
Paper Cutter at Parker Brothers
1978-2014
Fabia “Fay Bunny” B. French
Shoemaker at United Shoe Co.
Amanda R. Eddy | amandarobineddy@gmail.com
�
Sidney Perley Map, “Map of Salem About 1780”
Amanda R. Eddy | amandarobineddy@gmail.com
�
Salem Atlas, 1897 (Plate 4)
Amanda R. Eddy | amandarobineddy@gmail.com
�
Detail from Salem Atlas, 1906-1938 (Plate 19)
Amanda R. Eddy | amandarobineddy@gmail.com
�
Detail from Salem Atlas, 1911 (Plate 14)
Amanda R. Eddy | amandarobineddy@gmail.com
�
View of upper Briggs Street, looking northeast toward the (extant) homes at 15, 17, 19, and 23 Briggs Street
(later 23, 25, 27, and 33 Briggs Street due to street renumbering) with a group of boys on the street, and a
wagon further down on the street, visible.
Creator unknown, c. 1865.
SV-028
Salem State University Archives and Special Collections
Mary Hart Birth Record, Ipswich City Directory 1874
Charles H. Millett and Mary J. Hart Marriage, New England Historic Genealogical Society; Boston,
Massachusetts; Massachusetts Vital Records, 1911–1915
Amanda R. Eddy | amandarobineddy@gmail.com
�
Charles H. Millett Mason Membership Card, Massachusetts Grand Lodge of Masons Membership Cards 1733–
1990. New England Historic Genealogical Society, Boston, Massachusetts.
California Passenger and Crew List, 1927. National Archives and Records Administration
Horace and Mary Andrews, Essex Marriage Registry, 1895
Amanda R. Eddy | amandarobineddy@gmail.com
�
Salem City Directory, 1930
Minnie Dick, Salem City Directory, 1926
1940 U.S. Census. The census taker incorrectly listed 28 Briggs as 24 Briggs.
George W. Curtis Birth Record, 1877.
George W. Curtis World War I Draft Registration Card, September 11, 1918.
Amanda R. Eddy | amandarobineddy@gmail.com
�
Susan Andrews Haskell Obituary, 1999
The National Archives in St. Louis, Missouri; St. Louis, Missouri; Draft Registration Cards for Massachusetts,
10/16/1940-03/31/1947; Record Group: Records of the Selective Service System, 147; Box: 26
Amanda R. Eddy | amandarobineddy@gmail.com
�U.S. City Directories, 1822-1995: 1962
Salem City Directory, 1964
Year: 1940; Census Place: Salem, Essex, Massachusetts; Roll: m-t0627-01589; Page: 8A; Enumeration District: 5339
Salem City Directory, 1970
Amanda R. Eddy | amandarobineddy@gmail.com
�Salem High School Yearbook, 1949
Amanda R. Eddy | amandarobineddy@gmail.com
�
Salem High School Yearbook, 1947. Fred French is #9 on the top row, 3rd from the right.
Amanda R. Eddy | amandarobineddy@gmail.com
�
Salem High Yearbook, 1949. Fred French is #9 on the top row, left.
Amanda R. Eddy | amandarobineddy@gmail.com
�
The Boston Daily Globe, 1948
Amanda R. Eddy | amandarobineddy@gmail.com
�
Salem High School Yearbook, 1947
Amanda R. Eddy | amandarobineddy@gmail.com
�
Salem High School Yearbook, 1949
Amanda R. Eddy | amandarobineddy@gmail.com
�Fabia “Bunny” French
Salem — Mrs. Fabia “Bunny” (Burridge) French, 82, of Salem, died peacefully at her home on April 20, 2014,
surrounded by love. She was the beloved wife of Frederick French, who she met when she was 14, and
shared 63 years of marriage.
Fay was born in Salem on September 5, 1931, to the late Capt. Frederick and Anna (Leal) Burridge. She
graduated from Salem High School with the Class of 1949. She was employed at the United Shoe Co. before
raising her five children, then at the former Phillips School in Salem, and most recently, at Anderson &
French, PC.
Fay was exceptionally kind and friendly, and was happiest with her family and lots of company. She loved
the outdoors, animals, birds, flowers, campfires, and a good thunderstorm. She was a longtime Mass
Audubon and WGBH member.
Fay was a happy person with a positive soul and a smile for everyone. She will be deeply missed, and
lovingly remembered by all who knew her.
Along with her husband, Fay is survived by her five children; sons, William and his wife, Kathleen, and Glenn,
Scott and his wife, Claire; daughters, Donna McArdle and her husband, Sean, and Patricia Swaczyk Serino
and her husband, Steven; her eight grandchildren, Heather, Jason, Christin, Scott, Brian, Spenser, Bryanne,
and Dominic; and three great-grandchildren. She also leaves her sister Anna “Dolly” Leadbetter and her
husband, Robert; and many nieces and nephews. She was predeceased by her brother, Hugh Burridge.
The Salem News Obituaries, April 20, 2014
The Salem News Obituaries, April 20, 2014
Amanda R. Eddy | amandarobineddy@gmail.com
�Frederick A. French
Salem - Mr. Fred French, lifelong resident of Ward 2 in Salem and veteran of the United States Marine
Corps, died peacefully at his home on May 12, 2018. He was the beloved husband to the late Fabia (Burridge)
French, with whom he shared 63 years of marriage and a lifetime of memories. Fred was born on Derby
Street in Salem to the late Doris (Whelpley) Jackson.
Fred graduated from Salem High School with the class of 1949 where he was a basketball star and cocaptained the team. He loved basketball and continued to play and coach on park and city leagues, and referee
for both high school and Merrimack College games. There was always a hoop in the yard, and always a game
at the ready with the neighborhood kids. He also enjoyed badminton, road races, and participated nationally
in Masters’ Swim meets.
An honorably discharged veteran, he served his country as a Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps
during the Korean Conflict.
He worked at Parker Brothers, retiring as Production Planning Manager after 34 years with the company. For
15 years, he worked at Anderson & French CPAs as a Certified Fraud Examiner. Using his strong sense of
justice, he also served for years as foreman of a Federal Grand Jury in Boston. He completed studies at
Harvard Extension School and later earned an MBA from Northeastern University.
Fred loved to read historical fiction, memoirs and mysteries and to study maps. He could fix anything and
everything in his house. He accepted others without judgment, celebrated their achievements, and embraced
differences.
Nothing meant more to him than his family and his home. He was an extremely proud and devoted father and
will live on in his children, William and Kathleen French, Donna and Sean McArdle, Glenn French, Scott and
Claire French, and Patricia and Steven Serino. He was the treasured grandfather to Jason, Christin, Heather,
Scott, Brian, Spenser, Bryanne, and Dominic; and great-grandfather to Hunter, Brooke, and Trase. Fred was
brother-in-law to Anna and Robert Leadbetter; and uncle and great-uncle to many nieces and nephews.
In addition to his wife, Fabia, he was predeceased by his brother Donald French; his mother and step-father
Doris and Lawrence Jackson; Fabia’s parents Anna and Captain Frederick Burridge; his brother-in-law Hugh
Robert Burridge; and his good friend Al Raymond.
The Salem News Obituaries, May 12, 2018
The Salem News Obituaries, May 12, 2018
Amanda R. Eddy | amandarobineddy@gmail.com
�
A photo of Fred and Fabia French.
Courtesy of the O’Donnell Funeral Home
City of Salem Building Department Property Cards
Amanda R. Eddy | amandarobineddy@gmail.com
�
Find A Grave Memorial ID: 128511282. This photograph was taken before Frederick’s death in 2018.
Amanda R. Eddy | amandarobineddy@gmail.com
�
DEEDS
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�Amanda R. Eddy | amandarobineddy@gmail.com
�Amanda R. Eddy | amandarobineddy@gmail.com
�Amanda R. Eddy | amandarobineddy@gmail.com
�Amanda R. Eddy | amandarobineddy@gmail.com
�Amanda R. Eddy | amandarobineddy@gmail.com
�Amanda R. Eddy | amandarobineddy@gmail.com
�Amanda R. Eddy | amandarobineddy@gmail.com
�Amanda R. Eddy | amandarobineddy@gmail.com
�
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
Briggs Street
Historic Salem, Inc. House History
A resource made available by Historic Salem, Inc. detailing the history of Salem's houses.
Dublin Core
The Dublin Core metadata element set is common to all Omeka records, including items, files, and collections. For more information see, http://dublincore.org/documents/dces/.
Title
A name given to the resource
28 Briggs Street, Salem, MA, 01970
Subject
The topic of the resource
House History
Description
An account of the resource
Charles H. Millett
Bookkeeper
and his wife
Mary J. Hart
Built 1904
Creator
An entity primarily responsible for making the resource
Historic Salem, Inc.
Source
A related resource from which the described resource is derived
Historic Salem, Inc. house histories
Publisher
An entity responsible for making the resource available
Historic Salem, Inc.
Date
A point or period of time associated with an event in the lifecycle of the resource
Built in 1904
House history completed 2020
Contributor
An entity responsible for making contributions to the resource
Amanda R. Eddy
Language
A language of the resource
English
1904
2020
28 Briggs Street
Bookkeeper
Hart
Massachusetts
Millet
Salem