Our History

1773

The Salt Box house was constructed by Ebenezer Howe, one of the area's first settlers.  At that time, the eighty-acre lot was part of Winchendon. Mr. Howe was one of the signers of the petition for incorporating the new town of Gardner.

1900

The home was purchased by the Eaton Family and remained with them until the 1900s.

The house was later purchased by the furniture factory owner, Mr. Keyworth, at the turn of the century.  He updated the house, barn, and landscape, including planting hundreds of Black Walnut trees.

1938

A hurricane destroyed the barn, and it was rebuilt.

1950

The house was bought by Herb Brooks, who added a sunroom and many gardens. He restored much of the house's interior and added a large breezeway and fireplace between the house and the barn, initially from Vermont. It was disassembled and then reassembled on-site.

1999

The house, barn, and 9 acres of land were purchased by the McTigue Family (Dr. Mike). The breezeway and barn were taken down, and a new hospital was built.

2000

The Gardner Animal Care Center opened in June.

2003

The house was completely restored and used as office space.