Biweekly Newsletter May 9, 2024 A Glimpse of the Past, the Bravo Dunbar House

​In the mid 1800’s Bravo Dunbar was a successful Easton man. His house was known as one of the town’s most historic residences and it was rumored that years prior, when it was a tavern, George Washington had spent the night there. In 1853 there were 5 buildings on Bravo’s property of 5 acres, where he kept 2 horses and 1 carriage.

​Bravo was a large handsome man who carried himself well. His home was described as one of the most refined on the Bay Road between Boston and Taunton. Bravo traded horses, built carriages, and sold rum, calico, tea, sugar, and many other items in the variety store he kept. In addition, on his property he had a hall in which community events were held, everything from dances, balls, temperance meetings, and dramatic exhibitions. Apparently, he was a jolly landlord, and his daughter Almira was very pretty and could sing as well as play the piano. At temperance meetings young men would sign pledges to win her favor. In later years the “Know Nothing” party held initiations and meetings here.
Bravo Dunbar moved on- “went West”- and the house changed hands, eventually being held by John Randall. In 1903 Orzo Randall was living in the house when a fire broke out that destroyed the house and barn, killing 2 horses and 4 cows. Possible causes included spontaneous combustion of new hay and arson.

Interestingly, the fire was first spotted by young Walter Beasley who was sleeping in the locked barn when he heard the crackling of the fire. Fortunately, he found a way out. Beasley was just one of several orphans who were living on the property that summer. He raised the alarm, but it was too late to save property. Such was the end of the “Bravo Dunbar House.”
 
Anne Wooster Drury
 
Sources:
Boston Sunday Globe, Aug. 4, 1895
Boston Globe, Sept. 4, 1903