The Howland Mansion A/k/a The Charles D. Prescott House

A glimpse into the history & story of this home.

The Howland Mansion a/k/a The Charles D. Prescott House

52 Ash St. New Bedford, MA., at 8,497 square feet of living area, is the largest single family home in the city, by far. For comparison, the 2nd largest home in the City is situated on Hawthorn St and has 6,552 square feet.

This majestic home sits on just shy of a 1/2 acre of land, and makes it’s presence known with approximately 173 ft of frontage at the intersections of Ash Street and Moreland Terrace.

Built for William D. Howland in 1884 to resemble the letter “H”.

Photo of the Howland Mansion located at 52 Ash St New Bedford, MA — *Photography: Elizabeth Silva, Silva Realty Group Inc.*

The home has an enormous front foyer with dark wood and floors, which likely held many great balls. The landing on the 2nd level is said to have held a live orchestra during their parties and the 3rd level was used for Dr. Prescott’s medical practice.

Main Foyer at 52 Ash St New Bedford — *The Grand Foyer at 52 Ash Street*

Curious fact: Historically it’s known as the “Dr. Charles D. Prescott House”. Why not the William D. Howland House?

The home was entered into the National Registry sometime in 1976. It’s noted to be in the County Street Historic District. According to their data, the architect was George H. Ingraham, and builder Charles E. Pierce.

This home later became the Red Cross Headquarters sometime in 1941.

New Bedford Red Cross Headquarters — *Photo Credit: National Register of historic places*

More Photos of 52 Ash St.

WHO WERE THEY?

William Dilwyn Howland

William D. Howland (b. 1853 d. 1897) was the Treasurer, director and defacto head of NB Manufacturing Co (cotton yard facility)

He Married Caroline Thomas Child in 1875 and they had 2 children, Llewellyn (b.1877) and Edward Morris (b. 1884).

William was the son of Matthew C. Howland and Rachel Collins (Smith) Howland. His grandfather, Father and Uncle (George Howland Jr) were all in the whaling industry. His parents owned lots of property in the city, including their residential estate at 81 Hawthorn St.

William’s mother Rachel was from a prominent Quaker family.

Mr. Howland tragically committed suicide in April of 1897 by entering into the New Bedford Harbor off the Howland Family Dock. His mills were in massive debt at the time, and he had mortgaged his home and lot on Ash St.

In September of that same year, the physician Charles Dudley Prescott purchased the Ash Street property at auction.

CHARLES D. PRESCOTT

Charles D. Prescott (b. 1845 d. 1920) was born in New Hampshire. In his medical career, which specialized in Allopathic medicine, he held positions at the house of corrections (attending physician), and St. Luke’s Hospital (physician and surgeon). He married Martha Alice (Knowles).