By: Aaron Krein

• A National Historic Landmark

• One of the 83 Properties of The Trustees Of Reservations

• The Oldest House in Berkshire County

• North and ½ a mile away from Berkshire's famous Bartholomew's Cobble

• Owner: John Ashley, Hannah Hogeboom and son Peter

• 2 floors, 1 acre, an was established in 1972

• At 35, Colonel John Ashley had built this home for future wife Hannah

• It is located on the Western Bank of the Houstanic River

• The Ashley House was purchased by The Trustees in 1972.

Ashley House

               

   Cooper Hill Road, Ashley Falls, Sheffield, MA

• In January 5, 1773, The Sheffield Declaration was drafted in the upstairs Study.

• Soon, the house Slave Mumbet overheard the discussion and the story goes on.

• John Ashley, Ethan Allen, and Theodore Sedjewk were some of the writers.

• It was adapted as law at a town meeting on January 15, 1773 • John and

Theodore often panned studied in the upstairs study.

Web quest

Chase, Arthur C. The Ashley's, A Pioneer Berkshire Family. Pamphlet. The Trustees of the Reservation. A history of Col. John Ashley and his

political impact on the town of Sheffield and Berkshire County. Details the development of the Sheffield Declaration and Ashley’s contribution to the

Massachusetts Constitution. Also provides a history of his home, now owned by the Trustees.

Thank You!