::::: Announcement ::::: Join us for the 6th Annual Ruggles House Plant Sale Sat., May 24, 2008   9:00 a.m. Perennials, annual seedlings & vegetable starts The Ruggles House, designed by housewright Aaron S. Sherman of Marshfield, Massachusetts, was built 1818-1820 for Judge Thomas Ruggles, a wealthy lumber dealer, postmaster, captain of the local militia and Justice of the Court of Sessions for Washington County. This particularly lovely example of Adamesque style Federal period architecture is remarkable for its location as well as its survival. The house is renowned for its flying staircase, which comprises almost a third of the house. Intricate woodwork, crafted by Massachusetts carver, Alvah Peterson, is especially abundant in the west parlor. The Ruggles House was lived in for 100 years, until 1920, by three generations of the Ruggles family. By then the house was in quite a state of disrepair. Through the diligence of Ruggles descendent, Mary Ruggles Chandler, restoration efforts began in the 1920's and were completed in 1951 when the house first opened for tours. The house museum is supported and maintained by the Ruggles House Society, a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, through voluntary contributions. Many of the furnishings in the house are original Ruggles pieces, some that never left the house and many that have returned over the years. All other furnishings are period to when the Ruggles family was in residence. The Ruggles House is a participating home on the new coastal tour of historic homes and museums, called Maine's Historic Bold Coast. Maine's Historic Bold Coast is a time capsule of American History. Discover this area of austere beauty dotted with rural towns largely intact from the 19th century. Each museum associated with Maine's Historic Bold Coast offers unique, enriching experiences for every visitor. Visit the web site here:Historic Bold Coast The Ruggles House, 146 Main Street, P.O. Box 116 Columbia Falls, Maine 207-483-4637 (Off-season 207-546-7903)    E-Mail Us