Finding Family History in Malden, MA

 Standing on the staircase built by my great-grandfather 8-6-12

Ever since I moved back east two years ago I have wanted to go and see the staircases built by my great-grandfather, Robert Paine Palmer in Malden, Massachusetts. My mother had shown me photos of the staircases but she herself had never seen them in person. So, with my impending move back to Tucson looming, yesterday seemed like the perfect time! My sister brought my mother up from Connecticut and we all bundled into the car and were on our way.

 Mom and Mary Grace standing in front of the First Baptist Church of Malden

Robert Paine Palmer is said to have been a master staircase builder back in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s. Mom has always heard from her mother that he built the curved staircases in the Malden Public Library and the First Baptist Church of Malden. Thought the church is kept locked we were able to contact the church clerk and she let us inside. When the pastor heard who we were and why we were there she joined us. They were so kind to let us see the staircase and climb it and take lots of pictures! I am in a hurry today since Mom and I are off to Maine to visit more family but I hope you will enjoy these photos of the staircase in the first Baptist Church. There is more to this story and there will be more photos and stories to follow.

Mom gets her first view of the staircase.

 

Mom is overcome with awe standing on the staircase her grandfather built.

 

Three descendents of Robert Paine Palmer on his staircase.

 

 

 

Mom telling details to the pastor and church clerk.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stained glass window in Sanctuary

 

Cupola above Sanctuary

 

• Malden Public Library Spiral Staircase built by Robert Paine Palmer
• Come see my post Fun with Bathing Birds at the Birding is Fun blog
• More bird photos and bird poems at Kathie’s Poet Tree