Pastorale building, surrounding area full of history

What is now the restaurant Pastorale is located on the site of the homestead of Joel Lord, who was married to Jerusha Webster, sister of the dictionary-writing Noah Webster. 

Originally known as the Cullen House, the building was built circa 1773 by Levi Barnum. It was later purchased by John Perkins, whose daughter Betty lived in it for many years until she sold it in 1994 to Dean Hammond, who in turn sold it to Steve Owens. 

Since it ceased being a private residence, it has been a shop called New England Traditions and two restaurants: Charlotte’s and Pastorale.

There was at one time a group of five houses arranged in a half circle behind Pastorale, where the Inn at Iron Masters is now located. These houses were known as The Patch.

The last of these houses was the home of Helen Lester and was torn down when the motel was built in the late 1940s. The houses were originally owned by the Davis Ore Mine and housed mine workers. 

Later they were all owned by John S. Perkins (Betty Haas’ father), who rented them out. The first house coming off the main road was occupied by Milo Silvernail, who worked in the Davis Mine blacksmith shop (now a residence).

Jean McMillen is the historian for the town of Salisbury.