Edwin Mudge (1818-1890) was a major shoe manufacturer and a representative to the Massachusetts General Court. In 1844, he married Lydia Nichols Bryant, and in 1852, the couple hired Edwins brother, a carpenter, to build this house at 108 Centre Street in Danvers, Massachusetts. A son, Francis was born October 4, 1846, and his sister Lydianna was born March 20, 1853. Tragically, both brother and sister died in 1855 of what was described as brain fever or dropsy in the head. Frank, one month shy of 10 years of age, passed away on September 8, 1855, followed by little two-year-old Lydianna exactly one month later. They are buried together in the local cemetery and a portrait of them is in the Danvers Historical Society collections. Edwin and Lydia would have one other child, Sarah Mudge (1857-1938), who grew up to be a prominent citizen and one of the founders of the Danvers Historical Society. The formerly simple Greek Revival style cottage was Victorianized in the Stick/Eastlake style with the addition of delicate bargeboards, a hood over the new double-door entry with iron balustrade, and side dormers.