Welcome to Thursday Doors! This is a weekly challenge for people who love doors and architecture to come together to admire and share their favorite door photos, drawings, or other images or stories from around the world. If you’d like to join us, simply create your own Thursday Doors post each (or any) week and then share a link to your post in the comments below, anytime between 12:01 am Thursday morning and Saturday noon (North American eastern time). If you like, you can add our badge to your post.

Important Reminder: There will be no Thursday Doors challenge next week June 15th, and no reminder next Sunday. I will put up a placeholder post for people who can’t go a week without doors, but I won’t be checking the page very often. Thursday Doors will return on June 22nd.

Once again, I’ve been asking you to read a lot from me and about me this week. So today’s gallery contains some additional photos from Groton, Massachusetts. I took these the day I visited Jennie’s school. Groton was originally settled and in 1655. I don’t know if any of these buildings date back that far, but some are certainly historic. Groton is in Middlesex County, Massachusetts and many of that county’s buildings are listed in the National Registry of Historic Places, but the archives have not yet been digitized. What information I could find is in the captions, along with the features I like about the building.

I hope you enjoy the gallery, and I hope you’ll take a few minutes to explore the doors contributed by others. Also, although the Writing Challenge is over, the contributions are still available. Very good reading.

If you are in a hurry and don’t wish to scroll through the comments, click to Jump to the comment form.

A self-serving reminder that might be of interest. “Knuckleheads” the first book in my Dreamer’s Alliance series in on-sale this week. It’s one of Amazon’s “Countdown” sales. It’s currently $0.99 but will step back up to $3.99 by Tuesday.

All five of my current books are now available in audio book form thanks to Amazon KDP’s Virtual Voice process. The voice is AI generated, but I can honestly say, it’s pretty darn good. The audio books are reasonably priced (all below $7 US) and, if you already own the Kindle version and want to add an audio version, you can do that for $1.99. There is a five-minute sample on the book page for each book. If you’re interested, click on any of the Dreamer’s Alliance book links below the image or on the link below for my latest book.

Bridge to Nowhere

131 responses to “More From Groton”

  1. It’s such a charming looking place, Dan. Mansard roof? I’ve always loved those, and seeing them has been rare for me — but I never knew what they were called.
    It was good to see you over at Gwen’s blog. Have a great rest of the week. Hugs.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Teagan – I’m a little late getting here. I stopped in at your party for S.R. Mallery. I’m glad you like mansard roofs. We find them fairly often in historic districts up here. I hope you’re having a good time back in the 1920s with Sarah and the whole crew.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. It’s been a hoot. Thanks for attending the party.

        Like

  2. […] give an airy look to the structure. You can see it very clearly in the street level photos (of the door, above, and a display window, the featured photo). I couldn’t take a look inside because […]

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  3. Interesting to see these small towns that you show. Beautiful houses, and the interesting thing is that the new one is in the same style as ones which are two hundred years older (or more).

    I have some rather different buildings today: https://anotherglobaleater.wordpress.com/2023/06/08/omotesando-modernism/

    Liked by 2 people

    1. A lot of small towns in New England have tried to maintain the colonial style. A town just north of us approved a modern library in the 60s, and drew quite a lot of complaints. It’s now a fixture, but when you drive by, it still sticks out.

      You have some wonderful photos today. I had to study some for a while. I can only imagine studying them in person.

      Liked by 1 person

  4. […] On the way back from Galena on another day (see previous posts with photos of flowers here and here), we stopped for a welcome brew at Pig Minds Brewing Company in the Rockford area. Besides good beer, I found this interesting door, which made me beer-y happy or maybe drunk with delight. Cheers to Thursday Doors! […]

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  5. The houses in Groton are all very big, Dan. It looks like a very pretty town.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Many houses built in the neo-colonial (after the revolution when we were no longer a colony – I just learned this term) were built large and/or expanded as more family members arrived from England. In essence, they were multi-family homes. Maintaining them as a single-family home today has to be a financial challenge, but there are enough people around who can afford that. The maintenance, heating and cooling bills would scare me.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I was also thinking of how expensive running such a big house would be, Dan.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. I can’t even imagine the utility bills, let alone the outside maintenance.

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  6. Another outstanding collection today, Dan. I love the regularity of some of the buildings in the post, almost as if you’d asked a child to draw a house, this is what it would look like. The floor to ceiling windows are interesting too, I bet they look great from the inside.

    A quick offering from me this morning – more doors from Weston-super-Mare: https://scooj.org/2023/06/08/thursday-doors-8-june-2023/#westonsupermare#somerset

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I recently read that some of the plain houses reflect the lingering Puritan influence. The people building those houses frowned on ornamentation. Groton is pretty close to Boston, so more English roots here than in other New England states.

      Liked by 1 person

  7. Lovely! I can pick out their similarities, and yet they’re so unique at the same time!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi Damyanti. Most of the original homes shared the design of the areas in England the colonists left behind (or didn’t). I’m glad that even more modern houses adhere to the traditional style. It keeps the town looking like a quintessential New England town.

      Like

  8. […] more #ThursdayDoors visit Dan Antion – No […]

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  9. There’s a lot to admire on your gallery today. I love the barn and that last one is so, so lovely.
    Here is mine:

    Thursday Doors – Geilston Garden

    Liked by 2 people

    1. Thanks Sofia. There are so many beautiful houses in that area. This town is as New England as it gets.

      I loved your photograph today!

      Liked by 1 person

  10. Thank you, Dan, for the great gallery with so much to savor from Groton!
    Love the barn…its has quite a unique frame and is different from most barns that I have seen.
    The brick building has a lovely golden hue to it a pleasant departure from the usual red or dark painted brick. They must do a great job in keeping it maintained.
    It’s a historic place, Groton. Thank you for sharing more of its richness.
    Have a great weekend and the upcoming week off. Thank you for hosting Thursday doors, Dan. Much appreciated. Cheers.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Suzette. I found so many interesting houses in Groton. All representative of New England and well maintained.

      Your post today shows an amazing structure. I can’t imagine how they did that.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. In terms of preservation. I wonder if there is a government funding or its all private donations that keep these valued heritage buildings in such good shape.

        Yes, I marvel too at the staggering skill it took to form circular shapes in stone and marble with 17the century technology./tools Human ingenuity is unfathomable…I think.
        Thanks again Dan.

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  11. Beautiful selection Dan. My entry here

    Door of a gate tower

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, and thanks for sharing a very interesting structure.

      Liked by 1 person

  12. Oh my … that first house is overwhelmingly huge. So grand for its day, and one that still looks great. Thanks for the tour and I hope all is well. Enjoy your time away.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Frank. Many of these houses were built to accommodate a large extended family. After the Revolution, more family members came over to join the people already established here. That’s when many of these houses were expanded. to their current size. I’m not sure I could handle that much house today.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thanks for info. Surely you would do the roofing!

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  13. These are great, Dan! I lived less than a mile from the Westford/Groton line*.

    Most of my memories of Groton were traveling through there to shop at Fort Devens, where my father worked post-Navy retirement. Though occasionally I saw a bit more of it on the proverbial “Sunday drives.”

    *Yes, I lived in Middlesex County Conn. only to move two hours north and landing in another Middlesex County in a different state.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. That’s funny, Scott. Outside a a few new stores on the outskirts of town, I don’t imagine Groton has changed much. The reason for my going to Groton was to visit Jennie Fitzkee’s classroom https://nofacilities.com/2023/06/01/jennies-doors/ I believe her husband Steve was in the Navy – he may have shopped there as well.

      Like

  14. Murphy’s Law Avatar
    Murphy’s Law

    The first house is a beauty. The house you photographed twice to get it all, well that’s just huge! Wouldn’t want those heating bills! All these homes are large. Love the mansard roof and floor to ceiling windows. A lot of beautiful detail going on in these structures. All of them look well maintained too.

    Enjoy your time off. You deserve it.
    Ginger

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Ginger. These houses are huge, and my first thought is of the heating bill. What little history I could find mentioned that the houses were built large or expanded as more family members came over from England after the Revolution. I also learned that I shouldn’t have called the house “Colonial” since we were no longer a colony. One person pointed out that the term Neo-colonial would be more appropriate. Potato-potahto, in my mind, but I guess it matters to some.

      I’ll still be around next week, just not for doors.

      Like

  15. You’re right about the porch making that house! But, they are all pretty much to my taste.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I do find them all attractive, GP. But if I’m going to pay to heat a big house, it better have a porch ;-)

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Ah, you are right about that!

        Liked by 1 person

  16. Charming architecture, Dan! Thanks for the TV (Town View). :-)

    Liked by 1 person

    1. My pleasure, Dave. It was so nice to drive and walk around Groton.

      Liked by 1 person

  17. Beautiful elegant 17th century houses mais pas pour moi…I prefer something less ostentatious…. a 13th century French version of d.i.y. on a budget

    Liked by 1 person

      1. Yours is an interesting house. I’m not sure I’d like to walk/drive under it.

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    1. Thank you! I liked the door and poem you shared.

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    1. Yours are stunning, Sherry. Absolutely stunning!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thanks so much Dan. You’re the best.

        Liked by 1 person

  18. Historic houses at their best! I love ’em all.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I’m glad, Liz. they are beautiful houses.

      Liked by 1 person

  19. Great finds, Dan! I love the black and white houses and the one with the Mansard ? roof. Enjoy your week off!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Deborah. The black and white houses were my favorites (although I like that barn). I’ll be around some next week, but not for doors. I have a few of these left over, so I should be able to get back into the swing of things the week after.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Cool! Looking forward to it!

        Like

  20. […] Inspired by Dan’s Thursday Doors Challenge […]

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  21. […] For Thursday Doors challenge hosted by Dan at No Facilities […]

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  22. And yet again…such a beautiful town. Love the types of houses which are very American.

    Here is mine: https://mywanderings.travel.blog/2023/06/08/white-doors/

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Teresa. I liked your photos as well.

      Like

  23. Ohh, the colonial one with the rainbow! This must be a great town to live. And hurrah for another book!! Also wondering if you’ve got smoke too. So sad to see.

    Today my Castelnuovo di Porto door series continues. These doors are just around the corner from the bistro LINA to which I’m now practically related. https://manjameximexcessive6.wordpress.com/2023/06/08/thursday-doors-8-6-23-castelnuovo-di-porto-2/#CastelnuovoDiPorto#Lazio#knockers

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I’m glad you like these, Manja. Yes, we have smoke. I haven’t walked in two days because of the heavy particulate content in the air. This stuff is hard to get out of your lungs. Another book is coming soon-ish. I’m trying to spread the word ahead of time without boring people to death.

      I love your doors today – authentic, real doors!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I hear that it has improved. I do hope you’re walking again.

        Liked by 1 person

        1. I am. Sunny this morning and now rain.

          Liked by 1 person

  24. Never mind the doors, that’s some serious property porn Dan

    Liked by 1 person

    1. They are beautiful houses. Thanks!

      Liked by 1 person

  25. What an amazing place Groton appears to be. I love the first house, it is absolutely gigantic!!! I couldn’t imagine living somewhere so grand. Here are my doors this week https://wrookieschu.com/2023/06/08/doors-of-wordpress-v52/

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I don’t know if these are single family homes, Wayne. Like you, I can’t imagine that. I know, originally, many were built or expanded for multiple or extended families as more family members arrived after the Revolution.

      You and I are on the same path with your doors this week.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. That’s really interesting to hear Dan! I’m sure there were lots of family members living in the one space.

        Like

  26. Gwen M. Plano Avatar
    Gwen M. Plano

    Beautiful, Dan. I’ve been to Groton a few times, but you’ve opened my eyes to a much broader experience. Thank you!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Gwen. It’s a lovely town. There are so many towns like this in New England, but this one seems to have retained that colonial charm.

      Like

  27. The white one with the big porch and peaked roof over over the steps is my favorite. You know, I was thinking maybe you should check in at the local police station when you visit a new town, tell them about your blog. Ikeep expecting one of them to bring you in for ‘casing’ the neighborhoods. 🫢😉

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Haha – that might not be a bad idea, Cheryl, but I suspect some would ask me not to take any photos. Photos taken from public property are legal in the US. I guess I’d rather ask for forgiveness than permission. Porches are a favorite feature for me. If a house has a big porch, I’m likely to snap a picture.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. And long to pass time there, no doubt!

        Liked by 1 person

  28. I love houses with porches. I always wanted to have a house with a large porch but that’s not happening here in Arizona. I’ll be satisfied with a front and back patio, but it’s not the same. People used to sit out on their porches, which was a great way of getting know neighbors and people walking around the neighborhood. It’s not unusual to walk here and not see anyone out in front at all. Most people (not just in Arizona) seem to have decks in the back instead. Color me old! :-)

    Thursday Doors…assorted doors

    janet

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I do like porches, Janet. We have a small front porch, but I don’t sit there. Maddie trained me to sit on the “porch” off of my workshop. I do enjoy that, but, like you, I miss the days of walking and talking.

      I liked your doors!

      Liked by 1 person

  29. Mansard roof and bump out over the front door–I come here to learn housing terms as much as enjoy your photos. Some real beauties here, Dan. That first house with only one little window A/C unit…I wonder how hot it gets in there, but could you imagine if they had a big A/C unit?! Holy moly–I would not want to get that bill. Groton is the prettiest town.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. It is a very pretty town, Lois. I wondered about the A/C unit and if that room was turned into a home office. Or, perhaps part of the home has central air and part is rented out. I can’t imagine the heating bill for the whole place.

      Liked by 1 person

  30. Groton looks like a beautiful town, and you’ve captured some beautiful buildings, Dan

    Liked by 1 person

    1. It is a beautiful town, John. These houses weren’t hard to find.

      Liked by 1 person

  31. […] cared for the barns you’ll see in the following photos. Happy to offer these up to you for Thursday Doors this […]

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  32. […] (Brian Dodd) shares photos of doors, but not just any doors. Spectacular doors from his journeys. Dan’s Thursday Doors opened the door on this. I love doors of all sorts. I’ve trawled through my holiday snaps […]

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  33. Had to go for a walk to find a handsome door today, so I’m a little bit late.

    8 June: A Thursday Door

    Liked by 1 person

    1. You found a wonderful door!

      Like

      1. Our little village church, St Nicholas Church, was built in 950 AD. It’s over a 1000-year old.

        Like

  34. Big homes for big families. My how times have changed! Glad there are those who can keep them up. Quite a legacy to care for. And that’s what my lottery winnings would go to. lol

    Liked by 1 person

    1. The maintenance and the heating bill would scare me, but they are beautiful.

      You have some great doors today, and a bit of sad news most people never think about.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Inflation would make it worse than ever to keep up with them! Thank you for your thoughtful comments.

        Liked by 1 person

  35. D.L. Finn, Author Avatar
    D.L. Finn, Author

    Love all the doors and houses. Enjoy your week off!

    Liked by 1 person

  36. […] I saw this door on Sunday during Uptown’s Art Week. You can see even more doors at No Facilities. […]

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  37. That house with the floor-to-ceiling windows would be mine. I do believe I even see a screened door in the front — I would slam that cheerfully on my way to that screened porch and peach ice cream. These are all wonderful to look at and imagine. That wood barn is a beauty too; the rooster on that weather vane looks a lot like a cow. Nice touch! Thank you for the tour!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I ce cream on the porch. Would that be nice. I would take any of these, but I could probably only afford the barn.

      Liked by 1 person

  38. Definitely worth a second post. Lovely images.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks. I’m glad you enjoyed these.

      Liked by 1 person

  39. […] the globe. Should you like to investigate what other ‘doornatics‘ are posting, visit Thursday Doors. Until next […]

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  40. AI removal feature? What’s that saying about giving a man an inch and he’ll take a mile? Letting AI into my computer, well, it’s probably already there. I just refuse to acknowledge it. I like the look of that barn being built with a cupola on top.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. One of the participants shared an image earlier this week that used a new feature in Photoshop to remove power lines. The results were impressive. I am hesitant to embrace more than what I have. Let’s hope that when you have to acknowledge it, it isn’t to ask it to open the pod bay door ;-)

      Liked by 1 person

      1. I will if it calls me Ripley…

        Liked by 1 person

  41. Love bright green yards and porches!

    Sent from Yahoo Mail for iPhone

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Porches are important.

      Like

  42. I like that house that’s painted a light sea green. However, I don’t think I want to live in Massachusetts. I know that in the Boston area, inflation is horrid. I can only assume it isn’t much better anywhere else in that small state.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Groton is in the greater Boston area. I would imagine these house are well outside my budget. I’d also be scared of the prospect of heating one of those large houses. But they are beautiful.

      Liked by 1 person

  43. Thank you for featuring more Groton doors, Dan. When we moved here, we were struck by how many homes had been jacked up, put onto wheels, and moved or turned by horses. The Old Parish Church was moved to face the ‘new’ Main Street. Our house was the home of the minister. So, when his church was being turned, he had his home lifted, and a new first story built. Isn’t that fascinating? We knew right away that all of the doors, moldings, windows, and hardware on the second floor were much earlier. Hubby recognized a closet door upstairs was the original front door. Yankees used everything.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. It is fascinating, Jennie. It’s a lovely town.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Thanks, Dan. Best to you.

        Liked by 1 person

  44. Of course all the porches got my attention right away. It’s a very dignified town. (K)

    Destinated (Thursday Doors)

    Liked by 1 person

    1. That was a fascinating post, Robbie.

      Liked by 1 person

  45. […] of the murals are painted on or near doors with pink in them, this post is my entry to Dan’s #ThursdayDoors photo challenge and Terri’s #SundayStills June color challenge […]

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  46. Dan, What a beautiful collection. I like how all the houses have so many windows. Enjoy your blogging break! Here’s my entry for this week: https://natalietheexplorer.home.blog/2023/06/09/murals-in-riverside-part-1/

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Natalie. I do like the windows on these houses.

      Your post is fantastic :-)

      Like

  47. […] doors is a weekly feature… for more doors, please visit Dan’s No facilities site.. https://nofacilities.com/2023/06/08/more-from-groton/ where if you have a love of doors and architecture, you will get to visit places from all corners […]

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  48. what an interesting selection, the wooden barn got my attention, altho’ there were a couple of others that were inviting… this is my post.. a tad late.. but never-the-less.. here https://dymoonblog.com/2023/06/09/a-door-beckons/

    Liked by 1 person

    1. The barn is a treat. I would love that.

      I liked your post (and you’re not late at all).

      Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks! I enjoyed your post as well.

      Liked by 1 person

  49. The American Legion is a stunner and so unique. 😍

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Audrey. I wish they hadn’t been working on the road. It would have been nice to get closer.

      Like

  50. I love all these older homes. The first is quite big, I wonder if it is a boarding house. Lovely selection Dan.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Many of these homes started out housing multiple or extended families. I imagine some are divided. It’s hard to know. I wouldn’t want to have to heat that whole place.

      Like

      1. Wow, i hadn’t considered that. 🥶

        Liked by 1 person

        1. After the Revolutionary war, more family members came here from England. That’s when a number of these house (all over New England) were built or expanded. I just read about that connection when trying to find some history of these houses.

          Like

          1. I suspected these huge homes were a family project probably housing several generations of family members. Perhaps the one I referred to and others with so much space is now separated into apartments. It’s fun to imagine.

            Liked by 1 person

  51. Some terrific pics here, Dan. Lots of attractive buildings (and doors, of course). If I had to pick one, I’d go with the one with the angled corner.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thanks Paul. They are beautiful houses.

      Liked by 1 person

  52. Awesome captures Dan! Love the architecture…oh….big surprise!!!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Haha – that’s not a surprise, Kirt, but I’m glad.

      Liked by 1 person

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