Green Briar Jam Kitchen
America's Oldest Jam Kitchen
History
This is what the house looked like in 1894. The photo was taken because it had just been moved upland from its old road frontage (on Discovery Hill Road), the barn had been built and the extensive porch was added. At that time, the property was owned by William Foster, who had his own summer house here as well as a mansion in Newton, where he had a carriage making business. He let his sister Beth live here with her older husband William Putnam, and their two children, John and Ida.
When William Putnam died, William Foster sold the property to his sister for a dollar. Beth did not get to enjoy the house for long, dying in 1902. As her son John was already established in business, Beth left the house to her daughter, Ida. At that time, Ida was 29 and living with and working for her uncle John and his wife Celeste in New York City. Rather than selling the house, Ida decided to open it as a tea room and make their own living.
Today, Green Briar Jam Kitchen is still carrying on the legacy of Ida Putnam. The 1915 Jam Kitchen is still in use, and our staff produces over 20,000 jars a year – all made the old fashioned way. Antique cherry pitters and hand slicers contribute to Green Briar’s vintage character. Kitchen products are for sale in the Society’s Gift Shop (formerly the Jam Kitchen prep room) and are available for Mail Order – a tradition started by Ida in the early 1900s!
This is what the house looked like in 1894. The photo was taken because it had just been moved upland from its old road frontage (on Discovery Hill Road), the barn had been built and the extensive porch was added. At that time, the property was owned by William Foster, who had his own summer house here as well as a mansion in Newton, where he had a carriage making business. He let his sister Beth live here with her older husband William Putnam, and their two children, John and Ida.
To view our history, hover over the photo and click the arrow to advance.