On the Post Road approaching Branford from the west there is a long strip of commercial establishments giving a very unscenic impression. Before entering the rather quaint business district surrounding the old green, however, there stands a row of very old houses, of which one on the left is the Swain-Harrison House [now known as the Bradford Historical Society’s Harrison House Museum &Barn] located on 124 West Main (U.S. Route 1).

    Built about 1680, it now sits 35 feet back from Route 1 facing south. It is a two and a half story, dark red-painted, clapboard salt box with a central stone chimney, typical of homes built in the late seventeenth century in New Haven County. Five bays are widely spaced along the main façade giving it a very broad appearance which is further emphasized by a plain first floor overhang and box cornive. Two other overhangs are found on both gable ends above the second floor.

    The original house was planned with two rooms on each floor, but probably between 1730 and 1740 a lean-to was added forming the salt box roof line. This lean-to was built to accommodate a large kitchen behind the chimney and provided enough space for a small bedroom at one end and a pantry at the other end.

    Being very characteristic of late seventeenth century Connecticut homes, the Swain-Harrison House assumes a very modest, yet dignified appearance, which if it doesn’t immediately attract attention, makes the approach to Branford green most charming.