November 19, 2025 by Geri Duff
Originally the home of Matthew Whiton, the house at 421 Main Street, Cole Corner, was at different times, a restaurant, a food and pastry shop, and a gift and sweet shop. On November 22, 1945, the Thanksgiving dinner menu offered Roast Native Turkey with Sage Dressing, Giblet Gravy, Cranberry Sauce, Steamed Butternut Squash, Boiled Onions, Green Beans, Asparagus and Whipped Potatoes as the main course. Starters included Fresh Fruit Cup with Sherbet, Fruit Juice Frappe, Fresh Crabmeat Cocktail, Hingham House Cheese Spread and Saltines, Oyster Bisque, Chicken Gumbo Soup, Boston Market Celery and Assorted Olives. Desert was Mincemeat, Pumpkin or Deep-Dish Apple Pie, Baked Indian Pudding with Ice Cream, Meringue Shells with Ice Cream and Sherbet. Beverages included Coffee, Tea, Cider and Milk. Town Records show the house was built in 1739, but the menu states it was built in 1681. As with many houses in Hingham this one has weathered many changes and perhaps additions or changes caused the date difference. In 1867 there was a massive bolt of lightning so severe it blew a hole in the roof and cracked the chimney and then knocked down a horse in the barn. In 1896, when the electric trolley tracks were laid in front of the house, the owners had the house moved back from the roadway because the trolley made too much noise going past. Today it is a lovely private home. The menu comes from the collection of the Hingham Historical Society.