"Built by the Wentworth family, date unknown. At the time of the Revolution two brothers lived here, named Nichols, one of whom was the father of Rev. Dr. Nichols of Portland, who was born here. In 1792 it was purchased of them Major William Gardiner. Major Gardiner was born in 1751, and was an eminent patriot, and Commissary for the Revolutionary army, in which office he lost nearly all his property. He died here in 1833.

"The house is beautifully finished in the inside. The splendid linden tree in front is 170 years old, and measures 12 feet in circumference 10 feet from the ground.

"It was Maj. Gardiner who built the house where the arch was. The room over the arch was occupied by him after the war as U.S. loan officer."

Excerpted from The Portsmouth Guide Book, 1896, by Sarah Haven Foster.

Inscription reads, "Gardner House, Gardner st."