Fire erupted in a multi-unit home at 152 Portsmouth Ave. in New Castle on Saturday night, Jan. 23, destroying a historic house that was once home to a celebrated painter.
Firefighters from numerous departments responded to the blaze and remained on scene through most of the night. No one was hurt in the fire. Authorities are still investigating its cause.
According to the Portsmouth Historical Society, the house at 152 Portland Ave. was once the home of Edmund C. Tarbell, an American Impressionist painter who moved to New Castle in the early 20th century and remained there until his death in 1938.
Tarbell’s life and work are the subject of an upcoming exhibition at Discover Portsmouth. “Illuminating Tarbell: Life & Art on the Piscataqua,” and its companion show, “Illuminating Tarbell: Legacy in Action,” are still set to open in March.
“We were greatly saddened to hear of the loss of this beautiful historic home, but are thankful that everyone was able to escape without physical harm,” the historical society said in a statement.
An online campaign to raise money for Adam Irish and Alastair Dacey, who lived in one of three units in the building, had collected nearly $10,000 in donations as of Tuesday afternoon. People can donate to the campaign at gofundme.com/ss44bd2c. — MK