 The house, a modest two story brick house located just north of Salem's downtown, was built in 1811 for Thomas Perkins, a local merchant whose brother was its first occupant.When the city began urban renewal planning for the area in the 1960s, the building was occupied by an elderly lady named Bessie Monroe.Out of concerns for her health the city allowed her to remain in the property after its taking, and proceeded with plans that included the demolition of many surrounding properties.